Acts 4:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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,

Berean Standard Bible

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,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:1 marks a critical juncture in the burgeoning life of the early church, immediately following the miraculous healing of a lame man and Peter's subsequent powerful sermon in the Temple courts. This verse describes the abrupt and authoritative arrival of key figures from the Jewish religious establishment—the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees—who confronted Peter and John as they were speaking to the people, signaling the commencement of official opposition to the apostles' ministry and the message of the resurrected Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic healing of a lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple by Peter and John, as recorded in [Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "Acts 3:1-10 - Healing of the Lame Man"). This miracle served as a powerful sign, drawing a large crowd to Solomon's Portico, where Peter then delivered a compelling sermon. In this sermon, Peter boldly proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, called the people to repentance, and emphatically declared the resurrection of Christ from the dead ([Acts 3:11-26](/acts/3-11-26 "Acts 3:11-26 - Peter's Sermon in the Temple")). Acts 4:1 thus initiates the first organized opposition from the Jewish authorities, setting the stage for the apostles' arrest, interrogation, and their unwavering testimony before the Sanhedrin, as detailed in [Acts 4:3-22](/acts/4-3-22 "Acts 4:3-22 - Apostles Before the Sanhedrin").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Acts 4:1 unfold within the highly charged religious and political atmosphere of Jerusalem, specifically within the Temple precincts. The "priests" were members of the Levitical priesthood, responsible for the Temple's sacrificial system and maintaining religious order. The "captain of the temple" was a high-ranking Levite, second only to the high priest, who commanded the Temple guard and was charged with maintaining security and preventing disturbances within the sacred area. The "Sadducees" constituted a powerful, aristocratic Jewish sect, largely composed of the priestly class, who held significant political and religious influence. Crucially, the Sadducees adhered strictly to the written Torah and famously denied the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, and spirits, as highlighted in [Acts 23:8](/acts/23-8 "Acts 23:8 - Sadducees Deny Resurrection"). Therefore, the apostles' fervent proclamation of Jesus' resurrection, as seen in [Acts 4:2](/acts/4-2 "Acts 4:2 - Proclaiming Jesus' Resurrection"), directly challenged the Sadducees' core theological tenets and their established authority.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 4:1 introduces several foundational themes that will recur throughout the book of Acts. Firstly, it marks the beginning of **organized opposition to the Gospel**, demonstrating that the message of Jesus Christ, particularly His resurrection, would inevitably provoke resistance from those whose power structures or theological frameworks were threatened. Secondly, the verse highlights the **clash of authority** between the Spirit-empowered apostles and the entrenched religious and political powers in Jerusalem, foreshadowing the ongoing conflict between divine truth and human institutions. Finally, it underscores the **centrality of the resurrection** as the primary catalyst for this opposition, revealing that the very heart of the Christian message was perceived as a direct challenge to the Sadducees' worldview and their control over the Jewish populace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Greek, _laléō'_):** This verb, meaning "to talk" or "utter words," describes the ongoing public proclamation by Peter and John. It emphasizes that their ministry was not a private discourse but an open declaration of the gospel, intended for the multitude gathered in the Temple courts. The continuous action implied by the Greek participle highlights their bold and unceasing witness.
* **came upon (Greek, _ephístēmi'_):** This word conveys a sense of sudden, abrupt, and often confrontational arrival. It implies that the priests, captain, and Sadducees did not merely approach but "stood over" or "assaulted" Peter and John, indicating an immediate intent to intervene, arrest, or assert authority. The suddenness of their appearance underscores the unexpected nature of the opposition.
* **Sadducees (Greek, _Saddoukaîos'_):** This term refers to a specific Jewish sect, followers of Zadok, who were prominent among the priestly aristocracy. Their defining theological characteristic was their rejection of the resurrection of the dead, along with angels and spirits. Their presence here is crucial, as the apostles' message centered on the resurrection of Jesus, making the Sadducees their primary theological adversaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And as they spake unto the people":** This clause establishes the context of the apostles' activity. Peter and John were engaged in public evangelism, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, particularly focusing on the healing miracle and its significance for the Messiah. Their message was directed at the common Jewish people gathered in the Temple.
* **"the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees":** This lists the specific groups representing the official Jewish religious and civil authority who confronted the apostles. The "priests" were the general body of Temple officials, concerned with maintaining its sanctity and order. The "captain of the temple" was the chief of the Temple guard, responsible for security. The "Sadducees" were the powerful theological and political sect, whose core beliefs were directly challenged by the apostles' message of resurrection.
* **"came upon them":** This phrase describes the sudden and authoritative nature of the arrival of these officials. It suggests an immediate intervention, likely with the intent to stop the apostles' preaching and apprehend them, marking the beginning of official persecution.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 4:1 employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and significance of the moment. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the stark contrast between the apostles' peaceful act of speaking the gospel to the people and the sudden, forceful arrival of the religious authorities. This immediate shift from proclamation to confrontation underscores the inherent tension between the nascent Christian movement and the established powers. The verse also serves as a powerful instance of **foreshadowing**, signaling the beginning of widespread persecution and opposition that the early church would face, a theme that permeates the book of Acts. Furthermore, the immediate establishment of this conflict creates a sense of **antagonism**, setting up the dramatic confrontations and trials that will follow, highlighting the inevitable clash between divine truth and human resistance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 4:1 serves as a stark reminder that the proclamation of the gospel, especially its core tenets like the resurrection of Jesus, often invites opposition from those whose power, worldview, or theological convictions are threatened by its truth. This confrontation highlights the inherent challenge that the Kingdom of God poses to worldly systems and human authority. The arrival of the priests, captain, and Sadducees signifies not merely a personal disagreement but an institutional response to a message perceived as disruptive and heretical. Theologically, it underscores the cost of discipleship and the reality that faithfulness to Christ often entails suffering for His name, aligning with the prophetic warnings given by Jesus Himself.

