History · Chapter 4 of 28

Acts 4

Arrested for preaching the resurrection, Peter and John stand before the Sanhedrin. Filled with the Spirit, Peter declares that the lame man was healed by the name of Jesus, the rejected stone become cornerstone, and that there is salvation in no other name. Forbidden to speak of Jesus, they refuse; the believers pray for boldness, are shaken with the Spirit, and share all things in one heart.

What happens in Acts 4

While Peter and John speak, the priests and Sadducees, grieved at their preaching the resurrection, arrest them, yet many believe and the number grows to about five thousand. Before the rulers, Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, declares that the man stands whole by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they crucified and God raised, the rejected stone become the head of the corner. He proclaims there is salvation in no other name under heaven.

The council, marveling at their boldness and unable to deny the miracle, commands them to speak no more in Jesus' name. Peter and John answer that they must obey God rather than men and cannot but speak what they have seen and heard. Released, they return to their company, who lift their voices in prayer for boldness. The place is shaken, all are filled with the Spirit, and the believers hold everything in common, with great grace upon them.

Acts 4 in context

Acts 4 continues the aftermath of the temple healing, marking the first official opposition to the church from the same Sanhedrin that condemned Jesus. Luke contrasts the leaders' threats with the apostles' Spirit-given boldness and the community's unity.

The believers' prayer quotes Psalm 2, interpreting the united hostility of Herod, Pilate, Gentiles, and Israel as fulfilling God's foreordained plan. The chapter closes with a portrait of the sharing church, introducing Barnabas.

Main themes of Acts 4

Acts 4 (KJV)

1And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. 4Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. 5And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 6And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 14And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 17But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 18And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 21So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. 22For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. 23And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 24And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 25Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 29And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Verses to carry from Acts 4

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”Acts 4:12

“But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.”Acts 4:19

“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”Acts 4:31

Reflection

When telling others about Jesus grows costly, will you pray for safety or for boldness? The believers here chose boldness and were shaken by the Spirit. Consider whom you fear more, God or people. Ask for courage to say, like Peter, that you cannot but speak what you have seen and heard.

A prayer from Acts 4