Acts Chapter 4

From The Open Bible Project

4:1 As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them,

• (1) There are none more commonly diligent or bold enemies of the Church than those who profess themselves to be the chief builders of it, but the more they rage, the more steadfastly the faithful servants of God continue.
• (a) The Jews had certain troops for the guard and safety of the temple and holy things (see (Matthew 26:47)). These garrisons had a captain, such as Eleazarus Ananias, the high Priest’s son in the time of the war that was in Judea, being a very impudent and proud young man; Josephus, lib. 2, of the taking of Judea.

4:2 being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

4:3 They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was now evening.

4:4 But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

• (b) While they thought to diminish the number, they actually increased it.

4:5 It happened in the morning, that their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem.

• (c) These were those who were members of the Sanhedrin, who were all from the tribe of Judah, until Herod came to power.

4:6 Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest.

• (d) From whom the high Priests were usually chosen and made. At this time the former high Priest was stepping down, and a new high Priest was being appointed.

4:7 When they had stood them in the middle of them, they inquired, "By what power, or in what name, have you 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.

4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

4:9 if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed,

• (3) The wolves who come after true pastors plead their own cause and not God’s, neither the cause of the Church.

4:10 be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in him does this man stand here before you whole.

• (4) He is indeed a true shepherd that teaches his sheep to rest upon Christ alone as upon one that is not dead, but has conquered death, and has all rule in his own hands.

4:11 He is 'the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.'[13]

4:12 There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"

• (f) There is no other man, or no other power and authority at all; and this kind of speech was common among the Jews, and arose from this, that when we are in danger we call upon those at whose hands we look for help.
• (g) Anywhere: and this shows us the largeness of Christ’s kingdom.
• (h) Of God.

4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus.

• (5) The good liberty and boldness of the servants of God does yet this much good, that those who lay hidden under a mask of zeal at length betray themselves to indeed be wicked men.
• (i) The word used here is "idiot", which signifies a private man when it is used in reference to a magistrate: but with reference to sciences and studies, it signifies one that is unlearned, and with regard to honour and estimation, it implies one of base degree, and of no estimation.

4:14 Seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

4:15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

• (k) Laid their heads together.

4:16 saying, "What shall we do to these men? Because indeed a notable miracle has been done through them, as can be plainly seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can't deny it.

• (6) He that flatters himself in ignorance, at length comes to do open wickedness, and that against his own conscience.

4:17 But so that this spreads no further among the people, let's threaten them, that from now on they don't speak to anyone in this name."

4:18 They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

4:19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves,

• (7) We must obey men to whom we are subject, but especially and before all things we must obey God.

4:20 for we can't help telling the things which we saw and heard."

4:21 When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done.

• (8) The wicked are so far off from doing what they wish, that God uses them contrary to their desires to set forth his glory, which he gives them permission to do.

4:22 For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

4:23 Being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.

• (9) The apostles share their troubles with the congregation.

4:24 When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, "O Lord, you are God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them;

• (10) We should neither be afraid of the threats of our enemies, neither yet foolishly condemn their rage and madness against us: but we have to set against their force and malice an earnest thinking upon the power and good will of God (both which we manifestly behold in Christ) and so flee to the aid and assistance of our Father.

4:25 who by the mouth of your servant, David, said, 'Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?

4:26 The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take council together, against the Lord, and against his [14] Christ [See Acts Footnotes 14].'[15]

4:27 "For truly, in this city against your holy servant, Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together

• (l) Although the people of Israel were but one people, yet the plural number is used here, not so much for the twelve tribes, every one of which counted as a people, but because of the great multitude of them, as though many nations had assembled themselves together, as in (Judges 5:14).

4:28 to do whatever your hand and your council foreordained to happen.

• (m) The wicked execute God’s counsel, even though they think nothing of it, but they are not therefore without fault.
• (n) You had determined by your absolute authority and power.

4:29 Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness,

4:30 while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus."

4:31 When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

• (11) God witnesses to his Church by a visible sign that it is he that will establish it, by shaking the powers both of heaven and of earth.

4:32 The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.

• (12) An example of the true Church, in which there is equal consent both in doctrine and in charity toward one another: and the pastors deliver true doctrine both sincerely and constantly.
• (o) They agreed in counsel, will, and all plans.

4:33 With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was on them all.

4:34 For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,

• (13) True charity helps the need of the poor with its own loss, but in such a way that all things are done well and orderly.

4:35 and laid them at the apostles' feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need.

4:36 Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,

4:37 having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.