Acts 3:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You killed the author of life!

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 3:15 encapsulates Peter’s bold accusation against the Jewish people for crucifying Jesus, whom he powerfully identifies as the "Prince of life." Despite humanity's rejection and execution of the very source of life, the verse immediately pivots to God's sovereign act of raising Jesus from the dead, thereby validating His identity and mission. The apostles, including Peter, then declare themselves as irrefutable eyewitnesses to this miraculous resurrection, affirming the central truth of their message and the foundation of the Christian faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 3:15 is a pivotal statement within Peter's second recorded sermon, delivered in Solomon's Portico after the miraculous healing of a man lame from birth at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple [Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "Acts 3:1-10 - Healing of the Lame Man"). The astonished crowd gathered, prompting Peter to seize the opportunity to preach the gospel. This verse follows Peter's direct confrontation of the crowd, accusing them of denying Jesus and choosing a murderer over Him [Acts 3:13-14](/acts/3-13-14 "Acts 3:13-14 - Peter Accuses the Crowd"). It serves as the climax of his indictment, immediately followed by the declaration of God's redemptive reversal and the call to repentance and faith in Jesus [Acts 3:16-26](/acts/3-16-26 "Acts 3:16-26 - Peter's Call to Repentance").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's sermon takes place in Jerusalem, a city still reeling from the recent crucifixion of Jesus and the subsequent rumors of His resurrection. The audience consists primarily of devout Jews, many of whom would have been present during Jesus' trial and execution, or at least aware of the events. The Temple courts were central to Jewish life and worship, making it a highly public and significant venue for Peter's proclamation. The reference to "the Prince of life" would have resonated with Jewish messianic expectations, though their understanding of the Messiah often diverged from Jesus' true nature as a suffering servant and divine Lord. Peter's bold accusation, delivered to the very people who had called for Jesus' death, demonstrates immense courage, empowered by the Holy Spirit received at Pentecost [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. It highlights the **sovereignty of God** in orchestrating salvation despite human sin, as God "raised from the dead" the one humanity "killed." It underscores the **centrality of the resurrection** as the cornerstone of apostolic preaching and the definitive proof of Jesus' identity as Messiah and Lord, a theme consistently emphasized throughout the book of Acts [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up"), [Acts 4:10](/acts/4-10 "Acts 4:10 - Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom You Crucified"). Furthermore, it establishes the **apostolic witness** as foundational to the early church's message, fulfilling Jesus' commission to His disciples to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Jesus' Commission to Witnesses"). Finally, the title "Prince of life" introduces the profound theological concept of Jesus as the **source and author of life**, contrasting sharply with the death He suffered at human hands.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prince (Greek, _archēgós'_):** This word, derived from `ἀρχή` (origin, beginning) and `ἄγω` (to lead), signifies more than just a ruler or leader. It denotes an "originator," "pioneer," "author," or "founder." Peter's use of `archēgós` here is profound, identifying Jesus not merely as a king or captain, but as the very source and initiator of life itself, the one who blazes the trail and provides the way to true life, both physical and spiritual.
* **Life (Greek, _zōḗ'_):** From `ζάω` (to live), this term refers to life in its fullest sense—not just biological existence (`psuchē`), but the divine, eternal, and abundant life that comes from God. By killing the "Prince of life," humanity rejected the very essence of true existence and the one who offers it eternally.
* **Raised (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb means "to waken," "to rouse," or "to lift up," often from sleep, lying, or death. Its use here emphasizes the active, powerful, and decisive intervention of God in reversing the human act of killing. It highlights the divine power that overcame death, demonstrating Jesus' victory and God's ultimate vindication of His Son.
* **Witnesses (Greek, _mártys'_):** This term refers to those who give testimony based on direct observation or experience. From `μάρτυς` we derive the English word "martyr," indicating that such testimony might come at great personal cost. The apostles' claim to be witnesses was not based on hearsay or speculation, but on their personal encounters with the resurrected Christ, lending immense authority and credibility to their message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And killed the Prince of life":** This clause serves as a direct and stinging accusation. Peter confronts his audience with the stark reality of their actions: they, by their choice and complicity, were responsible for the death of Jesus. The title "Prince of life" highlights the profound irony and blasphemy of their act—they murdered the very source and giver of life, demonstrating the ultimate rebellion against God's design.
* **"whom God hath raised from the dead":** This phrase immediately introduces the divine reversal. Despite humanity's heinous act, God intervened with overwhelming power. The resurrection is presented as God's definitive vindication of Jesus, overturning the verdict of human courts and demonstrating His supreme authority over death. This act transforms a human tragedy into a divine triumph, central to God's redemptive plan.
* **"whereof we are witnesses":** This final clause establishes the credibility and authority of the apostolic message. Peter asserts that he and the other apostles are not merely proclaiming a theological concept or a historical rumor, but testifying to a verifiable event they personally witnessed. Their eyewitness accounts of the resurrected Christ form the bedrock of their preaching, validating their claims and inviting others to believe based on their authoritative testimony.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 3:15 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, starkly juxtaposing human sin with divine power: humanity "killed" the Prince of life, but God "raised" Him. This highlights the profound difference between human rebellion and divine sovereignty. There is also significant **Irony** in the title "Prince of life" being applied to one who was executed; the very source of life was put to death, only to demonstrate His power over death. This paradox underscores the unique nature of Jesus' identity and mission. Finally, the declaration "whereof we are witnesses" emphasizes **Eyewitness Testimony**, a crucial rhetorical and theological strategy in Acts. It lends credibility and authenticity to the apostles' message, grounding their preaching in verifiable historical events rather than mere philosophical or religious speculation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 3:15 is a theological powerhouse, asserting Jesus' divine authority over life and death, God's sovereign plan of redemption, and the foundational role of the resurrection in Christian faith. The title "Prince of life" resonates deeply with Old Testament themes of God as the giver of life [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19-20 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life"), now uniquely embodied in Jesus. The resurrection is presented not merely as a historical event, but as the ultimate demonstration of God's power and the validation of Jesus' messianic claims. This divine act transforms the human rejection of Jesus into the means of salvation, revealing God's ability to bring good out of evil. The apostles' witness is a continuation of God's revelation, inviting humanity to turn from their rejection to receive the life offered through Christ.

