The Meaning of Acts 2:22 Explained

Acts 2:22

KJV: Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

YLT: 'Men, Israelites! hear these words, Jesus the Nazarene, a man approved of God among you by mighty works, and wonders, and signs, that God did through him in the midst of you, according as also ye yourselves have known;

Darby: Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus the Nazaraean, a man borne witness to by God to you by works of power and wonders and signs, which God wrought by him in your midst, as yourselves know

ASV: Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God unto you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as ye yourselves know;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Ye men  of Israel,  hear  these  words;  Jesus  of Nazareth,  a man  approved  of  God  among  you  by miracles  and  wonders  and  signs,  which  God  did  by  him  in  the midst  of you,  as  ye yourselves  also  know: 

What does Acts 2:22 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Peter argued that God had attested to Jesus" Messiahship by performing miracles through Him. "Miracles" is the general word, which Peter defined further as wonders (miracles eliciting awe) and signs (miracles signifying something). Jesus" miracles attested the fact that God had empowered Him (cf. John 3:2), and they led many people who witnessed them to conclude that He was the Son of David ( Matthew 12:23). Others, however, chose to believe that He received His power from Satan rather than God ( Matthew 12:24).

Context Summary

Acts 2:14-24 - The Outpoured Spirit
The exulting joy of these Spirit-anointed people was accounted for by some through charging them with drunkenness. Peter dismissed the charge as absurd, seeing that the day was yet young. With a readiness that the Spirit had inspired, he declared it to be a partial fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. This is that, Acts 2:16. Alas, we cannot say as much! This might be that; this shall be that-these are all that we can affirm. Shall we ever be able to say, This is that?
In the pre-Christian times the Spirit was given to mountain-top saints, but from Pentecost onward, sons and daughters, old and young, servants and hand-maidens, were to participate in His gracious influences. It is for the democracy of the Church, for the whosoevers who call on the name of the Lord, for the valleys as well as the hills.
Notice that God's determinate counsel and pre-arrangement did not take away the guilt that lay upon the murderers of the Christ. The hands that slew Him were wicked ones, Acts 2:23. But God vindicated Jesus by the Resurrection, which reversed the judgment of men and proved Him the Son of God with power, Romans 1:4. [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 2

1  The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, and speaking various languages,
12  are admired by some, and derided by others;
14  whom Peter disproves;
37  he baptizes a great number who were converted;
41  who afterwards devoutly and charitably converse together;
43  the apostles working many miracles,
46  and God daily increasing his church

Greek Commentary for Acts 2:22

Hear these words [ακουσατε τους λογους τουτους]
Do it now (aorist tense). With unerring aim Peter has found the solution for the phenomena. He has found the key to God‘s work on this day in his words through Joel. [source]
As ye yourselves know [κατως αυτοι οιδατε]
Note αυτοι — autoi for emphasis. Peter calls the audience to witness that his statements are true concerning “Jesus the Nazarene.” He wrought his miracles by the power of God in the midst of these very people here present. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 2:22

