Act 4:5-10 “And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.”
In Acts 4:3, the scripture tells us that the priests, the temple guard, and the Sadducees laid hands on Peter and John and locked them up. However, their message had already been received by many. The following day, the rulers of the Jews intended to make a spectacle of Peter and John. They gathered to make a show of their power over these men who were so foolish as to challenge the lie they told about the resurrection of Jesus.
Their rulers, including the elders (members of the Sanhedrin Counsel) were there. The scribes had been brought in to record the interrogation. A former high priest (Annas) and the current high priest (Caiaphas, son-in-law to Annas), and John and Alexander (wealthy teachers), and a host of other kindred of the high priest were present. History tells us that by this point the office of the high priest has become a political position rather than one of service as God had originally appointed it, and the office was often given to whoever could provide the government with the most bribe money.
The purpose of this gathering was to intimidate and subdue Peter and John. These men intended that the gospel of Jesus Christ would cease on the spot. It is likely they felt very confident in their ability to overwhelm these disciples. So, with their supposed exalted position, they had Peter and John brought before them as criminals before a tribunal.
Intending to make this a public humiliation, they sat Peter and John in their midst. Secure in their supposed status, they made a bold demand. They challenged the authority of Peter’s preaching. They demanded to know by what power or by whose authority (since they assumed themselves to be in authority) Peter had performed this miracle or preached this doctrine.
As Peter began his answer, we can see the promise of Jesus being fulfilled to his servants. In Matthew 10:19, Jesus told his disciples that when they were delivered up before governors and kings for His sake, not to worry about what they would say. He assured them that what they should say would be given to them at that hour. Peter, being filled with the Holy Spirit, answered them without fear or hesitation.
There was a “calling on the carpet” to Peter’s response that day. It was almost as if he were saying that, since they claimed to be the rulers and elders of the people, they should know the answer already. Peter, however, was not afraid to answer their demand. By the authority (name) of Jesus Christ of Nazareth was this good deed accomplished.
Peter reminded them that this was the same Jesus they had crucified. This was the same Jesus that God had raised from the dead. By a power and authority greater than that of any group of men, this miracle was performed. Like it or not, the proof of that authority stood in their midst that day.
May God bless us to be bold to declare the power by which we still believe in miracles and still preach this wonderful gospel today!
