Devine Scripture

Acts 4:7

What does Acts 4:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 4:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 4:7 means

With Peter and John brought before them and placed in the center of the council, the Sanhedrin began their interrogation. They demanded to know the source of the apostles' power and authority, specifically asking, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?" This question directly addressed the miracle of the lame man's healing and the disruptive teaching that accompanied it, seeking to establish whether their actions stemmed from divine sanction, human authority, or something illicit.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, By what power, or in what name, have ye done this?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, By what power, or in what name, have ye done this?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then sending for Peter and John, they said, By what power and in whose name have you done this?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having set them in the midst, they were inquiring, `In what power, or in what name did ye do this?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And setting them in the midst, they asked: By what power or by what name, have you done this?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and having placed them in the midst they inquired, In what power or in what name have ye done this?

Context

This verse details the formal commencement of the trial, focusing on the central question posed by the Sanhedrin. It directly follows the identification of the assembled leaders, setting the stage for Peter's defense. This legal inquiry highlights the council's desire to understand and control the apostles' activities, forming the immediate challenge to which Peter will respond.

v.6and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest.

v.7This passage

v.8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 2:18

    The Jews therefore answered and said unto him, What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

  • Acts 5:40

    And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles unto them, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

  • 1 Kings 21:12

    They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people.

  • Matthew 21:23

    And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

  • Mark 11:28

    and they said unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? or who gave thee this authority to do these things?

  • Exodus 2:14

    And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? thinkest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely the thing is known.

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