Matthew 24:24 Signs and wonders [σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα]
See on Matthew 11:20. The two words often joined in the New Testament. See John 4:48; Acts 2:22; Acts 4:30; 2 Corinthians 12:12. The words do not denote different classes of supernatural manifestations, but these manifestations regarded from different points of view. The same miracle may be a mighty work, or a glorious work, regarded with reference to its power and grandeur; or a sign of the doer's supernatural power; or a wonder, as it appeals to the spectator. Τέρας , (derivation uncertain) is a miracle regarded as a portent or prodigy, awakening amazement. It most nearly corresponds, therefore, to the etymological sense of the word miracle (Lat., miraculum, a wonderful thing, from mirari, to wonder )i1. [source]
Matthew 24:24 Great signs and wonders [σημεια μεγαλα και τερατα]
Two of the three words so often used in the N.T. about the works They often occur together of the same work (John 4:48; Acts 2:22; Acts 4:30; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:4). Τερας — Teras is a wonder or prodigy, δυναμις — dunamis a mighty work or power, σημειον — sēmeion a sign of God‘s purpose. Miracle (μιραχυλυμ — miraculum) presents only the notion of wonder or portent. The same deed can be looked at from these different angles. But the point to note here is that mere “signs and wonders” do not of themselves prove the power of God. These charlatans will be so skilful that they will, if possible (ει δυνατον — ei dunaton), lead astray the very elect. The implication is that it is not possible. People become excited and are misled and are unable to judge of results. Often it is post hoc, sed non propter hoc. Patent-medicine men make full use of the credulity of people along this line as do spiritualistic mediums. Sleight-of-hand men can deceive the unwary. [source]
Luke 23:8 Miracle [σημεῖον]
See on Matthew 11:20; and compare Acts 2:22, Rev. [source]
Acts 8:13 Miracles and signs [σημεῖα καὶ δυνάμεις]
Lit., signs andpowers. See on Matthew 11:20; Acts 2:22. [source]
Acts 2:16 This is that which hath been spoken by the prophet Joel [τουτο εστιν το ειρημενον δια του προπητου Ιωηλ]
Positive interpretation of the supernatural phenomena in the light of the Messianic prophecy of Joel 2:28-32. Peter‘s mind is now opened by the Holy Spirit to understand the Messianic prophecy and the fulfilment right before their eyes. Peter now has spiritual insight and moral courage. The power (δυναμις — dunamis) of the Holy Spirit has come upon him as he proceeds to give the first interpretation of the life and work of Jesus Christ since his Ascension. It is also the first formal apology for Christianity to a public audience. Peter rises to the height of his powers in this remarkable sermon. Jesus had foretold that he would be a Rock and now he is no longer shale, but a solid force for aggressive Christianity. He follows here in Acts 2:17-21 closely the lxx text of Joel and then applies the passage to the present emergency (Acts 2:22-24). [source]
Acts 2:19 Wonders [τερατα]
Apparently akin to the verb τηρεω — tēreō to watch like a wonder in the sky, miracle (μιραχυλυμ — miraculum), marvel, portent. In the New Testament the word occurs only in the plural and only in connection with σημεια — sēmeia (signs) as here and in Acts 2:43. But signs (σημεια — sēmeia) here is not in the lxx. See note on Matthew 11:20. In Acts 2:22 all three words occur together: powers, wonders, signs (δυναμεσι τερασι σημειοις — dunamesiανω — terasiκατω — sēmeiois). [source]
Acts 2:32 This Jesus [τουτον τον Ιησουν]
Many of the name “Jesus,” but he means the one already called “the Nazarene” (Acts 2:22) and foretold as the Messiah in Psalm 16:1-11 and raised from the dead by God in proof that he is the Messiah (Acts 2:24, Acts 2:32), “this Jesus whom ye crucified” (Acts 2:36). Other terms used of him in the Acts are the Messiah, Acts 2:31, the one whom God “anointed” (Acts 10:38), as in John 1:41, Jesus Christ (Acts 9:34). In Acts 2:36 God made this Jesus Messiah, in Acts 3:20 the Messiah Jesus, in Acts 17:3 Jesus is the Messiah, in Acts 18:5 the Messiah is Jesus, in Acts 24:24 Christ Jesus. [source]
Acts 24:5 A pestilent fellow [λοιμον]
An old word for pest, plague, pestilence, Paul the pest. In N.T. only here and Luke 21:11 This was an offence against Roman law if it could be proven. “Plotted against at Damascus, plotted against at Jerusalem, expelled from Pisidian Antioch, stoned at Lystra, scourged and imprisoned at Philippi, accused of treason at Thessalonica, haled before the proconsul at Corinth, cause of a serious riot at Ephesus, and now finally of a riot at Jerusalem” (Furneaux). Specious proof could have been produced, but was not. Tertullus went on to other charges with which a Roman court had no concern (instance Gallio in Corinth). Throughout the world The Roman inhabited earth Πρωτοστατης — Prōtostatēs is an old word in common use from πρωτος — prōtos and ιστημι — histēmi a front-rank man, a chief, a champion. Here only in the N.T. This charge is certainly true. About “sect” (αιρεσις — hairesis) see note on Acts 5:17. Ναζωραιοι — Nazōraioi here only in the plural in the N.T., elsewhere of Jesus (Matthew 2:23; Matthew 26:71; Luke 18:37; John 18:5, John 18:7; John 19:19; Acts 2:22; Acts 3:6; Acts 4:10; Acts 6:14; Acts 22:8; Acts 26:9). The disciple is not above his Master. There was a sneer in the term as applied to Jesus and here to his followers. [source]
