Acts 4:9

KJV

If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1487} we {G2249} this day {G4594} be examined {G350} of {G1909} the good deed done {G2108} to the impotent {G772} man {G444}, by {G1722} what means {G5101} he {G3778} is made whole {G4982};

Complete Jewish Bible

If we are being examined today about a good deed done for a disabled person, if you want to know how he was restored to health,

Berean Standard Bible

If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed,

American Standard Version

if we this day are examined concerning a good deed done to an impotent man, by what means this man is made whole;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:9 captures Peter's bold and Spirit-empowered declaration before the Jewish Sanhedrin. Rather than being intimidated by their interrogation concerning the healing of a man lame from birth, Peter seizes the moment to pivot their inquiry about a "good deed" into an undeniable testimony to the power and authority of Jesus Christ, asserting that the miraculous healing was the direct result of divine intervention through the name of the resurrected Nazarene.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of the early church's confrontation with religious authority. It immediately follows the dramatic healing of a man lame from birth at the Temple's Beautiful Gate, recounted in detail in [Acts 3](/acts/3 "Acts 3 - The Healing of the Lame Man and Peter's Sermon"). This public miracle, coupled with Peter's subsequent sermon proclaiming Jesus' resurrection and calling for repentance, led to the arrest of Peter and John by the Temple authorities (the captain of the Temple guard, the priests, and the Sadducees) as described in [Acts 4:1-3](/acts/4-1-3 "Acts 4:1-3 - Arrest of Peter and John"). The Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and religious council, then convenes to interrogate the apostles, demanding to know "By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?" ([Acts 4:7](/acts/4-7 "Acts 4:7 - The Sanhedrin's Question")). Peter's response, beginning in [Acts 4:8](/acts/4-8 "Acts 4:8 - Peter Filled with the Holy Spirit") and culminating in the powerful declaration of [Acts 4:9-12](/acts/4-9-12 "Acts 4:9-12 - Peter's Bold Declaration"), directly addresses this challenge, turning their legalistic questioning into an opportunity for gospel proclamation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sanhedrin was the highest Jewish court, composed of 71 members, including chief priests, elders, and scribes. They held significant religious and civil authority under Roman rule, especially concerning matters of Jewish law and tradition. Their primary concern was maintaining order and preventing any movement that might provoke Roman intervention or disrupt their established power structure. The apostles' preaching of Jesus' resurrection, particularly after He had been crucified as a criminal, was seen as a direct challenge to the Sanhedrin's previous judgment and authority. Furthermore, the Sadducees, who formed a significant part of the Sanhedrin, vehemently denied the resurrection ([Acts 23:8](/acts/23-8 "Acts 23:8 - Sadducees Deny Resurrection")), making the apostles' message particularly offensive to them. The public healing of a well-known lame man, a "good deed" that could not be denied, put the Sanhedrin in a difficult position, forcing them to acknowledge the miracle while simultaneously attempting to suppress its theological implications.
* **Key Themes:** [Acts 4:9](/acts/4-9 "Acts 4:9 - Peter's Defense") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Apostolic Boldness and Divine Empowerment**. Peter, who had previously denied Jesus during His trial, now stands fearlessly before the very council that condemned Christ, a transformation explicitly attributed to being "filled with the Holy Ghost" ([Acts 4:8](/acts/4-8 "Acts 4:8 - Peter Filled with the Holy Spirit")). This courage underscores the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, enabling the early church to boldly proclaim the gospel despite severe threats and opposition. Secondly, the verse highlights **The Power of Jesus' Name**. Peter frames the healing as undeniable evidence of the authority vested in the name of Jesus, preparing to declare in the subsequent verses that the lame man was made whole "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth" ([Acts 4:10](/acts/4-10 "Acts 4:10 - Healing by Jesus' Name")). This emphasizes that the miracle was not by human ability but by divine power working through Christ. Lastly, it exemplifies **Miracles as Validation of the Gospel**. The "impotent man" standing whole before them was a living, irrefutable testimony that validated their claim about the resurrected Jesus and the power of His name, making their preaching credible and impossible for the Sanhedrin to deny ([Acts 4:16](/acts/4-16 "Acts 4:16 - The Undeniable Miracle")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **examined (Greek, _anakrínō'_):** From G350, meaning "to scrutinize, i.e. (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine." This word highlights the legalistic and investigative nature of the Sanhedrin's questioning. They were conducting an official inquiry, seeking to determine the source of the apostles' power and authority, likely with the intent to find grounds for condemnation or suppression. Peter's use of this term acknowledges the formal setting but immediately shifts the focus to the undeniable evidence of the "good deed."
* **good deed done (Greek, _euergesía'_):** From G2108, denoting "beneficence" or a "good deed." This term refers specifically to the miraculous healing of the lame man. Peter's choice of this phrase is strategic; it frames the miracle not as a subversive act, but as an undeniable act of benevolence, making it difficult for the Sanhedrin to condemn. It underscores the positive and undeniable impact of the apostles' actions, setting the stage for Peter's declaration of its divine source.
* **made whole (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** From G4982, meaning "to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively):--heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole." While in this context it primarily refers to the physical restoration of the lame man, the broader semantic range of _sōzō_ is significant. It subtly hints at the comprehensive salvation offered through Christ, which encompasses not only physical healing but also spiritual deliverance and ultimate wholeness. Peter will soon elaborate on this deeper meaning, connecting the physical healing to the spiritual salvation available only through Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If we this day be examined":** Peter directly addresses the Sanhedrin's interrogation, acknowledging their authority to question him. The "if" (Greek, _ei_, G1487) here functions as a polite but firm acknowledgment of the premise of their inquiry, setting up his immediate counter-argument. The phrase "this day" emphasizes the immediacy and public nature of the confrontation, highlighting the apostles' willingness to stand before the highest Jewish court.
* **"of the good deed done to the impotent man":** Peter immediately identifies the subject of their examination: not a crime, but a demonstrable act of compassion and power—the healing of the man "impotent" (Greek, _asthenḗs_, G772, meaning "strengthless" or "weak"). By calling it a "good deed" (_euergesía_), Peter subtly shifts the moral ground, implying that such an act should be commended, not condemned. This forces the Sanhedrin to confront the undeniable positive outcome of the apostles' actions.
* **"by what means he is made whole;":** This clause directly echoes the Sanhedrin's question from [Acts 4:7](/acts/4-7 "Acts 4:7 - The Sanhedrin's Question"), "By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?" Peter reiterates their precise inquiry, indicating his readiness to provide a clear and unequivocal answer. The term "made whole" (_sṓzō_) here emphasizes the complete restoration of the man, underscoring the miraculous nature of the event and setting the stage for Peter to reveal the divine "means" behind it.

