Acts 4:30

KJV

By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

KJV (with Strong's)

By {G1722}{G4571} stretching forth {G1614} thine {G4675} hand {G5495} to {G1519} heal {G2392}; and {G2532} that signs {G4592} and {G2532} wonders {G5059} may be done {G1096} by {G1223} the name {G3686} of thy {G4675} holy {G40} child {G3816} Jesus {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Stretch out your hand to heal and to do signs and miracles through the name of your holy servant Yeshua!”

Berean Standard Bible

as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”

American Standard Version

while thou stretchest forth thy hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy Servant Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:30 encapsulates the early church's fervent prayer for divine empowerment and validation in the face of persecution. Following the release of Peter and John from the Sanhedrin, the gathered believers appeal to God to continue manifesting His power through healing, signs, and wonders, all performed through the authoritative name of Jesus. This petition underscores their profound reliance on God's active presence to authenticate their proclamation of the Gospel and to sustain their mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a powerful corporate prayer offered by the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem, recorded in [Acts 4](/acts/4 "Acts 4 - The Early Church's Prayer"). Immediately preceding this prayer, Peter and John, having been arrested and threatened by the Sanhedrin for preaching the resurrection of Jesus and healing a lame man, return to their fellow believers. Their report of the Sanhedrin's threats (as detailed in [Acts 4:21-22](/acts/4-21-22 "Acts 4:21-22 - Peter and John Released")) prompts the entire assembly to lift their voices in unified prayer. The prayer begins with an affirmation of God's sovereign power as Creator and Controller of history, even over the opposition they faced, drawing upon [Psalm 2](/psalms/2 "Psalm 2 - The Reign of the Lord's Anointed") as a prophetic blueprint for the rejection of God's Anointed One ([Acts 4:24-28](/acts/4-24-28 "Acts 4:24-28 - God's Sovereignty Acknowledged")). From this foundation of divine sovereignty, their prayer transitions into a petition for continued boldness in proclamation and for God's active confirmation of their message through miraculous deeds, culminating in the specific requests found in [Acts 4:29-30](/acts/4-29-30 "Acts 4:29-30 - Prayer for Boldness and Power").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church in Jerusalem operated within a predominantly Jewish society under Roman occupation. The Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and religious council, held significant authority, particularly in matters of Jewish law and tradition. Their opposition to the apostles stemmed from the apostles' proclamation of Jesus' resurrection, which challenged the Sanhedrin's authority and theological convictions, especially regarding the Messiah and the afterlife. Healing miracles, signs, and wonders were deeply ingrained in the Jewish understanding of divine intervention, often accompanying prophetic movements and authenticating God's messengers. The Temple, where the initial healing of the lame man occurred ([Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "Acts 3:1-10 - Healing of the Lame Man")), was the central place of worship and public life, making such public displays of power highly significant and visible. The believers, facing threats and potential persecution, understood that their continued ministry and the spread of the Gospel depended not on human might or persuasion, but on the demonstrable power of God, which would validate their message to a skeptical and often hostile audience.
* **Key Themes:** [Acts 4:30](/acts/4-30 "Acts 4:30 - Prayer for Signs and Wonders") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Empowerment for Witness**. The apostles and the early church recognized that their ability to preach with boldness and to see lives transformed was not a result of their own strength but a direct outpouring of the Holy Spirit and God's active hand. This is a recurring motif, from the Spirit's descent at Pentecost in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost") to Peter's Spirit-filled sermon in [Acts 4:8](/acts/4-8 "Acts 4:8 - Peter Filled with the Holy Spirit"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Validation of the Gospel through Miracles**. "Signs and wonders" served as undeniable evidence of God's presence and approval of the apostles' message about Jesus. These supernatural acts were not merely displays of power but served a revelatory purpose, pointing people to the truth of Christ and prompting many to believe, as seen in [Acts 2:43](/acts/2-43 "Acts 2:43 - Many Wonders and Signs") and [Acts 5:12](/acts/5-12 "Acts 5:12 - Apostles Perform Many Signs and Wonders"). Finally, it underscores the **Centrality and Authority of Jesus' Name**. All power and healing are explicitly sought "by the name of thy holy child Jesus." This reinforces the foundational truth that salvation and divine power flow exclusively through Christ, a theme powerfully articulated by Peter in [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stretching forth (Greek, _ekteínō'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to extend," signifies a deliberate and active reaching out. In this context, it vividly portrays God's personal and direct involvement in performing the acts of healing. It's not a passive permission but an active, intentional extension of divine power, emphasizing God's immediate agency in the miraculous.
