King James Version
What Does Acts 4:9 Mean?
“If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;”
Context
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;
10
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(9) **If we this day be examined.**—The word is employed in its technical sense of a judicial inter rogation, as in Luke 23:14. It is used by St. Luke and St. Paul (Acts 12:19; Acts 24:8; 1Corinthians 2:14-15; 1Corinthians 4:3-4), and by them only, in the New Testament.
**Of the good deed.**—Strictly, *the act of beneficence.* There is a manifest emphasis on the word as contrasted with the contemptuous “this thing” of the question. It meets us again in 1Timothy 6:2.
**By what means he is made whole.**—Better, *this man.* The pronoun assumes the presence of the man who had been made able to walk. (Comp. John 9:15.) The verb, as in our Lord’s words, “Thy faith hath made thee whole” (Mark 10:52; Luke 7:50), has a pregnant, underlying meaning, suggesting the thought of a spiritual as well as bodily restoration.
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 4:9 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 4:9
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge