Acts 4:26

KJV

The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

The kings {G935} of the earth {G1093} stood up {G3936}, and {G2532} the rulers {G758} were gathered {G4863} together {G1909}{G846} against {G2596} the Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} against {G2596} his {G846} Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The kings of the earth took their stand;
and the rulers assembled together
against Adonai
and against his Messiah.’

Berean Standard Bible

The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’

American Standard Version

The kings of the earth set themselves in array, And the rulers were gathered together, Against the Lord, and against his Anointed:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:26, a direct quotation from Psalm 2:1-2, captures the early church's profound theological understanding of the opposition they faced, mirroring the historical conspiracy against Jesus. It articulates that the earthly powers, whether political or religious, who rise up and conspire against God and His Anointed One, Jesus, are ultimately acting within the sovereign plan of God, even as they unwittingly fulfill ancient prophecy. This verse served as a powerful source of encouragement and interpretive framework for the apostles and early believers as they navigated persecution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 4:26 is embedded within a pivotal prayer offered by the early Christian community in Jerusalem. Following the miraculous healing of a lame man by Peter and John at the Temple gate in [Acts 3](/acts/3 "Acts 3 - Peter Heals a Lame Man"), the apostles were arrested by the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial council. Their bold proclamation of Jesus' resurrection and salvation through His name ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")) led to threats and a command to cease preaching. Upon their release, Peter and John returned to their fellow believers, and together they lifted their voices in a corporate prayer, recounting the opposition and seeking divine boldness. This prayer, which includes the quotation of [Psalm 2:1-2](/psalms/2-1-2 "Psalm 2:1-2 - The Nations Rage"), serves to interpret their current persecution through the lens of Old Testament prophecy, affirming God's sovereignty over all human resistance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "kings of the earth" and "rulers" mentioned in the verse refer to the historical figures and institutions involved in the persecution of Jesus and, subsequently, His followers. This includes the Jewish religious authorities, such as the Sanhedrin, the chief priests, and the Sadducees, who condemned Jesus and later arrested Peter and John. It also implicitly includes the Roman authorities, such as Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas, who played roles in Jesus' crucifixion. Culturally, the Jewish leadership viewed Jesus' claims and the apostles' teachings as blasphemous and a threat to their religious and political stability under Roman rule. The idea of a "Messiah" was deeply ingrained in Jewish expectation, but their understanding often diverged from the spiritual and suffering servant nature of Jesus, leading to widespread rejection and hostility from the establishment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Opposition**, asserting that even the most formidable human conspiracies against God's will ultimately serve His purposes. The prayer in [Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "Acts 4:27-28 - God's Sovereign Plan") explicitly states that those who opposed Jesus did "whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done," underscoring God's ultimate control. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, demonstrating how the historical events surrounding Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and the subsequent persecution of His church were the unfolding of God's ancient prophetic word, particularly from the Messianic [Psalm 2](/psalms/2 "Psalm 2 - The Reign of the Lord's Anointed"). Lastly, it underscores the theme of **Opposition to God's Anointed One**, revealing that any resistance to Jesus or His followers is, at its core, a rebellion against God Himself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios_):** This term signifies supreme authority and control. In the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), it often translates the Hebrew YHWH, the personal name of God. Its use here, alongside "Christ," underscores the divine authority and identity of the one being opposed, indicating that the rebellion against Christ is a rebellion against God Himself.
* **against (Greek, _katá_):** This preposition denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity. In this context, it clearly indicates direct hostility and antagonism. It emphasizes the confrontational nature of the "kings" and "rulers" actions, highlighting their deliberate intent to stand in opposition to God's established order and His Anointed.
* **Christ (Greek, _Christós_):** Derived from the verb "to anoint," this term means "Anointed One." It is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah." In this verse, it specifically refers to Jesus, identifying Him as the divinely appointed King, Priest, and Prophet, whose mission and authority are established by God. The opposition to "His Christ" is therefore a direct affront to God's chosen representative and His redemptive plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together":** This clause describes the collective and deliberate action of human authorities. "Kings of the earth" refers to political powers, while "rulers" encompasses religious and civic leaders. Their "standing up" and "gathering together" imply a concerted effort, a conspiracy, and a unified front of opposition against a perceived threat. This imagery conveys a sense of organized resistance and formidable power.
* **"against the Lord,":** This phrase identifies the primary target of the earthly powers' animosity: God Himself. Their rebellion is not merely against a human figure or a new religious movement, but against the ultimate divine authority. This highlights the profound theological dimension of their actions, revealing them as an act of cosmic rebellion.
* **"and against his Christ.":** This final phrase specifies the immediate object of their opposition: the Lord's Anointed One, Jesus. By linking the "Lord" and "His Christ," the verse emphasizes the inseparable nature of their authority and purpose. To oppose Jesus is to oppose God, and the conspiracy against Him is understood as a direct assault on God's sovereign plan of salvation and His chosen King.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 4:26 is rich in literary devices, primarily through its direct **Quotation/Allusion** to [Psalm 2:1-2](/psalms/2-1-2 "Psalm 2:1-2 - The Nations Rage"). This intertextual connection immediately imbues the contemporary events with ancient prophetic significance, framing the persecution of Jesus and the apostles as a fulfillment of God's predetermined plan. The verse also employs striking **Parallelism**: "kings of the earth" and "rulers" are parallel terms representing human authority, while "the Lord" and "his Christ" are parallel, emphasizing the unified divine authority being opposed. This structural repetition reinforces the idea of a comprehensive, unified opposition from humanity against a unified divine power. Furthermore, there is a clear **Antithesis** between the fleeting power and rebellious schemes of earthly rulers and the unshakeable sovereignty and purpose of the Lord and His Anointed. This contrast highlights the futility of human resistance against divine will, even as it acknowledges the reality of such opposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 4:26 profoundly underscores the theological truth that human opposition, no matter how powerful or organized, cannot thwart the sovereign will of God. The early church, facing severe persecution, found immense comfort and interpretive clarity in this Old Testament prophecy. They understood that the very events of Jesus' crucifixion and their own suffering were not random misfortunes but were part of God's overarching plan, demonstrating His ultimate control over history and human actions. This perspective transformed their fear into boldness, knowing that their trials were not signs of God's absence but rather confirmation of His active presence and the unfolding of His redemptive purposes.

* [Psalm 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalm 2:4 - God Laughs at the Nations") – The Lord scoffs at the rebellious nations, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty.
* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan") – Peter proclaims that Jesus was delivered up "by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God."
* [Revelation 19:19](/revelation/19-19 "Revelation 19:19 - The Kings of the Earth Gather Against Christ") – Depicts the kings of the earth gathering to make war against Christ, highlighting a continuing theme of earthly rebellion against God's Anointed.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 4:26 offers a timeless message of encouragement and perspective for believers navigating a world often hostile to the gospel. It reminds us that opposition to Christ and His followers is not an anomaly but a fulfillment of prophecy, a predictable consequence of the world's rebellion against its Creator. When we face resistance, criticism, or even persecution for our faith, this verse calls us to remember that God remains sovereign, and His purposes cannot be thwarted by human schemes. Our response, like that of the early church, should be rooted in prayer, seeking boldness to continue proclaiming the truth, rather than succumbing to fear or despair. It challenges us to view adversity not as a sign of defeat but as an opportunity for God's power to be displayed, knowing that even the most powerful human forces are ultimately subject to His divine will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over opposition change your perspective on challenges you face in sharing your faith?**
* **In what ways might current societal or political movements reflect the "kings of the earth" and "rulers" gathering against the Lord and His Christ today?**
* **What practical steps can you take to emulate the early church's response of united prayer and boldness in the face of adversity?**
* **How does the fulfillment of ancient prophecy in Jesus' life and the early church's experience strengthen your trust in God's faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Acts 4:26 quoting Psalm 2:1-2?**

Answer: The direct quotation of [Psalm 2:1-2](/psalms/2-1-2 "Psalm 2:1-2 - The Nations Rage") is profoundly significant because it provides a divine interpretive framework for the early church's experience. Psalm 2 is a Messianic psalm, prophesying the rebellion of earthly rulers against God and His Anointed King, and God's ultimate triumph. By quoting it, the apostles and believers recognized that the historical events of Jesus' crucifixion, involving both Jewish and Roman authorities, and their own subsequent persecution, were not random acts of human malice but the direct fulfillment of ancient prophecy. This understanding affirmed God's sovereign control over history, even over acts of rebellion, and provided immense theological comfort and courage, knowing that their suffering was part of God's predetermined plan to establish His Christ's reign.

**Who are the "kings of the earth" and "rulers" referred to in this verse?**

Answer: In the immediate historical context of Jesus' life and the early church, the "kings of the earth" and "rulers" primarily refer to the various human authorities, both Jewish and Roman, who conspired against Jesus. This includes the Jewish Sanhedrin, chief priests, and scribes who sought Jesus' condemnation, as well as Roman figures like Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas, who were involved in His trial and execution. For the early church, these terms also encompassed the authorities who persecuted them, such as the Temple guard, the Sadducees, and other Jewish leaders who opposed the spread of the gospel. The verse, drawing from [Psalm 2](/psalms/2 "Psalm 2 - The Reign of the Lord's Anointed"), also carries a broader, timeless meaning, representing any human power, institution, or ideology that sets itself in opposition to God and His Christ throughout history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 4:26 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth. The "Lord" in this verse refers to God the Father, and "His Christ" is Jesus, the Anointed One, the Messiah. The prophecy from [Psalm 2](/psalms/2 "Psalm 2 - The Reign of the Lord's Anointed") was not merely a general statement about human rebellion but a specific foretelling of the opposition Jesus would face. His life, ministry, and particularly His crucifixion, saw the literal gathering of "kings of the earth" (Roman authorities like Pilate and Herod) and "rulers" (Jewish religious leaders like the Sanhedrin and high priests) who conspired "against the Lord, and against his Christ." Yet, precisely through this orchestrated opposition, God's redemptive plan was fulfilled. Jesus' death on the cross, though seemingly a defeat, was God's predetermined means of salvation ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")). His resurrection and ascension demonstrated God's ultimate triumph over all earthly powers and established Jesus as the reigning Lord ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). Thus, the very rebellion described in Acts 4:26 became the pathway for Christ's exaltation and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, proving that no human scheme can thwart the sovereign will of God in bringing about His redemptive purposes through His Anointed Son ([Hebrews 1:8-9](/hebrews/1-8-9 "Hebrews 1:8-9 - The Son's Eternal Reign")).

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

Psalms 2:2

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],

Revelation 17:12

And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

Revelation 17:14

¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.

Daniel 9:24

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Psalms 83:2

For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.

Psalms 83:8

Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.

Acts 10:38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.