Acts 4
New King James Version
Peter and John Arrested
4 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the (A)Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
Addressing the Sanhedrin
5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 6 as well as (B)Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, (C)“By what power or by what name have you done this?”
8 (D)Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, (E)that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, (F)whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the (G)‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 (H)Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
The Name of Jesus Forbidden
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, (I)and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed (J)standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, (K)“What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a [a]notable miracle has been done through them is (L)evident[b] to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”
18 (M)So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, (N)“Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 (O)For we cannot but speak the things which (P)we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, (Q)because of the people, since they all (R)glorified God for (S)what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
Prayer for Boldness(T)
23 And being let go, (U)they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, (V)You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who [c]by the mouth of Your servant David have said:
(W)‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’
27 “For (X)truly against (Y)Your holy Servant Jesus, (Z)whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 (AA)to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants (AB)that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, (AC)and that signs and wonders may be done (AD)through the name of (AE)Your holy Servant Jesus.”
31 And when they had prayed, (AF)the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, (AG)and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
Sharing in All Things
32 Now the multitude of those who believed (AH)were of one heart and one soul; (AI)neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with (AJ)great power the apostles gave (AK)witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And (AL)great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; (AM)for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 (AN)and laid them at the apostles’ feet; (AO)and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
36 And [d]Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of [e]Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 (AP)having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 4
Amplified Bible
Peter and John Arrested
4 And while Peter and John were talking to the people, the priests and the captain [who was in charge of the temple area and] of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, 2 being extremely disturbed and thoroughly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in [the case of] Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 So they arrested them and put them in jail until the next day, because it was evening. 4 But many of those who heard the message [of salvation] believed [in Jesus and accepted Him as the Christ]. And the number of the men came to be about 5,000.
5 On the next day, their magistrates and elders and scribes (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court) were gathered together in Jerusalem; 6 and [a]Annas the high priest was there, and [b]Caiaphas and [c]John and Alexander, and all others who were of high-priestly descent. 7 When they had put the men in [d]front of them, they repeatedly asked, “By what sort of power, or in what name [that is, by what kind of authority], did you do this [healing]?” 8 Then Peter, filled with [the power of] the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people [members of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish High Court], 9 if we are being put on trial today [to interrogate us] for a good deed done to [benefit] a disabled man, as to how this man has been restored to health, 10 let it be known and clearly understood by all of you, and by all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you [demanded be] crucified [by the Romans and], whom God raised from the dead—in this name [that is, by the authority and power of Jesus] this man stands here before you in good health. 11 This Jesus is the stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which became the [e]chief Cornerstone.(A) 12 And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].”
Threat and Release
13 Now when the men of the Sanhedrin (Jewish High Court) saw the confidence and boldness of Peter and John, and grasped the fact that they were [f]uneducated and untrained [ordinary] men, they were astounded, and began to recognize that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing there with them, they had nothing to say in reply. 15 But after ordering them to step out of the Council [chamber], they began to confer among themselves, 16 saying, “What are we to do with these men? For the fact that an extraordinary miracle has taken place through them is public knowledge and clearly evident to all the residents of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to keep it from spreading further among the people and the nation, let us [sternly] warn them not to speak again to anyone in this name.” 18 So they sent for them, and commanded them not to speak [as His representatives] or teach at all in the name of Jesus [using Him as their authority]. 19 But Peter and John replied to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you and obey you rather than God, you must judge [for yourselves]; 20 for we, on our part, cannot stop telling [people] about what we have seen and heard.” 21 When the rulers and Council members had threatened them further, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because [of their fear] of the people, for they were all praising and glorifying and honoring God for what had happened; 22 for the man to whom this sign (attesting miracle) of healing had happened was more than forty years old.
23 After Peter and John were released, they returned to their own [people] and reported everything that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, “O Sovereign Lord [having complete power and authority], it is You who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything that is in them,(B) 25 who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David, Your servant, said,
‘Why did the nations (Gentiles) become arrogant and rage,
And the peoples devise futile things [against the Lord]?
26
‘The kings of the earth took their stand [to attack],
And the rulers were assembled together
Against the Lord and against His Anointed (the Christ, the Messiah).’(C)
27 For in this city there were gathered together against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined [before the creation of the world] to occur [and so without knowing it, they served Your own purpose]. 29 And now, Lord, observe their threats [take them into account] and grant that Your bond-servants may declare Your message [of salvation] with great confidence, 30 while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders (attesting miracles) take place through the name [and the authority and power] of Your holy Servant and Son Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were meeting together was shaken [a sign of God’s presence]; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness and courage.