Acts 24:5 Throughout the world [κατα την οικουμενην]
The Roman inhabited earth Πρωτοστατης — Prōtostatēs is an old word in common use from πρωτος — prōtos and ιστημι — histēmi a front-rank man, a chief, a champion. Here only in the N.T. This charge is certainly true. About “sect” (αιρεσις — hairesis) see note on Acts 5:17. Ναζωραιοι — Nazōraioi here only in the plural in the N.T., elsewhere of Jesus (Matthew 2:23; Matthew 26:71; Luke 18:37; John 18:5, John 18:7; John 19:19; Acts 2:22; Acts 3:6; Acts 4:10; Acts 6:14; Acts 22:8; Acts 26:9). The disciple is not above his Master. There was a sneer in the term as applied to Jesus and here to his followers. [source]
Acts 25:7 Which they could not prove [α ουκ ισχυον αποδειχαι]
Imperfect active of ισχυω — ischuō to have strength or power as in Acts 19:16, Acts 19:20. Repetition and reiteration and vehemence took the place of proof (αποδειχαι — apodeixai first aorist active infinitive of αποδεικνυμι — apodeiknumi to show forth, old verb, in N.T. only here, Acts 2:22 which see and 1 Corinthians 4:9). [source]
Acts 25:7 Which had come down [οι καταβεβηκοτες]
Perfect active participle of καταβαινω — katabainō They had come down on purpose at the invitation of Festus (Acts 25:5), and were now ready. Stood round about him (περιεστησαν αυτον — periestēsan auton). Second aorist (ingressive) active (intransitive) of περιιστημι — periistēmi old verb, “Took their stand around him,” “periculum intentantes ” (Bengel). Cf. Luke 23:10 about Christ. They have no lawyer this time, but they mass their forces so as to impress Festus. Bringing against him Bearing down on. See note on Acts 20:9; and note on Acts 26:10, only N.T. examples of this ancient verb. Many and grievous charges (πολλα και βαρεα αιτιωματα — polla kai barea aitiōmata). This word αιτιωμα — aitiōma for old form αιτιαμα — aitiama is found in one papyrus (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary) in sense of “blame.” But the charges were no “heavier” than those made by Tertullus (Acts 24:5-8). Paul‘s reply proves this and they were also probably on court record (Furneaux). See this adjective βαρυς — barus (heavy) used with λυκοι — lukoi (wolves) in Acts 20:29. Which they could not prove Imperfect active of ισχυω — ischuō to have strength or power as in Acts 19:16, Acts 19:20. Repetition and reiteration and vehemence took the place of proof (αποδειχαι — apodeixai first aorist active infinitive of αποδεικνυμι — apodeiknumi to show forth, old verb, in N.T. only here, Acts 2:22 which see and 1 Corinthians 4:9). [source]
Acts 25:7 Bringing against him [καταπεροντες]
Bearing down on. See note on Acts 20:9; and note on Acts 26:10, only N.T. examples of this ancient verb. Many and grievous charges (πολλα και βαρεα αιτιωματα — polla kai barea aitiōmata). This word αιτιωμα — aitiōma for old form αιτιαμα — aitiama is found in one papyrus (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary) in sense of “blame.” But the charges were no “heavier” than those made by Tertullus (Acts 24:5-8). Paul‘s reply proves this and they were also probably on court record (Furneaux). See this adjective βαρυς — barus (heavy) used with λυκοι — lukoi (wolves) in Acts 20:29. Which they could not prove Imperfect active of ισχυω — ischuō to have strength or power as in Acts 19:16, Acts 19:20. Repetition and reiteration and vehemence took the place of proof (αποδειχαι — apodeixai first aorist active infinitive of αποδεικνυμι — apodeiknumi to show forth, old verb, in N.T. only here, Acts 2:22 which see and 1 Corinthians 4:9). [source]
1 Corinthians 4:9 Hath set forth [ἀπέδειξεν]
Only twice in Paul's writings; here, and 2 Thessalonians 2:4. See on approved, Acts 2:22. In classical Greek used of publishing a law; shewing forth, and therefore naming or creating a king or military leader; bringing forward testimony; displaying treasure, etc. So here, exhibiting. [source]
Hebrews 2:4 God also bearing witness with them [συνεπιμαρτυρουντος του τεου]
Genitive absolute with the present active participle of the late double compound verb συνεπιμαρτυρεω — sunepimartureō to join Here only in N.T., but in Aristotle, Polybius, Plutarch. Both by signs Instrumental case used with all four items. See Acts 2:22 for the three words for miracles in inverse order (powers, wonders, signs). Each word adds an idea about the εργα — erga (works) of Christ. Τερας — Teras (wonder) attracts attention, δυναμις — dunamis (power) shows God‘s power, σημειον — sēmeion reveals the purpose of God in the miracles. For ποικιλαις — poikilais (manifold, many-coloured) see Matthew 4:24; James 1:2. For μερισμος — merismos for distribution (old word, in N.T. only here and Hebrews 4:12) see 1Cor 12:4-30. According to his own will The word τελησις — thelēsis is called a vulgarism by Pollux. The writer is fond of words in -ις — is f0). [source]
Revelation 12:1 A great sign [σημειον μεγα]
The first of the visions to be so described (Revelation 13:3; Revelation 15:1), and it is introduced by ωπτη — ōphthē as in Revelation 11:19; Revelation 12:3, not by μετα ταυτο — meta tauto or by ειδον — eidon or by ειδον και ιδου — eidon kai idou as heretofore. This “sign” is really a τερας — teras (wonder), as it is so by association in Matthew 24:24; John 4:48; Acts 2:22; Acts 5:12. The element of wonder is not in the word σημειον — sēmeion as in τερας — teras but often in the thing itself as in Luke 21:11; John 9:16; Revelation 13:13.; Revelation 15:1; Revelation 16:14; Revelation 19:20. [source]

