Acts 3:6 NIV
Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
This verse captures one of the most vivid moments in the early church, when Peter and John met a lame beggar at the temple gate. The beggar expected money, but he received something infinitely greater—healing and restoration through the name of Jesus. This verse reveals that the authority of Christ surpasses material wealth. Peter admitted his lack of silver and gold, but he proclaimed the immeasurable value of what he carried: the power of Jesus’ name. That is what you also have as a Christian. This moment reminds us that spiritual riches outweigh worldly possessions, because only Christ can transform brokenness into wholeness.
We see this principle in the ministry of Jesus himself. In Mark 2:9-11, Jesus healed the paralytic who was lowered through the roof. He first forgave the man’s sins, then commanded him to rise, take his mat, and walk. Just as in Acts 3:6, healing came not from material means but from divine authority. In both accounts, the spoken word, backed by God’s power, restored life where there was weakness.
The contrast between silver and gold and the name of Jesus also calls to mind Proverbs 22:1, which states that a good name is more desirable than great riches. Peter understood that wealth could sustain the beggar temporarily, but only Christ could change his life forever. The beggar expected coins, but he received the treasure of healing and entry into a new life of testimony.
In Philippians 2:9-10, we read that God exalted Jesus and gave him the name above every name, so that every knee should bow at the mention of that name. Acts 3:6 demonstrates that very reality in action. The name of Jesus brought immediate transformation, and the lame man’s response of leaping and praising God drew a crowd who marvelled at the work of Christ.
This passage also teaches us how faith shifts expectations. The beggar looked at Peter and John with hope for money, but Peter redirected his gaze to Christ. Similarly, in John 4:14, Jesus told the Samaritan woman that whoever drinks the water he gives will never thirst again. Earthly provision satisfies for a moment, but divine provision satisfies eternally.
Acts 3:6 challenges every believer to recognise what we truly carry. We may not have limitless financial resources, but we carry the authority of Christ through the Spirit. In Ephesians 1:19-20, Paul describes God’s incomparably great power for those who believe, the same power that raised Christ from the dead. Peter did not offer coins, but he released resurrection power into the life of a broken man. Meanwhile, that was possible because he had it.
This leads us to a personal question: what do you have that you can give to others? Is it only material and physical things you consider as possessions? It may not be silver or gold, but it could be encouragement, intercession, wisdom, compassion, or simply the courage to speak Christ’s name into someone’s situation. When you give what you have in Christ, you create a testimony that others will carry for a lifetime. The lame beggar’s healing became a public witness of Jesus’ power, and to this day his story testifies that Christ heals, restores, and saves.
So, can people testify to your Jesus? When others encounter you, do they leave with evidence of Christ in your life? Your life, your words, and your actions can either point them to temporary solutions or to eternal transformation. Peter’s gift of healing became a forever testimony that drew people to the Saviour. Likewise, your daily obedience, your willingness to give what you have, and your faith in Christ can open the door for others to encounter the living Jesus.
Living It Out
Acts 3:6 is more than a miracle story; it is a reminder of what every believer carries. It is also an invitation to what you could have in Christ. You may not have silver or gold, but having Christ is a better possession. His name is greater than any earthly possession, and His power can bring healing, hope, and transformation wherever you go.
This week, look for opportunities to give what you have in Christ. Offer encouragement to the weary, pray boldly for those in need, and speak the name of Jesus with confidence. Like Peter, let your faith shift someone’s expectation from the temporary to the eternal.
Remember, people may look to you for material help, but God can use you to give something far greater—the life-changing power of Christ. Will you let your life testify to His name today?