Acts 4:7

KJV

And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when they had set {G2476} them {G846} in {G1722} the midst {G3319}, they asked {G4441}, By {G1722} what {G4169} power {G1411}, or {G2228} by {G1722} what {G4169} name {G3686}, have {G4160} ye {G5210} done {G4160} this {G5124}?

Complete Jewish Bible

They had the emissaries stand before them and asked, “By what power or in what name did you do this?”

Berean Standard Bible

They had Peter and John brought in and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

American Standard Version

And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, By what power, or in what name, have ye done this?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:7 captures the pivotal moment when Peter and John, having just miraculously healed a lame man and preached the resurrection of Jesus, are brought before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish religious council. The powerful leaders demand to know the source of the apostles' authority and ability, specifically inquiring "By what power, or by what name," they performed such a deed. This question sets the stage for Peter's bold declaration of Jesus's resurrection and supreme authority, highlighting the clash between human religious institutions and the burgeoning power of the Holy Spirit in the early church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 4:7 is situated immediately after the arrest of Peter and John, which occurred as a direct consequence of the healing of a man lame from birth at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple and Peter's subsequent sermon. In [Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "Acts 3:1-10 - Healing of the Lame Man at the Temple Gate"), the miracle draws a large crowd, leading Peter to preach a powerful message in [Acts 3:11-26](/acts/3-11-26 "Acts 3:11-26 - Peter's Sermon in Solomon's Portico"), attributing the healing to Jesus Christ and calling for repentance. The Sadducees, who did not believe in resurrection, and the temple guard, concerned about public unrest and the apostles' teaching about Jesus's resurrection, arrested Peter and John, bringing them before the Sanhedrin. This verse, therefore, marks the beginning of the official interrogation and the first direct confrontation between the early Christian movement and the established Jewish religious authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sanhedrin was the supreme Jewish judicial and ecclesiastical council, comprising seventy-one members, including chief priests, elders, and scribes. At this time, it was presided over by the High Priest, Annas, and his son-in-law, Caiaphas, both of whom had played a role in Jesus's trial and crucifixion. The council held significant religious and civil authority under Roman oversight, particularly concerning matters of Jewish law and public order. Performing public miracles or teaching without their authorization was seen as a challenge to their divinely appointed authority and a potential source of sedition. The question "By what power, or by what name" was not merely an inquiry but an accusation, designed to expose Peter and John as operating outside legitimate authority, potentially by demonic power or in the name of a false prophet.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes that run throughout the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the **question of authority**, contrasting the human, institutional authority of the Sanhedrin with the divine authority by which the apostles acted. The Sanhedrin's inquiry is a direct challenge to the source of Peter and John's power. Secondly, it underscores the **power and authority of the name of Jesus**. Though not explicitly mentioned in the question, the very nature of their inquiry anticipates Peter's bold declaration in [Acts 4:10](/acts/4-10 "Acts 4:10 - Peter's Declaration of Jesus' Name"), where he explicitly states that the healing occurred "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth." This emphasizes that the apostles' ministry was not by their own strength but by the enablement of the resurrected Lord. Finally, the verse marks the beginning of **confrontation and persecution** for the early church, a recurring theme in Acts as the gospel spreads and encounters opposition from both Jewish and Roman authorities, as seen later in [Acts 5:17-42](/acts/5-17-42 "Acts 5:17-42 - Continued Persecution and Apostolic Courage").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** From G1411, this term refers to inherent ability, strength, or miraculous power. It signifies a supernatural force, often associated with God's activity. The Sanhedrin recognized that an extraordinary event had taken place, and they sought to understand the source of this "force" or "ability" that enabled the healing. It implies a recognition of something beyond mere human capability.
* **by (Greek, _en'_):** From G1722, this preposition denotes "in," "at," or "by," indicating instrumentality or the sphere of operation. When combined with "power" and "name," it asks about the means or agency through which the apostles acted. It probes the ultimate source or authority that empowered their actions, implying a direct connection to that source.
* **name (Greek, _ónoma'_):** From G3686, in ancient Near Eastern thought, a "name" represented the entire character, authority, reputation, and essence of a person. To act "by a name" meant to act by the authority and in the very character of the one whose name was invoked. The council was not merely asking for a label but for the ultimate source of endorsement and authorization behind Peter and John's actions, recognizing that a name carried inherent power and identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they had set them in the midst":** This phrase describes the physical arrangement for the interrogation. Peter and John were placed centrally before the Sanhedrin, emphasizing their vulnerability and the council's authority. The setting highlights the formal, judicial nature of the proceedings, designed to intimidate and control.
* **"they asked":** This indicates the direct initiation of the interrogation by the Sanhedrin. The verb implies an inquiry to ascertain information, but in this context, it carries the weight of a demand for justification, challenging the apostles' actions.
* **"By what power":** This part of the question directly probes the source of the miraculous ability displayed in the healing. The council acknowledged that an extraordinary "power" (dýnamis) was at work and sought to identify its origin, suspecting it might be unauthorized or even malevolent.
* **"or by what name":** This second part of the question focuses on the authority by which the apostles acted. In the ancient world, invoking a "name" was to invoke the authority, character, and very essence of that person. The Sanhedrin wanted to know whose authority Peter and John were operating under, as they did not recognize the authority of the crucified Jesus. This question anticipates Peter's answer, which will reveal the supreme authority of Jesus's name.
* **"have ye done this?":** This refers to the specific act of healing the lame man and, by extension, the public teaching that accompanied it. The council's concern was not just the miracle itself but the public display of power and the message that challenged their established religious order.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 4:7 prominently employs **Interrogation**, as the Sanhedrin poses a direct question to Peter and John, serving as the central dramatic device to propel the narrative forward and set the stage for Peter's defense. The question itself functions as a form of **Antithesis**, implicitly contrasting the Sanhedrin's perceived human authority with the divine authority that Peter and John will soon declare. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, as the specific inquiry "By what power, or by what name" directly anticipates Peter's powerful and explicit answer in [Acts 4:10](/acts/4-10 "Acts 4:10 - Peter's Bold Declaration"), where he attributes the miracle solely to the name of Jesus Christ. This rhetorical setup highlights the central conflict between human institutions and divine empowerment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 4:7 serves as a foundational text for understanding the nature of spiritual authority and the inevitable clash between divine power and human opposition. The Sanhedrin's question, "By what power, or by what name," encapsulates the central theological tension: do Peter and John operate by human permission and earthly power, or by a transcendent, divine authority? The immediate context and subsequent events reveal that their authority derived solely from the resurrected Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This highlights that true spiritual efficacy in the kingdom of God flows from a direct relationship with and commission from Christ, rather than from human institutions or credentials. It underscores that the church's mission and power are not of this world, but from above, often leading to conflict with worldly systems that do not recognize Christ's supreme authority.

