Acts 4:2

KJV

Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

KJV (with Strong's)

Being grieved {G1278} that {G1223} they {G846} taught {G1321} the people {G2992}, and {G2532} preached {G2605} through {G1722} Jesus {G2424} the resurrection {G386} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}.

Complete Jewish Bible

very annoyed that they were teaching the people the doctrine of resurrection from the dead and offering Yeshua as proof.

Berean Standard Bible

greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.

American Standard Version

being sore troubled because they taught the people, and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:2 captures the immediate, hostile reaction of the Jewish religious authorities to Peter and John following the miraculous healing of a lame man and Peter's subsequent sermon in the Temple courts. This verse pinpoints the precise cause of their distress: the apostles were teaching the populace and boldly proclaiming, by the authority and power of Jesus, the foundational truth of His resurrection from the dead, a message that directly challenged the established religious order and specific theological tenets of powerful sects.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic events of [Acts 3](/acts/3 "Acts 3 - Healing and Peter's Sermon"), where Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, healed a man lame from birth at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. This miracle drew a large crowd, prompting Peter to deliver a powerful sermon in Solomon's Portico, calling the people of Israel to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah. The healing and the sermon, which explicitly presented Jesus as the resurrected Lord, directly led to the confrontation described in [Acts 4:1](/acts/4-1 "Acts 4:1 - Arrest of Peter and John"), where the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and the Sadducees apprehended Peter and John. Thus, Acts 4:2 serves as the explicit explanation for the authorities' "grief" and subsequent arrest, setting the stage for the apostles' first formal interrogation and defense before the Sanhedrin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The religious landscape of first-century Judaism was complex, dominated by various sects, two of the most influential being the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Sadducees, mentioned specifically in [Acts 4:1](/acts/4-1 "Acts 4:1 - Arrest of Peter and John"), were the aristocratic priestly class, largely controlling the Temple operations and the Sanhedrin (the supreme Jewish judicial and legislative body). Crucially, they adhered strictly to the written Torah and rejected many oral traditions, including the belief in the resurrection of the dead, angels, and spirits, as explicitly stated in [Acts 23:8](/acts/23-8 "Acts 23:8 - Sadducees Deny Resurrection"). Therefore, Peter and John's public proclamation of Jesus' resurrection was not merely a theological disagreement but a direct affront to the Sadducees' core doctrine and their authority as interpreters of the Law. Furthermore, teaching the people without official rabbinic ordination or Temple authorization was seen as a usurpation of the established religious hierarchy's prerogative, adding to the authorities' indignation.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 4:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the **centrality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ** as the foundational message of the early church. The apostles did not merely preach about Jesus' life or teachings, but specifically His triumph over death, which authenticated His divine claims and established Him as Lord and Christ, as Peter proclaimed in [Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus is Lord and Christ"). Secondly, it introduces the theme of **persecution for the sake of the Gospel**. This verse marks the beginning of overt opposition from Jewish authorities, setting a pattern that would recur throughout Acts as the church expanded, demonstrating that faithfully proclaiming Christ's message often invites hostility from those whose power or worldview is threatened. Thirdly, it underscores the **boldness and unwavering conviction of the apostles**, who, despite knowing the potential consequences, continued to publicly teach and preach the very truth that provoked the authorities' wrath, demonstrating the Spirit's empowerment described in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grieved (Greek, _diaponéō'_):** This term (G1278) signifies being "toiled through" or "worried," indicating a deep sense of distress, annoyance, or even exasperation. It's not a casual displeasure but a profound irritation that suggests the authorities felt their patience was worn thin or their position deeply challenged by the apostles' actions. This word conveys their vexation at the apostles' audacity and the unsettling nature of their message.
* **Taught (Greek, _didáskō'_):** Derived from a primary verb meaning "to learn," this word (G1321) denotes the act of instructing or imparting knowledge in a broad sense. In this context, it refers to the apostles' public teaching of Christian doctrine and the implications of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Their teaching was perceived as unauthorized and therefore a direct challenge to the established rabbinic and priestly teaching authority.
* **Resurrection (Greek, _anástasis'_):** This noun (G386) literally means "a standing up again" or "a rising up." It refers specifically to a resurrection from death, whether individual or by implication, its author. For the Sadducees, who denied any resurrection, the apostles' proclamation of Jesus' physical resurrection was not just a theological disagreement but a direct contradiction of their core beliefs, seen as a dangerous and subversive doctrine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Being grieved that they taught the people,"**: The initial clause reveals the emotional state of the religious leaders – profound grief, annoyance, or distress. Their primary grievance was the apostles' act of "teaching the people." This was problematic on two fronts: first, the content of their teaching (about Jesus); and second, the act of teaching itself, as it usurped the authority of the established religious leadership, who considered themselves the sole legitimate instructors of the populace in matters of faith and law. The apostles' public instruction was an unauthorized intrusion into their domain.
* **"and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead."**: This second clause specifies the core content of the apostles' teaching that caused such distress. They were not merely teaching general moral principles but were "preaching" (proclaiming, promulgating) a specific, central truth: "the resurrection from the dead." The phrase "through Jesus" (G1722 _en_ + G2424 _Iēsoûs_) is critical. It implies that Jesus is not just the subject of the resurrection but also the means, the power, and the very source through whom this resurrection occurred and through whom it is preached. For the Sadducees, this was an intolerable theological affront, as they denied any resurrection, let alone one accomplished by a crucified man whom the apostles claimed was the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Antithesis** by sharply contrasting the actions of the apostles (teaching and preaching) with the reaction of the authorities (being grieved). This highlights the inherent conflict between the nascent Christian message and the established religious order. The dual verbs "taught" and "preached" also create a sense of **Emphasis**, underscoring the consistent and pervasive nature of the apostles' proclamation. This repetition stresses that their message was not a one-off statement but an ongoing, public ministry. Furthermore, the verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the escalating persecution that the early church would face throughout the book of Acts, specifically because of its unwavering proclamation of Jesus' resurrection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 4:2 powerfully underscores the essential, non-negotiable nature of Jesus' resurrection for Christian faith. The authorities' "grief" was not merely over a minor doctrinal point but over the very heart of the apostles' message, which validated Jesus' claims, confirmed His victory over sin and death, and offered the promise of eternal life to all who believe. This confrontation reveals that the resurrection is not just a historical event but a theological cornerstone that challenges human wisdom and religious systems that deny God's power. The apostles understood that without the resurrection, their message would be empty, and their hope vain, making its proclamation paramount despite the opposition.

