4:7 {2} And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what {e} name, have ye done this?
(2) Against those who brag of a succession of persons, without a succession of doctrine, and by that means beat down the true ministers of the word, as much as they are able.
(e) By what authority.
4:7 Set them in the midst. The high priest acted as president, and the members were arranged in a semi-circle around him, with the prisoners in front.
By what power, or by what name? They could not deny the miracle, but they thought that it had been done by some incantation. They ask an explanation.
4:7 By what name - By what authority, have ye done this? - They seem to speak ambiguously on purpose.
4:5-14 Peter being filled with the Holy Ghost, would have all to understand, that the miracle had been wrought by the name, or power, of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, whom they had crucified; and this confirmed their testimony to his resurrection from the dead, which proved him to be the Messiah. These rulers must either be saved by that Jesus whom they had crucified, or they must perish for ever. The name of Jesus is given to men of every age and nation, as that whereby alone believers are saved from the wrath to come. But when covetousness, pride, or any corrupt passion, rules within, men shut their eyes, and close their hearts, in enmity against the light; considering all as ignorant and unlearned, who desire to know nothing in comparison with Christ crucified. And the followers of Christ should act so that all who converse with them, may take knowledge that they have been with Jesus. That makes them holy, heavenly, spiritual, and cheerful, and raises them above this world.
