And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

ACTS 3:15KJV
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Acts 3:15 (KJV)

What does Acts 3:15 mean?

Acts 3:15 says that the people killed Jesus, who is called the "Prince of life," but God raised him from the dead, and the speakers are witnesses to this event. The verse highlights both the wrongdoing of killing Jesus and the power of God in raising him, with the apostles claiming firsthand knowledge of these events.

Peter is speaking to a crowd in Jerusalem after healing a man who could not walk. He boldly tells them that, although they rejected and killed Jesus, God reversed that outcome by bringing Jesus back to life. Peter and the other apostles are not just repeating a story—they are saying they saw these things themselves.

The Greek behind Acts 3:15

  • "Prince" (ἀρχηγός, archēgos): This word can mean leader, originator, or founder. Calling Jesus the "Prince of life" suggests he is both the source and leader of true life, not just a good teacher or prophet.
  • "Life" (ζωή, zōē): This Greek word often refers to life in its fullest sense, not just physical existence. Here, it points to a kind of life that comes from God.
  • "Witnesses" (μάρτυρες, martyres): This word means those who testify from personal experience. Peter is stressing that he and the others are not passing on rumors—they saw Jesus alive after his death.

Why Acts 3:15 matters

  • Acts 3:15 makes it clear that the apostles' message is based on their own experience, not secondhand reports, which adds weight to their testimony.
  • The verse draws a sharp contrast between human actions (killing Jesus) and God's actions (raising him), showing that God's purpose cannot be stopped by human wrongdoing.
  • By calling Jesus the "Prince of life," Peter points to Jesus as the source of real, lasting life, connecting this moment to the larger message of hope and new beginnings found throughout Acts.

Where else these words appear

“Prince” Greek G747 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
  • Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
  • Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

“witnesses” Greek G3144 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
  • Acts 10:41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
  • 1 Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

“are” Greek G2070 · used in 51 verses

  • Mark 5:9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
  • Romans 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
  • Galatians 4:31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

“killed” Greek G615 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
  • Luke 11:48 Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.
  • Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: