Acts 4:11-12

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 4:1-31

The first persecution. On observing the phenomena attending the introduction and spread of Christianity in the world, one which arrests our attention is the persecution which at different times its disciples have met with from the world. The Lord Jesus himself, "the Author and Perfecter of our faith," was rejected of men and crucified. And when, after his glorious resurrection, the apostles preached the faith, and verified the truth of what they preached by such signal miracles as that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 4:4-22

The first trial of Christian preachers in a court of judgment, and their victory. A few words of an historic character lay for us the scene of this trial, put us in possession of the question at issue and of the parties, as between whom, if not really so, it is to be settled. We are, however, justly at liberty to take note of certain silence as well as of certain utterance and preparations for utterance. Those who" laid hands" on Peter and John, "and put them in ward" last night, were... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 4:5-12

The servants in the footsteps of their Lord. I. Compare the CIRCUMSTANCES of this testimony with those in which Jesus stood. Some of the same were present. Actuated by similar feelings against the truth. But notice: 1. Called together on the ground of one specific fact—the miracle done ( Acts 4:7 ) undeniably real. 2. Without any accusation as in the Lord's case. No false witnesses called. 3. In appearance, at least, orderly and candid; inquiring, "By what power, or in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 4:11

He for this, A.V.; the builders for builders, A.V.; was made for is become, A.V. He is the stone. He had just appealed to their own senses; he now adds the witness of their own prophets. These had declared that the stone which was set at naught by the builders should become the chief corner-stone; just as it had come to pass. The quotation is from Psalms 118:22 ; only St. Luke here substitutes the word ἐξουθενεῖν , to set at naught, for that used by the LXX ., ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 4:11

The despised Stone a sure Foundation. For the Scripture figure here used the following passages may be compared:— Isaiah 28:16 ; Ephesians 2:20-22 ; 1 Peter 2:7 . The construction of our modern buildings does not permit of special importance being given to a foundation, stone. We now put in memorial stones. Very probably the Scripture figure is taken from the immense work of masonry, found necessary at one corner of the temple area, in order to complete the sacred precincts. This... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 4:12

And in none other is there salvation for neither is there salvation in any other, A.V. ; neither is there any other, etc., for there is none other, A.V. ; that is given for given, A.V. ; wherein for whereby, A.V. The eighteenth Article of Religion refers directly to this verse as proving that eternal salvation can be obtained only by the Name of Christ. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 4:12

The unfolded banner of salvation. " Neither is there salvation in any other," etc. The contrast between the position of Christ's heralds thee and now. They pointed to one miracle just wrought; we point to the whole succession of wonders along the line of Christian history. Already the Name of Jesus is " above every name." I. A PROCLAMATION . "None other name." 1. The proclamation of witnesses. They knew the person, they saw the power, they were subjects of the grace.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 4:12

The one saving Name. As one of the earliest preachings of the gospel, this sermon contains a striking illustration of the simplicity of the gospel message. From it we may learn what things were set forth as the primary and essential facts of Christianity, before the development of Christian doctrine. Theology is a science formulated by human genius; for it we are mainly indebted to Augustine and Anselm and Calvin. But it would be a sad thing indeed, for the thousands of" wayfaring men,"... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 4:11

This is the stone - This passage is found in Psalms 118:22. It is quoted, also, by our Saviour as applicable to himself. See the notes on Matthew 21:42. The ancient Jews applied this to David. In the Targum on Psalms 118:22, this passage is rendered, “The child who was among the sons of Jesse, and was worthy to be constituted king, the builders rejected.” The New Testament writers, however, apply it without any doubt to the Messiah. Compare Isaiah 28:16; Romans 9:33; Ephesians 2:20. And from... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 4:12

Neither is there salvation - The word “salvation” properly denotes any “preservation,” or keeping anything in a “safe” state; a preserving from harm. It I signifies, also, deliverance from any evil of body or mind; from pain, sickness, danger, etc., Acts 7:25. But it is in the New Testament applied particularly to the work which the Messiah came to do, “to seek and to save that which was lost,” Luke 19:10. This work refers primarily to a deliverance of the soul from sin Matthew 1:21; Acts 5:31;... read more

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