Commentary on Acts 2:22

Acts 2:22 states:

"Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know."

This verse comes from Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost, a pivotal moment in Christian history. It serves as an introduction to the core message of the Gospel, emphasizing the divine authentication of Jesus’ ministry through miraculous acts.

Contextual Background

The setting of Acts 2 takes place after the ascension of Christ, where the Holy Spirit empowers the apostles. This event occurs in Jerusalem during the Feast of Pentecost, featuring a gathering of devout Jews from various nations. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, begins to address the crowd, and this portion of his sermon lays the groundwork for the theological significance of Jesus’ life and works.

Divine Attestation of Jesus

Peter identifies Jesus of Nazareth as “a man attested by God.” This statement underscores the dual nature of Christ—as fully divine and fully human. The use of "man" indicates his humanity while "attested by God" signifies divine endorsement.

• Miracles, Wonders, and Signs: These terms refer to the extraordinary works performed by Jesus, emphasizing the divine power at work. Matthew Henry notes that these acts were direct indications of God's presence and approval.
• Public Acknowledgment: Peter emphasizes that these signs were not done in secret; they were witnessed by the people, which strengthens the validity of Peter's claims. Albert Barnes highlights the importance of these public miracles in establishing faith among the witnesses.

Theological Implications

Peter’s assertion about Jesus being “attested by God” serves multiple theological purposes:

• Affirmation of Jesus' Messiahship: By affirming that God attested to Jesus, Peter is firmly placing Jesus within the Messianic expectation, which resonates with the Jewish audience’s understanding of the prophecies.
• Call to Truth: The phrase “as you yourselves know” is rhetorical, appealing to the shared experience of the audience regarding Jesus’ ministry. Adam Clarke notes that this appeal confirms the credibility of the facts he presents.

Application for Contemporary Believers

The significance of this verse extends into the life of the modern Church. Believers are called to remember and recognize the powerful works of Christ. The acknowledgement of Jesus’ miracles is not merely historical; it is an invitation for ongoing faith and recognition of Christ's presence and works in today’s world:

• Evidences of Faith: Just as the signs and wonders authenticated Jesus, the transformational works of the Holy Spirit in believers can serve as modern attestations of God's continuing work among us.
• Encouragement in Preaching: Preachers can draw from this verse the principle of grounding their messages in the historical reality of Jesus’ miracles as a means of demonstrating God's power and authenticity.
• Call to Witness: Believers are encouraged to share their testimonies and experiences of God's work in their lives as a furthering of the narrative Peter began, showcasing how God continues to work through Christ.

Conclusion

Acts 2:22 serves as a foundational scripture that sets the stage for understanding Jesus' ministry as a divine appointment. Through miracles, wonders, and signs, God confirmed Jesus' identity, and this truth remains vital for faith. As we study this verse, we are reminded to look for and testify to the evidences of God’s work both in the past and in our lives today.