Sharing among Believers
32 Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one [of them] claimed that anything belonging to him was [exclusively] his own, but everything was common property and for the use of all. 33 And with great ability and power the apostles were continuously testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace [God’s remarkable lovingkindness and favor and goodwill] rested richly upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, because those who were owners of land or houses were selling them, and bringing the proceeds of the sales 35 and placing the money down at the apostles’ feet. Then it was distributed to each as anyone had need.
36 Now Joseph, a Levite and native of Cyprus, who was surnamed [g]Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), 37 sold a field belonging to him and brought the money and set it at the apostles’ feet.
Footnotes
- Acts 4:6 Annas served as high priest a.d. 6-15. He was removed from the position by Rome, but continued to be extremely influential and was regarded by the Jews as de facto high priest even though others (his sons and son-in-law) officially held the office.
- Acts 4:6 Caiaphas (Annas’ son-in-law) served as high priest a.d. 18-36.
- Acts 4:6 Perhaps this is Jonathan, one of Annas’ sons.
- Acts 4:7 The Sanhedrin sat in a semi-circle.
- Acts 4:11 The cornerstone is the supreme foundation stone governing the structure of the entire building. All other stones will be set in reference to this stone.
- Acts 4:13 They had no formal religious training in the rabbinical schools.
- Acts 4:36 Barnabas becomes a prominent figure in the book of Acts (9:27; 11:22-30; 13:1-14:28, etc.), and it may be for that reason that Luke briefly mentions him here, telling the reader how Barnabas came to be associated with the apostles.
Acts 4
Authorized (King James) Version
4 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. 4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 6 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. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 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. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
13 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. 14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 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. 17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 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. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 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. 22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 24 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: 25 who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27 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, 28 for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
31 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.
32 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. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 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, 35 and laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 36 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, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 4
1599 Geneva Bible
4 1 Peter and John, 3 are taken and brought before the council, 7 and 19 They speak boldly in Christ’s cause. 24 The disciples pray unto God. 32 Many sell their possessions. 36 Of whom Barnabas is one.
1 And [a]as they spake unto the people, the Priests and the [b]Captain of the Temple, and the Sadducees came upon them.
2 Taking it grievously that they taught the people, and preached in Jesus’ Name the resurrection from the dead.
3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold, until the next day, for it was now eventide.
4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word, believed, and the [c]number of the men was about five thousand.
5 ¶ And it came to pass on the morrow, that their [d]rulers, and Elders, and Scribes, were gathered together at Jerusalem,
6 And Annas the chief Priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the [e]kindred of the high Priest.
7 [f]And when they had set them before them, they asked, By what power, or in what [g]Name have ye done this?
8 Then Peter full of the holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and Elders of Israel,
9 [h]For as much as we this day are examined, of the good deed done to the impotent man, to wit, by what means he is made whole,
10 [i]Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye have crucified, whom God raised again from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you, whole.
11 (A)This is the stone cast aside of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for among men there is [j]given none other [k]Name [l]under heaven, whereby we must be saved.
13 [m]Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and understood that they were unlearned men and without [n]knowledge, they marveled, and knew them, that they had been with Jesus:
14 And beholding also the man which was healed standing with them, they had nothing to say against it.
15 Then they commanded them to go aside out of the Council, and [o]conferred among themselves,
16 [p]Saying, What shall we do to these men? for surely a manifest sign is done by them, and it is openly known to all them that dwell in Jerusalem: and we cannot deny it.
17 But that it be noised no farther among the people, let us threaten and charge them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this Name.
18 So they called them, and commanded them, that in no wise they should speak or teach in the Name of Jesus.
19 [q]But Peter and John answered unto them, and said, Whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God, judge ye.
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
21 [r]So they threatened them, and let them go, and found nothing how to punish them, because of the people: for all men praised God for that which was done.
22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed.
23 [s]Then as soon as they were let go, they came to their fellows, and showed all that the high Priests and Elders had said unto them.
24 [t]And when they heard it, they lifted up their voices to God with one accord, and said, O Lord, thou art the God which had made the heaven, and the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them.
25 Which by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, (B)Why did the Gentiles rage, and the people imagine vain things?
26 The kings of the earth assembled, and the rulers came together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
27 For doubtless, against thine holy Son Jesus, whom thou hadst anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the [u]people of Israel gathered themselves together.
28 To [v]do whatsoever [w]thine hand, and thy counsel had determined before to be done.
29 And now, O Lord, behold their threatenings, and grant unto thy servants with all boldness to speak thy word,
30 So that thou stretch forth thine hand that healing, and signs, and wonders may be done by the Name of thine holy Son Jesus.
31 [x]And when as 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 boldly.
32 [y]And the multitude of them that believed, were of [z]one heart, and of one soul: neither any of them said, that anything of that which he possessed, was his own, but they had all things (C)common.
33 And with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
34 [aa]Neither was there any among them, that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses, sold them, and brought the price of the things that were sold,
35 And laid it down at the Apostles’ feet, and it was distributed unto every man, according as he had need.
36 Also Joses which was called of the Apostles, Barnabas (that is by interpretation, the son of consolation) being a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
37 Where as he had land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it down at the Apostles’ feet.
Footnotes
- Acts 4:1 None are commonly more diligent or bolder enemies of the Church, than such as profess themselves to be head builders: but the more they rage, the more constantly the faithful servants of God do continue.
- Acts 4:1 The Jews had certain garrisons for the guard and safety of the Temple and holy things, Matt. 26:65. These garrisons had a Captain, such as Eleazarus Ananias, the high Priest’s son was, in the time of the war that was in Judea, being a very impudent and proud young man, Josephus, lib. 2, of the taking of Judea.
- Acts 4:4 While they thought to diminish the number, they increased them.
- Acts 4:5 These were they that made the Sanhedrin, which were all of the tribe of Judah, until Herod used that cruelty against David’s stock.
- Acts 4:6 Of whom the high Priests were wont to be chosen and made, the execution of the yearly office being now changed them.
- Acts 4:7 Against such as brag of a succession of persons, without a succession of doctrine, and by that means beat down the true ministers of the word, so far forth as they are able.
- Acts 4:7 By what authority.
- Acts 4:9 Wolves which succeed true pastors plead their own cause, and not God’s neither the Churches’.
- Acts 4:10 He is indeed a true Shepherd, that teacheth his sheep to hang upon Christ only, as upon one that is not dead, but hath conquered death, and hath all rule in his own hand.
- Acts 4:12 Of God.
- Acts 4:12 There is no other man, or no other power and authority whatsoever: which kind of speech being usual among the Jews, rose upon this, that when we are in danger, we call upon them at whose hands we look for help.
- Acts 4:12 Anywhere: and this setteth forth unto us the largeness of Christ’s kingdom.
- Acts 4:13 The good liberty and boldness of the servants of God doeth yet thus much good that such as lay hid under a vizard of zeal, do at length bewray themselves to be indeed wicked men.
- Acts 4:13 The word used here, is Idiot, which being spoken in comparison had to a Magistrate, betokeneth a private man, but when we speak of sciences and studies, it signifieth one that is unlearned: and in accompt of honor and estimation it importeth one of base degree, and no estimation.
- Acts 4:15 Laid their heads together.
- Acts 4:16 He that flattereth himself in ignorance, cometh at length to do open wickedness, and that against his own conscience.
- Acts 4:19 We must so obey men to whom we are subject, that especially and before all things we obey God.
- Acts 4:21 So far off are the wicked from doing what they list, that contrariwise God useth even that to the setting forth of his glory, which he giveth them leave to do.
- Acts 4:23 The Apostles communicate their troubles with the Congregation.
- Acts 4:24 We ought neither to be afraid of the threatenings of our enemies, neither yet foolishly condemn their rage and madness against us: but we have to set against their force and malice, an earnest thinking upon the power and good will of God (both which we do manifestly behold in Christ) and so flee to the aid and succor of our Father.
- Acts 4:27 Although the people of Israel was but one people, yet the plural number is here used, not so much for the twelve tribes, every one of which made a people, as for the great multitude of them, as though many nations had assembled themselves together, as Judg. 5:14.
- Acts 4:28 The wicked execute God’s counsel, though they think nothing of it, but they are not therefore without fault.
- Acts 4:28 Thou hadst determined of thine absolute authority and power.
- Acts 4:31 God witnesseth to his Church by a visible sign, that it is he that will establish it by shaking the powers both of heaven and earth.
- Acts 4:32 An example of the true Church, wherein there is consent as well in doctrine as in charity one towards another: And the Pastors deliver true doctrine both sincerely, and constantly.
- Acts 4:32 They agreed both in counsel, will, and purposes.
- Acts 4:34 True charity helpeth the necessity of the poor with its own loss: but so, that all things be done well and orderly.
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