Acts 4

And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

What does Acts 4:12 mean?

Explanation

Acts 4:12 emphasizes the belief in the early Christian community that salvation, a deliverance from sin and its consequences, can be found exclusively through Jesus Christ.

The verse addresses the conviction that no other person, deity, or force offers the means for salvation. Salvation, according to this passage, is a gift available through faith in Jesus, whose name is invoked as the sole authority by which individuals can be saved.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse comes from the speech given by the apostle Peter while he and John were being questioned by the Jewish elders and scribes in Jerusalem.

They had been arrested following the healing of a lame man at the temple gate, which gave them the opportunity to preach about Jesus' resurrection.

The early Christian preaching often sparked controversy, particularly among Jewish leaders, as it challenged existing religious beliefs and the authority of those leaders.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Acts 4:12 outlines the exclusivity of the Christian path to salvation through Jesus Christ.

Many Christian denominations interpret this verse as a foundational statement for faith in Jesus as the Messiah and as the one through whom reconciliation with God is possible.

Some theologians highlight that this verse does not necessarily preclude the presence of truth or wisdom in other religions but asserts that ultimate redemption and relationship with God come uniquely through Christ.

Other religious viewpoints might argue that the verse reflects an early Christian understanding before interfaith dialogue and that a more inclusive interpretation is possible in a pluralistic context.

Practical Applications

For believers, this verse reinforces the importance of evangelism, sharing the message of Jesus with others, as a means of offering them the opportunity to seek salvation.

It can also encourage Christians to deepen their own faith and reliance on Jesus, placing trust in his name and authority rather than in other sources or achievements.

Cross-References

John 14:6: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
1 Timothy 2:5: "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;"
Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Language Study

The key phrase "name under heaven given among men" uses the Greek word "onoma" for "name," which refers to both the literal name of Jesus and the powerful authority and character he holds.

"Must be saved" originates from the Greek word "sozo" meaning to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction, emphasizing the necessity and urgency of this salvation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the cultural context of the time, names carried significant meaning and power. This belief is not unique to Christianity; many ancient cultures believed a name could represent the essence and authority of a person or deity.

In religious traditions outside of Christianity, there are often figures who act as intermediaries between humans and the divine.

However, Acts 4:12 presents a sharply exclusive claim that contrasts with more syncretic or pluralistic religious systems.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective typically does not intersect directly with theological claims of salvation as science deals with empirical observations and data.

However, the study of religious beliefs and practices, including the psychological and sociological effects of faith, is a legitimate scientific endeavor.

Commentaries

Many biblical commentators on Acts 4:12 reflect on Peter's boldness and the clarity of the Christian message of salvation. They often discuss the implications of this exclusivity claim, especially in the context of the first century's diverse religious landscape.

Some commentaries might also explore the courage of the apostles in proclaiming this message in the face of potential persecution and how this mirrors the commitment expected of Christians today.

Others might engage in more nuanced discussions on salvation from an ecumenical or interfaith perspective.

Acts 4

Acts 4

What does Acts 4:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 4:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?