Acts 3-4, Chuck Smith teaching (C2000, 1979 to 1985)

Read as you listen: Chuck Smith on Acts 3

Read the opening of his teaching

Shall we turn to Acts, the third chapter.

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour (3:1).

The day started at six o'clock in the morning, sun up, so the ninth hour would be three o'clock in the afternoon. At two-thirty in the afternoon the evening sacrifices were offered. They did not go to the temple for the sacrifices. Following the sacrifices as the smoke of the sacrifice was ascending into heaven, it would be the hour of prayer and the people would stand and praise the Lord or pray unto God as the smoke of the sacrifices ascended heavenward. I think it's significant that they didn't go for the sacrifice; they knew that that was no longer valid. But they waited for the hour of prayer and went into the temple.