Acts of the Apostles - Chapter 4

Acts of the Apostles 4.1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Acts of the Apostles 4.2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Acts of the Apostles 4.3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. Acts of the Apostles 4.4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. Acts of the Apostles 4.5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, Acts of the Apostles 4.6 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. Acts of the Apostles 4.7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Acts of the Apostles 4.8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, Acts of the Apostles 4.9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Acts of the Apostles 4.10 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. Acts of the Apostles 4.11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Acts of the Apostles 4.12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts of the Apostles 4.13 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. Acts of the Apostles 4.14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. Acts of the Apostles 4.15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Acts of the Apostles 4.16 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. Acts of the Apostles 4.17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. Acts of the Apostles 4.18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. Acts of the Apostles 4.19 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. Acts of the Apostles 4.20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. Acts of the Apostles 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. Acts of the Apostles 4.22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. Acts of the Apostles 4.23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. Acts of the Apostles 4.24 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: Acts of the Apostles 4.25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? Acts of the Apostles 4.26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. Acts of the Apostles 4.27 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, Acts of the Apostles 4.28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. Acts of the Apostles 4.29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, Acts of the Apostles 4.30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. Acts of the Apostles 4.31 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. Acts of the Apostles 4.32 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. Acts of the Apostles 4.33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Acts of the Apostles 4.34 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, Acts of the Apostles 4.35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. Acts of the Apostles 4.36 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, Acts of the Apostles 4.37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts of the Apostles : Chapter 4

The Persecution of the Apostles in Acts 4

Chapter 4 of the Acts of the Apostles presents us with a crucial moment in the first persecution of the apostles. How did the Church react to the opposition that arose? This fundamental text describes in detail the arrest of Peter and John, their bold testimony before the Sanhedrin, and their release. It highlights the boldness of the believers, the unity of the Church, and the power of prayer.

Furthermore, Acts 4 highlights the practice of sharing goods among the early Christians, illustrating the solidarity and brotherly love that reigned within the community. Let's reflect together on five Bible passages that relate to the profound and sometimes difficult themes addressed in this powerful chapter.

Bible Passages Related to Acts 4

Psalm 2:1-2: "Why do the nations rebel and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers conspire together, against the Lord and against his anointed." This psalm is quoted by the apostles in Acts 4:25-26 during their prayer, thus affirming God's sovereignty in the face of adversity.

Isaiah 28:16: "Behold, I have laid in Zion a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes in him will never be moved." This prophecy echoes Peter's statement about Jesus in Acts 4:11-12, affirming the strength of our faith in Him.

Exodus 20:11: "For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but on the seventh day he rested." The apostles' prayer in Acts 4:24 recalls this passage by referring to God as Creator, thus affirming their trust in His power.

Daniel 3:18: "But if he does not deliver us, then be it known to you, O king, that we will not worship his gods or the golden image which you have set up." The courage of the apostles before the Sanhedrin, as described in Acts 4:19-20, reflects the determined attitude of Daniel's friends, ready to remain faithful to God despite threats.

Proverbs 29:25: "The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe." This proverb perfectly illustrates the courage of the apostles in Acts 4:13, 31, who were able to trust in God rather than in the fear of man.

By meditating on these passages, we are invited to strengthen our faith, remain united in brotherly love, and pray fervently, just as the first Christians did in the face of opposition.