5 On the next day , their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem ; 6 and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander , and all who were of high-priestly descent . 7 When they had placed them in the center , they began to inquire , "By what power , or in what name , have you done this ?" 8 Then Peter , filled with the Holy Spirit , said to them, " Rulers and elders of the people , 9 if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man , as to how this man has been made well , 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel , that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene , whom you crucified , whom God raised from the dead -by this name this man stands here before you in good health . 11 " He is the STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS , but WHICH BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone. 12 "And there is salvation in no e one else ; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved ." 13 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men , they were amazed , and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus . 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply .
15 But when they had ordered them to leave the Council , they began to confer with one another , 16 saying , " What shall we do with these men ? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem , and we cannot e deny it. 17 "But so that it will not spread any further e among the people , let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name ." 18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus . 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, " Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God , you be the judge ; 20 for we cannot e stop speaking about what we have seen and heard ." 21 When they had threatened them further , they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people , because they were all glorifying God for what had happened ; 22 for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed .
23 When they had been released , they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said , "O Lord , it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA , AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM 25 who by the Holy Spirit , through the mouth of our father David Your servant , said , ' WHY e DID THE GENTILES RAGE , AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS ? 26 ' THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND , AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER e e AGAINST THE Lord AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST .' 27 For truly e 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 to occur . 29 "And now , Lord , take note of their threats , and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence , 30 while You extend Your hand to heal , and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus ." 31 And when they had prayed , the place where e they had gathered together was shaken , and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 4:5-31
Commentary on Acts 4:5-14
(Read Acts 4:5-14)
Peter being filled with the Holy Ghost, would have all to understand, that the miracle had been wrought by the name, or power, of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, whom they had crucified; and this confirmed their testimony to his resurrection from the dead, which proved him to be the Messiah. These rulers must either be saved by that Jesus whom they had crucified, or they must perish for ever. The name of Jesus is given to men of every age and nation, as that whereby alone believers are saved from the wrath to come. But when covetousness, pride, or any corrupt passion, rules within, men shut their eyes, and close their hearts, in enmity against the light; considering all as ignorant and unlearned, who desire to know nothing in comparison with Christ crucified. And the followers of Christ should act so that all who converse with them, may take knowledge that they have been with Jesus. That makes them holy, heavenly, spiritual, and cheerful, and raises them above this world.
Commentary on Acts 4:15-22
(Read Acts 4:15-22)
All the care of the rulers is, that the doctrine of Christ spread not among the people, yet they cannot say it is false or dangerous, or of any ill tendency; and they are ashamed to own the true reason; that it testifies against their hypocrisy, wickedness, and tyranny. Those who know how to put a just value upon Christ's promises, know how to put just contempt upon the world's threatenings. The apostles look with concern on perishing souls, and know they cannot escape eternal ruin but by Jesus Christ, therefore they are faithful in warning, and showing the right way. None will enjoy peace of mind, nor act uprightly, till they have learned to guide their conduct by the fixed standard of truth, and not by the shifting opinions and fancies of men. Especially beware of a vain attempt to serve two masters, God and the world; the end will be, you can serve neither fully.
Commentary on Acts 4:23-31
(Read Acts 4:23-31)
Christ's followers do best in company, provided it is their own company. It encourages God's servants, both in doing work, and suffering work, that they serve the God who made all things, and therefore has the disposal of all events; and the Scriptures must be fulfilled. Jesus was anointed to be a Saviour, therefore it was determined he should be a sacrifice, to make atonement for sin. But sin is not the less evil for God's bringing good out of it. In threatening times, our care should not be so much that troubles may be prevented, as that we may go on with cheerfulness and courage in our work and duty. They do not pray, Lord let us go away from our work, now that it is become dangerous, but, Lord, give us thy grace to go on stedfastly in our work, and not to fear the face of man. Those who desire Divine aid and encouragement, may depend upon having them, and they ought to go forth, and go on, in the strength of the Lord God. God gave a sign of acceptance of their prayers. The place was shaken, that their faith might be established and unshaken. God gave them greater degrees of his Spirit; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, more than ever; by which they were not only encouraged, but enabled to speak the word of God with boldness. When they find the Lord God help them by his Spirit, they know they shall not be confounded, Isaiah 17.