Peter boldly calls Jesus of Nazareth "a man approved by God," emphasizing that the mighty works and signs weren't just random events, but direct demonstrations from God pointing to Jesus' identity. This highlights that even ordinary humans, like Jesus, can be powerfully commissioned by God and that His actions serve as unmistakable evidence, readily available for people to witness and acknowledge.
“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— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is addressing a huge crowd of Jews who have gathered in Jerusalem, astonished by the miraculous event of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus' followers and causing them to speak in other languages. He needs to explain this incredible phenomenon, so he begins by reminding them of the life and ministry of Jesus, specifically highlighting the powerful works and signs that God performed through Him among them, which they themselves had witnessed. This sets the stage for his main point: that Jesus' resurrection and exaltation are the fulfillment of God's plan and the reason for the outpouring of the Spirit they are experiencing.
Peter doesn't shy away from the common label 'Jesus of Nazareth.' But he immediately reclaims it, showing how this familiar name points to something profound. What's in a name?
Peter begins by calling Jesus 'Jesus of Nazareth.' This was a common, perhaps even dismissive, way to refer to him. But Peter uses it strategically. He's grabbing their attention by using a name they know, but then he’s going to reveal the true identity behind that name. He’s not just some local guy; he’s the one God sent.
Think of it like this: If someone famous had a common nickname, you might use the nickname to get people's attention, but then you'd reveal their full name and incredible achievements. Peter does the same here. He’s using 'Jesus of Nazareth' as a familiar starting point before unveiling Jesus as God’s authorized Messiah.
Peter doesn't just say Jesus is from God; he points to concrete proof. What was this 'proof' and why was it so convincing?
Peter highlights that Jesus was 'a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs.' This phrase 'attested to' means God certified or officially demonstrated Jesus' identity and mission.
How did God do this? Through 'mighty works and wonders and signs.' These weren't just random acts of power. They were:
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Crucially, Peter emphasizes that these were done through Jesus by God, and the crowd knew it. This wasn't Jesus acting alone; it was God working in and through him, giving undeniable evidence of his divine authority.
Peter doesn't just present abstract facts. He makes it personal, appealing directly to the listeners' own experience. Why is this direct appeal so powerful?
The verse ends with a powerful, direct appeal: 'as you yourselves also know.' Peter isn't asking them to believe something based on hearsay. He's telling them that the very things they witnessed firsthand serve as undeniable proof.
This is key to Peter's argument. The miracles, wonders, and signs weren't performed in secret; they happened 'in your midst.' Many of those listening would have seen Jesus heal people, cast out demons, or perform other astounding acts. Even if they didn't believe he was the Messiah then, they couldn't deny that Jesus possessed extraordinary power, and that this power came from God.
Peter is essentially saying: 'You saw it with your own eyes. You know these things happened. Don't ignore the evidence you already possess. Let that knowledge lead you to the truth about Jesus.'
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.
horismenos boulē · Greek NounPhrase
Refers to the divine decree or settled purpose of God regarding human history and redemption. It emphasizes that God is sovereign over all events, including the betrayal and crucifixion of Christ, while remaining distinct from the responsibility of those who perpetrate evil.
prognōsis · Greek Noun
The attribute of God whereby He has comprehensive, perfect knowledge of all things before they come to pass. It underscores His omniscience and sovereign control over history.
anomos · Greek Adjective
A term describing those who operate outside the boundaries of divine law. It characterizes those who act in rebellion against God's standards of righteousness and justice.
c. 4 BC - c. AD 30/33— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus traveled throughout Galilee and Judea, proclaiming the kingdom of God and performing numerous mighty deeds, wonders, and signs that attested to His divine authority.
c. AD 30/33
Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus
Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified under Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. His body was laid in a tomb.
c. AD 30/33
Resurrection of Jesus
According to Christian belief, Jesus was raised from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion, appearing to many of His followers over the next 40 days.
c. AD 30/33
Ascension of Jesus
Jesus ascended into heaven in the presence of His disciples, promising the coming of the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30/33
The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in Jerusalem, empowering them to speak in other languages. This event marked the beginning of the Christian church.
Nicodemus's confession that Jesus's miracles were undeniable proof of God's presence with Him directly echoes Peter's appeal to Jesus's attested works in Acts 2:22.
Hebrews 2:4This passage, like Acts 2:22, speaks of God bearing witness to Jesus's message through mighty works, wonders, and various powerful deeds, emphasizing the divine attestation of Jesus's identity.
Deuteronomy 18:21-22Peter's argument that Jesus's miracles proved His divine mission aligns with the Old Testament principle that true prophets would be validated by the fulfillment of their signs and predictions.
Acts 10:38Peter's later description of Jesus as 'anointed... 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 mirrors the testimony in Acts 2:22 about God working through Jesus with signs and wonders.
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 calls Jesus of Nazareth "a man approved by God," emphasizing that the mighty works and signs weren't just random events, but direct demonstrations from God pointing to Jesus' identity. This highlights that even ordinary humans, like Jesus, can be powerfully commissioned by God and that His actions serve as unmistakable evidence, readily available for people to witness and acknowledge.
Peter is addressing a huge crowd of Jews who have gathered in Jerusalem, astonished by the miraculous event of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus' followers and causing them to speak in other languages. He needs to explain this incredible phenomenon, so he begins by reminding them of the life and ministry of Jesus, specifically highlighting the powerful works and signs that God performed through Him among them, which they themselves had witnessed. This sets the stage for his main point: that Jesus' resurrection and exaltation are the fulfillment of God's plan and the reason for the outpouring of the Spirit they are experiencing.
Peter is addressing a huge crowd of Jews who have gathered in Jerusalem, astonished by the miraculous event of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus' followers and causing them to speak in other languages. He needs to explain this incredible phenomenon, so he begins by reminding them of the life and ministry of Jesus, specifically highlighting the powerful works and signs that God performed through Him among them, which they themselves had witnessed. This sets the stage for his main point: that Jesus' resurrection and exaltation are the fulfillment of God's plan and the reason for the outpouring of the Spirit they are experiencing.
"“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— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite pl…" — Peter boldly calls Jesus of Nazareth "a man approved by God," emphasizing that the mighty works and signs weren't just random events, but direct demonstrations from God pointing to Jesus' identity. T…
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Last reviewed October 2026
