“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.”– Acts 4:10 (KJV)
“Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.”– Acts 4:10 (NLT)
“You’re looking at the man who was made well with the power of Jesus’ name. Remember, this is the same Jesus you killed, but whom God raised from the dead.”– Acts 4:10 (MSG)
What Does Acts 4:10 Mean?
Acts 4:10 holds a powerful message that highlights the miraculous healing done in the name of Jesus Christ. In this moment, Peter is addressing the Jewish leaders after healing a man who was lame since birth. This situation is not just about physical healing; it is a spiritual declaration of faith and the authority of Jesus’ name. By proclaiming that the man stands whole because of Jesus, Peter emphasizes that the power to heal comes solely from Christ, who they had rejected and crucified, yet God raised from the dead, affirming His authority.
The verse reveals two significant truths. First, it demonstrates that Jesus’ name is the source of healing and restoration. When Peter mentions that it was by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, he illustrates that faith in Jesus is central to experiencing God’s miraculous work in our lives. Second, the verse invites self-reflection among the audience. Peter confronts the religious leaders with their role in Jesus’ crucifixion, urging them to understand the gravity of their actions and the opportunity for redemption through repentance and faith in Jesus.
Acts 4:10 Explanation and Commentary
This verse serves as a bold proclamation of Peter’s faith and a declaration of the gospel’s power. As believers, we gather in faith, and it is through that faith that miracles happen. When we pray or speak in Jesus’ name, we acknowledge the authority and power embedded in His name. This isn’t just about physical healings, but also about the spiritual transformations occurring in our hearts.
In our lives, we witness God’s hand at work through various miracles. This can be healing in our relationships, overcoming sin, or experiencing peace in challenging situations. Acts 4:10 gifts us a profound truth: our struggles and challenges can be met with God’s power when we call upon Jesus’ name in faith. That means that just like Peter, we can stand firm and boldly proclaim the truth of Christ’s resurrection and the grace He offers us.
Peter’s message highlights that it’s not only the miracles that matter but also the truth behind them. By invoking Jesus’ name, we witness the larger narrative of redemption and restoration. Just as Peter reflects on the crucifixion and resurrection, we too should contemplate our own journey—the moments we felt lost or discouraged, yet found solace in Christ. How often does God intervene in our lives quietly, but we fail to recognize His hand?
Additionally, Peter’s declaration was a direct challenge to the leaders of the time. By referring to them as the ones who crucified Jesus, he was inviting them to confront their disbelief and embrace the truth. This confrontation is relevant today too. When we discuss our faith in Jesus with others, we might face skepticism or ridicule, but like Peter, we must speak with courage and clarity, encouraging others to seek the life-changing relationship with Jesus.
Context of Acts 4:10
To fully appreciate Acts 4:10, we must consider the surrounding context in the book of Acts. This occurs shortly after Pentecost when the Holy Spirit has filled the apostles. Peter and John were going to the temple to pray when they encountered a lame man at the Beautiful Gate. When the man asked them for money, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, declared that he had no silver or gold, but what he had was the name of Jesus. He commanded the man to rise and walk, and the miraculous healing took place.
As a result of this miracle, the crowd gathered, astonished at what had occurred. This provided Peter with an opportunity to preach about Jesus’ resurrection and the amazing power found in faith. Here is where Acts 4:10 comes into play. This verse is Peter’s proclamation to the crowd and the religious leaders who sought to maintain their authority and influence over the people. It acts as a reminder that Jesus’ name is alive and powerful even after persecution, and it encourages the audience to acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah.
