Acts 2:22

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye men {G435} of Israel {G2475}, hear {G191} these {G5128} words {G3056}; Jesus {G2424} of Nazareth {G3480}, a man {G435} approved {G584} of {G575} God {G2316} among {G1519} you {G5209} by miracles {G1411} and {G2532} wonders {G5059} and {G2532} signs {G4592}, which {G3739} God {G2316} did {G4160} by {G1223} him {G846} in {G1722} the midst {G3319} of you {G5216}, as {G2531} ye yourselves {G846} also {G2532} know {G1492}:

Complete Jewish Bible

“Men of Isra’el! Listen to this! Yeshua from Natzeret was a man demonstrated to you to have been from God by the powerful works, miracles and signs that God performed through him in your presence. You yourselves know this.

Berean Standard Bible

Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know.

American Standard Version

Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God unto you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as ye yourselves know;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:22 stands as a foundational declaration within Peter's Pentecost sermon, presenting Jesus of Nazareth as God's divinely authenticated Messiah. Addressing the Jewish multitude, Peter asserts that Jesus' identity and mission were undeniably confirmed by God through a series of powerful and publicly witnessed miracles, wonders, and signs, which the audience themselves had seen and could attest to. This verse sets the stage for Peter's subsequent proclamation of Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 2:22 is a pivotal point in Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost, delivered to a diverse crowd of Jewish pilgrims and residents in Jerusalem. The sermon follows the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which led to the disciples speaking in various tongues and a widespread sense of amazement and confusion among the onlookers [Acts 2:1-13](/acts/2-1-13 "Acts 2:1-13 - The Day of Pentecost"). Peter rises to explain these astonishing events, first by interpreting them through the lens of Joel's prophecy [Acts 2:14-21](/acts/2-14-21 "Acts 2:14-21 - Peter's Explanation and Prophecy of Joel"), then by shifting his focus directly to Jesus of Nazareth. Verse 22 serves as the initial, undeniable premise for his argument, establishing Jesus' divine credentials before moving to His crucifixion, resurrection, and exaltation [Acts 2:23-36](/acts/2-23-36 "Acts 2:23-36 - Peter's Proclamation of Jesus' Resurrection and Lordship"). It is the logical starting point for convincing a Jewish audience who had witnessed Jesus' public ministry.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The sermon takes place in Jerusalem during the Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot), one of the three major pilgrimage festivals, which meant the city was teeming with Jews from across the Roman Empire and beyond. This audience, "men of Israel," would have been deeply familiar with the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah and the expectation of divine intervention. They would also have been eyewitnesses or heard firsthand accounts of Jesus' public ministry, including His teachings, healings, and other miraculous deeds that occurred "in the midst of you." For Peter to appeal to their direct knowledge was a powerful rhetorical strategy, leveraging shared experience within a culture that highly valued eyewitness testimony. The recent crucifixion of Jesus, a highly public event, would also have been fresh in their minds, making Peter's assertion of His divine approval all the more striking and challenging.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it establishes the **Divine Authentication of Jesus**, emphasizing that Jesus' ministry was not merely human effort but divinely sanctioned and empowered. He was "approved of God" through tangible demonstrations of power, crucial for Peter's argument to an audience expecting a Messiah validated by God. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Eyewitness Testimony**, as Peter directly appeals to the audience's personal experience: "as ye yourselves also know." This underscores the public, verifiable nature of Jesus' work, rooting the early Christian message in observable facts and historical events, not abstract philosophy. This emphasis on eyewitness accounts is a recurring motif in the Book of Acts, crucial for establishing the veracity of the apostles' claims (e.g., [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth") and [Acts 10:39](/acts/10-39 "Acts 10:39 - Peter's Witness to Cornelius")). Lastly, the phrase "which God did by him" underscores **God's Active Role** in Jesus' ministry, presenting Jesus not as an independent agent but as God's chosen instrument. This links Jesus directly to God's ongoing activity in history, affirming His unique relationship with the Father and setting the stage for understanding the triune nature of God's work in salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **approved (Greek, _apodeíknymi_ G584):** This word signifies "to show off, exhibit, demonstrate, or accredit." It implies a public and undeniable demonstration. Here, it means that God publicly validated or attested to Jesus' identity and mission, much like presenting credentials. It's not merely that Jesus was "good" or "acceptable," but that God actively and visibly presented Him as His chosen one through His works.
* **miracles (Greek, _dýnamis_ G1411):** Derived from the root meaning "force" or "power," _dýnamis_ refers to acts of supernatural power or ability. These are deeds that transcend natural capabilities, demonstrating divine strength at work. In the context of Jesus, these were His powerful healings, exorcisms, and control over nature, which revealed His authority and divine origin.
* **know (Greek, _eídō_ G1492):** This primary verb means "to see (literally or figuratively)" and, in its perfect tense, "to know." It implies a direct, experiential knowledge or understanding. Peter is not asking them to believe something abstract, but to acknowledge what they have personally witnessed or heard about extensively. Their knowledge is presented as a self-evident truth, forming the basis of Peter's argument.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye men of Israel, hear these words;":** Peter begins with a direct and urgent address to his Jewish audience, commanding their attention. This opening establishes the solemnity and importance of the message he is about to deliver, appealing to their shared heritage and religious identity.
* **"Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you":** Peter immediately identifies Jesus by His earthly origin, "of Nazareth," a familiar designation. The critical phrase "a man approved of God" asserts Jesus' divine authentication. God Himself publicly validated Jesus, confirming His unique status and mission, not just to a select few, but "among you"—publicly, for all to see.
* **"by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you,":** This clause specifies the means of Jesus' divine approval. The triad of "miracles and wonders and signs" describes the nature of Jesus' powerful works: "miracles" (dynamic acts of power), "wonders" (deeds that evoke awe and astonishment), and "signs" (actions pointing to a deeper, spiritual truth about Jesus' identity and God's kingdom). Crucially, these were not Jesus' own independent power, but "which God did by him," emphasizing God as the ultimate agent working through Jesus. The phrase "in the midst of you" reiterates the public and observable nature of these events.
* **"as ye yourselves also know:":** Peter concludes this foundational statement by appealing directly to the audience's personal, undeniable knowledge. This is a powerful rhetorical move, transforming his assertion into a shared, verifiable truth. He is not introducing new information, but reminding them of what they already know, making his subsequent arguments about Jesus' Messiahship and resurrection logically compelling based on their own experience.

