A Lame Man Healed
☆ Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
Prayer: Psalms 55:17 , Daniel 6:10 , Luke 1:10 . References Peter: Acts 4:13 , 8:14 +5
Study Note · Acts 3:1
Analysis
Peter and John's visit to the temple at 'the ninth hour' (3 PM) shows continued Jewish observance by early believers. The 'hour of prayer' corresponded to the evening sacrifice. Their temple presence demonstrated that early Christianity didn't immediately break from Jewish worship patterns.
Historical Context
The ninth hour was one of three daily prayer times (Psalm 55:17). The apostles used these gatherings as evangelistic opportunities, speaking to receptive crowds already oriented toward worship.
Questions for Reflection
How did the early church use existing religious structures for gospel witness?
What opportunities for witness exist in your regular worship patterns?
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☆ And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
Parallel theme: Acts 10:31 , 14:8 , Luke 16:20 , 18:35 , John 9:8
Study Note · Acts 3:2
Analysis
The lame man 'from his mother's womb' emphasizes the miracle's magnitude - this wasn't recent injury but lifelong disability. Being 'laid daily' at the gate called Beautiful shows his begging was systematic and well-known. The contrast between his helplessness and coming transformation illustrates spiritual regeneration.
Historical Context
The Beautiful Gate (possibly the Nicanor Gate) was on the temple's east side, a high-traffic location for almsgiving. This man was a known fixture, making his healing publicly verifiable.
Questions for Reflection
How does this man's lifelong condition illustrate humanity's spiritual helplessness?
What does his positioning at the temple teach about seeking in the wrong places?
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☆ Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
Study Note · Acts 3:3
Analysis
The lame man 'asked an alms' - he sought temporal relief rather than healing he didn't dare imagine. His lowered expectations parallel sinners who seek improved circumstances rather than radical transformation. The contrast between what he asked and what he received illustrates God's exceeding generosity.
Historical Context
Almsgiving was considered meritorious in Judaism, and temple areas were natural locations for begging. The man's request was reasonable by worldly standards but infinitely short of divine intention.
Questions for Reflection
How might your prayers be limited by lowered expectations of what God can do?
What does receiving more than requested teach about God's generosity?
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☆ And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
References Peter: Acts 3:12 . Parallel theme: Luke 4:20 , John 11:40
Study Note · Acts 3:4
Analysis
Peter's command 'Look on us' demanded attention beyond casual glance. The Greek atenisas (fastening eyes) indicates focused gaze. This prepared the man for what he was about to receive - not silver or gold but healing power in Jesus' name.
Historical Context
Eye contact established personal connection in ancient culture. Peter's demand for attention indicates the healing would require responsive faith, not passive reception.
Questions for Reflection
What does 'looking' toward Christ involve beyond casual acknowledgment?
How does focused attention on Jesus prepare for transformation?
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☆ And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
Study Note · Acts 3:5
Analysis
The man 'gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something' - his expectation was still material. His focused attention, though misdirected toward money, created openness for unexpected blessing. God often works through our seeking, even when we don't fully understand what we need.
Historical Context
The man's obedience to look, despite not knowing what would happen, demonstrates simple responsiveness that God honors. His expectation, though wrong in content, was right in its attentiveness.
Questions for Reflection
How has God given you something different but greater than what you expected?
What does responsive attention teach about positioning yourself for blessing?
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☆ Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Resurrection: Acts 4:10 , 9:34 . References Jesus: Acts 2:22 , 10:38 , 16:18 +5
Study Note · Acts 3:6
Analysis
Peter's declaration 'Silver and gold have I none' demonstrates apostolic poverty while highlighting greater spiritual wealth. Healing 'in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth' establishes that miraculous power flows from Christ's authority, not human ability. The command 'rise up and walk' echoes Jesus' healing ministry, showing apostolic continuity.
Historical Context
This healing occurred at the temple's Beautiful Gate (likely the Nicanor Gate on the east side) during the afternoon prayer hour (3 PM). The beggar's presence at this high-traffic location made the subsequent miracle highly public and undeniable.
