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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

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 4:15-22

We have here the issue of the trial of Peter and John before the council. They came off now with flying colours, because they must be trained up to sufferings by degrees, and by less trials be prepared for greater. They now but run with the footmen; hereafter we shall have them contending with horses, Jer. 12:5. I. Here is the consultation and resolution of the court about this matter, and their proceeding thereupon. 1. The prisoners were ordered to withdraw (Acts 4:15): They commanded them to... 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

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 4:13-22

4:13-22 When they saw how boldly Peter and John spoke, and when they had grasped the fact that they were men with no special knowledge and no special qualifications, they were amazed; and they recognized them for men who had been in the company of Jesus. So, as they looked at the man who was cured and who was standing with them, they could find no charge to make. They ordered them to leave the Sandhedrin, and they discussed with each other, "What are we to do with these men? For, that,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 4:6

And Annas the high priest ,.... So called, either because he had been an high priest, though he was not now, but Caiaphas his son-in-law; or because he was the Sagan of the high priest, and had all the other priests under his government; and is mentioned first, because he was father-in-law to Caiaphas; See Gill on Luke 3:2 he could not be called so, because he was נשיא , "prince", or president of the council; for not he, but Gamaliel, was president at this time. And Caiaphas ; who... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 4:7

And when they had set them in the midst ,.... Of the assembly, as the Ethiopic version adds; in the middle of the sanhedrim, which sat in a semicircular form; or as the Jews express it, as the half of a round corn floor, or as a half moon, and not in a perfect circle; because it was necessary that the contending parties, and the witnesses, might go in and speak before them all F2 Misn. Sanhedrin, c. 4. sect. 3. & Bartenora in ib. ; so that those that were set before them, were... 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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 4:11

This is the stone ,.... That is, this Jesus of Nazareth, by whose name the lame man was made whole, is that stone spoken of in Psalm 118:22 by whom is meant the true Messiah, comparable to a stone, for his strength and duration, and usefulness, as a foundation and corner stone, in the spiritual building of the church; and yet notwithstanding is the stone which was set at nought of you builders : the priests, elders, and Scribes; who were fond of being called builders, but made... read more

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