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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 4:5-14

We have here the trial of Peter and John before the judges of the ecclesiastical court, for preaching a sermon concerning Jesus Christ, and working a miracle in his name. This is charged upon them as a crime, which was the best service they could do to God or men. I. Here is the court set. An extraordinary court, it should seem, was called on purpose upon this occasion. Observe, 1. The time when the court sat (Acts 4:5) --on the morrow; not in the night, as when Christ was to be tried before... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 4:5-12

4:5-12 So on the next day it happened that the rulers and the elders and the scribes were assembled in Jerusalem, together with Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander and all those who belonged to the priestly families. So they set them in the midst and asked them, "By what power or by what name have you done this?" Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, if today we are being examined about the good deed done to the infirm... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 4:8

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost ,.... At that very instant, having received a fresh measure of the gifts and graces of the Spirit, besides what he had poured forth upon him at the day of Pentecost; so that he had great courage and presence of mind, and freedom of speech, as Christ had promised his disciples they should have, when they were brought before governors and magistrates, Matthew 10:18 . The case was much altered with Peter, he who but a little while ago was frightened by a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 4:9

If we this day be examined of the good deed ,.... Or "seeing" we are; for it was not a matter of doubt, but a clear case, that they were brought into court, and were passing under an examination, about the cure of the lame man; which the apostle rightly calls a good deed , it being done in faith, and to the glory of God, and for the good of the man; and hereby tacitly suggests, that they were dealt very hardly with, to be seized and kept in custody, and be called in question, for doing... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 4:10

Be it known unto you all ,.... The members of the sanhedrim: and to all the people of Israel ; who might hear of this affair; for the apostle was not ashamed of what he had done, nor of the person in whose name he had done it: that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth ; by calling, on that name, and by making use of it, and by the power and authority of Jesus Christ, who by way of contempt was called the Nazarene: whom ye crucified ; for though Pilate delivered him to be... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 4:8

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost - Which guided him into all truth, and raised him far above the fear of man; placing him in a widely different state of mind to that in which he was found when, in the hall of Caiaphas, he denied his Master, through fear of a servant girl. But now was fulfilled the promise of Christ, Matthew 10:18-20 ; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake; but take no thought how or what ye shall speak; for it is not ye that speak, but the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 4:9

The good deed done - Επι ευεργεσιᾳ , The benefit he has received in being restored to perfect soundness. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 4:10

By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth - This was a very bold declaration in the presence of such an assembly; but he felt he stood on good ground. The cure of the lame man the day before was notorious; his long infirmity was well known; his person could be easily identified; and he was now standing before them whole and sound: they themselves therefore could judge whether the miracle was true or false. But the reality of it was not questioned, nor was there any difficulty about the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 4:8

Verse 8 8.Peter, being filled with the Holy Ghost It is not without great cause that Luke addeth this, to the end we may know that Peter spake not with such a majesty of himself. And surely, seeing he had denied his Master, Christ, being afraid at the voice of a silly woman, (Matthew 26:70,) he should have utterly fainted in such an assembly, when he did only behold their pomp, unless he had been upholden by the power of the Spirit. He had great need of wisdom and strength. (205) He excelleth... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 4:9

Verse 9 9.If we be judged. Undoubtedly Peter layeth tyranny to the charge of the priests and the scribes, because they examine them unjustly concerning a benefit which deserveth praise, as if he and his fellow had committed some heinous offense. If, saith he, we be accused for this cause, because we have made a sick man whole. Peter hath in this place more respect unto the wicked affection of the mind than unto the very order of the question. For if, under color of a miracle, the apostles would... read more

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