Acts 3:15

And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

And {G1161} killed {G615} the Prince {G747} of life {G2222}, whom {G3739} God {G2316} hath raised {G1453} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}; whereof {G3739} we {G2249} are {G2070} witnesses {G3144}.

You killed the author of life!

“But God has raised him from the dead! Of this we are witnesses.

You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead, and we are witnesses of the fact.

and killed the Prince of life; whom God raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

Context of Acts 3:15

This powerful statement is part of Peter's second sermon, delivered spontaneously to a crowd gathered at Solomon's Porch in the Temple courts, following the miraculous healing of a lame man (Acts 3:1-10). The people were astonished, and Peter seized the opportunity to explain that the miracle was performed not by their own power, but through faith in Jesus Christ, whom they had rejected and crucified. Peter directly confronts the Jewish leaders and the people for their role in Jesus' death, while simultaneously proclaiming God's overarching plan and Jesus' triumphant resurrection.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Identity of Jesus as the "Prince of Life": This title profoundly identifies Jesus as the very source, author, and sustainer of life itself. The crowd had chosen a murderer (Barabbas) over Him, thereby "killing" the one who embodies and gives life. This highlights the stark contrast between human sin and divine authority. Jesus is not merely a leader, but the originator of life, a concept echoed in John 11:25 where He declares, "I am the resurrection, and the life."
  • Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: Peter boldly declares that while they "killed the Prince of life," it was God who "raised Him from the dead." This emphasizes both the grave sin of humanity in crucifying Christ and God's perfect plan to bring about salvation through that very act, culminating in the resurrection. God's power overcomes human evil.
  • The Centrality of the Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is presented as the cornerstone of the Christian faith and the undeniable proof of His divine identity. It reverses the human act of rejection and validates Jesus' claims, forming the core message of the apostolic preaching (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
  • Apostolic Witness: Peter's declaration, "whereof we are witnesses," underscores the apostles' role as firsthand eyewitnesses to the resurrected Christ. Their testimony was not based on speculation or hearsay, but on personal encounters with the living Lord, giving their message immense authority and credibility. This fulfilled Jesus' command to them in Acts 1:8 to be His witnesses.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Prince of life" translates the Greek word archegos (ἀρχηγός), which can mean "originator," "leader," "pioneer," or "author." It suggests that Jesus is not only a ruler but also the source and beginner of life itself. He is the one who blazes the trail and provides the way to true life. The term "witnesses" comes from the Greek martyres (μάρτυρες), from which we derive the English word "martyr." It signifies those who give testimony based on direct observation, often at great personal cost.

Practical Application

Acts 3:15 calls us to acknowledge Jesus Christ as the true "Author of Life." For a general audience, this means recognizing Him as the one through whom we find spiritual life, forgiveness, and hope. It challenges us to consider whether we, like the crowd, have rejected Him in our own lives through our choices or lack of faith. The verse also reminds believers of the power of the resurrection and our call to be witnesses to this transformative truth in a world that desperately needs the life that only Christ can offer.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 2:24

    Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

  • Revelation 21:6

    And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

  • Acts 2:32

    This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

  • John 1:4

    In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

  • John 5:26

    For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

  • 1 Corinthians 15:45

    And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit.

  • Hebrews 2:10

    ¶ For it became him, for whom [are] all things, and by whom [are] all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

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