Acts 4

And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

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 that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

What does Acts 4:11 mean?

Explanation

Acts 4:11, spoken by the apostle Peter, refers to Jesus Christ as the foundational "stone" initially rejected by the religious leaders, or "builders," who were responsible for spiritual guidance in Israel.

The "head of the corner," or cornerstone, is a metaphor denoting the most crucial stone in the construction of a building, symbolizing Jesus’ indispensable role in God's plan of salvation.

The verse asserts that, although the religious authorities dismissed Jesus and his teachings, He has become the primary cornerstone of the Church and the fulfillment of God's purpose.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is part of a speech given by Peter to the Sanhedrin, the ruling Jewish council, after healing a lame man at the temple in Jerusalem.

Acts 4 takes place after Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.

Early Christians proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, which often brought them into conflict with Jewish leaders who rejected this claim.

The "builders" refers to the religious authorities who played a role in Jesus' condemnation, asserting that the promised Messiah would originate from their own theological understanding.

Theological Insights

In Christian theology, the verse supports the belief that Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith.

This reflects prophecies found in the Old Testament that a stone rejected would become paramount in God's salvation plan.

Different theological viewpoints might emphasize the fulfillment of prophecy (Messianic), the sovereignty of God in salvation history, or the idea of Jesus' rejection and subsequent exaltation as a cornerstone.

Some may also draw parallels to the Church being built upon the apostles, with Jesus as the chief cornerstone.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life as a reminder that rejection by humans does not negate divine purpose. It encourages believers to trust in God’s plan and recognize the value He places on individuals and ideas that others may reject.

Additionally, it can serve as an exhortation to build one’s life on the teachings and example of Jesus, as the firm foundation for ethical, moral, and spiritual living.

Cross-References

Psalm 118:22: "The stone which the builders refused is become the headstone of the corner."
Ephesians 2:20: "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;"
1 Peter 2:7: "Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,"

Language Study

In the original Greek, "lithos" ('λίθος') translates to "stone," and "exouthenētheis" ('ἐξουθενηθείς') means "set at nought" or "rejected." "Kephale gōnias" ('κεφαλὴ γωνίας') translates to "head of the corner," indicating a cornerstone or capstone.

Analyzing the original language nuances betters our understanding by emphasizing the rejection and subsequent exaltation the verse describes.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to other ancient mythologies and religions with concepts of a rejected being or entity later becoming significant, this narrative could be compared to those found, for example, in Greek mythology.

However, within Judaism and Christianity, this motif is uniquely tied to the Messianic expectation and the hope in God’s salvific work.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific correlation to the metaphorical content of Acts 4:11, which is a statement of faith rather than a claim that intersects with the empirical sciences.

However, from an archaeological perspective, the use of a cornerstone is historically accurate and reflects the construction methods relevant to the time.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators emphasize the fulfillment of prophecy and Jesus' essential role in salvation history as highlighted in this verse.

Matthew Henry, for example, interprets this verse as a clear indicator of Jesus' divinity and significance despite the rejection He faced.

John Gill remarks on the sobering notion that the builders were experts in the law and scriptures but still rejected the most valuable stone.

Contemporary scholars often discuss the verse in the broader context of early Christian testimony and the establishment of the Church.

Acts 4

Acts 4

What does Acts 4:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 4:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?