Questions for Reflection
How does this healing demonstrate that spiritual resources exceed material wealth?
In what ways can believers today offer 'such as we have' through Christ's power?
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☆ And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength.
Parallel theme: Acts 9:41 , Mark 1:31 , 5:41 , 9:27 , Luke 13:13
Study Note · Acts 3:7
Analysis
Peter's physical action - taking him 'by the right hand, and lifted him up' - accompanied the verbal command. 'Immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength' indicates instant, complete healing. The Greek medical terms (sphaira for ankle bones) suggest Luke's physician's vocabulary.
Historical Context
Luke's detailed anatomical description (feet, ankle bones) reflects his medical training. The immediate strengthening of previously atrophied muscles constituted a creative miracle, not gradual recovery.
Questions for Reflection
What does Peter's combination of word and action teach about ministry?
How does immediate complete healing demonstrate divine rather than natural restoration?
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☆ And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising GodGod: Θεός (Theos ). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. Sin: Isaiah 35:6 , John 5:14 . Parallel theme: Acts 14:10 , Luke 6:23
Study Note · Acts 3:8
Analysis
The healed man's response - 'leaping up, walking, and praising God' - fulfilled Isaiah 35:6 ('the lame man leap as an hart'). His progression from standing to leaping shows overflow of gratitude. Entering the temple 'with them' indicated immediate identification with Christ's disciples.
Historical Context
The man's joyful leaping echoed messianic prophecy about Israel's restoration. His public worship in the temple provided powerful testimony to all present.
Questions for Reflection
How does your response to God's mercy reflect genuine gratitude?
What does immediate association with believers teach about conversion's social dimension?
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☆ And all the people saw him walking and praising God:
References God: Acts 4:21 . Parallel theme: Acts 4:16
Study Note · Acts 3:9
Analysis
The public nature of the healing - 'all the people saw him walking and praising God' - ensured widespread witness. The temple crowd became inadvertent witnesses to apostolic power. This visibility served God's purpose of authenticating the gospel message.
Historical Context
The temple during prayer time contained many worshippers. The healed man's conspicuous praise attracted the attention necessary for Peter's sermon that followed.
Questions for Reflection
How does public testimony of transformation serve evangelistic purposes?
What opportunities for witness exist when God works visibly in your life?
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☆ And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
Temple: Acts 3:2 . Parallel theme: Luke 9:43 , John 5:20 , 9:3
Study Note · Acts 3:10
Analysis
The crowd's recognition - 'they knew that it was he which sat for alms' - established the miracle's authenticity. Their being 'filled with wonder and amazement' created the teachable moment Peter seized. Amazement alone doesn't save, but it opens ears to the gospel.
Historical Context
The man's years of begging made him well-known to regular temple worshippers. No one could deny the transformation they witnessed.
Questions for Reflection
Why is amazement insufficient without gospel proclamation?
How do you move from wonder at God's work to proclamation of Christ?
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Peter's Second Sermon
☆ And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.
Parallel theme: Acts 5:12
Study Note · Acts 3:11
Analysis
The healed man 'held Peter and John' in gratitude and identification. The crowd running to 'Solomon's porch' - a colonnade on the temple's east side - provided Peter's audience. Physical healing led to opportunity for spiritual proclamation.
Historical Context
Solomon's Porch was a covered walkway where teachers gathered (John 10:23). This location became a regular meeting place for the early church (Acts 5:12).
Questions for Reflection
How do physical acts of mercy create opportunities for spiritual proclamation?
What does the healed man's attachment to the apostles teach about gratitude?
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☆ And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
References Israel: Acts 2:22 , Romans 9:4 , 11:1 . Parallel theme: Acts 13:26 , Genesis 40:8 +3
Study Note · Acts 3:12
Analysis
Peter immediately deflected attention: 'why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?' This redirection from instruments to source characterizes authentic ministry. All glory belongs to Christ, not His servants.
