Verse of the Day for Friday, March 15, 2024

 

Verse of the Day
Friday, March 15, 2024

Acts 4:10

Let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead.

Acts 4:10, found in the New Testament of the Bible, is a part of the Acts of the Apostles. This book chronicles the early days of the Christian church following the ascension of Jesus Christ. Specifically, Acts 4 is set in the context of Peter and John's ministry in Jerusalem after the resurrection of Jesus. The apostles are engaged in preaching and performing miracles, drawing both large crowds and the scrutiny of Jewish religious leaders. In this chapter, Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, to explain their actions, particularly the healing of a lame man.

Public Acknowledgment: Peter insists that the miracle of the man's healing should be recognized by everyone, including the leaders of Israel. He is not seeking secrecy but rather public acknowledgment of what has happened.

Source of Power: The healing is attributed directly to "the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth." This is significant as it asserts that Jesus, whom the Jewish leaders had rejected and crucified, is the source of the miraculous power.

Accusation and Declaration: Peter confronts his audience with their complicity in the death of Jesus ("whom you crucified"), but immediately contrasts this with the divine action ("whom God raised from the dead"). This juxtaposition serves as a powerful testimony to the identity and mission of Jesus, emphasizing both human rejection and divine vindication.

Theological Significance: This verse not only reports a miraculous healing but also serves as a testament to the early Christian proclamation of the resurrection of Jesus. It highlights the early church's belief in Jesus' power over death and his role as the Messiah, which is central to Christian faith.

Courage and Conviction: Peter's speech reflects the courage and conviction of the early apostles. Despite facing opposition and threats, they boldly proclaim their faith, demonstrating their commitment to the message and mission of Jesus Christ.

In summary, Acts 4:10 is a pivotal verse that showcases the bold witness of the apostles, the central role of Jesus' resurrection in early Christian preaching, and the confrontation between the emerging Christian movement and established religious authorities.

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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