Acts 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.

So {G1161} when they had further threatened them {G4324}, they let {G630} them {G846} go {G630}, finding {G2147} nothing {G3367} how {G4459} they might punish {G2849} them {G846}, because {G1223} of the people {G2992}: for {G3754} all {G3956} men glorified {G1392} God {G2316} for {G1909} that which was done {G1096}.

They threatened them some more but finally let them go — they couldn’t punish them because of the people, for everyone was praising God over what had happened,

After further threats they let them go. They could not find a way to punish them, because all the people were glorifying God for what had happened.

And they, when they had further threatened them, 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 4:21 describes a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, following the miraculous healing of a lame man and the subsequent arrest of Peter and John by the Jewish religious authorities, the Sanhedrin.

Context

This verse concludes the initial confrontation between the apostles and the powerful Sanhedrin. Peter and John had been arrested after a man, lame from birth, was miraculously healed through their ministry at the temple gate (Acts 3:6-8). Their bold proclamation of Jesus' resurrection, particularly Peter's sermon in Acts 4:8-12, directly challenged the religious establishment. Despite being commanded not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:18), Peter and John declared their resolve to obey God rather than men (Acts 4:19-20). Verse 21 highlights the Sanhedrin's dilemma: they wanted to punish the apostles but were constrained by popular opinion.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection and God's Sovereignty: Despite the threats and the immense power of the Sanhedrin, Peter and John were released. This demonstrates God's hand protecting His servants and furthering His plan, even through the actions of their adversaries.
  • The Power of Public Opinion: The verse explicitly states that the authorities found no way to punish them "because of the people." The common people had witnessed the undeniable miracle and were glorifying God, making it politically impossible for the Sanhedrin to act against the apostles without risking widespread unrest. This shows how God can use public sentiment to His advantage.
  • Glory to God for Miracles: The phrase "for all [men] glorified God for that which was done" underscores the impact of the healing. The miracle served as a powerful testimony to God's power and authentication of the apostles' message, leading ordinary people to praise Him. This aligns with the purpose of many biblical miracles: to reveal God's glory.
  • Apostolic Boldness and Steadfastness: Peter and John remained unyielding in their commitment to proclaiming Christ, even under severe threat. Their release allowed them to continue their ministry, which led to further growth of the early church (Acts 4:31).

Linguistic Insights

The term "glorified" (Greek: doxazo) implies giving honor, praise, and recognition to God. It's not merely acknowledging an event but attributing the source of the remarkable deed to God Himself, recognizing His power and majesty. This public acknowledgment of God's work put the Sanhedrin in an impossible position regarding punishment.

Practical Application

Acts 4:21 offers encouragement to believers facing opposition for their faith. It reminds us that:

  • God is sovereign and can use various means, even unexpected ones like public opinion, to protect His people and advance His kingdom.
  • Authentic acts of God, such as spiritual transformations or answered prayers, can powerfully impact onlookers and draw them to glorify Him.
  • Remaining steadfast and bold in proclaiming Christ, even when threatened, is crucial. Our obedience to God often opens doors for His work to continue, regardless of human opposition. We are called to obey God rather than men.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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 21:46

    But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

  • Luke 20:6

    But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.

  • Luke 22:2

    And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

  • Luke 20:19

    And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.

  • Matthew 9:8

    But when the multitudes saw [it], they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

  • John 12:18

    For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.

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