Bible Question:
I need clarity on Acts 4:7.
Bible Answer:
Prior to the events of Acts 4:7, we are told that the apostles Peter and John had healed a man who could not walk (Acts 3:1-10). After a crowd of people gathered, Peter told them that Jesus Christ was their Messiah. Then the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees had Peter and John arrested. What happened next is found in the following passage:
On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people, if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by this name this man stands here before you in good health. (NASB) Acts 4:5-10
Acts 4:7 includes the question of the religious rulers of Israel, known as the Sanhedrin, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” The rulers wanted to know by what authority they were performing the miracles and proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah. Peter responded by saying that they performed the miracles in the name of Jesus Christ. Our God, Jesus Christ, enabled them to perform the miracles.
Conclusion:
Peter concluded his statement with this,
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. (NASB) Acts 4:12
Peter’s message was not accepted. Even though the religious leaders disagreed, the truth was unchanged. Jesus is the only way!