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:

ACTS 2:22KJV
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Acts 2:22 (KJV)

What does Acts 2:22 mean?

Acts 2:22 records Peter addressing the people of Israel, telling them to listen as he explains that Jesus of Nazareth was shown to be approved by God through miracles, wonders, and signs that God did through him among them—things they themselves had witnessed. Peter is making it clear that Jesus’ authority and identity were confirmed by God’s own actions.

Peter is speaking to a Jewish audience in Jerusalem during the festival of Pentecost, shortly after Jesus’ resurrection. He calls them “men of Israel” and appeals to their firsthand knowledge of Jesus’ miracles. This verse sets up Peter’s argument that Jesus was not just an ordinary man, but someone whose life and works were publicly validated by God in ways the crowd could not deny.

The Greek behind Acts 2:22

  • ἀποδεδειγμένον (apodedeigmenon, “approved”): This word means “shown” or “demonstrated.” Peter is emphasizing that God openly demonstrated Jesus’ special status, not in secret but in a way everyone could see.
  • δυνάμεσι (dynameis, “miracles”), τέρασι (terasin, “wonders”), and σημείοις (sēmeiois, “signs”): These three words highlight different aspects of Jesus’ works—powerful acts, awe-inspiring events, and meaningful signs. Peter uses all three to show the full range of what God did through Jesus.
  • ἐν μέσῳ ὑμῶν (en mesō hymōn, “in the midst of you”): This phrase stresses that these events happened right among the people Peter is addressing, making it personal and undeniable for his listeners.

Why Acts 2:22 matters

  • Acts 2:22 clarifies that Jesus’ miracles were not just rumors or private events; they happened publicly, and the people Peter addresses were witnesses.
  • The verse emphasizes that Jesus’ authority came from God, not from human approval or self-claim, which is central to Peter’s message about who Jesus is.
  • This statement forms the foundation for Peter’s later claim about Jesus’ resurrection and exaltation, connecting Jesus’ earthly ministry to God’s larger plan revealed in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“approved” Greek G584 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 25:7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

“Israel” Greek G2475 · used in 9 verses

  • John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
  • Acts 5:35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
  • Romans 9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

“Nazareth” Greek G3480 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
  • Luke 24:19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
  • Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

“wonders” Greek G5059 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
  • Acts 4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
  • Acts 15:12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.