Acts 4 continues the narrative of the early church's growth and the challenges faced by the apostles in Jerusalem. This chapter follows directly from the events of Acts 3, where Peter and John healed a lame man at the temple gate and Peter preached to the gathered crowd. Acts 4 describes the subsequent arrest of Peter and John, their bold testimony before the Sanhedrin, and the unity and generosity of the early Christian community.
The setting of this chapter is crucial to understanding its significance. The events take place in Jerusalem, the center of Jewish religious and political power. The confrontation between the apostles and the religious authorities highlights the growing tension between the emerging Christian movement and the established Jewish leadership.
Outline of Acts 4
I. Arrest of Peter and John (Acts 4:1-4)
A. Opposition from religious leaders (vv. 1-2)
B. Imprisonment of the apostles (v. 3)
C. Growth of the believers (v. 4)
II. Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:5-22)
A. Gathering of the Jewish leaders (vv. 5-7)
B. Peter's bold testimony (vv. 8-12)
C. The leaders' deliberation and decision (vv. 13-17)
D. Warning and release of the apostles (vv. 18-22)
III. The Believers' Prayer for Boldness (Acts 4:23-31)
A. Report to the Christian community (v. 23)
B. United prayer of the believers (vv. 24-30)
C. Divine response to their prayer (v. 31)
IV. Unity and Generosity in the Early Church (Acts 4:32-37)
A. Description of the believers' unity (vv. 32-33)
B. Sharing of possessions (vv. 34-35)
C. Example of Barnabas (vv. 36-37)
Key Themes and Theological Insights
Bold witness in the face of opposition: The apostles demonstrate courage and conviction in proclaiming the gospel despite threats and persecution.
The centrality of Jesus Christ: Peter's testimony emphasizes Jesus as the only means of salvation and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
The power of the Holy Spirit: The apostles' boldness and the church's unity are attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer and divine empowerment: The believers' prayer for boldness results in a renewed filling of the Holy Spirit.
Christian community and generosity: The early church exhibits radical unity and sacrificial sharing of possessions.
God's sovereignty over human affairs: The believers' prayer acknowledges God's control over both historical events and current circumstances.
Verse-by-Verse Exegesis
1-2. "As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead." (NASB)
The Greek verb "ἐπέστησαν" (epestēsan) suggests a sudden appearance of the religious authorities. Their disturbance (διαπονούμενοι, diaponoumenoi) stems from the apostles' teaching about Jesus and the resurrection, which challenged Sadducean beliefs.
3-4. "And they laid hands on them and put them in jail until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the message believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand." (NASB)
The imprisonment (ἔθεντο εἰς τήρησιν, ethento eis tērēsin) contrasts with the growth of believers. The Greek word "ἀνδρῶν" (andrōn) specifically refers to men, suggesting the total number of believers was even larger.
5-7. "On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, 'By what power, or in what name, have you done this?'" (NASB)
The gathering of religious leaders (συναχθῆναι, synachthēnai) emphasizes the seriousness of the situation. The question posed to Peter and John focuses on the source of their authority (ἐν ποίᾳ δυνάμει ἢ ἐν ποίῳ ὀνόματι, en poia dynamei ē en poiō onomati).
8-12. "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, 'Rulers and elders of the people, if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by this name this man stands here before you in good health. He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.'" (NASB)
Peter's response, empowered by the Holy Spirit (πλησθεὶς πνεύματος ἁγίου, plēstheis pneumatos hagiou), boldly proclaims Jesus as the source of healing and salvation. He quotes Psalm 118:22, applying it to Jesus as the rejected but essential cornerstone. The exclusivity of salvation through Jesus is emphasized by the phrase "οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν ἄλλῳ οὐδενὶ ἡ σωτηρία" (ouk estin en allō oudeni hē sōtēria), meaning "there is salvation in no one else."
13-14. "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition." (ESV)
The Greek word "παρρησίαν" (parrēsian) describes the apostles' boldness or outspokenness. The leaders' astonishment (ἐθαύμαζον, ethaumazon) stems from the contrast between the apostles' lack of formal education and their confident articulation.
15-18. "But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, 'What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.' So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus." (NKJV)
The leaders' private deliberation reveals their acknowledgment of the miracle (γνωστὸν σημεῖον, gnōston sēmeion) and their desire to suppress its impact. Their command (παρήγγειλαν, parēngeilan) to the apostles aims to silence their witness about Jesus.
19-20. "But Peter and John answered and said to them, 'Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.'" (ESV)
The apostles' response prioritizes obedience to God over human authority. The phrase "οὐ δυνάμεθα γὰρ ἡμεῖς" (ou dynametha gar hēmeis) expresses the compulsion they feel to testify about their experiences with Jesus.
