What is the context?
Peter and John are still speaking after the man’s healing when the temple authorities intervene. They are disturbed by the teaching and the proclamation of resurrection in Jesus. Acts 23:8 expressly notes the Sadducees’ rejection of resurrection, which helps explain their objection here.
The apostles are held until the next day, but the arrest does not prevent people from believing the message. Luke says the number of men grows to about five thousand. He does not say another five thousand were added on this occasion.
The council asks by what power or name they acted. Filled with the Spirit, Peter names Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they crucified and God raised. The man standing healed before them is evidence of His power.
Peter then applies the image of the rejected cornerstone to Jesus. The answer moves from one man’s healing to salvation itself: the rejected Jesus is the One through whom God saves.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly understand Peter’s declaration as identifying Jesus as the unique source of salvation, rather than crediting the apostles with a saving power of their own. Calvin on verse 12 and Wesley on verse 12 both follow the movement from the man’s physical healing to the greater salvation found in Christ.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Peter directly applies Psalm 118:22–23 to Jesus: the stone rejected by the builders becomes the cornerstone. Rejection by powerful people does not overturn the place God gives Him.
The setting also recalls Jesus’s promise in Luke 12:11–12 that the Spirit would teach His followers what to say when brought before rulers and authorities. The Spirit’s help equips Peter to name Jesus publicly in the very place where he is being questioned.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.