Acts 2:22 – “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Peter continues his sermon at Pentecost, directly addressing the crowd of Jewish listeners. He shifts from quoting Old Testament prophecy (Joel 2:28-32) to proclaiming the truth about Jesus Christ.

Peter calls the people to listen carefully, because what he is about to say is important:

1. Jesus of Nazareth was sent by God – Peter refers to Jesus by name and by His hometown, making it clear who he is talking about.
2. Jesus was “accredited by God” – This means God proved or confirmed Jesus’ identity by working through Him.
3. Jesus performed “miracles, wonders, and signs” – These are undeniable proofs that Jesus was from God. The people had seen or heard about these miracles firsthand.
4. The audience was aware of these things – Peter says, “as you yourselves know”—he is not introducing new information. Many in the crowd had either witnessed Jesus’ works or heard about them.

Peter is establishing that Jesus was not just an ordinary man—He was someone sent and approved by God, and the people could not deny it.

Historical Context

Peter was speaking to a Jewish audience in Jerusalem who would have known about Jesus:

• Jesus had been crucified just a few weeks earlier, and many people in the crowd likely witnessed His ministry, His trial, and His death.
• Jesus had performed many miracles, including healing the sick, feeding thousands, calming storms, and raising the dead. These were widely known (John 21:25).
• Even Jesus’ enemies admitted His miracles were real, though they tried to explain them away (Matthew 12:24, John 11:47-48).
• Peter was reminding them of facts they already knew—they could not deny Jesus’ works.

This was a powerful argument. Peter was not appealing to emotions or personal opinions—he was stating undeniable history that the people themselves had witnessed.

Theological Implications

Acts 2:22 highlights key truths about Jesus and God’s plan:

1. Jesus Was Sent and Approved by God – His miracles were evidence that He was the true Messiah.
2. God’s Power Was Working Through Jesus – The miracles, wonders, and signs were God’s way of revealing Himself to the people through Jesus.
3. Faith is Based on Truth, Not Emotion – Peter does not ask the crowd to believe blindly—he points to real events that prove who Jesus is.
4. People Can Reject Truth Even When It’s Clear – Despite these miracles, many still rejected Jesus. This shows that people’s hearts must be open to God’s truth.

Literary Analysis

Peter’s statement is straightforward and bold, making his message clear:

• “Fellow Israelites, listen to this” – Peter commands attention because this truth is urgent.
• “Jesus of Nazareth” – Identifies exactly who he is speaking about, removing any confusion.
• “A man accredited by God” – Establishes that Jesus’ power and authority came directly from God.
• “Miracles, wonders, and signs” – Emphasizes the supernatural confirmation of Jesus’ identity.
• “As you yourselves know” – Peter appeals to firsthand knowledge, not rumors or speculation.

Peter is laying a foundation: If the people knew Jesus had performed miracles, they had to decide what those miracles meant.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 3:2 – Nicodemus, a Jewish leader, admitted that Jesus’ miracles were proof that God was with Him.
• Matthew 11:4-5 – Jesus told John’s disciples that His miracles proved He was the Messiah.
• John 10:25 – Jesus said, “The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me.”
• John 20:30-31 – The purpose of Jesus’ miracles was to help people believe that He is the Son of God.
• Acts 10:38 – Peter later repeats this truth, saying Jesus was anointed by God and went around doing good and healing people.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Acts 2:22 reminds us that our faith is based on truth, not blind belief.

• Jesus’ miracles confirm His identity – He was not just a good teacher or prophet—He was sent by God and proven by miracles.
• We can trust the eyewitness accounts – The people in Peter’s audience had seen Jesus’ works. The gospel is based on real historical events.
• People still reject Jesus despite the evidence – Some believed in Jesus’ miracles but still refused to follow Him. The same happens today—faith requires an open heart.
• God’s power is still at work today – The same God who worked through Jesus is still working in the world today, transforming lives.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows God’s love in action:

• He sent Jesus to reveal Himself – God did not leave us in the dark. He sent Jesus and confirmed His identity with miracles.
• He gave clear evidence for faith – God did not demand blind belief—He provided proof through Jesus’ works.
• He continues to call people to faith – Peter’s sermon was an invitation. Even though the people had rejected Jesus, they were still being offered salvation.

God is patient and loving, giving people every opportunity to recognize the truth.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Acts 2:22 points directly to Jesus’ identity and mission:

• Jesus’ miracles were God’s confirmation – His power over sickness, nature, and death proved He was the Messiah.
• Jesus is central to salvation – Peter’s sermon focuses on Jesus because faith in Him is the only way to be saved (Acts 4:12).
• Jesus’ rejection was part of God’s plan – Even though He was “accredited by God,” He was still rejected and crucified, which fulfilled prophecy.
• Jesus is alive – The miracles did not stop with His death—His resurrection was the greatest proof of all (Acts 2:24).

Peter is leading up to this point: Jesus is the Savior, and the people must decide how they will respond to Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why is it important that Peter appeals to historical evidence when talking about Jesus?
2. How do Jesus’ miracles, wonders, and signs help confirm His identity as the Son of God?
3. If Peter were speaking today, what evidence might he use to show that Jesus is still at work in the world?
4. What does this verse teach us about how we should share our faith with others?
5. How does this verse challenge us to trust in Jesus more fully?