* [Matthew 10:16-18](/matthew/10-16-18 "Matthew 10:16-18 - Persecution Foretold")
* [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 4:1 provides a timeless lesson for believers: proclaiming the transformative truth of the gospel, particularly concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ, can and often will invite opposition. This opposition may come from various sources—religious, political, cultural, or even social—when the message challenges deeply held beliefs, established norms, or vested interests. The sudden "coming upon" of the authorities in this verse reminds us to anticipate such challenges and to not be surprised when our witness for Christ is met with resistance. Rather than retreating, the example of Peter and John, who continued to speak boldly despite the threat, encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit for courage and wisdom. It calls us to examine our own willingness to speak truth in the face of discomfort or potential backlash, trusting that God's purposes will prevail even through adversity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the opposition faced by Peter and John resonate with challenges believers might encounter today when sharing the gospel?**
* **What core truths of the Christian faith, like the resurrection, might still provoke opposition in contemporary society?**
* **How can we cultivate boldness and faithfulness in the face of adversity, following the example of the early apostles?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Sadducees so opposed to the apostles' message?**

Answer: The Sadducees were vehemently opposed to the apostles' message primarily because it centered on the resurrection of Jesus. As a powerful Jewish sect, they held a theological position that strictly denied the resurrection of the dead, as well as the existence of angels and spirits, a belief clearly articulated in [Acts 23:8](/acts/23-8 "Acts 23:8 - Sadducees Deny Resurrection"). Peter and John were not only proclaiming the resurrection of a specific individual, Jesus, but were doing so with undeniable signs and wonders, directly challenging the Sadducees' core doctrine and undermining their authority within the Temple system. The resurrection of Jesus was not merely a theological point of contention but a direct threat to their worldview and their political and religious influence.

**What was the role of the "captain of the temple"?**

Answer: The "captain of the temple" (Greek: _stratēgós_) was a significant and authoritative figure within the Jewish hierarchy in Jerusalem. This official was a high-ranking Levite, second only to the high priest in terms of authority within the Temple precincts. His primary responsibility was to command the Temple guard, a force composed of Levites, whose duty was to maintain order, security, and prevent any disturbances or unauthorized activities within the sacred Temple area. His presence alongside the priests and Sadducees in [Acts 4:1](/acts/4-1 "Acts 4:1 - Opposition Arrives") signifies that the confrontation with Peter and John was an official response to what was perceived as a breach of order and a challenge to the established religious authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 4:1, depicting the immediate opposition faced by Peter and John for proclaiming the resurrection, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the very life and ministry of Jesus Himself. The apostles' experience mirrors the pattern of rejection and persecution that Christ endured from the religious authorities of His day. Just as the Sadducees and priests "came upon" Peter and John, so too did the Jewish leaders repeatedly confront and ultimately condemn Jesus for His teachings and claims, particularly His divine authority and His prophecies of His own resurrection ([John 15:20](/john/15-20 "John 15:20 - Persecution of Christ's Servants")). The opposition to the apostles' message of the resurrected Christ is a direct continuation of the world's rejection of God's ultimate victory over sin and death, embodied in Jesus. The courage and steadfastness of Peter and John in the face of this adversity are a participation in Christ's own unwavering faithfulness, demonstrating that a disciple is not above his teacher ([Matthew 10:24-25](/matthew/10-24-25 "Matthew 10:24-25 - Disciple Not Above Teacher")). Ultimately, this initial confrontation foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle, yet it also points to the ultimate triumph of Christ, who has disarmed the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")) and holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death")), ensuring that His church will prevail against all opposition.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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?