This verse, Acts 4:10, is a powerful statement by the Apostle Peter, made after he and John healed a lame beggar at the temple gate. It's a direct and bold assertion about the source of that healing. Let's break it down:
"Be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel..." This is an official proclamation. Peter isn't whispering or being subtle; he's addressing the entire audience, which includes religious leaders and the general public. He wants everyone to understand the truth he's about to reveal.
"...that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth..." The phrase "in the name of" carries significant weight. It means by the power, authority, and character of Jesus Christ. The name itself was considered to embody the person. Peter emphasizes that the healing didn't come from their own abilities or righteousness, but solely through the power invested in Jesus. He identifies Jesus with the geographic location, Nazareth, which was a place of low socio-economic background.
"...whom you crucified..." This is a direct accusation. Peter is reminding his audience that they were responsible for the death of Jesus. It's a sharp and uncomfortable truth that challenges their authority and beliefs. The verb "crucified" points to the brutality and injustice of Jesus' death.
"...whom God raised from the dead..." This is the central claim of Christianity. Despite their attempt to silence Jesus through crucifixion, God intervened and resurrected him, validating his claims and demonstrating his divine power. It declares the ultimate triumph of God over evil and death.
"...in him does this man stand here before you whole." This is the undeniable evidence. The once-lame man is now standing, healed, a living testament to the power of Jesus. The physical healing is a visible sign of the spiritual power of Jesus. "Whole" here implies complete restoration, both physically and potentially spiritually.
In essence, Acts 4:10 means:
The healing of this man is not a coincidence or a trick. It is a direct result of the power of Jesus Christ, the same Jesus whom you rejected and crucified. However, God has vindicated him by raising him from the dead, and it is through faith in this resurrected Jesus that this man has been made completely well.
Significance:
Bold Proclamation: This verse is a prime example of the early church's boldness in proclaiming the Gospel, even in the face of opposition.
Emphasis on the Resurrection: It highlights the central importance of the resurrection in Christian faith.
Witness to Christ's Power: The healed man serves as a living witness to the transformative power of Jesus.
Confrontation and Challenge: It directly confronts the religious leaders with their role in Jesus' death and challenges them to reconsider their beliefs.
Basis for Salvation: It implies that salvation and wholeness are available through faith in Jesus Christ.
Authority: Peter and John are acting under the authority of Jesus.
This verse encapsulates the core message of the early Christian church: Jesus, though crucified, is alive and powerful, and through him, wholeness and salvation are available to all.
This verse, Acts 4:10, is a powerful statement by the Apostle Peter, made after he and John healed a lame beggar at the temple gate. It's a direct and bold assertion about the source of that healing. Let's break it down:
"Be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel..." This is an official proclamation. Peter isn't whispering or being subtle; he's addressing the entire audience, which includes religious leaders and the general public. He wants everyone to understand the truth he's about to reveal.
"...that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth..." The phrase "in the name of" carries significant weight. It means by the power, authority, and character of Jesus Christ. The name itself was considered to embody the person. Peter emphasizes that the healing didn't come from their own abilities or righteousness, but solely through the power invested in Jesus. He identifies Jesus with the geographic location, Nazareth, which was a place of low socio-economic background.
"...whom you crucified..." This is a direct accusation. Peter is reminding his audience that they were responsible for the death of Jesus. It's a sharp and uncomfortable truth that challenges their authority and beliefs. The verb "crucified" points to the brutality and injustice of Jesus' death.
"...whom God raised from the dead..." This is the central claim of Christianity. Despite their attempt to silence Jesus through crucifixion, God intervened and resurrected him, validating his claims and demonstrating his divine power. It declares the ultimate triumph of God over evil and death.
"...in him does this man stand here before you whole." This is the undeniable evidence. The once-lame man is now standing, healed, a living testament to the power of Jesus. The physical healing is a visible sign of the spiritual power of Jesus. "Whole" here implies complete restoration, both physically and potentially spiritually.
In essence, Acts 4:10 means:
The healing of this man is not a coincidence or a trick. It is a direct result of the power of Jesus Christ, the same Jesus whom you rejected and crucified. However, God has vindicated him by raising him from the dead, and it is through faith in this resurrected Jesus that this man has been made completely well.
Significance:
Bold Proclamation: This verse is a prime example of the early church's boldness in proclaiming the Gospel, even in the face of opposition.
Emphasis on the Resurrection: It highlights the central importance of the resurrection in Christian faith.
Witness to Christ's Power: The healed man serves as a living witness to the transformative power of Jesus.
Confrontation and Challenge: It directly confronts the religious leaders with their role in Jesus' death and challenges them to reconsider their beliefs.
Basis for Salvation: It implies that salvation and wholeness are available through faith in Jesus Christ.
Authority: Peter and John are acting under the authority of Jesus.
This verse encapsulates the core message of the early Christian church: Jesus, though crucified, is alive and powerful, and through him, wholeness and salvation are available to all.