The social and political implications during this time were profound. The Jewish leaders were threatened by the apostles’ teachings and their ability to heal, which led them to arrest Peter and John. Their response was to try to silence the message of the gospel, but God had other plans. This moment highlights the incredible resilience of faith even in the face of opposition. It reminds us that, like Peter and John, we should share our faith without fear, confident in the saving power of Jesus.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Acts 4:10
Breaking down Acts 4:10, we recognize several key points. The phrase “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” encapsulates the authority and identity of Jesus. It emphasizes that healing and life are found in Him. Additionally, Peter’s reference to “whom ye crucified” confronts those he speaks to, challenging them to reflect on their actions and attitudes towards Jesus. It brings to both believers and non-believers a significant call to repentance.
The term “raised from the dead” is a critical part of the Christian faith. This statement reaffirms the resurrection, which is the cornerstone of our belief. Without the resurrection, our faith would lack significance (1 Corinthians 15:14). This promise of resurrection extends not only to Jesus but also offers us hope. We, too, experience spiritual renewal through His resurrection, where we can rise above our past failures and sin.
In understanding this verse, we witness that faith has a transformative effect. It’s an invitation to call on Him, not just in desperate moments but in every aspect of our lives. As we reflect on our journeys, we can point back to times in our lives when we felt restored or changed, recognizing God’s work. It reminds us to share those testimonies with others so they too can believe in the power of the name of Jesus.
As we break down Acts 4:10, we see that this verse is not merely a historical account but a lively reminder of Jesus’ power among us today. Calling out in His name gives us strength and hope, allowing us to experience healing—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Each of us can be agents of God’s healing love in this world, empowered by His name.
Lessons to Learn From Acts 4:10
Acts 4:10 serves as a reminder of several lessons we can learn and apply to our lives today. First, it highlights the necessity of faith in Jesus’ name. When we find ourselves in need, we can reach out with confidence, knowing that Jesus holds the power to bring about change. He invites us to call on Him and trust in His ability to act. Whether it’s a situation requiring healing, comfort, or guidance, we can remind ourselves that we have authority to invoke Jesus’ name and watch Him work throughout our lives.
Second, this verse calls us to share our faith. Just as Peter boldly proclaimed the name of Jesus and the truth of His resurrection, we are challenged to share our encounters with Christ. We should not shy away from our testimony, as it reflects God’s work in our lives. Our stories can inspire hope and lead others to a deeper understanding of who Jesus is. Encouraging others with our faith can generate a ripple effect of change in their lives as well.
Furthermore, Acts 4:10 illustrates the importance of acknowledging our need for redemption. When Peter addressed the crucifixion, he simultaneously extended an invitation to repentance. We all have moments where we falter or stray from the path God has for us. Recognizing our failures allows us an opportunity to turn back to Him and seek forgiveness, inviting His grace to wash over us. As we confess and repent, we can experience the freedom and healing Jesus offers us, just as the lame man did.
We also learn about the power of community. The early church was a vibrant community of believers supporting one another in faith. Let us cultivate relationships that encourage one another, sparking growth and fostering an environment where we are empowered to share our testimonies and serve effectively. Together, we carry the torch of Jesus’ love to others, impacting the world around us positively.
Final Thoughts
Acts 4:10 beautifully encapsulates the core of our faith and the miraculous power available to us through Jesus Christ. As we reflect on this verse, may we remember that Jesus is our healer, friend, and redeemer. Through His name, we can see transformation in our lives and the lives of others.
We must not fear to speak of God’s goodness, embracing opportunities to share our experiences with Jesus and showing others the love of Christ. In each of us, there is a story of redemption that can bring light to those walking in darkness. By recognizing the significance of our faith, we are reminded that we are part of a legacy filled with the power of the Holy Spirit to change hearts.
Let us gather courage, invoking the name of Jesus, trusting that He is always present, and eager to respond to our cries. We are privileged to be part of His story, empowered to carry forth the message of hope into the world. As we continue in our walk with Christ, let us rejoice in the knowledge that we serve a living Savior who invites us into a transformational relationship that impacts our lives eternally.
If you’re interested in more discussions about faith and scripture, we encourage you to explore various topics that can deepen your understanding, such as God’s promises or the teachings of Jesus.