Peter transforms Psalm 118:22's "stone the builders rejected" from a general proverb about vindication into a christological declaration, making Jesus the literal cornerstone of salvation.
Acts 4
Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
1As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them,
2being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was now evening.
4But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
5In the morning, their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem.
6Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest.
7When they had stood Peter and John in the middle of them, they inquired, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?”
8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You rulers of the people and elders of Israel,
9if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed,
10may it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, this man stands here before you whole in him.
11He is ‘the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’
12There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!”
13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus.
14Seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
15But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
16saying, “What shall we do to these men? Because indeed a notable miracle has been done through them, as can be plainly seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can’t deny it.
17But so that this spreads no further among the people, let’s threaten them, that from now on they don’t speak to anyone in this name.”
18They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves,
20for we can’t help telling the things which we saw and heard.”
21When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done.
22For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old.
The Believers' Prayer for Boldness
23Being let go, they came to their own company and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.
24When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, you are God, who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them;
25who by the mouth of your servant David, said, ‘Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?
26The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers plot together, against the Lord, and against his Christ.’
27“For truly, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed,
28to do whatever your hand and your counsel foreordained to happen.
29Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness,
30while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus.”
31When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
The Believers Share Their Possessions
32The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
33With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was on them all.
34For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
35and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need.
36Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,
37having a field, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
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Theme
Following their healing of the lame man, Peter and John face arrest and interrogation by the Sanhedrin, where Peter boldly proclaims Jesus as the only source of salvation. Despite threats and commands to stop preaching, the apostles declare they must obey God rather than human authorities. The early church responds to this persecution with unified prayer for boldness and demonstrates remarkable generosity by sharing all possessions in common.
Context
This chapter continues the immediate aftermath of the temple healing in chapter 3, showing how early Christian ministry inevitably led to conflict with religious authorities.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-4 Arrest of Peter and John Religious authorities arrest the apostles for preaching resurrection, but five thousand believe.
- 5-12 Peter's Bold Defense Before the Sanhedrin, Peter proclaims Jesus as the cornerstone and sole source of salvation.
- 13-22 Threats and Release Amazed by the apostles' boldness, the council threatens them but releases them due to public support.
- 23-31 Prayer for Boldness The believers pray together for courage to continue preaching despite persecution.
- 32-37 Community of Sharing The church demonstrates unity through generous sharing of possessions and resources.
Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
4:1–4:22 narrative dialogue defiant
Peter and John are arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin for preaching about Jesus' resurrection. Peter boldly declares that salvation comes only through Jesus, demonstrating the courage that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit.
quotation_chain
Peter transforms Psalm 118:22's "stone the builders rejected" from a general proverb about vindication into a christological declaration, making Jesus the literal cornerstone of salvation.
The Believers' Prayer for Boldness
4:23–4:31 narrative prayer hopeful
The early believers pray together for boldness to preach despite persecution, and God responds by filling them with the Holy Spirit and shaking the place where they gathered.
quotation_chain
The believers' prayer uniquely transforms Psalm 2's royal coronation hymn into a persecution theology, reinterpreting David's words about raging nations as prophetic validation of their current suffering.
The Believers Share Their Possessions
4:32–4:37 narrative narration joyful
The early Christian community shares all possessions in common, with believers like Barnabas selling property to provide for those in need.
person_contrast
While Jesus typically appears in Acts contexts of authority and judgment, here his resurrection testimony uniquely accompanies radical economic unity and shared grace among believers.
Insights
The believers' prayer uniquely transforms Psalm 2's royal coronation hymn into a persecution theology, reinterpreting David's words about raging nations as prophetic validation of their current suffering.
While Jesus typically appears in Acts contexts of authority and judgment, here his resurrection testimony uniquely accompanies radical economic unity and shared grace among believers.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Acts 4:1 2 references
Acts 4:2 1 reference
Acts 4:3 1 reference
Acts 4:4 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 15:7 Lexical
When there had been much discussion, Peter rose up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made…
Revelation 7:4 Lexical
I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children…
John 6:10 Lexical
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in that place. So the men sat down, in number about fiv…
Acts 11:21 Lexical
The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
Acts 6:7 Lexical
The word of God increased and the number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. A great company of the priest…
Acts 4:5 1 reference
Acts 4:7 1 reference
Acts 4:8 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 26:3 Lexical
Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest…
Acts 9:17 Lexical
Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to…
Luke 1:67 Lexical
His father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying,
Acts 2:4 Lexical
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability t…
Luke 1:15 Lexical
For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Ho…
Acts 4:10 2 references
Acts 4:11 4 references
Quotations 1
Lexicals 3
Mark 12:10 Lexical
Haven’t you even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected was made the head of the corner.
