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 4:30 mean?

Explanation

Acts 4:30 is a plea for God to manifest His power through healing and miraculous signs in the name of Jesus.

The followers of Jesus are asking for God's intervention to confirm the message of the Gospel with tangible evidence.

They acknowledge Jesus as God's "holy child" or "servant," implying His divine authority and the power inherent in His name.

The verse reflects a strong belief in the continuation of Jesus' ministry through His disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform healings and wonders as Jesus did.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is part of a prayer that the early Christian community prays following Peter and John’s release from the Sanhedrin's custody.

Peter and John had been arrested for preaching about Jesus and healing a lame man.

The historical context is the period after Jesus’ ascension, when the early Church was forming its identity and witnessing amidst persecution by Jewish religious authorities.

The believers are seeking divine validation in a time when Christianity was not an established religion and faced opposition and skepticism.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse demonstrates the early Christians' understanding of Jesus' divinity and the authority given to them as His witnesses.

The reference to the "holy child Jesus" can also be translated as "holy servant," indicating how Jesus is perceived within the framework of Jewish messianic expectations and servant-hood.

Various theological viewpoints may focus on the charismatic dimension (miracles as gifts of the Spirit), Christology (understanding of Christ’s nature and mission), and ecclesiology (the role of the Church in God’s plan).

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers in their faith to trust in the power of God through Jesus' name.

It suggests that the manifestation of God's power in healing and miracles is not confined to biblical times but is available to believers even today.

Christians might find inspiration here for praying boldly for God to work in their lives and others, not just spiritually but also in physical and tangible ways.

Cross-References

Acts 3:6: "Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."
John 14:13-14: "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it."

Mark 16:17-18: "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words to study include:

"εκτείνων" (ekteinōn) meaning "stretching forth" or "extending," which implies an active moving forward or reaching out.
"χείρ" (cheir) which means "hand," representing power and action.
"ἰάσωνται" (iasontai) the future passive form of "to heal," (iaomai).

Moreover, the term "παῖς" (pais) can mean "child," "servant," or "son," depicting various aspects of Jesus's identity. Each of these terms adds depth to the understanding of how the early church viewed divine intervention and authority.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of ancient cultures, miracles and signs were often associated with divine approval and authority. In Judaism, miracles performed by prophets like Elijah and Elisha authenticated their messages from God. In Greco-Roman traditions, figures like Asclepius were believed to bring healing.

Thus, the early Christians would be seen as participating in a known narrative of divine-human interaction.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, miracles like those requested in Acts 4:30 are often subjected to skepticism, as they defy natural laws and cannot be replicated or tested in controlled settings.

While some individuals believe in psychosomatic effects or the power of the mind to influence the body in cases of healing, the scientific community typically views miraculous healings as lacking empirical evidence.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer insights on Acts 4:30:

John Calvin sees this verse as showing the apostles' reliance on God alone to validate their ministry with signs and wonders.
The Pulpit Commentary notes that the early church saw healing as a continuation of Christ's compassionate ministry.
Matthew Henry comments on the boldness of the apostles' prayer and their understanding of Jesus as both Lord and Christ to whom healing powers were available.
Modern commentaries often discuss the role of signs and wonders in the early church’s proclamation of the gospel and how they served to authenticate the message and messengers.

Acts 4

Acts 4

What does Acts 4:30 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 4:30 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?