Historical Context
Peter's disclaimer prevented the crowd from attributing the miracle to apostolic merit. This contrasted with Simon Magus (Acts 8:9) who sought personal glory through spiritual power.
Questions for Reflection
How do you deflect honor toward Christ when God uses you?
What dangers exist in accepting credit for what God accomplishes through you?
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☆ The GodGod: Θεός (Theos ). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. References God: Acts 7:32 , Exodus 3:6 , Matthew 22:32 . Glory: Hebrews 2:9 . Parallel theme: John 18:40 +2
Study Note · Acts 3:13
Analysis
Peter's proclamation centers on 'his Son Jesus' - emphasizing divine Sonship. The phrase 'glorified his Son' connects to Isaiah's Suffering Servant. Peter boldly indicts his audience: 'ye delivered up, and denied him' - confronting corporate guilt while offering mercy.
Historical Context
The titles 'God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob' connected Jesus to covenant history. Peter accused the Jerusalem crowd of complicity in Christ's death, a bold accusation to those gathered for worship.
Questions for Reflection
How does Peter's boldness in confronting sin challenge comfortable evangelism?
What does calling Jesus 'his Son' affirm about Christ's divine nature?
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☆ But ye denied the HolyHoly: ἅγιος (Hagios ). The Greek hagios (ἅγιος) denotes holiness—moral purity and separation unto God. Believers are called 'saints' (hagioi ), those set apart for God through Christ's sanctifying work. Holy: Acts 2:27 , 4:27 , Mark 1:24 , Revelation 3:7 . Righteousness: Acts 7:52 +5
Study Note · Acts 3:14
Analysis
The contrast intensifies: 'ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer.' Peter uses messianic titles ('Holy One,' 'Just One') to heighten the tragedy of rejecting Christ for Barabbas. The crowd's choice revealed distorted values preferring violence over righteousness.
Historical Context
Barabbas, a robber and insurrectionist (John 18:40, Mark 15:7), represented violent nationalism the crowd preferred over peaceful Messiah. This choice epitomized Israel's rejection of God's ways.
Questions for Reflection
What 'Barabbases' do people choose over Christ today?
How does this passage reveal the irrationality of rejecting Christ?
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☆ And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
Resurrection: Acts 2:24 , 2:32 . References God: 1 John 5:20 . Parallel theme: John 1:4 , 5:26 +5
Study Note · Acts 3:15
Analysis
The supreme irony: 'killed the Prince of life' - they murdered the source of all life. Yet 'God raised him from the dead' vindicated Jesus and provided the very life they tried to extinguish. Peter and John stand as resurrection witnesses, their testimony authenticated by the healing just performed.
Historical Context
The title 'Prince of life' (Greek archegos ) means originator, pioneer, or founder. Killing life's author was the ultimate futility - death couldn't hold Him.
Questions for Reflection
What does 'Prince of life' reveal about Christ's essential nature?
How does resurrection vindicate everything Christ claimed?
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☆ And his name through faithFaith: πίστις (Pistis ). The Greek pistis (πίστις) denotes faith, belief, or trust—confidence in God's character and promises. It's both intellectual assent and relational trust, central to justification (Romans 5:1 ). Faith: Acts 14:9 , Matthew 9:22 , John 14:12 , 1 Corinthians 13:2 . Parallel theme: Acts 3:6 +5
Study Note · Acts 3:16
Analysis
The healing occurred 'through faith in his name' - not faith of the lame man (who expected alms) but faith exercised through the apostles. The phrase 'his name' represents Christ's person, power, and authority. Perfect soundness came not gradually but instantaneously 'in the presence of you all.'
Historical Context
The 'name' in Hebrew thought represented the person's character and authority. Invoking Jesus' name meant acting in His power and according to His will.
Questions for Reflection
Whose faith brought this healing, and what does that teach about intercession?
How does healing 'in Jesus' name' differ from magical incantation?
