Acts 4:7
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
And when they had set them in the middle, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have you done this?
American King James Version (AKJV)
And when they had set them in the middle, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have you done this?
American Standard Version (ASV)
And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, By what power, or in what name, have ye done this?
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Then sending for Peter and John, they said, By what power and in whose name have you done this?
Webster's Revision
And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name have ye done this?
World English Bible
When they had stood them in the middle of them, they inquired, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?"
English Revised Version (ERV)
And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, By what power, or in what name, have ye done this?
Clarke's Acts 4:7 Bible Commentary
By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? - It seems that this council were convinced that the lame man was miraculously healed; but it is very likely that they believed the whole to be the effect of magic; and, as all intercourse with familiar spirits, and all spells, charms, etc., were unlawful, they probably hoped that, on the examination, this business would come out, and that then these disturbers of their peace would be put to death. Hence they inquired by what power, εν ποιᾳ δυναμει, by what supernatural energy; or in what name, by what mode of incantation; and who is the spirit you invoke, in order to do these things? False prophets, reputed witches, wizards, etc., were to be brought before the sanhedrin, to be by them judged, acquitted, or condemned, according to the evidence. Some think the words should be thus understood: Who gave you authority to teach publicly! This belongs to the sanhedrin. What, therefore, is your authority, and who is he who gave it to you?
Barnes's Acts 4:7 Bible Commentary
In the midst - In the presence of the Great Council.
By what power ... - A similar question was put to Christ in the temple, Matthew 21:23.
By what name - That is, by whose authority. It is very probable that they expected to intimidate the apostles by this question. They claimed the right of regulating the religious affairs of the nation. They had vast power with the people. They assumed that all power to instruct the people should originate with them; and they expected that the apostles would be confounded, as having violated the established usage of the nation. It did not seem to occur to them to enter into an investigation of the question whether this acknowledged miracle did not prove that they were sent by God, but they assumed that they were impostors, and attempted to silence them by authority. It has been usual with the enemies of religion to attempt to intimidate its friends, and when argument fails, to attempt to silence Christians by appealing to their fears.
Wesley's Acts 4:7 Bible Commentary
4:7 By what name - By what authority, have ye done this? - They seem to speak ambiguously on purpose.