* [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Name Above All Names")
* [Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Doing All in the Name of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 4:7 resonates deeply with believers today, reminding us that living out our faith and proclaiming the gospel often invites scrutiny and opposition from a world that does not understand or acknowledge divine power. Just as Peter and John were challenged to account for their actions, we too may be called upon to articulate the source of our hope, our values, and our actions. This verse encourages us to be prepared to give a reasoned and Spirit-filled defense for the faith that is within us, always pointing to Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of our "power" and "name." It challenges us to examine whether our lives are truly lived "by what power, or by what name" – are we relying on human strength, wisdom, or approval, or are we genuinely operating under the authority and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus? Our boldness in the face of questioning is a testament to the living Christ within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you feel challenged to explain the source of your actions or beliefs?**
* **How does the question "By what power, or by what name?" prompt you to consider the true authority behind your own Christian walk?**
* **What steps can you take to be better prepared to articulate the "power" and "name" by which you live as a follower of Christ?**
* **How might relying on Christ's power and name enable you to face opposition with greater courage and conviction?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Sanhedrin ask "By what power, or by what name?"**

Answer: The Sanhedrin asked this question because they were the supreme religious and judicial authority in Judea, and Peter and John had performed a public miracle and taught about Jesus's resurrection without their authorization. Their question was a challenge to the apostles' authority, seeking to determine if they were operating under a legitimate, recognized power (like God's through the Sanhedrin) or an unauthorized, potentially dangerous one (like a false prophet or demonic influence). In the ancient world, a "name" represented one's authority and essence, so asking "by what name" was asking by whose authority or character they acted. They were trying to establish a basis for condemning Peter and John, as they had previously condemned Jesus for similar claims of divine authority.

**What is the significance of "power" (dýnamis) and "name" (ónoma) in this context?**

Answer: The terms "power" (Greek, _dýnamis'_) and "name" (Greek, _ónoma'_) are highly significant. _Dýnamis_ refers to inherent ability or miraculous force, indicating that the Sanhedrin recognized something extraordinary had occurred. They wanted to know the source of this supernatural enablement. _Ónoma_, or "name," in ancient thought, encompassed a person's entire character, reputation, and authority. To act "by a name" meant to act with the full backing and authority of that person. Thus, the Sanhedrin was not just asking for a label but for the ultimate source of authority and endorsement behind Peter and John's actions. This sets the stage for Peter's declaration that the healing was done by the [name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth](/acts/4-10 "Acts 4:10 - The Name of Jesus Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 4:7, though a question posed by human authorities, profoundly foreshadows and affirms the Christ-centered nature of the early church's mission and power. The Sanhedrin's inquiry, "By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?", implicitly demands to know the ultimate authority behind the apostles' miraculous works. The answer, which Peter immediately provides in [Acts 4:10](/acts/4-10 "Acts 4:10 - Peter's Bold Declaration"), is unequivocally Jesus Christ. This moment reveals that all true power and authority in the new covenant era flow from the resurrected Messiah. Jesus, having been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")), now exercises that authority through His Spirit and His disciples. The "name" by which they act is not merely a label, but the very essence and character of the exalted Lord, the one "God highly exalted and gave him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - God Exalts Jesus")). Thus, Acts 4:7, through its very interrogation, points directly to Christ as the sole source of divine power, the ultimate authority, and the central figure through whom God's redemptive purposes are accomplished in the world. The apostles' ministry is a direct extension of Christ's ongoing work, demonstrating His continued presence and power through His Spirit, fulfilling His promise to be with His followers always ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Promise of Presence")).

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

Matthew 21:23

¶ And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

Mark 11:28

And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?

Acts 5:40

And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten [them], they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

John 2:18

Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

Acts 5:27

And when they had brought them, they set [them] before the council: and the high priest asked them,

Acts 5:28

Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

Exodus 2:14

And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.