* **child (Greek, _paîs'_):** While "child" is a valid translation, _paîs_ carries a broader semantic range, encompassing "servant" or "son." In Acts, particularly, when referring to Jesus (as in [Acts 3:13](/acts/3-13 "Acts 3:13 - God Glorified His Servant Jesus") and [Acts 3:26](/acts/3-26 "Acts 3:26 - God Sent His Servant to You")), it often evokes the imagery of the Suffering Servant from Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")), highlighting Jesus' obedient and redemptive mission. Here, it beautifully captures both Jesus' unique filial relationship with God and His role as the chosen, obedient Servant through whom God's purposes are fulfilled.
* **done (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb means "to come into being," "to become," or "to happen." It denotes the active manifestation and realization of the signs and wonders. It implies that these miraculous events are not merely wished for but are actively brought into existence by divine power, making them tangible and observable realities that confirm God's presence and the truth of the Gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By stretching forth thine hand to heal;":** This clause expresses the primary petition for God's active intervention in the realm of physical restoration. The imagery of God "stretching forth His hand" is a powerful anthropomorphism, signifying His direct, personal, and powerful agency. It recalls Old Testament instances where God's "hand" was associated with mighty acts of deliverance, judgment, and creation (e.g., [Exodus 3:20](/exodus/3-20 "Exodus 3:20 - God's Mighty Hand")). The purpose of this divine action is explicitly "to heal," indicating a desire for the restoration of health and wholeness, both physically and perhaps spiritually, as a tangible demonstration of God's compassion and power.
* **"and that signs and wonders may be done":** This phrase expands the scope of the requested divine activity beyond mere healing to a broader category of supernatural occurrences. "Signs" (Greek: _sēmeia_) are miracles that serve as indicators, pointing to a deeper spiritual reality or divine truth, validating God's message and messenger. "Wonders" (Greek: _térata_) are phenomena that evoke awe, amazement, or even fear, often causing observers to marvel at the extraordinary display of power. The pairing "signs and wonders" is a common biblical idiom (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:22](/deuteronomy/6-22 "Deuteronomy 6:22 - Signs and Wonders in Egypt"), [Acts 2:19](/acts/2-19 "Acts 2:19 - Wonders in the Heavens")) that emphasizes the dual nature of miracles: they are both revelatory (signs) and awe-inspiring (wonders). The request is that these be "done" (Greek: _gínomai_), meaning they would actively come into being, manifesting God's power in a visible and undeniable way.
* **"by the name of thy holy child Jesus.":** This final clause specifies the means and authority through which all the requested divine acts are to occur. The phrase "by the name" signifies not merely uttering a word, but invoking the very person, authority, and power that Jesus embodies. It underscores that the power originates from and operates through Jesus Christ, who is identified as God's "holy child." "Holy" (Greek: _hágios_) emphasizes His divine purity and consecration, while "child" (Greek: _paîs_), as discussed in Key Word Analysis, can also mean "servant" or "son," highlighting Jesus' unique relationship with God and His obedient role as the Messiah. This clause firmly roots all miraculous activity in the person and authority of Jesus, making Him the central conduit of God's power and purpose.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in "stretching forth thine hand," attributing a human physical action to God, making His active involvement more relatable and vivid. The phrase "signs and wonders" is a classic example of a **hendiadys**, where two words joined by "and" express a single, complex idea – in this case, miraculous events that both signify divine truth and evoke awe. This **idiom** is prevalent throughout the Old and New Testaments. Furthermore, the emphasis on "the name of thy holy child Jesus" functions as a powerful **metonymy**, where "name" stands in for the entire person, authority, and power of Jesus Christ. This device highlights that the miracles are not performed by human agency but by the inherent power and authority vested in Jesus Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 4:30 powerfully articulates the early church's understanding of God's active involvement in their mission and the indispensable role of Jesus' authority. It reveals a theology where divine power is not merely a historical memory but a present reality, actively confirming the truth of the Gospel. The church, facing external opposition, did not pray for the removal of persecution, but for greater spiritual enablement to fulfill their calling. This demonstrates a profound trust in God's sovereignty and a recognition that the effectiveness of their witness depended entirely on His supernatural intervention. The requested "signs and wonders" were not ends in themselves, but divinely orchestrated means to validate the message of salvation through Christ and to draw people to faith.