* [John 1:4](/john/1-4 "In Him was life")
* [Romans 4:24-25](/romans/4-24-25 "Raised for Our Justification")
* [1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "Christ the Firstfruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 3:15 serves as a profound mirror, reflecting both humanity's capacity for profound sin and God's boundless grace. It challenges us to confront our own "killing" of the Prince of life—whether through active rejection, passive indifference, or prioritizing other things above Him. Just as the crowd in Jerusalem was confronted with their complicity, we are called to examine where we have denied or neglected the life that Jesus offers. Yet, the verse also offers immense hope: the same God who raised Jesus from the dead is able to bring spiritual life to those who are spiritually dead. It reminds us that our faith is not based on a myth or a philosophy, but on the verifiable historical event of the resurrection, attested by eyewitnesses. This truth empowers us to be witnesses ourselves, sharing the life-giving message of the resurrected Christ with a world desperately in need of true life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like the crowd, be "killing" or denying the "Prince of life" in my own daily choices and priorities?**
* **How does the reality of Jesus' resurrection impact my understanding of His authority and my hope for the future?**
* **In what practical ways can I be a more faithful "witness" to the resurrected Christ in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jesus called the "Prince of life" and what does it mean for us?**

Answer: The title "Prince of life" (Greek: `archēgós tēs zōḗs`) signifies that Jesus is not merely a leader or a ruler, but the ultimate "Author," "Originator," or "Source" of life itself. This encompasses both physical life and, more importantly, spiritual and eternal life. For us, this means that true, abundant life, forgiveness of sins, and hope beyond death are found exclusively in Him. He is the one who blazes the trail to life, and by His resurrection, He demonstrated His power to give life even after death. Accepting Him as the "Prince of life" means recognizing Him as the one through whom we receive spiritual rebirth and eternal existence [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life"), [Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ Our Life").

**What is the significance of the apostles declaring themselves "witnesses" in this context?**

Answer: The declaration "whereof we are witnesses" is profoundly significant because it grounds the apostles' message in verifiable, personal experience. In the ancient world, eyewitness testimony was crucial for establishing truth. The apostles were not speaking from speculation or hearsay; they had personally seen, touched, and interacted with the resurrected Jesus [1 John 1:1-3](/1_john/1-1-3 "1 John 1:1-3 - That Which We Have Heard and Seen"). This gave their preaching immense authority and credibility, distinguishing it from mere philosophical discourse. Their witness was the foundation upon which the early church was built, fulfilling Jesus' command to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Jesus' Commission to Witnesses").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 3:15 powerfully encapsulates the heart of the gospel, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is revealed as the true "Prince of life," the very embodiment and source of God's life-giving power, a concept deeply rooted in the Old Testament's portrayal of Yahweh as the giver of breath and being. Humanity's rejection and execution of this "Prince of life" is the ultimate act of rebellion, yet it paradoxically becomes the means through which God's redemptive plan is accomplished. The resurrection, explicitly stated as God's act, is the triumphant vindication of Jesus and the cornerstone of our hope. It demonstrates that death has no ultimate claim over Him, and by extension, over those who believe in Him. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus became the "firstfruits of those who are asleep" [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits"), inaugurating a new creation and offering new life to all who repent and believe. The apostles, as "witnesses" to this profound event, become the conduit through which this life-transforming truth is proclaimed, inviting all people to receive the eternal life that flows from the resurrected Christ, the true "Author and Finisher of our faith" [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Unto Jesus").

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

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.