And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?
12. Men of Israel He beginneth his sermon with a reproving of the people. And yet doth he not simply reprove them because they wonder; for that was altogether profitable and worthy praise; but because they do wickedly ascribe unto men that praise which is due to the work of God.
When Peter saw the crowd moved by the miracle and ready to worship him and John, he cut them off at once and turned all honor to Christ alone. A wise minister uses the broken and prepared ground of the people's wonder to sow the gospel seed.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 3:12-26
And when Peter saw it,.... That the people ran to them, and looked wistly upon them, and wondered at what was done: he answered unto the people, ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? either at this man, who was cured of his lameness, or at the cure itself: or why look ye so earnestly on us; suggesting, that they ought to look...