What do the individual words in Acts 2:22 mean?

Men Israelites hear the words these Jesus of Nazareth a man having been set forth by - God to you by miracles and wonders signs which did by Him - God in the midst of you as you yourselves know
Ἄνδρες Ἰσραηλῖται ἀκούσατε τοὺς λόγους τούτους Ἰησοῦν τὸν Ναζωραῖον ἄνδρα ἀποδεδειγμένον ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰς ὑμᾶς δυνάμεσι καὶ τέρασι σημείοις οἷς ἐποίησεν δι’ αὐτοῦ Θεὸς ἐν μέσῳ ὑμῶν καθὼς αὐτοὶ οἴδατε

Ἄνδρες  Men 
Parse: Noun, Vocative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀνήρ  
Sense: with reference to sex.
Ἰσραηλῖται  Israelites 
Parse: Noun, Vocative Masculine Plural
Root: Ἰσραηλίτης  
Sense: an Israelite, one of the race of Israel, a name to be held in honour.
ἀκούσατε  hear 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Imperative Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: ἀκουστός 
Sense: to be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf.
λόγους  words 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: λόγος  
Sense: of speech.
τούτους  these 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: οὗτος  
Sense: this.
Ἰησοῦν  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.
Ναζωραῖον  Nazareth 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: Ναζωραῖος  
Sense: an inhabitant of Nazareth.
ἄνδρα  a  man 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀνήρ  
Sense: with reference to sex.
ἀποδεδειγμένον  having  been  set  forth 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Middle or Passive, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀποδείκνυμι  
Sense: to point away from one’s self, to point out, show forth, to expose to view, exhibit.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεοῦ  God 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
δυνάμεσι  by  miracles 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Plural
Root: δύναμις  
Sense: strength power, ability.
τέρασι  wonders 
Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Plural
Root: τέρας  
Sense: a prodigy, portent.
σημείοις  signs 
Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Plural
Root: σημεῖον  
Sense: a sign, mark, token.
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεὸς  God 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
μέσῳ  the  midst 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Neuter Singular
Root: μέσος  
Sense: middle.
ὑμῶν  of  you 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Root: σύ  
Sense: you.
αὐτοὶ  you  yourselves 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
οἴδατε  know 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: οἶδα  
Sense: to see.