Acts 4:1

¶ And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

And {G1161} as they {G846} spake {G2980} unto {G4314} the people {G2992}, the priests {G2409}, and {G2532} the captain {G4755} of the temple {G2411}, and {G2532} the Sadducees {G4523}, came upon {G2186} them {G846},

Kefa and Yochanan were still speaking to the people when the cohanim, the captain in charge of the Temple police, and the Tz’dukim came upon them,

While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them,

And as they spake unto the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them,

Commentary

Context of Acts 4:1

Acts 4:1 marks a pivotal moment in the early history of the Christian church, immediately following the miraculous healing of a lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple by Peter and John. This public display of divine power, coupled with Peter's bold sermon explaining the healing and calling for repentance through Jesus Christ, drew significant attention. The verse describes the sudden appearance of key figures from the Jewish religious establishment, indicating that the message of the apostles was not merely heard but also profoundly challenged the existing order.

Key Themes

  • Opposition to the Gospel: This verse introduces the first significant organized opposition the apostles faced from Jewish authorities. The message of Jesus' resurrection and the subsequent call to faith directly threatened the power and doctrines of certain religious groups.
  • Clash of Authority: It highlights the escalating tension between the nascent Christian movement, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and the established religious and political powers in Jerusalem.
  • The Nature of Persecution: The "coming upon" Peter and John signifies the beginning of official persecution for their preaching about Jesus, especially His resurrection.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "came upon them" translates the Greek word epestēsan (ἐπέστησαν), which means "to stand over, to appear suddenly, to come upon." This suggests an abrupt and possibly confrontational arrival, implying an immediate intent to intervene or apprehend. It conveys a sense of authority asserting itself over Peter and John's public address.

The Opposing Figures

  • The Priests: These were the religious leaders responsible for the Temple services and maintaining its sanctity and order. They likely viewed Peter and John's actions and teachings as disruptive and unauthorized.
  • The Captain of the Temple: This official was the commander of the Temple guard, a Levite responsible for maintaining order and security within the Temple precincts. His presence indicates an official, authoritative response to what was perceived as a disturbance.
  • The Sadducees: A powerful and aristocratic Jewish sect, they held significant political influence and were often allied with the Roman authorities. Crucially, the Sadducees famously rejected the resurrection of the dead, angels, and spirits. Therefore, Peter and John's fervent proclaiming Jesus' resurrection was a direct theological and political affront to their core beliefs and authority.

Practical Application

Acts 4:1 reminds believers that proclaiming the truth of the gospel, particularly concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ, can often invite opposition from those whose power or worldview is threatened by it. It teaches us to anticipate and be prepared for such challenges, drawing strength from the knowledge that the early church faced similar resistance. Despite the opposition, Peter and John's continued boldness, as seen in the following verses, serves as an example of courage and faithfulness in the face of adversity.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 22:4

    And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

  • Acts 23:6

    ¶ But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men [and] brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

  • Acts 23:9

    And there arose a great cry: and the scribes [that were] of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

  • Acts 6:12

    And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon [him], and caught him, and brought [him] to the council,

  • Acts 5:24

    Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

  • Acts 5:26

    ¶ Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

  • Matthew 3:7

    ¶ But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
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