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☆ And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
Parallel theme: Acts 13:27 , Luke 23:34 , John 16:3 , 1 Corinthians 2:8 , 1 Timothy 1:13
Study Note · Acts 3:17
Analysis
Peter shows pastoral wisdom: 'through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.' This doesn't excuse guilt but opens a door for repentance. Ignorance mitigates though doesn't eliminate responsibility. Peter offers hope - their sin, though great, is not beyond forgiveness.
Historical Context
Jesus' crucifixion prayer 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do' (Luke 23:34) underlies Peter's gracious assessment. Ignorance of Christ's true identity provided basis for appeal rather than hopeless condemnation.
Questions for Reflection
How does acknowledging ignorance open doors for grace without excusing sin?
What balance exists between confronting guilt and offering hope?
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☆ But those things, which GodGod: Θεός (Theos ). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. Prophecy: Acts 28:23 , Luke 24:44 , Revelation 19:10 . References God: Acts 2:23 . Parallel theme: Isaiah 50:6 , Zechariah 12:10
Study Note · Acts 3:18
Analysis
Divine sovereignty shines through human sin: 'God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer.' What humans intended for evil, God ordained for redemption. The cross was both human crime and divine plan simultaneously.
Historical Context
The suffering Messiah theme runs through Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, Zechariah 12:10, and other prophetic texts. Peter argues that Scripture predicted what they accomplished.
Questions for Reflection
How do you reconcile human responsibility with divine sovereignty in the cross?
What comfort comes from knowing God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human rebellion?
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☆ Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios ). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. References Lord: Acts 11:21 , Lamentations 3:40 , 2 Thessalonians 1:7 . Sin: Acts 2:38 , Psalms 51:9 +5
Study Note · Acts 3:19
Analysis
Repent ye therefore, and be converted (μετανοήσατε οὖν καὶ ἐπιστρέψατε)—Peter's second sermon command uses stronger language: 'epistraphō' (be converted) means radical turning, complete reversal of life direction. That your sins may be blotted out (εἰς τὸ ἐξαλειφθῆναι)—the Greek pictures erasing or wiping away written debt, echoing Psalm 51:1's plea and Colossians 2:14's cancellation of legal demands. When the times of refreshing shall come connects personal salvation with eschatological restoration, suggesting both immediate spiritual renewal and future cosmic restoration at Christ's return. Repentance remains the constant gospel demand from John Baptist through Acts.
Historical Context
Spoken in Solomon's porch after healing the lame beggar, addressing Jews amazed at the miracle. Peter attributes the healing to faith in Jesus' name (v.16), then calls hearers to repentance. The 'blotting out' metaphor would resonate with Jews familiar with Exodus 32:32-33's 'book' and Isaiah 43:25's promise of erased transgressions.
Questions for Reflection
How does 'be converted' (active turning) differ from passive reception of salvation?
What 'times of refreshing' do you experience now versus awaiting Christ's return?
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☆ And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
Study Note · Acts 3:20
Analysis
The phrase 'times of refreshing' (anapsyxis - catching of breath, revival) promises spiritual renewal from God's presence. 'He shall send Jesus Christ' points to the Second Coming. Repentance now brings present blessing and future consummation.
Historical Context
This verse is one of the clearest early church references to Christ's return. The 'times of refreshing' may refer to both present spiritual renewal and future messianic blessing.
Questions for Reflection
What 'refreshing' do you experience from repentance and God's presence?
How does the promise of Christ's return motivate present faithfulness?
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☆ Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
References God: Romans 8:21 . Holy: Luke 1:70 , 2 Peter 1:21 , Revelation 22:6 . Parallel theme: Acts 1:11 , Isaiah 1:26
Study Note · Acts 3:21
Analysis
Christ remains in heaven 'until the times of restitution of all things' (apokatastasis ) - complete restoration of God's purposes. This phrase doesn't teach universal salvation but creation's full renewal. God's prophetic promises 'since the world began' find fulfillment in Christ.
Historical Context
The concept of cosmic restoration appears in Isaiah 65:17, Romans 8:19-22, and Revelation 21:1-5. Jewish expectation anticipated messianic renewal of all things.
