Acts 4:9

In Acts 4:9, we find Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly addressing the powerful Jewish Sanhedrin. This verse encapsulates his direct challenge to their questioning, turning their interrogation about a miraculous healing into an opportunity to proclaim the true source of that power.

Context

This verse is part of Peter’s pivotal defense before the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious and judicial council. Following the dramatic healing of a man lame from birth at the Temple’s Beautiful Gate (recounted in Acts chapter 3), Peter and John were arrested for preaching the resurrection of Jesus and performing this public miracle. The authorities, perplexed and threatened by the apostles' actions, demanded to know "By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?" (Acts 4:7). Peter's response in Acts 4:9 and subsequent verses directly answers this query, asserting the divine origin of their actions.

Key Themes

• Apostolic Boldness and Divine Empowerment: Peter, who had previously denied Jesus, now stands fearlessly before the very council that condemned Christ. This remarkable transformation is explicitly attributed to being "filled with the Holy Ghost" (Acts 4:8). His courage demonstrates the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in the early church, enabling them to boldly proclaim the gospel despite threats.
• The Power of Jesus' Name: Peter frames the "good deed" (the healing) as undeniable evidence of the authority vested in the name of Jesus. He is preparing to declare in the following verses that the lame man was made whole "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth" (Acts 4:10). This highlights that the miracle was not by human ability but by divine power working through Christ.
• Miracles as Validation of the Gospel: The healing served as irrefutable proof of God's active presence and endorsement of the apostles' message. The "impotent man" standing whole before them was a living testimony that validated their claim about the resurrected Jesus and the power of His name, making their preaching credible.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "impotent man" (Greek: χωλός - cholos) accurately translates to "lame" or "crippled," emphasizing his complete and lifelong physical disability. The phrase "made whole" (Greek: σέσωσται - sesōstai) comes from the verb σῴζω (sōzō), which can mean "to save," "to heal," or "to make whole." While here it refers to physical restoration, the broader theological implication of sōzō often encompasses spiritual salvation, subtly connecting physical healing to the ultimate spiritual wholeness found in Christ.

Practical Application

Acts 4:9 offers profound lessons for believers today. It encourages us to:

• Speak with Conviction: Like Peter, we are called to speak boldly about the transforming work of Jesus Christ, even when facing skepticism or opposition. Our confidence rests not in our own eloquence, but in the power of the message itself and the Holy Spirit who empowers us.
• Let Deeds Precede Words: The "good deed" of healing provided a tangible demonstration of God's love and power, opening a door for Peter to articulate the gospel. Our acts of service and compassion can likewise create opportunities to share our faith and point others to Christ.
• Attribute Glory to God: Peter immediately points to Jesus as the source of the miracle, not himself. This reminds us to always give glory to God for any good accomplished through us. The focus should always remain on Christ, who makes us whole, both physically and spiritually.