#### Literary Devices
Peter's address in Acts 2:22 employs several effective literary devices. The opening "Ye men of Israel" is an example of **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or imaginary person or, in this case, to a specific audience, designed to capture their immediate attention and establish a direct connection. The phrase "miracles and wonders and signs" constitutes a **Tricolon**, a rhetorical device where a series of three parallel words or phrases are used for emphasis and completeness. This triad comprehensively describes the nature of Jesus' powerful works, highlighting their supernatural origin, their awe-inspiring effect, and their revelatory purpose. Finally, the concluding "as ye yourselves also know" is a powerful **Appeal to Common Knowledge** or *Argumentum ad Populum*. Peter is not presenting new evidence but leveraging the shared experience and undeniable facts known to his audience, making his claims difficult to refute and compelling them to consider the implications of what they have already witnessed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:22 establishes a crucial theological precedent: God actively authenticates His chosen messengers and His Son through tangible demonstrations of power. This divine validation is not merely for show but serves as undeniable evidence of truth and authority, inviting belief and repentance. The "miracles, wonders, and signs" performed by Jesus were not random acts but purposeful manifestations of God's presence and power, designed to reveal Jesus' unique identity as the Messiah and to inaugurate the Kingdom of God. This verse underscores the continuity of God's work, showing that the same God who performed wonders in the Old Testament was now working powerfully through Jesus, culminating in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. It grounds the Christian message in verifiable historical events, inviting a faith that is both deeply spiritual and rationally defensible.

