King James Version

What Does Acts 4:30 Mean?

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

Context

For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

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

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **By stretching forth thine hand to heal.**—There seems something like an intentional assonance in the Greek words which St. Luke uses—*iāsis* (healing) and *Jesus* (pronounced *Iesus*)—as though he would indicate that the very name of Jesus witnessed to His being the great Healer. A like instance of the *nomen et omen* idea is found in the identification by Tertullian (*Apol.* c. 3) of *Christos* and *Chrestos* (good, or gracious), of which we have, perhaps, a foreshadowing in 1Peter 2:3. (Comp. also Acts 9:34.) **Thy holy child Jesus.**—Better, as before, *Servant.* (See Note on Acts 3:13.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 4:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.