Questions for Reflection
What does 'restitution of all things' include in God's redemptive plan?
How should future hope shape present engagement with a broken world?
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☆ For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
Resurrection: Acts 7:37 . References God: Romans 9:5 , Galatians 4:4 , Revelation 1:1 . References Moses: John 1:17 +3
Study Note · Acts 3:22
Analysis
Peter quotes Deuteronomy 18:15-18, identifying Jesus as the 'Prophet like unto Moses.' This Prophet-Messiah must be heard 'in all things whatsoever he shall say.' The reference establishes Jesus' authority as greater than Moses, demanding complete obedience.
Historical Context
Moses himself prophesied a greater prophet to come. This text was central to Jewish messianic expectation and became a key Christian proof-text for Jesus' identity.
Questions for Reflection
What does Jesus being 'like Moses' yet greater teach about His role?
How do you obey Christ 'in all things whatsoever He says'?
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☆ And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 18:19 , John 12:48 , Hebrews 10:39 , 12:25 , Revelation 20:15
Study Note · Acts 3:23
Analysis
The warning - 'every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed' - applies Deuteronomy's curse to Christ-rejectors. Being 'destroyed from among the people' means covenant exclusion. Rejection of Jesus excludes from God's people regardless of Jewish lineage.
Historical Context
This severe warning echoed Deuteronomy 18:19's judicial consequences for ignoring God's prophet. Peter applies it to those who reject Jesus, warning that ethnic Israel offers no protection.
Questions for Reflection
How does this warning challenge presumption based on religious heritage?
What does exclusion 'from among the people' mean for those rejecting Christ?
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☆ Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.
Prophecy: Acts 3:21 , 13:20 , 1 Samuel 3:20 , Luke 24:27 , Romans 3:21 +3
Study Note · Acts 3:24
Analysis
Peter claims that 'all the prophets from Samuel' spoke of 'these days.' This comprehensive claim positions Jesus as the culmination of all prophetic expectation. The prophetic tradition, though diverse in emphasis, pointed toward these gospel events.
Historical Context
Samuel marked the prophetic transition from judges to monarchy, beginning the classical prophetic tradition. Peter asserts continuity from Samuel through Malachi culminating in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
How does seeing all prophets pointing to Christ change your Old Testament reading?
What does prophetic unity about Christ teach about Scripture's coherence?
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☆ Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenantCovenant: διαθήκη (Diatheke ). The Greek diatheke (διαθήκη) means covenant or testament—a binding arrangement. The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34 ) is ratified by Christ's blood, surpassing the old (Hebrews 8:6-13 ). Covenant: Acts 2:39 , 1 Chronicles 16:17 , Nehemiah 9:8 , Romans 4:13 , Galatians 3:16 +5
Study Note · Acts 3:25
Analysis
Peter reminds his audience: 'ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant.' Their privileged position increases responsibility. The Abrahamic promise - 'in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed' - finds fulfillment in Jesus, Abraham's ultimate seed.
Historical Context
The Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:3, 22:18) promised blessing to all nations through Abraham's descendant. Paul develops this christologically in Galatians 3:16, identifying Christ as the 'seed.'
Questions for Reflection
How does covenant privilege increase accountability for responding to Christ?
What does Christ being Abraham's seed mean for global mission?
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☆ Unto you first GodGod: Θεός (Theos ). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. References Jesus: Matthew 1:21 . Resurrection: Acts 2:24 , 3:15 , 3:22 . References God: Acts 26:20 +5
Study Note · Acts 3:26
Analysis
God sent Jesus 'unto you first' - Israel had priority in receiving the gospel. The purpose was 'to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.' Blessing through Christ means liberation from sin, not merely material prosperity.
Historical Context
The phrase 'unto you first' explains Paul's later strategy: 'to the Jew first, and also to the Greek' (Romans 1:16). Israel's priority was chronological and strategic, not exclusive.
Questions for Reflection
What does God's blessing through Christ actually provide?
How does Israel's priority inform the church's ongoing relationship with Jewish people?
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