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 4:9 mean?

Explanation

Acts 4:9 discusses an event where Peter and John, two of Jesus' apostles, are questioned by the Jewish leaders about a miraculous healing they performed.

The apostles had healed a man who was lame from birth, and this act amazed the people and drew attention to their message about Jesus Christ.

In this verse, Peter is essentially asking the council why they are being questioned as if they have done something wrong.

He points out that their action was a "good deed" done to a man who was "impotent" (physically weak or disabled).

Peter then emphasizes that the real issue at stake isn't the healing itself, but the power by which the man was made "whole" (completely healed).

The implication is that it is through Jesus Christ, whom the Jewish leaders rejected and crucified, that this man has been healed.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative found in Acts 3-4.

After Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, his disciples continue his work, preaching about Jesus and performing miracles.

The healing of the lame man at the gate called Beautiful (Acts 3) led to Peter and John's arrest because they were proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus, which was controversial and a source of concern for the Jewish authorities (Acts 4:1-3).

The Sanhedrin, which was the Jewish ruling council, interrogated them about the power or name through which they healed the man.

This event occurred in Jerusalem, not long after the Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse illustrates several key Christian beliefs.

Firstly, it asserts the apostolic authority and continuation of Jesus' ministry through the Holy Spirit.

Secondly, it highlights the centrality of the name of Jesus and the belief in his resurrection as the basis for the miraculous healing.

The phrase "by what means he is made whole" reflects the early Christian testimony that Jesus is the source of salvation and healing. It also underscores the conflict between the early Christians and the Jewish authorities who rejected Jesus as the Messiah.

From a soteriological perspective, which deals with the doctrine of salvation, the healing of the lame man can be seen as symbolic of spiritual restoration and salvation in Christ.

Practical Applications

From Acts 4:9, one can derive the practical application that doing good and helping those in need is commendable and can be a means of witnessing one's faith.

Furthermore, believers can be encouraged to trust in the name of Jesus for healing and restoration, not just physically but in all aspects of life.

Christians may also learn from Peter's example of boldness in the face of opposition and his willingness to stand for his beliefs even when on trial.

Cross-References

Acts 3:6-8: Peter heals the lame man in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:7: The question posed to Peter and John by what power or name they did this.
Acts 4:10: Peter's declaration that the healing happened through the name of Jesus Christ.
John 14:13: Jesus says that whatever is asked in His name, He will do it.

Language Study

"Examined": The Greek word used can mean to be questioned or scrutinized, typically in a judicial or official context.
"Good deed": This implies an act of benevolence or kindness, highlighting that the miracle was a positive action.
"Impotent": Derives from the Greek word "asthenes," which refers to weakness or disability.
"Made whole": The Greek word "sozo" can mean to save, keep safe and sound, or to heal.

It is often used in the New Testament in relation to both physical healing and salvation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, miraculous healings were often attributed to gods, demigods, or mystical figures. In Greco-Roman mythology, Asclepius was known for his healing powers.

In contrast, the Christian narrative focuses on divine healing through faith in a monotheistic framework, with Jesus as the central figure. This differs from the polytheistic approach to divine healings seen in other ancient religions.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of healing differ significantly from ancient perspectives on miracles. Today, medical science looks to explain healing through natural processes and the body's biological mechanisms.

However, some modern scholars and medical professionals explore the interplay of faith, psychology, and the placebo effect, acknowledging that belief and mental state can have a positive impact on physical health.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians interpret Acts 4:9 in the context of early Christian witness and the apostles' boldness.

John Calvin, a Reformer, saw the apostles’ defense as grounded not just in the miracle but in the power of Christ.

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the courage of Peter and John in the face of authority and their focus on Christ as the source of healing power.

Modern commentators often discuss the socio-political implications of the passage, noting that the apostles were in conflict with the religious leaders because they were challenging the status quo with their message and actions.

Acts 4

Acts 4

What does Acts 4:9 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 4:9 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?