Acts 4:7
And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The question "By what power or by what name did you do this?" carries a subtle but significant insult. It wasn't just a neutral inquiry; the leaders were framing the miracle in a contemptuous way, implying it might have been through sorcery or some illegitimate means, rather than by a genuine divine authority.
Peter and John, having healed a man lame from birth in Jesus' name, are arrested and brought before the Jewish council. This powerful religious body, including the high priest, demands to know the source of their authority for performing such a miracle, clearly admitting the healing happened but suspecting sorcery or some illegitimate power. The leaders are eager to shut down this new movement, but are also wary of public opinion following the uproar from the temple healing.
The religious leaders of Jerusalem were confronted with a miracle they couldn't deny. But their question reveals more than just curiosity; it exposes their assumptions.
When the Sanhedrin questioned Peter and John, they asked, "By what power or by what name did you do this?" This wasn't a neutral inquiry.
Admitting the Miracle
They already knew something extraordinary had happened – a man crippled for decades was now walking and leaping! (Acts 3:10). They couldn't deny the observable fact of the healing.
Suspicion of the Supernatural
However, they were deeply suspicious. The question "By what power?" hints they believed the act stemmed from some kind of supernatural energy. Given their previous accusations against Jesus (casting out demons by Beelzebub, Mark 3:22), they likely suspected magic or demonic influence. The phrase "what kind of power" suggests they were trying to categorize it within their understanding of supernatural forces, not necessarily acknowledging divine power.
The Name as Authority
Similarly, "by what name?" wasn't just asking for a label. In the ancient world, a name carried immense weight, representing identity, character, and authority. Their question was essentially: 'Who gave you the authority to do this, and through whose authority are you operating?' They were probing for the source of power and legitimacy, ready to dismiss it if it wasn't sanctioned by their own religious system.
The Sanhedrin demanded to know the source of Peter and John's power. Their answer would challenge the very foundation of the council's authority.
The leaders of Israel presented a seemingly unanswerable question, trying to trap the apostles. But Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, turned their question on its head.
The Spirit's Empowerment
Peter wasn't acting on his own. Luke emphasizes he was "filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 4:8). This divine empowerment gave him courage and wisdom, especially considering his earlier denial of Jesus out of fear (John 18:25-27).
Understand the original words
onoma · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, it refers to the authority, efficacy, and authorization behind an action. To do something in a 'name' is to act by the authority, character, and representation of that person.
The religious leaders, facing an undeniable miracle, question the apostles' authority, revealing their own fear and their determination to suppress the message of Jesus, even as they are confronted with Scripture and the apostles' unwavering faith.
c. AD 30— this verse
Healing of the Lame Man
Peter and John heal a man who had been lame from birth at the Beautiful Gate of the temple in Jerusalem.
c. AD 30
Apostles Arrested
Peter and John are arrested by the temple authorities after the healing, as the crowds flock to hear them preach about Jesus.
c. AD 30
Sanhedrin Convenes
The apostles are brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court, composed of religious leaders, elders, and scribes, for questioning.
c. AD 30
Peter's Bold Defense
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaims that the healing was done in the name of Jesus Christ, whom the leaders had crucified.
c. AD 30
This passage shows the same kind of questioning from authorities, where accusations of using demonic power (Beelzebul) are leveled against Jesus' miraculous works, paralleling the Sanhedrin's suspicion in Acts 4.
John 9:2The disciples ask Jesus about the cause of a man's blindness, showing a common concern in that era about divine or demonic involvement in affliction and healing.
Exodus 7:11Here, Pharaoh's magicians use enchantments to imitate Moses' signs, demonstrating the ancient world's preoccupation with distinguishing divine power from sorcery, which is at the heart of the Sanhedrin's question.
Acts 1:8This verse provides the foundational promise from Jesus about receiving power from the Holy Spirit to be witnesses, which directly answers the 'by what power' question the Sanhedrin poses to Peter and John.
Philippians 2:9-10This passage speaks to the supreme authority and power vested in Jesus' name, echoing Peter's later declaration that the healing was done 'in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,' directly confronting the council's inquiry.
jfbActs 4:7: "And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?"
- By what power or … name have ye done this—thus admitting the reality of the miracle, which afterwards they confess themselves unable to deny (Ac 4:16).
vincentActs 4:7: "And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?"
What power - what nameLit., what sort of power; what kind of name.Have ye doneThe ye closes the sentence in the Greek with a contemptuous emphasis: you people.
The question "By what power or by what name did you do this?" carries a subtle but significant insult. It wasn't just a neutral inquiry; the leaders were framing the miracle in a contemptuous way, implying it might have been through sorcery or some illegitimate means, rather than by a genuine divine authority.
Peter and John, having healed a man lame from birth in Jesus' name, are arrested and brought before the Jewish council. This powerful religious body, including the high priest, demands to know the source of their authority for performing such a miracle, clearly admitting the healing happened but suspecting sorcery or some illegitimate power. The leaders are eager to shut down this new movement, but are also wary of public opinion following the uproar from the temple healing.
Peter and John, having healed a man lame from birth in Jesus' name, are arrested and brought before the Jewish council. This powerful religious body, including the high priest, demands to know the source of their authority for performing such a miracle, clearly admitting the healing happened but suspecting sorcery or some illegitimate power. The leaders are eager to shut down this new movement, but are also wary of public opinion following the uproar from the temple healing.
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Direct Accusation and Identification
Instead of flinching, Peter boldly declared the source: "it is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth..." (Acts 4:10). He didn't just name Jesus; he identified Him as the One they had crucified and whom God had raised. This was a direct, public accusation and a powerful proclamation of Jesus's identity and resurrection.
Jesus as the Sole Authority
Peter then drove home the point: 'This man stands before you healed not by some ambiguous power or name, but by Jesus alone.' He pointed to Jesus as the "stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone" (Acts 4:11). Ultimately, Peter’s response asserts that the only true authority, power, and source of healing and salvation comes through Jesus Christ, directly challenging the Sanhedrin's authority and their rejection of God's chosen Messiah.
Council's Dilemma
The council cannot deny the undeniable miracle but is unwilling to attribute it to Jesus, leading to threats and an order to stop preaching.
c. AD 30
Apostles Release and Prayer
Peter and John are released, and they join the believers in prayer, asking for boldness to continue speaking God's word.
"And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?”" — The question "By what power or by what name did you do this?" carries a subtle but significant insult. It wasn't just a neutral inquiry; the leaders were framing the miracle in a contemptuous way, im…