21-22. "And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old." (ESV)
The leaders' inability to punish the apostles is due to public opinion (διὰ τὸν λαόν, dia ton laon). The man's age emphasizes the miraculous nature of his healing after such a long-standing condition.
23-26. "When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, 'Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, "Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed"'" (ESV)
The believers' prayer begins with an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty (δέσποτα, despota) and creative power. They quote Psalm 2:1-2, applying it to the current opposition faced by the church.
27-28. "For truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place." (ESV)
The prayer continues by relating the psalm to recent events, emphasizing God's sovereign control over even the actions of those who opposed Jesus.
29-30. "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus." (ESV)
The believers ask for boldness (παρρησίας, parrēsias) in speaking God's word and for continued miraculous confirmations of their message.
"And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." (ESV)
The divine response to their prayer is manifested in physical (ἐσαλεύθη, esaleuthē) and spiritual phenomena, resulting in renewed boldness for witness.
32-33. "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all." (ESV)
The unity of the believers is described with the phrase "καρδία καὶ ψυχὴ μία" (kardia kai psychē mia), indicating complete harmony. Their communal sharing reflects this unity, while the apostles' powerful witness continues.
34-35. "There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need." (ESV)
The practice of selling possessions and sharing resources ensured that no one lacked basic necessities. The phrase "παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τῶν ἀποστόλων" (para tous podas tōn apostolōn) indicates the apostles' role in overseeing the distribution.
36-37. "Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet." (ESV)
Barnabas is introduced as an example of the generosity described. His new name, meaning "son of encouragement" (υἱὸς παρακλήσεως, huios paraklēseōs), reflects his character and role in the early church.
Reflection Questions
How does the apostles' boldness in the face of opposition challenge your own witness for Christ?
In what ways does Peter's testimony before the Sanhedrin demonstrate the fulfillment of Jesus' promise in Luke 12:11-12?
How does the believers' prayer reflect their understanding of God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
What can we learn from the early church's unity and generosity? How might these principles apply in our contemporary context?
How does the apostles' prioritization of obedience to God over human authority inform our approach to potential conflicts between faith and societal expectations?
What role does the Holy Spirit play in empowering the church's witness and unity in this chapter?
How does the example of Barnabas challenge our understanding of stewardship and generosity?
In what ways does this chapter demonstrate the connection between prayer, the Holy Spirit's empowerment, and effective ministry?
Applications for Believers Today
Cultivate boldness in witness: Like the apostles, we should seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment to speak about Christ courageously, even in the face of opposition.
Prioritize obedience to God: When faced with conflicting demands, we must choose to obey God rather than human authorities that contradict His will.
Pray for empowerment: Following the example of the early church, we should pray for boldness and divine enablement in our witness and service.
Foster Christian unity: Strive to cultivate unity within the church, recognizing that harmony among believers is a powerful testimony to the world.
Practice radical generosity: Consider how we can share our resources to meet the needs of others in the church and beyond.
Trust in God's sovereignty: Remember that God is in control of all circumstances, even when we face opposition or challenges.
Seek the Holy Spirit's filling: Regularly ask for and rely on the Holy Spirit's power for effective ministry and Christian living.
Support and encourage fellow believers: Like Barnabas, seek to be an encouragement to others in the faith community.
Conclusion
Acts 4 presents a powerful picture of the early church's witness, unity, and dependence on God in the face of opposition. The apostles' bold proclamation of the gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit, led to continued growth despite threats from religious authorities. The believers' response to persecution through prayer and increased devotion to one another demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel in creating a countercultural community. This chapter challenges contemporary believers to seek similar boldness in witness, unity in fellowship, and trust in God's sovereign control over all circumstances.
Closing Prayer
Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, we come before You in awe of Your power and grateful for Your faithfulness. As we reflect on the example of the early church in Acts 4, we are challenged and inspired by their boldness, unity, and trust in You. We ask that You would fill us anew with Your Holy Spirit, granting us the courage to speak Your word with boldness in our own contexts. Help us to prioritize obedience to You above all else, even when faced with opposition or pressure to compromise our faith.
Lord, we pray for a deeper unity among believers, that we might be of one heart and soul, bearing witness to Your love and grace. Teach us to be generous with our resources, always ready to meet the needs of others as we see in the early church. May our lives and our communities be characterized by the same power and grace that marked the apostles' ministry.
We acknowledge Your sovereignty over all circumstances, trusting that You are working out Your purposes even in the midst of challenges and opposition. Grant us wisdom and discernment as we navigate the complexities of our world, always seeking to honor You and advance Your kingdom.
Finally, we ask that You would use us, like the apostles, to bear powerful testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. May our words and actions point others to the salvation found only in Christ. We pray this in the name of Jesus, our cornerstone and Savior. Amen.