* [John 3:2](/john/3-2 "Nicodemus Acknowledges Jesus' Divine Origin")
* [Hebrews 2:4](/hebrews/2-4 "God Bearing Witness to the Apostles' Message")
* [Luke 7:20-22](/luke/7-20-22 "Jesus' Works as Proof to John the Baptist")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:22 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our faith in Jesus is not based on blind assent or abstract philosophy, but on the historical reality of God's powerful intervention through His Son. The "miracles, wonders, and signs" of Jesus' ministry serve as an enduring testament to His divine authority and the truth of the Gospel. For us, this means that the power of God is not confined to ancient history but is a living reality that continues to authenticate His presence and work in the world. We are called to reflect on the nature of God's power, recognizing that it is always purposed for His glory and the good of humanity, leading people to acknowledge Jesus as Lord. This verse also challenges us to consider our own witness: are our lives, empowered by the Holy Spirit, demonstrating the transforming power of God in ways that cause others to "know" the reality of Christ? It encourages us to be bold in proclaiming the historical truth of Jesus, confident in the evidence God Himself provided.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does the historical evidence of Jesus' miracles strengthen your faith?**
* **How might God be "approving" or demonstrating His presence and power through believers today?**
* **What "signs" or evidences of God's work in your life can you share with others, inviting them to "know" Him?**
* **How does understanding God's active role in Jesus' ministry shape your view of God's involvement in your own life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Peter's appeal to "miracles and wonders and signs" in Acts 2:22?**

Answer: Peter's use of "miracles and wonders and signs" is highly significant because it appeals to the undeniable, public, and verifiable evidence of Jesus' divine authentication. These terms, while distinct, collectively emphasize that Jesus' actions were not ordinary. "Miracles" (Greek: _dýnamis_) refers to the inherent power or ability, highlighting the supernatural force behind the acts. "Wonders" (Greek: _téras_) focuses on the effect these acts had on observers, inspiring awe and astonishment. "Signs" (Greek: _sēmeîon_) points to the deeper meaning and purpose of the acts, serving as indicators or proofs of Jesus' identity as the Messiah and of God's presence working through Him. By referencing these, Peter grounds his theological argument in concrete, observable facts that his audience had either witnessed directly or heard about extensively, making his subsequent claims about Jesus' resurrection and exaltation logically compelling and difficult to refute. This strategy underscores the historical and empirical basis of the early Christian message, inviting a faith that is rooted in evidence [John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "The Purpose of John's Gospel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:22 is profoundly Christ-centered, laying the essential groundwork for understanding Jesus' unique identity and mission. Peter's declaration that Jesus was "a man approved of God" through "miracles and wonders and signs" points directly to Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Son of God, in whom the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "The Fullness of Christ"). The very works that God did "by him" were not merely displays of power but were demonstrations of His divine nature and His authority to forgive sins and usher in the Kingdom of God [Matthew 9:6](/matthew/9-6 "Jesus' Authority to Forgive Sins"). These signs ultimately culminated in the ultimate "sign" of His resurrection from the dead [Matthew 12:39-40](/matthew/12-39-40 "The Sign of Jonah"), which Peter immediately presents as the irrefutable proof of Jesus' victory over death and His exaltation as Lord and Christ [Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Jesus is Lord and Christ"). Thus, Acts 2:22 serves as the initial, undeniable premise for the entire Gospel message: that the man Jesus of Nazareth, publicly attested by God through His miraculous life, is indeed the crucified, resurrected, and ascended Lord who offers salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit to all who believe [Acts 2:38-39](/acts/2-38-39 "Peter's Call to Repentance and Baptism").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 3:2

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

John 14:10

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

John 14:11

Believe me that I [am] in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

Acts 4:10

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.

Luke 11:20

But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

Matthew 12:28

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

Matthew 9:8

But when the multitudes saw [it], they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.