Acts Devotional Commentary [Acts 4:5-12] Peter and John Before the Council

Peter and John Before the Council Continued

Acts 4:5-12

⁵ On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, ⁶ with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. ⁷ And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” ⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, ⁹ if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, ¹⁰ let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well.¹¹ This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. ¹² And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Observations and Reflections

Peter answers the question of power by immediately pointing to the name of Jesus Christ. The question is asked because these religious leaders are once again being threatened by the work and power of Jesus Christ. Even though they thought the “problem” of Jesus was dealt with at the cross, they had to understand that He is in fact alive and His Holy Spirit is working and moving through the lives of many; specifically Peter and John.

The looming question that always went through the minds of these leaders were how can the name of Jesus Christ be so powerful? What was it about His name that was remarkable beyond anything else. They were unable to understand that Jesus Christ was God in a form of a man and they were refusing to accept that He was the true Savior of this world.

It constantly haunted them and tried at their patience whenever Jesus would stand up in front of a crowd and preach or perform miracles. That same stirring feeling of resentment and hatred was rising up once again and now being pointed at the followers of Jesus Christ.

Peter is so bold in His answer when stating that the power is being carried through the name of Jesus Christ. It is amazing how he goes into specific details of who Jesus is to they do not mistake Him for being someone else. This was and still is the same Jesus that was beaten, mocked and crucified and is now alive again.

It is by His all sufficient power and authority that this man was healed. There is nothing outside, above or beside the name of Jesus that healed this man and provides power and boldness to Peter to speak to these leaders.

There is much to be thankful for, despite the dire situation, the Spirit of Jesus Christ was at work in powerful ways and we are witnessing His hand moving. This can be a source of encouragement to us that we too can tap into the power of Jesus Christ and find encouragement and boldness each day.

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