* [1 Corinthians 15:14](/1_corinthians/15-14 "1 Corinthians 15:14 - If Christ is Not Risen")
* [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")
* [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 4:2 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that the core truths of the Gospel, particularly the resurrection of Jesus, can be profoundly unsettling to those who do not believe or whose established systems of power and thought are challenged by divine revelation. Just as the apostles faced opposition for proclaiming a resurrected Christ, so too may believers today encounter resistance when sharing the transformative power of the Gospel. This verse calls us to an unwavering commitment to the truth, even when it is unpopular or provokes hostility. It encourages us to understand the resurrection not merely as a historical fact but as the living reality that empowers our faith, validates our hope, and provides the foundation for our witness. Our boldness in proclaiming this truth is a testament to our conviction in the power of God over death itself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What core truths of the Gospel might be "grieving" or unsettling to people in our contemporary culture, and why?**
* **How does understanding the Sadducees' specific objection to the resurrection inform our own appreciation for this foundational doctrine?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to compromise or soften the message of the resurrection to avoid opposition, and how can we resist this temptation?**
* **How does the apostles' example of "teaching the people" and "preaching through Jesus the resurrection" inspire our own methods of evangelism and discipleship?**

### FAQ

**Why were the religious leaders "grieved" by the apostles' teaching?**

Answer: The religious leaders, particularly the Sadducees, were "grieved" for two primary reasons. First, the apostles were teaching the people without their authorization, which was seen as a direct challenge to their established authority and a usurpation of their role as the official interpreters and instructors of the Law. Second, and more significantly, the content of the apostles' message—the resurrection of Jesus from the dead—directly contradicted the Sadducees' core theological belief, as they denied the resurrection of the dead (see [Acts 23:8](/acts/23-8 "Acts 23:8 - Sadducees Deny Resurrection")). This message was not just a theological disagreement but a direct threat to their worldview and influence.

**What was the significance of preaching "through Jesus" the resurrection?**

Answer: The phrase "preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead" (KJV) or "proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead" (ESV) is highly significant. It means that Jesus is not merely the *subject* of the resurrection (i.e., He was resurrected), but He is also the *means*, *source*, and *power* by which the resurrection occurred and by which it is proclaimed. The apostles understood and taught that Jesus Himself is "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Their message was not just about a past event, but about a living Lord who conquered death and through whom all future resurrection hope is realized.

**How does this verse relate to the Sadducees' beliefs?**

Answer: This verse directly highlights the theological conflict between the early Christian message and the Sadducees' beliefs. The Sadducees were a powerful Jewish sect that, unlike the Pharisees, did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, angels, or spirits, as explicitly stated in [Acts 23:8](/acts/23-8 "Acts 23:8 - Sadducees Deny Resurrection"). Therefore, the apostles' central proclamation that Jesus, a man they had crucified, had been raised from the dead was a direct, irrefutable challenge to the Sadducees' fundamental doctrine. This made the resurrection the primary point of contention and the reason for their severe "grief" and subsequent action against Peter and John.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 4:2, though describing the initial opposition to the apostles, profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "resurrection from the dead" preached "through Jesus" is the very cornerstone of the Gospel, validating Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the Messiah. His resurrection, prophesied in the Old Testament (e.g., [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - You Will Not Abandon My Soul")), is the decisive victory over sin and death, fulfilling God's promise of new life. It is because Jesus Himself is "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")) that the apostles had such a powerful message to proclaim. His triumph over the grave is the guarantee of our own future resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")) and the source of the Holy Spirit's power that enabled the apostles to preach with such boldness ([Acts 2:32-33](/acts/2-32-33 "Acts 2:32-33 - Peter's Sermon on the Resurrection and Holy Spirit")). Thus, the "grief" of the authorities was ultimately a reaction to the undeniable, life-transforming power of the risen Christ, who continues to be proclaimed and to bring salvation to all who believe ([Romans 10:9](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confess Jesus as Lord and Believe in His Resurrection")).

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

Acts 17:18

Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

John 11:47

Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

John 11:48

If we let him thus alone, all [men] will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

1 Thessalonians 4:13

¶ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

1 Thessalonians 4:14

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

Acts 13:45

But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

1 Corinthians 15:12

¶ Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?