Acts 4:9
If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
Acts 4:9 (KJV)
Context
Acts 4 records what happened after Peter and John healed a man who had been lame from birth. The miracle drew a crowd, and Peter preached about Jesus Christ and the salvation found in Him. Many believed, but the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees were disturbed by the apostles’ teaching and arrested them. The next day, the rulers, elders, and scribes gathered in Jerusalem to question Peter and John about this act.
The man’s healing is described in Acts 3:1-10. He was a familiar figure at the temple gate called Beautiful, where he begged daily. His healing was a public demonstration of God’s power and a testimony to the truth of the Gospel.
Meaning
Peter’s opening words use legal language: “examined” suggests an official inquiry. He reframes the situation, calling the miracle a “good deed done to the impotent man,” not a crime. The phrase “by what means he is made whole” points directly to the source of the healing. Peter is ready to answer, and his answer will center on the name of Jesus Christ.
The verse teaches that when believers are questioned about their actions, they should be prepared to explain the divine source. The “good deed” is the healing itself, a demonstration of God’s compassion and power. The examination becomes an opportunity for testimony, not merely a legal threat.
Biblical connections
Peter’s defense continues in Acts 4:8-12, where he declares that the man was healed in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He states, “Neither is there salvation in any other” (Acts 4:12), emphasizing the exclusive nature of salvation through Jesus. This connection shows that the healing is a sign pointing beyond itself to the power of the risen Christ.
Application
Reflect on the courage of Peter and John in the face of opposition. Their example challenges us to be bold in sharing our faith, even when questioned.
Examine your own life: are you living in a way that draws attention to the power of Jesus and the message of the Gospel?
When you face opposition or questioning about your faith, consider how you can respond with wisdom and grace, like Peter, by pointing to Christ as the source of every good work.
Reading the entire chapter of Acts 4 helps us understand the passage within the broader context of the early church. May this study deepen your understanding of God’s Word and encourage you to live faithfully for Him.
