Acts 2:22-23
“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)
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Peter doesn't just list Jesus' miracles; he calls them "mighty works" that God Himself performed through Jesus, directly appealing to the crowd's own knowledge of these undeniable acts. This isn't just about proving Jesus was special, but about showing that God's own power was at work in their midst, directly validating Jesus' claims.
Peter is addressing a huge crowd of Jews in Jerusalem, right after the Holy Spirit has dramatically descended upon the disciples, making them speak in other languages. He begins to explain this amazing event, immediately turning their attention to Jesus, whom they had recently seen crucified. Peter will argue that the resurrection, evidenced by Jesus' powerful works that everyone witnessed, proves he is the promised Messiah.
Peter starts by calling Jesus 'a man,' but the next words reveal so much more. What's the difference between just 'a man' and 'a man approved by God'?
Peter's opening in Acts 2:22 is powerful and intentional. He calls Jesus 'a man of Nazareth,' grounding him in a real, known place and person. But immediately, he pivots: Jesus wasn't just a man. He was 'approved by God.'
This word 'approved' (from the Greek apodeiknumi) means to demonstrate, to show forth, to prove beyond doubt. It's not about God liking Jesus (though He does!), but about God publicly showcasing Jesus as exactly who He claimed to be.
Think of it like a divine stamp of approval, not on a product, but on a Person. God Himself was presenting Jesus to the world, saying, 'This is My Son, and here's the undeniable evidence.'
Peter lists 'mighty works, wonders, and signs.' Why these specific words, and what were they meant to achieve?
The list of 'mighty works, wonders, and signs' (Greek: dynameis, terasin, semeion) isn't just a collection of supernatural events. Each word emphasizes a different aspect of Jesus' ministry:
Peter stresses that God Himself performed these through Jesus. They weren't tricks or illusions, but clear, public demonstrations of God's power and validation of Jesus' mission, happening right there 'in your midst' for everyone to see and know.
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.
Peter's bold proclamation of Jesus as 'a man approved by God' directly confronts the recent, shocking events of Jesus' crucifixion. He leverages the widely known miracles Jesus performed, not as abstract wonders, but as undeniable proofs of God's endorsement, setting the stage for the even greater proof: the resurrection.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing the sick, casting out demons, and performing numerous miracles. These acts, witnessed by many, serve as public demonstrations of his divine authority.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus
Despite his powerful ministry and growing following, Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified by Roman authorities under Jewish pressure. His followers are scattered and in despair.
c. AD 30
Resurrection of Jesus
Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus is raised from the dead. This event is seen by his followers as the ultimate confirmation of his identity and mission, and the foundation of their faith.
c. AD 30
Ascension of Jesus
Jesus appears to his disciples over a period of 40 days after his resurrection, then ascends into heaven. He promises the coming of the Holy Spirit.
This passage directly echoes Peter's argument in Acts 2:22, showing that miracles served as undeniable proof of Jesus' divine mission and connection to God, as Nicodemus himself acknowledged.
Hebrews 2:4This verse speaks of God bearing witness to the message of salvation 'by signs and wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit,' highlighting the same theme of divine attestation through supernatural acts seen in Acts 2:22.
Acts 10:38Peter tells Cornelius that 'God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.' This directly supports the idea that Jesus' miracles were evidence of God's presence and approval.
Deuteronomy 18:22This Old Testament passage describes how to identify a true prophet: if what a prophet proclaims does not come true, then the Lord has not spoken the word. Jesus' miracles fulfilled prophecies and demonstrated divine authority, aligning with this principle of prophetic 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 doesn't just list Jesus' miracles; he calls them "mighty works" that God Himself performed through Jesus, directly appealing to the crowd's own knowledge of these undeniable acts. This isn't just about proving Jesus was special, but about showing that God's own power was at work in their midst, directly validating Jesus' claims.
Peter is addressing a huge crowd of Jews in Jerusalem, right after the Holy Spirit has dramatically descended upon the disciples, making them speak in other languages. He begins to explain this amazing event, immediately turning their attention to Jesus, whom they had recently seen crucified. Peter will argue that the resurrection, evidenced by Jesus' powerful works that everyone witnessed, proves he is the promised Messiah.
Peter is addressing a huge crowd of Jews in Jerusalem, right after the Holy Spirit has dramatically descended upon the disciples, making them speak in other languages. He begins to explain this amazing event, immediately turning their attention to Jesus, whom they had recently seen crucified. Peter will argue that the resurrection, evidenced by Jesus' powerful works that everyone witnessed, proves he is the promised Messiah.
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Peter ends this powerful statement with a direct challenge: 'as you yourselves also know.' What does this personal appeal reveal about faith and evidence?
Peter's final phrase, 'as you yourselves also know,' is crucial. He's not asking people to take his word for it blindly. He's appealing to their direct experience and common knowledge.
The people listening had witnessed or heard undeniable accounts of Jesus' powerful deeds. They knew He wasn't just some random preacher; He was someone God had demonstrably worked through.
This highlights a core principle: God doesn't hide the truth. While faith involves trust beyond what we can see, God provides tangible evidence. He grounds His message in reality, in observable actions. Peter uses this shared reality as the foundation for the even greater truth he's about to proclaim: Jesus' resurrection and His exaltation as Messiah.
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. AD 30
Descent of the Holy Spirit
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples as Jesus promised. They begin to speak in other languages, empowering them to spread the gospel.
c. AD 30
Peter's Sermon on Pentecost
Immediately following the outpouring of the Spirit, Peter preaches a powerful sermon to the crowds in Jerusalem. He uses Jesus' life, miracles, death, and resurrection to testify that Jesus is the Messiah.
"“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 doesn't just list Jesus' miracles; he calls them "mighty works" that God Himself performed through Jesus, directly appealing to the crowd's own knowledge of these undeniable acts. This isn't…
