Elders for elders of Israel, A.V. and T.R. Filled with the Holy Ghost; in direct fulfillment of the promise ( Mark 13:11 ; Luke 12:12 ; Luke 21:14 , Luke 21:15 ; comp. Acts 7:55 ). St. Peter addresses them with all respect (see Matthew 23:1-39 . 2). read more
Their rulers - The rulers of the Jews; doubtless the members of the Sanhedrin, or Great Council of the nation. Compare Acts 4:15. See the notes on Matthew 2:4; Matthew 5:22. The expression their rulers looks as if this book was written for the Gentiles, or Luke would have said our rulers.Elders - Presbyters, or those who were chosen from among the people to sit in the Sanhedrin. It is probable that the rulers were those who held also some other office, but were also authorized to sit in the... read more
In the midst - In the presence of the Great Council.By what power ... - A similar question was put to Christ in the temple, Matthew 21:23.By what name - That is, by whose authority. It is very probable that they expected to intimidate the apostles by this question. They claimed the right of regulating the religious affairs of the nation. They had vast power with the people. They assumed that all power to instruct the people should originate with them; and they expected that the apostles would... read more
Filled with the Holy Ghost - See the notes on Acts 2:4.Ye rulers ... - Peter addressed the Sanhedrin with perfect respect. He did not call in question their authority to propose this question. He seemed to regard this as a favorable opportunity to declare the truth and state the evidence of the Christian religion. In this he acted on the principle of the injunction which he himself afterward gave 1 Peter 3:15, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope... read more
Acts 4:5-7. And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, &c., were gathered together There was a general assembly held of those who constituted the sanhedrim, and a court formed at Jerusalem. And Annas the high-priest, and Caiaphas The meaning seems to be, Annas, who had been high-priest, and Caiaphas, who was so then; and John, and Alexander It is very evident that these were persons of great note among the Jews at that time, but who they were, is to us quite uncertain. ... read more
Acts 4:8-12. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost That moment, according to the promise of his now glorified Master, (Matthew 10:20; Mark 13:11,) which was upon this occasion remarkably verified; said unto them With the utmost freedom; Ye rulers of the people, &c. He gives them the honour due to their office. If we this day be examined And called to an account as criminals, about the good deed Greek, ευεργεσια , the good work, or benefit, done to the impotent man, and you... read more
Growth brings opposition (4:1-31)During the centuries leading up to the Christian era (see ‘The New Testament World’), several parties had arisen within the Jewish religion. The most important of these were the Pharisees and the Sadducees.The Pharisees came mainly from the common people, and tried to preserve the Jewish way of life from the corruption of foreign ideas and political ambition. They were concerned with the outward show of religion, but not so concerned with correct attitudes of... read more
it came to pass. A Hebraism, very common in Luke, about fifty times in his Gospel, and some fifteen times in the Acts. rulers, &c. An assembly of the Sanhedrin. Compare Matthew 26:3 .Mark 14:53 , and see note on Matthew 2:4 . read more
Annas. See note on Luke 3:2 . Caiaphas. See note on John 11:49-53 ; John 18:13 . John. Nothing certainly known of him. Dr. John Lightfoot supposes he was Johanan Ben Lacoai, a famous Rabbi of that time. Works, viii. p. 392. of. Greek. ek. App-104 . kindred = race. Greek. genos. Not the same word as in Acts 3:25 . kindred of the high priest = high-priestly race. Greek. archieratikos. Only here. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 4:7
Inquired for asked, A.V.; in for by, A.V. In what name ; ποίος , what, means exactly, "what kind." The miracle might have been wrought, as it seemed to them, by Beelzebub, or by magic ( Luke 15:15 , etc.; Acts 13:6 ; Acts 19:19 , etc.), as well as by Divine power and in the Name of God. They asked which it was. In the Greek there is an emphasis upon the "ye," which is placed last, equal to "such as you," unlearned and contemptible men. read more