Acts 2:22
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Peter boldly declares Jesus as "approved by God," emphasizing that the "mighty works, wonders, and signs" weren't just impressive feats, but direct, God-given demonstrations of Jesus' identity, witnessed by everyone present. This wasn't about Jesus seeking validation; it was God publicly pointing to Jesus, leaving no room for doubt.
Peter is addressing a massive crowd of Jews who have gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost, fresh off the shocking event of the Holy Spirit descending like tongues of fire. He's launching into a bold defense of Jesus, whom they themselves had crucified, arguing that the Spirit's outpouring is proof of Jesus' resurrection and divine authority. Peter emphasizes that Jesus wasn't a stranger but a man known to them, whose powerful deeds pointed directly to God's hand at work.
Peter calls Jesus 'a man approved of God.' What does 'approved' really mean here? It's more than just getting a stamp of approval; it's about powerful, public proof.
The word Peter uses, often translated as 'approved' (in Greek, apodedegmenon), doesn't just mean God liked Jesus or thought well of Him. It means Jesus was demonstrated, pointed out, and publicly shown to be exactly who He claimed to be. Think of it like a scientific experiment that proves a hypothesis, or a certification that confirms a product's quality.
Divine Attestation
Peter lists 'mighty works, wonders, and signs.' These aren't just fancy words; they describe different aspects of the same powerful message God sent through Jesus.
The threefold description of Jesus' acts—'mighty works' (dynameis), 'wonders' (terata), and 'signs' ()—gives us a full picture of the evidence Peter is presenting. Each word highlights a different facet of these supernatural events:
Understand the original words
dynamis, teras, sēmeion · Greek Noun
Miraculous acts or supernatural events performed to authenticate a message or messenger sent from God. They point beyond the act itself to the power and character of God.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth, whom Peter is now proclaiming, is crucified under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. This event was a public spectacle and a source of shame and confusion for his followers.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Miracles
During his earthly ministry, Jesus performed numerous mighty works, wonders, and signs, such as healing the sick and raising the dead. These acts were widely witnessed by the Jewish people.
c. AD 30 - 33
Resurrection of Jesus
Following his crucifixion, Jesus is raised from the dead. This event is the central miracle and proof of his divine identity, according to Peter's preaching.
c. AD 33
The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus' followers in Jerusalem, empowering them to speak in other languages. This is the event that precipitates Peter's sermon.
Nicodemus acknowledges that Jesus' miracles are undeniable proof of God's presence with him, echoing Peter's argument that these 'mighty works' demonstrated Jesus' divine attestation.
Hebrews 1:2This passage speaks of God appointing His Son as the heir of all things, through whom He also made the universe, highlighting the divine agency behind Jesus' powerful works that Peter is emphasizing.
Acts 10:38Peter reminds Cornelius that 'God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power,' who 'went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him,' directly linking Jesus' miracles to God's empowerment and presence.
Deuteronomy 18:22This Old Testament passage describes how to discern a true prophet: if what a prophet claims does not come about, he has spoken presumptuously. Conversely, if his word proves true, he is a prophet, setting the stage for Jesus' signs being genuine authentication.
vincentActs 2:22: "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:"
Approved (ἀποδεδειγμένον)The verb means to point out or shew forth. Shewn to be that which he claimed to be.Miracles (δυνάμεσι)Better, Rev., mighty works. Lit., powers. See on Matthew 11:20.
clarkeActs 2:22: "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:"
A man approved of God - Αποδεδειγμενον, celebrated, famous. The sense of the verse seems to be this: Jesus of Nazareth, a man sent of God, and celebrated among you by miracles, wonders, and signs; and all these done in such profusion as had never been done by the best of your most accredited p…
Peter boldly declares Jesus as "approved by God," emphasizing that the "mighty works, wonders, and signs" weren't just impressive feats, but direct, God-given demonstrations of Jesus' identity, witnessed by everyone present. This wasn't about Jesus seeking validation; it was God publicly pointing to Jesus, leaving no room for doubt.
Peter is addressing a massive crowd of Jews who have gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost, fresh off the shocking event of the Holy Spirit descending like tongues of fire. He's launching into a bold defense of Jesus, whom they themselves had crucified, arguing that the Spirit's outpouring is proof of Jesus' resurrection and divine authority. Peter emphasizes that Jesus wasn't a stranger but a man known to them, whose powerful deeds pointed directly to God's hand at work.
Peter is addressing a massive crowd of Jews who have gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost, fresh off the shocking event of the Holy Spirit descending like tongues of fire. He's launching into a bold defense of Jesus, whom they themselves had crucified, arguing that the Spirit's outpouring is proof of Jesus' resurrection and divine authority. Peter emphasizes that Jesus wasn't a stranger but a man known to them, whose powerful deeds pointed directly to God's hand at work.
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Collective Testimony
Together, these terms paint a comprehensive picture: Jesus’ ministry was characterized by displays of God’s power, which evoked awe, and ultimately served as undeniable evidence pointing to His unique relationship with God. The fact that these were done 'in your midst' and 'as you yourselves know' makes them a direct, observable testimony that couldn't be easily dismissed.
"“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—" — Peter boldly declares Jesus as "approved by God," emphasizing that the "mighty works, wonders, and signs" weren't just impressive feats, but direct, God-given demonstrations of Jesus' identity, witne…
