Book of Acts - Chapter 3 - Verse 4

In this verse from the book of Acts, Peter and John encounter a man who is crippled and begging for alms. When the man looks at them, Peter tells him to "look on us". This simple instruction goes beyond just physical sight; it is a call for the man to truly see them for who they are - disciples of Jesus Christ. By asking the man to look at them, Peter is inviting him to recognize their authority and power that comes from their faith in Jesus. It is a moment of connection and compassion, as Peter and John are about to perform a miracle in the name of Jesus. This verse serves as a reminder for us to truly see and recognize the people around us, to look beyond the surface and acknowledge their humanity with empathy and love. It also highlights the importance of being open to encounters that may lead to acts of kindness and miracles, just like the healing that is about to take place in this passage.

In this particular verse from the Bible, we see a significant gesture made by Peter and John as they encounter a man in need. Peter, after catching the man's attention, instructs him to "look on us." This action of directing the man to gaze at them could be interpreted in a theological sense as a call to focus on the messengers of God and the message they are about to deliver. By asking the man to fix his eyes on them, Peter and John are not seeking personal recognition but rather guiding the man to pay attention to what they are about to do in the name of Jesus Christ. This act of making eye contact can also symbolize a connection between the messengers of God and the recipient, establishing a personal and intimate interaction as they prepare to perform a miracle or deliver a message of hope and healing. Through this simple yet powerful action, Peter and John demonstrate their readiness to engage with the man in a profound and transformative way, reflecting the intentionality and compassion that underlie their ministry.