* [Mark 16:20](/mark/16-20 "Mark 16:20 - The Lord Worked With Them")
* [Hebrews 2:4](/hebrews/2-4 "Hebrews 2:4 - God Bearing Witness with Signs and Wonders")
* [John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works Than These")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 4:30 serves as a timeless paradigm for believers and the church today, particularly when facing challenges or seeking to advance God's kingdom. It teaches us to pray with bold expectation, recognizing that our ministry's true impact flows from God's power, not our own. When confronted with opposition or limitations, our first response should be to turn to God in prayer, asking Him to stretch forth His hand and confirm His word through His active presence. This verse reminds us that the effectiveness of our witness is intrinsically linked to our reliance on the authority of Jesus Christ. While the specific manifestations of "signs and wonders" may vary across contexts and dispensations, the underlying principle remains: God desires to work powerfully through His people to validate His truth and draw others to Himself. This might manifest as transformed lives, miraculous provisions, or undeniable answers to prayer, all serving as contemporary "signs" of His living presence. Our call is to faithfully proclaim the Gospel and then trust God to confirm it in ways that bring Him glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the early church's prayer for divine power in the face of opposition challenge my own approach to difficulties in ministry or life?**
* **In what ways do I currently rely on my own strength or intellect rather than praying for God to "stretch forth His hand" in my circumstances?**
* **How can I more intentionally invoke the "name of Jesus" as the source of authority and power in my prayers and daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why does the KJV say "thy holy child Jesus" instead of "thy holy servant Jesus" or "thy holy son Jesus"?**

Answer: The Greek word translated as "child" is _paîs_ (G3816). While "child" is a literal translation, _paîs_ has a broader semantic range that includes "servant," "boy," or "son." In the context of the book of Acts, particularly when referring to Jesus (as in [Acts 3:13](/acts/3-13 "Acts 3:13 - God Glorified His Servant Jesus") and [Acts 3:26](/acts/3-26 "Acts 3:26 - God Sent His Servant to You")), it often carries the connotation of "servant," specifically echoing the Suffering Servant passages in Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - My Servant, Whom I Uphold") and [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")). This highlights Jesus' obedient and redemptive role in God's plan. Many modern translations opt for "servant" or "son" to convey this richer theological meaning, acknowledging both His unique relationship to God as Son and His obedient role as the Messiah-Servant. The KJV's choice of "child" is grammatically permissible but might obscure some of the deeper theological nuances present in the original Greek.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 4:30, a prayer for God to act through Jesus, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the ongoing ministry of the ascended Lord. The early church understood that the power to heal, perform signs, and wonders was not an independent force but flowed directly from Jesus, who had been exalted to God's right hand ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Exaltation of Jesus")). Their prayer was for the continuation of Christ's earthly ministry, now performed through His Body, the church, by the power of the Holy Spirit whom He sent ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Helper Will Come")). Jesus Himself promised that His followers would do "greater works" because He was going to the Father ([John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works Than These")), implying a continued, expanded manifestation of divine power through His church. Thus, every healing, every sign, and every wonder performed "by the name of thy holy child Jesus" is a direct testament to His living presence, His active reign, and His ongoing redemptive work in the world. These acts serve as tangible demonstrations that the resurrected Christ is indeed Lord and Savior, validating the Gospel message and pointing all people to Him as the source of all life and power, fulfilling the prophetic words of [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Eyes of the Blind Opened").

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 4:27

For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

Acts 3:6

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Jeremiah 15:15

¶ O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.

Acts 3:16

And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Acts 5:15

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid [them] on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

Acts 5:16

There came also a multitude [out] of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Luke 9:54

And when his disciples James and John saw [this], they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?