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Book of Acts - Chapter 4 - Verse 7

4:7
And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

Meaning

When the apostles were brought before the religious leaders in Jerusalem after healing a man in the name of Jesus, they were asked by what power or by what name they had performed this miracle. This question was significant because it challenged the authority and source of the apostles' actions. The religious leaders wanted to know if the apostles were acting on their own authority, by some supernatural power, or in the name of a specific deity. By posing this question, the leaders were seeking to determine the legitimacy of the apostles' actions and to potentially accuse them of blasphemy or false teachings. However, the apostles' response showed their unwavering faith in Jesus as the source of their power and authority, highlighting the central role of Jesus in their ministry and mission.

Theological Overview

When the authorities question Peter and John in Acts 3:7, asking by what power or name they have performed miracles, the theological interpretation delves into the significance of acknowledging the power of God in the works being done. The question posed by the authorities speaks to the central theme of the sovereignty of God and the belief that all power and authority ultimately come from Him. This verse underscores the importance of recognizing God as the ultimate source of all good things and attributing any miraculous works to His power alone. Additionally, this passage could also lead to a word study on the concept of "power" and "name" in the Bible, highlighting the significance of understanding the authority and identity associated with these terms in relation to God's divinity and the miraculous acts performed in His name. Overall, Acts 3:7 invites deeper reflection on the nature of God's power and the role of faith in recognizing His authority in all things.

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