#### Literary Devices
Peter's address in [Acts 4:9](/acts/4-9 "Acts 4:9 - Peter's Defense") employs several potent literary devices. The entire statement functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, although phrased as a conditional statement, it sets up Peter's definitive answer in the subsequent verses. He is not genuinely asking for clarification but is acknowledging the Sanhedrin's question in order to deliver his prepared, Spirit-inspired response. There is also a strong element of **Irony** in the Sanhedrin's position: they are examining Peter for a "good deed," an act of undeniable beneficence, rather than a transgression. This highlights the blindness of religious authority to true divine power when it operates outside their preconceived notions. Furthermore, the "good deed" itself serves as **Symbolism**, representing the tangible evidence of God's power and the authenticity of the apostles' message. The healed man is a living, breathing testament to the power of Jesus, making the Sanhedrin's attempts to suppress the truth futile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 4:9 serves as a powerful theological pivot, demonstrating that divine power, when manifested through human instruments, often elicits scrutiny and opposition from established religious and political systems. Peter's response highlights the core Christian conviction that true authority and power reside not in human institutions or traditions, but solely in the name and person of Jesus Christ. The "good deed" of healing becomes a tangible sign, not merely of physical restoration, but of the comprehensive salvation and wholeness that God offers through His Son. This confrontation underscores the inherent tension between the kingdom of God and worldly powers, where the miraculous work of God often exposes the spiritual bankruptcy and fear of those who reject His truth. It also foreshadows the ongoing pattern in Acts where persecution serves to further the gospel rather than hinder it.

* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "The Exaltation of Christ")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Promise of the Holy Spirit and Witness")
* [John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "The Purpose of Signs and Belief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's bold stance in [Acts 4:9](/acts/4-9 "Acts 4:9 - Peter's Defense") offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world often skeptical or hostile to the gospel. It challenges us to consider the source of our own confidence in sharing our faith. Like Peter, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, our boldness is not born of personal courage or eloquence, but from the empowering presence of God within us. This verse reminds us that sometimes, the most effective way to address skepticism or opposition is not through elaborate arguments alone, but by pointing to the tangible "good deeds" that God is doing through His people—acts of love, compassion, and transformation that bear witness to His reality. It calls us to be ready to articulate the "means" by which such good occurs, always attributing glory and power to Jesus Christ, the true source of all healing and wholeness, both physical and spiritual. Our lives, marked by God's transformative power, can become undeniable testimonies that compel others to consider the claims of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to exercise more boldness in proclaiming Christ, even when facing opposition or scrutiny?**
* **How can your "good deeds" or acts of service serve as a bridge to share the gospel with others, much like the healing of the lame man did for Peter?**
* **When God works through you, are you quick to attribute the glory to Him, or do you subtly take credit for the "means" of the blessing?**
* **What does Peter's transformation from denying Jesus to boldly proclaiming Him teach you about the power of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life?**

### FAQ

**Why was Peter so bold in addressing the Sanhedrin, especially given his previous denial of Jesus?**

Answer: Peter's remarkable transformation from a fearful denier of Christ to a bold proclaimer before the highest Jewish court is explicitly attributed to being "filled with the Holy Ghost" ([Acts 4:8](/acts/4-8 "Acts 4:8 - Peter Filled with the Holy Spirit")). This event occurred after Pentecost ([Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost")), where the apostles received the promised Holy Spirit, empowering them for witness. This divine empowerment overcame his natural fear and human weakness, enabling him to speak with supernatural courage and conviction, even in the face of severe threats and potential punishment from the very authorities who had condemned Jesus.

**What was the significance of calling the healing a "good deed done"?**

Answer: By referring to the healing of the lame man as a "good deed done" (Greek, _euergesía_), Peter strategically framed the miracle in a way that was difficult for the Sanhedrin to condemn. It was an act of undeniable benevolence and compassion, publicly witnessed and universally acknowledged as positive. This phrasing shifted the moral high ground, compelling the Sanhedrin to respond to an act of goodness rather than a perceived transgression. It highlighted the positive impact of Jesus' power and set the stage for Peter to declare the true source of this beneficence, making the miracle an irrefutable sign that validated their message.

**What does "made whole" imply beyond physical healing in this context?**

Answer: While "made whole" (Greek, _sṓzō_) primarily refers to the physical restoration of the lame man in [Acts 4:9](/acts/4-9 "Acts 4:9 - Peter's Defense"), the broader theological meaning of _sōzō_ in the New Testament encompasses comprehensive salvation. This includes not only physical healing but also spiritual deliverance, preservation, and ultimate wholeness in Christ. Peter's use of this term subtly foreshadows his declaration in [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name") that "there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Thus, the physical healing serves as a tangible sign pointing to the greater spiritual wholeness and salvation available through faith in Jesus Christ, demonstrating His power over both physical infirmity and spiritual brokenness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 4:9, while detailing a specific historical event, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Peter's defense, centered on the "good deed done" and the "means" by which the man was "made whole," points directly to Christ as the source of all true healing and wholeness. Jesus is the ultimate Healer, not only of physical ailments, as demonstrated throughout His earthly ministry ([Matthew 8:16-17](/matthew/8-16-17 "Matthew 8:16-17 - Jesus Heals Many")), but supremely of the spiritual brokenness caused by sin. The lame man's physical restoration foreshadows the spiritual restoration and reconciliation offered through Christ's atoning work on the cross. It is "by His stripes we are healed" ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed"), echoed in [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Were Healed")), referring to the complete spiritual and physical redemption secured through His suffering. Furthermore, Peter's bold declaration of Jesus' name as the "means" of healing underscores Christ's absolute authority, for "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Thus, the "good deed" in Acts 4:9 is a microcosm of Christ's greater work of making all things new, bringing wholeness and salvation to a broken world through His redemptive power and sovereign reign ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ's Fullness and Reconciliation")).

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

1 Peter 3:15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

1 Peter 3:17

For [it is] better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

Acts 3:7

And he took him by the right hand, and lifted [him] up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

John 10:32

Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

John 7:23

If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?

1 Peter 4:14

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.