Matthew 21:42 Lexical
Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected was made the head of t…
Luke 20:17 Lexical
But he looked at them and said, “Then what is this that is written, ‘The stone which the builders rejected was made the…
Acts 4:12 3 references
Lexicals 3
1 Corinthians 10:29 Lexical
Conscience, I say, not your own, but the other’s conscience. For why is my liberty judged by another conscience?
Mark 13:13 Lexical
You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 10:22 Lexical
You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
Acts 4:13 2 references
Acts 4:15 1 reference
Acts 4:16 4 references
Lexicals 4
Acts 1:19 Lexical
It became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem that in their language that field was called ‘Akeldama,’ that is, ‘Th…
Acts 2:14 Lexical
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and spoke out to them, “You men of Judea and all you who dwe…
Matthew 16:3 Lexical
In the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern…
Romans 1:19 Lexical
because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them.
Acts 4:18 1 reference
Acts 4:19 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 5:29 Lexical
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
Romans 14:13 Lexical
Therefore let’s not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother’…
John 5:30 Lexical
I can of myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is righteous, because I don’t seek my own will, but the…
Revelation 16:5 Lexical
I heard the angel of the waters saying, “You are righteous, who are and who were, O Holy One, because you have judged th…
Mark 6:20 Lexical
for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many t…
Acts 4:22 1 reference
Acts 4:24 5 references
Lexicals 5
Revelation 10:8 Lexical
The voice which I heard from heaven, again speaking with me, said, “Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the a…
Revelation 10:5 Lexical
The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to the sky
Revelation 14:7 Lexical
He said with a loud voice, “Fear the Lord, and give him glory, for the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who ma…
Acts 22:22 Lexical
They listened to him until he said that; then they lifted up their voice and said, “Rid the earth of this fellow, for he…
Revelation 5:13 Lexical
I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, sayin…
Acts 4:25 1 reference
Acts 4:26 2 references
Lexicals 2
Acts 4:27 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 3:1 Lexical
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetra…
Luke 23:11 Lexical
Herod with his soldiers humiliated him and mocked him. Dressing him in luxurious clothing, they sent him back to Pilate.
Luke 23:12 Lexical
Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before that they were enemies with each other.
Luke 22:66 Lexical
As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people were gathered together, both chief priests and scribes,…
Luke 2:32 Lexical
a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.”
Acts 4:28 1 reference
Acts 4:29 2 references
Acts 4:30 3 references
Lexicals 3
Acts 14:3 Lexical
Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace, granting s…
Acts 5:12 Lexical
By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. They were all with one accord in Solomon…
Hebrews 2:4 Lexical
God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, ac…
Acts 4:31 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 2:4 Lexical
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability t…
Acts 10:44 Lexical
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word.
Acts 16:6 Lexical
When they had gone through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word i…
2 Thessalonians 2:2 Lexical
not to be quickly shaken in your mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter as if from us, saying that t…
Acts 13:9 Lexical
But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him
Acts 4:32 1 reference
Acts 4:33 1 reference
Acts 4:34 1 reference
Acts 4:35 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 5:2 Lexical
and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, then brought a certain part and laid it at the apostle…
Acts 2:45 Lexical
They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.
Hebrews 1:13 Lexical
But which of the angels has he told at any time, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your…
Luke 20:43 Lexical
until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet.”’
Matthew 22:44 Lexical
‘The Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’?
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Lemma
Morphology
Semantic Range
Theological Significance
Translation Notes
Key Passages
Historical Context
Places and events in this chapter
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Timeline
Crucifixion
~30 ADJesus' death by crucifixion on Golgotha, bearing the sins of humanity as the ultimate sacrifice. This central Christian event provides atonement and reconciliation between God and mankind.
Peter references Jesus' crucifixion as the foundation for his resurrection message to the Sanhedrin.
Peter and John Before the SanhedrinResurrection
~30 ADJesus' victory over death through his bodily resurrection on the third day after crucifixion. This cornerstone event validates Jesus' divinity and provides hope of eternal life for believers.
The resurrection is the central message that prompted their arrest and Peter's bold declaration.
Peter and John Before the SanhedrinCrucifixion
~30 ADJesus' death by crucifixion on Golgotha, bearing the sins of humanity as the ultimate sacrifice. This central Christian event provides atonement and reconciliation between God and mankind.
The believers reference Jesus' crucifixion in their prayer as the ultimate persecution they face.
The Believers' Prayer for BoldnessResurrection
~30 ADJesus' victory over death through his bodily resurrection on the third day after crucifixion. This cornerstone event validates Jesus' divinity and provides hope of eternal life for believers.
The resurrection power motivates the believers' radical generosity and communal sharing of possessions.
The Believers Share Their Possessions