King James Version
What Does Acts 4:7 Mean?
“And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?”
Context
5
And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,
6
And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
7
And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
8
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
9
If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) **And when they had set them in the midst.**—The Sanhedrin sat in a semi-circle, the president being in the middle of the arc, the accused standing in the centre.
**They asked.**—Literally, *were asking.* They put the question repeatedly, in many varying forms.
**By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?**—Literally, *By what kind of power, or what kind of name?* apparently in a tone of contempt. They admit the fact that the lame man had been made to walk, as too patent to be denied. (Comp. Acts 4:16.) The question implied a suspicion that it was the effect of magic, or, as in the case of our Lord’s casting out devils, by the power of Beelzebub (Luke 11:15; John 8:48). There is a touch of scorn in the way in which they speak of the thing itself. They will not as yet call it a “sign,” or “wonder,” but “have ye done *this?*”
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 4:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Acts 4:7
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge