Divine Power or Human Agency: A Scriptural Paradox?
In this article, you will learn how Acts 3:12 contradicts Isaiah 48:11, John 15:5, Philippians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 15:10 and Romans 7:18. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The narrative in Acts 3:12 presents a moment where Peter tells onlookers not to be amazed by a miraculous healing, emphasizing that it was not his or John’s power but God's. This highlights a recurring theme in the scriptures about the tension between divine power and human agency.
Isaiah 48:11 provides a different perspective by suggesting that God acts for His own sake and will not share His glory. This contrasts with Peter's statement, as if God's ultimate aim is His glory, human instruments like Peter and John appear almost incidental. It raises the question: Can individuals draw glory to themselves when acting as vessels of divine power?
In John 15:5, the dependence on divine strength is pronounced, with Jesus stating that apart from Him, nothing can be achieved. This aligns with Acts 3:12 but underscores our reliance on divine intervention—like a lamp unable to shine without a power source.
Philippians 2:13 suggests God empowers believers to express His will, implying a collaborative relationship. This seems like a musician guided by a conductor, contrasting Peter's denial of personal ability, suggesting an interplay rather than a complete lack of human involvement.
Paul's admission in 1 Corinthians 15:10 offers yet another angle. He credits his efforts to divine grace, acknowledging hard work but attributing success to God. It’s a blend of humility and recognition of agency, differing from Peter’s flat denial.
Lastly, Romans 7:18 emphasizes the absence of inherent goodness in humans, paralleling Peter’s stance of no personal power or holiness. It echoes the idea that any ability to do good originates outside oneself.
These passages present a complex portrait of human involvement in divine acts. While each suggests an individual’s role, they collectively challenge us to ponder: Are we simply tools of the divine, or do we hold intrinsic power bestowed by God?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Acts 3:12 | And when Peter saw [it], he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? |
| 2. | Isaiah 48:11 | For mine own sake, [even] for mine own sake, will I do [it]: for how should [my name] be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another. |
| 3. | John 15:5 | I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [without me: or, severed from me] |
| 4. | Philippians 2:13 | For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure. |
| 5. | 1 Corinthians 15:10 | But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. |
| 6. | Romans 7:18 | For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not. |