What did Peter see that prompted him to answer the people in Acts 3?
Peter saw the consternation of the Jews over the healing of the lame man. That reaction prompted him to answer the people as men of Israel, asking why they marveled and looked so earnestly on them, as though by their own power or holiness they had made the man walk.
Les explains that “when Peter saw it” means Peter saw the consternation of the Jews over the healing of the lame man. Peter then answered the people, saying, “Ye men of Israel.” Les stresses that Peter is still addressing Jew only, not Gentiles. Peter asks why they marvel and look so earnestly on them, as though by their own power or holiness they made this man walk. Peter instead points to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which Les notes is distinctly Jewish.
And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
More Questions
Whom was Peter addressing in Acts 3:12?
In Acts 3:12, Peter's answer to the people contains no mention of Gentiles—his words are directed to nothing but the nation of Israel, so people should not push an inclusion of Gentiles into that verse.
Does Peter mention Gentiles in his Acts 3 sermon?
In Peter's sermon in Acts 3, he makes no mention of Gentiles.
Did Peter address Gentiles in Acts 3:12?
In Acts 3:12, Peter was addressing the nation of Israel only; the verse makes no mention of Gentiles, and readers should not push into the verse anything that is not there.