New Testament
Acts 4:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
if we are being questioned today about an act of kindness shown to a crippled man — how he was healed —
Compare translations
If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
What Acts 4:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Peter and John are being questioned about a miraculous healing they performed on a man who had been unable to walk. They are not being asked about their credentials or authority, but rather about the kindness they showed. This highlights the importance of compassion and the impact of good deeds. The healing was not just a physical restoration; it was a demonstration of love and care. Peter's response emphasizes that the healing was done through faith and the power of Jesus. This situation illustrates how acts of kindness can lead to deeper conversations about faith and purpose. It challenges us to consider how our actions reflect our beliefs and values. Ultimately, it reminds us that kindness can open doors to share our stories and inspire others. The focus is on the goodness of the act rather than the status of the doers, showing that anyone can make a difference through love and compassion. This moment serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of kindness in our lives.
How to apply Acts 4:9 to your life
Consider how you can show kindness to those around you, especially those in need. Small acts of compassion can have a significant impact on others' lives. Reflect on how your actions can lead to meaningful conversations about your values and beliefs. Let your kindness be a bridge to deeper connections with others. Remember, every act of love counts in making a difference in the world around you.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Peter's story: “We Cannot Stop Speaking” (Acts 4:1–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Acts 4:9
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Acts 4:9
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 4:9 mean?
Acts 4:9 refers to Peter and John being questioned about a miraculous healing they performed on a crippled man. The verse emphasizes that they are being asked about the kindness shown through this act rather than their authority or credentials.
What is the significance of kindness in Acts 4:9?
In Acts 4:9, kindness is highlighted as a powerful force that can lead to healing and deeper conversations about faith. The act of healing the crippled man is portrayed as a good deed that reflects compassion and love.
How does Acts 4:9 relate to faith?
Acts 4:9 shows that the healing of the crippled man was not just a physical restoration but also a demonstration of faith in Jesus. It emphasizes that faith can lead to acts of kindness that have a profound impact on others.
What lessons can we learn from Acts 4:9?
Acts 4:9 teaches us the value of showing kindness and compassion to others. It encourages us to reflect on how our actions can lead to meaningful conversations about our beliefs and inspire others through love.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.