New Testament
Acts 4:16
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"What shall we do with these men?" they asked. "A notable miracle has indeed been done by them, and it is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem; we cannot deny it."
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Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
What Acts 4:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the leaders of Jerusalem are confronted with a powerful reality. They see that something extraordinary has happened through the actions of a few men. A miracle, undeniable and visible to everyone, has taken place, and it has left them in a dilemma. They recognize the impact of this event, but they are unsure how to respond. Their question reflects their struggle: how do they deal with the undeniable evidence of something miraculous? This situation highlights the tension between belief and skepticism. The leaders are caught between their authority and the truth that is right in front of them. They cannot ignore the miracle, yet they feel threatened by it. This moment serves as a reminder that sometimes, the truth can challenge our understanding and force us to reconsider our beliefs and actions. It invites us to reflect on how we respond to the extraordinary in our own lives, especially when it challenges our comfort zones or preconceived notions about what is possible.
How to apply Acts 4:16 to your life
When faced with undeniable truths in our lives, we must choose how to respond. Like the leaders in Jerusalem, we can either embrace the change or resist it. Reflect on moments when you’ve encountered something extraordinary and consider how it shaped your beliefs and actions. Be open to the possibilities that miracles can bring into your life, even if they challenge your understanding. Embrace the journey of discovery and growth.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
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Illustrated scene from Peter's story: “We Cannot Stop Speaking” (Acts 4:1–22)
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Peter
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Acts 4:16
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 4:16 mean?
Acts 4:16 captures the moment when Jerusalem's leaders acknowledge a significant miracle performed by the apostles. They are faced with undeniable evidence of the miraculous, which creates a dilemma about how to respond to this challenge to their authority.
What is the significance of the miracle in Acts 4:16?
The miracle mentioned in Acts 4:16 serves as a powerful testament to the apostles' authority and the truth of their message. It highlights the tension between the leaders' skepticism and the undeniable reality of the miracle that everyone in Jerusalem has witnessed.
How does Acts 4:16 relate to belief and skepticism?
Acts 4:16 illustrates the conflict between belief and skepticism as the leaders recognize a miracle but feel threatened by its implications. Their question reflects their internal struggle to accept a reality that contradicts their established views.
What can we learn from Acts 4:16?
Acts 4:16 teaches us about the importance of being open to extraordinary truths that challenge our understanding. It encourages us to reflect on how we respond to undeniable evidence in our lives and the potential for growth that comes from embracing change.
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