Acts 4:10 – “Then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.”

Extended Explanation

Peter is standing before the Sanhedrin, the same Jewish ruling council that had condemned Jesus to death. The leaders had asked him and John by what power or name they had healed a crippled man (Acts 4:7). Peter does not hesitate—he boldly proclaims that the healing happened through Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Peter does not sugarcoat his message. He directly tells them that they crucified Jesus, but God raised Him from the dead. This is a powerful contrast: the religious leaders had condemned Jesus, but God overruled them by bringing Him back to life.

Peter is also making it clear that the miracle was not done by his own power, nor by religious rituals or traditions. It happened because of the power of Jesus. The man who was crippled was now standing before them as living proof that Jesus is alive and still working.

This was a bold and fearless declaration. Peter was standing in front of the most powerful religious leaders in Israel, yet he was not afraid. He was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:8), and his confidence came from knowing the truth about Jesus.

Historical Context

At this time, the Sanhedrin had full authority over religious matters in Israel. They had already rejected Jesus, pressuring the Roman governor, Pilate, to have Him crucified. Now, they were trying to silence His followers.

The phrase “Jesus Christ of Nazareth” was significant.

• “Jesus” was His personal name.
• “Christ” (meaning “Messiah” or “Anointed One”) declared His divine mission.
• “Of Nazareth” identified Him as the same Jesus they had rejected.

Peter also speaks about the resurrection, which was especially offensive to the Sadducees, who did not believe in life after death (Acts 23:8). By proclaiming that God raised Jesus, Peter was saying that their rejection of Jesus was not just a mistake—it was a rejection of God’s will.

The miracle of healing the crippled man had been done openly in the temple. The Sanhedrin could not deny that the man had been healed, but they wanted to suppress the message behind it. This shows their spiritual blindness—they saw the evidence of God’s power but refused to believe.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches a few powerful truths:

1. Jesus is the source of all healing and salvation. Peter did not take credit for the miracle. He made it clear that only Jesus had the power to heal and save.
2. Jesus’ resurrection is central to the gospel. Peter emphasized that although the religious leaders crucified Jesus, God raised Him from the dead. This is the foundation of the Christian faith—Jesus is alive and reigning.
3. People reject Jesus, but God’s plan cannot be stopped. The Sanhedrin thought they had silenced Jesus by killing Him. But instead, His message was spreading even more, and His power was still changing lives.
4. Speaking the truth requires boldness. Peter did not soften his words to please his audience. He spoke with clarity and confidence because he was filled with the Holy Spirit.

This verse also reminds us that there is no neutrality when it comes to Jesus. Either He is Lord and Savior, or He is rejected. Peter made it clear that everyone must respond to the truth about Jesus—there is no middle ground.

Literary Analysis

Peter’s statement is direct and confrontational. He does not try to defend himself; instead, he goes on the offensive, confronting the religious leaders with their guilt.

The phrase “whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead” is particularly striking. It contrasts human rejection with God’s vindication. This pattern—man’s failure, but God’s victory—runs throughout Scripture.

The phrase “this man stands before you healed” is also powerful. It is a literal statement (because the formerly crippled man was standing there), but it also symbolizes the reality that Jesus’ power is still active and changing lives.

Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 2:23-24 – Peter had already preached, “You, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead.”
• Matthew 28:5-6 – The angel told the women at the tomb, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”
• Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
• John 11:25 – Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
• Philippians 2:9-11 – “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that Jesus is still working today. Just as He healed the crippled man, He is still changing lives and bringing people from spiritual death to life.

It also challenges us to be bold in our faith. Peter and John stood before powerful authorities, yet they did not waver. In today’s world, Christians often face pressure to stay silent about Jesus. But like Peter, we should confidently proclaim the truth, even when it is unpopular.

Additionally, this verse teaches us that miracles alone do not create faith. The religious leaders saw the evidence but refused to believe. Faith comes from hearing and accepting the truth of Jesus (Romans 10:17), not just from witnessing miracles.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He offers salvation even to those who rejected Jesus. The Sanhedrin had been responsible for Jesus’ death, yet God was still giving them a chance to repent and believe.

God’s love is also displayed through the power of Jesus to heal and restore. The crippled man’s healing was not just physical—it was a sign of God’s greater work of salvation. He loves us so much that He does not leave us in our brokenness.

This verse also shows that God’s love cannot be defeated. Human authorities tried to stop Jesus, but God raised Him up. No matter how much the world tries to suppress the gospel, God’s love will always triumph.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is entirely focused on who Jesus is and what He has done.

• It proclaims His death and resurrection.
• It declares that He is the source of all power and healing.
• It proves that He is still at work, even after His earthly ministry ended.

Jesus had told His disciples in John 14:12, “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these.” Now, Peter and John were fulfilling that promise—continuing Jesus’ mission through the power of His name.

This verse also points to Jesus as the only way to salvation (Acts 4:12). The Sanhedrin had rejected Him, but God had exalted Him. No matter what people believe, the truth remains: Jesus is Lord.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does Peter’s boldness in this passage teach us about sharing our faith?
2. How does knowing that Jesus is alive encourage you in your daily walk with Him?
3. Why do you think the religious leaders refused to accept the miracle as proof of Jesus’ power?
4. How can we stand firm in our faith, even when facing opposition?
5. What are some ways you can live out the power of Jesus’ name in your daily life?

This passage is a powerful reminder that Jesus is alive, His power is real, and His name is above all names. No matter what opposition comes, the truth of the gospel cannot be silenced.