Acts 4:7

Acts 4:7

Acts 4:7 records the question from the Sanhedrin: “And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?” The question targets the source of authority behind the healing and proclamation. To set them in the midst is to place them under public scrutiny, a formal confrontation. The phrasing signals not just inquiry but a challenge to the legitimacy and power behind the miracle. The emphasis on “what name” points to the authority acknowledged by the early church—none other than Jesus, whom the authorities had crucified and whom God had raised.

Historically, the Sanhedrin sought to regulate miracles and spiritual claims within a controlled framework. The rhetorical setup invites a bold defense grounded in Jesus’ identity, cross, and resurrection. It foreshadows the apostles’ response and the widening acceptance of Jesus’ authority among broader audiences.

This moment crystallizes the central issue: who has ultimate authority—the religious establishment or Jesus? The apostles’ forthcoming reply (Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit) will anchor their power in Jesus’ name, not in credentials or institutional backing. It also reinforces the overarching theme of the early church’s witness: power resides in the risen Christ, and healing or salvation come through that name.

Today, believers are often asked where their power comes from. Practical response: name the source of your authority with grace—Jesus Christ. In everyday life, this could mean praying for healing in Jesus’ name, then speaking about the gospel’s power with humility. When facing pushback in ministry or community settings, confidently point to Jesus’ authority rather than to your own expertise. This stance invites curiosity and opens doors for conversation about faith, invites questions, and models dependence on the Spirit for wisdom in how to answer.

Cross-References: Matthew 21:23-27; Acts 3:6; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:17; Luke 9:1