What does Acts 4:3 mean?

Explanation

Acts 4:3 describes the arrest of Peter and John by the religious authorities. The preceding verses recount how Peter and John healed a man lame from birth, and then taught the people at the Temple about Jesus.

The verse indicates that the apostles were seized and detained because it was too late in the day to convene a trial, which implies that legal proceedings or a proper interrogation could not be initiated until the following day.

Historical Context

This verse is situated in the context of the early Christian church's growth in Jerusalem after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.

The disciples were actively preaching the gospel and performing miracles, which alarmed the Jewish religious leaders, the Sadducees, and the temple officials.

During this period, the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, held significant religious and political power.

It was common practice not to hold trials during the eventide, due to the practical difficulty of gathering the council and witnesses after the end of the workday.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse demonstrates the consequences that Peter and John faced for their devout actions and the spreading of their faith.

It shows the early conflict between the emerging Christian movement and the established Jewish authorities.

Some theological interpretations also draw on the themes of perseverance and the willing suffering for the sake of righteousness, reflecting the broader Christian narrative of enduring persecution for belief.

Practical Applications

This verse can serve as a reminder for individuals to stand firm in their convictions, even when facing opposition.

In a practical sense, it speaks to the idea that actions in accordance with one's faith may not always be met with approval from authorities or society at large, and may even lead to inconvenience or hardship.

Cross-References

• Acts 5:18 – "And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison."
• Luke 21:12 – "But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake."
• Acts 4:21 - "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."

Language Study

In this verse, the phrase "laid hands on them" in the original Greek is "ἐπέβαλον αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας", which can literally mean to lay hands on someone physically, and is a common expression to indicate arrest or seizure.

The Greek word "κατέχω" translated as "put them in hold" implies detaining or holding someone in custody.

The word "eventide" in Greek is "ὀψία", which refers to the latter part of the day, or evening time.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The act of detaining individuals who challenge societal or religious norms can be seen in various cultural and religious contexts.

In some ancient myths and religious traditions, figures who disrupt the status quo are often met with resistance or punishment from the gods or authorities, similarly to how Peter and John faced opposition from the Sanhedrin.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might consider the psychological aspects of group dynamics and authority.

Studies in social psychology explore how group authorities often react to perceived threats to their power or belief systems which could provide insight into the behavior of the religious leaders who arrested Peter and John.

Commentaries

Commentaries often discuss this verse in the context of the theme of persecution found throughout the Book of Acts.

For example, the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes the significance of the apostles being held without trial, highlighting the abruptness of their detainment.

Matthew Henry’s commentary discusses how the apostles' powerful witness through miracles and preaching incited the jealousy and animosity of the Jewish authorities, leading to their arrest.