Les Feldick Bible Study

Does Paul teach a specific ritual of prayer, and why are Peter and John going to the temple at the required hour of prayer?

Paul does not teach a specific ritual of prayer. Peter and John went to the temple at the required hour of prayer because they were still under the law and had no concept yet of the grace of God. They remained in the covenant economy tied to Exodus 19, expecting Israel's kingdom of priests.

Les explains that Paul never teaches a specific ritual of prayer, while Peter and John are still going to the temple at the required hour of prayer. That shows they are still under the law and have no concept yet of the grace of God, which is going to be poured out later. They are still in the covenant economy going all the way back to Exodus 19, where if Israel would accept their king, they could be a kingdom of priests. They went up to the temple at about the ninth hour, since it was the hour of prayer. After the lame man was healed, he held Peter and John, and all the people ran together to them in Solomon's porch, which was part of the temple. Les notes the temple was not removed from Israel's religious scene until 69 or 70 A.D., covering the 40-year period from the crucifixion until the temple is destroyed and Israel is dispersed, which is the book of Acts.