Peter and John, two prominent apostles in the early Christian church, are shown going to the temple for prayer, which was a common practice among Jews at the time. This illustrates the apostles' commitment to maintaining their Jewish heritage while also embracing their new faith in Christ. The specific mention of 'three in the afternoon' refers to one of the traditional Jewish times for prayer, known as the ninth hour, which was a time for the afternoon sacrifice and prayer. This detail highlights the apostles' dedication to regular prayer and worship, which was central to their lives.
The verse sets the stage for the subsequent miracle of healing a lame man, which serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of Jesus' name and the apostles' faith. By going to the temple, Peter and John are not only participating in a religious tradition but also positioning themselves to be instruments of God's work. This passage encourages believers to remain faithful in prayer and open to the opportunities God presents in everyday life.
