Acts 4:7

Translations

Modern

They had Peter and John brought in and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

Traditional

And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

Literal

And having placed them in the midst, they began to inquire, “In what power or in what name did you do this?”

Latin

Et statuentes eos in medio, interrogabant: In qua virtute, aut in quo nomine fecistis hoc vos?

Original

Greek

English

They had Peter and John brought in and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

Notes

Acts 4:1–22

Throughout the Bible, God's people often experienced persecution. God's servants often encountered hostility and opposition (Deuteronomy 30:7; 1 Kings 18:13; Nehemiah 4:1–3; Jeremiah 37–38; Matthew 23:34–37; Luke 11:49–51; 1 Thessalonians 2:14–15). Jesus was also persecuted (Luke 4:29; John 5:16). He warned his disciples to expect similar treatment (Matthew 10:23; 24:9; Mark 13:9; Luke 21:12; John 16:2). However, he promised that the Holy Spirit would provide them with strength (Acts 1:8; Luke 12:11–12; 21:15).

The book of Acts records many examples of persecution (Acts 4:3; 5:17–41; 7:54–8:3; 9:1–2; 11:19; 12:2; 13:50; 14:19; 16:19–24). But it also emphasizes that the Holy Spirit empowers apostles to testify in such situations (4:8–13; 6:10; 7:55). The courage of Peter and John before the hostile Jewish high council shows how Christians should face persecution with courage and power (4:20).

Theme notes and profiles

Annas and Caiaphas John, Son of Zebedee Simon Peter

Events

Peter and John's Trialc. AD 30

Related verses

Matthew 21:23
When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?”
Mark 11:28
“By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You the authority to do them?”
Acts 5:40
At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.
Acts 5:27–28
They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them.
John 2:18
On account of this, the Jews demanded, “What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?”
Exodus 2:14
But the man replied, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you planning to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “This thing I have done has surely become known.”
1 Kings 21:12–14
They proclaimed a fast and gave Naboth a seat of honor among the people.
Acts 4:10
…then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.
John 8:3
The scribes and Pharisees, however, brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before them
John 8:9
When they heard this, they began to go away one by one, beginning with the older ones, until only Jesus was left, with the woman standing there.

Glossary

Annas Book of the Acts of the Apostles Courts and Trials Peter, the Apostle Ruler

Topics

Caiaphas: Peter and Other Disciples Accused Before Confessing Christ: Peter and John Government: Constitutes John: The Apostle: Imprisoned by the Rulers of the Jews Persecution of the Apostles Peter: Accused by the Council; his Defense Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Reprove and Threaten Peter and John

Acts 4:7

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