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;
Original Language Analysis
σήμερον
this day
G4594
σήμερον
this day
Strong's:
G4594
Word #:
3 of 12
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
ἀνακρινόμεθα
be examined
G350
ἀνακρινόμεθα
be examined
Strong's:
G350
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine
ἐπὶ
of
G1909
ἐπὶ
of
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
εὐεργεσίᾳ
the good deed done
G2108
εὐεργεσίᾳ
the good deed done
Strong's:
G2108
Word #:
6 of 12
beneficence (genitive case or specially)
ἀσθενοῦς
to the impotent
G772
ἀσθενοῦς
to the impotent
Strong's:
G772
Word #:
8 of 12
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
τίνι
what means
G5101
τίνι
what means
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
10 of 12
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Cross References
Acts 3:7And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength.John 10:32Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?1 Peter 4:14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
Historical Context
Roman law distinguished harmful magic (maleficium) from beneficial healing. Peter's framing places apostles within legal healing category while implying council opposes public welfare. The healed man standing with them (v. 14) provided irrefutable evidence, frustrating council's prosecution.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the gospel's demonstrable good works expose opponents' malicious intent?
- What does Peter's rhetorical skill teach about engaging hostile interrogation wisely?
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter's rephrasing of their question - 'If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man' - exposes the absurdity of prosecuting charitable healing. The Greek 'anakrinometha' (examined) is forensic terminology for formal investigation. Calling healing a 'good deed' (Greek 'euergesia,' benefaction) highlights the council's moral bankruptcy: they oppose manifest good. 'By what means he is made whole' shifts from their question about authority to focus on salvation's means.