Acts 3:15

And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

Acts 3:15 (KJV)

Context

Peter speaks to the Jewish crowd at the temple after the healing of the lame man. He has just told them they denied the Holy One and the Just and asked for a murderer. Now he names their deed directly: they killed the Prince of life.

Meaning

The Greek word translated “Prince” is archēgos, meaning originator, author, or founder. Jesus is the source and author of life—natural, spiritual, and eternal. He has life in Himself, and as man He had power over His own life. He is the author of spiritual resurrection from death in sin to a life of grace, and He has procured eternal life for His people and gives it to them.

The verse contrasts human rejection with divine vindication: men killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead. The apostles were eyewitnesses of the resurrection and were chosen to bear testimony to it.

Biblical connections

The same Greek word archēgos appears in Hebrews 2:10, where Jesus is called the captain of our salvation, leading believers to victory. This connection reinforces that Jesus is not only the source of life but also the leader who brings salvation to completion.

Application

This verse calls readers to recognize the depth of human sin and the greatness of divine grace. The crowd chose a murderer over the Author of life, yet God raised Jesus from the dead. That resurrection is the foundation of apostolic witness and remains the basis for faith today.

Reflection

Consider how easily people prefer what seems advantageous over what is holy and life-giving. The resurrection is the divine reversal of human injustice. It assures believers that God’s purposes stand even when human choices are wrong, and it calls us to trust in the One whom God raised.