For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

For {G1063} of {G1909} a truth {G225} against {G1909} thy {G4675} holy {G40} child {G3816} Jesus {G2424}, whom {G3739} thou hast anointed {G5548}, both {G5037} Herod {G2264}, and {G2532} Pontius {G4194} Pilate {G4091}, with {G4862} the Gentiles {G1484}, and {G2532} the people {G2992} of Israel {G2474}, were gathered together {G4863},

“This has come true in this city, since Herod and Pontius Pilate, with Goyim and the peoples of Isra’el, all assembled against your holy servant Yeshua, whom you made Messiah,

In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed.

for of a truth in this city against thy holy Servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together,

Context of Acts 4:27

Acts 4:27 is part of a powerful prayer offered by the early Christian community in Jerusalem. This prayer occurs after Peter and John were arrested and interrogated by the Sanhedrin for healing a lame man and boldly proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 3:6-8). Despite threats and commands to stop speaking in Jesus' name, Peter and John declared their resolve to obey God rather than men (Acts 4:19-20). Upon their release, they returned to their fellow believers, who then lifted their voices in a collective prayer that acknowledges God's supreme authority and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion. This specific verse highlights the diverse groups involved in the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Fulfillment of Prophecy: The prayer explicitly states that the gathering of these powerful figures against Jesus was "of a truth" and part of God's predetermined plan. This echoes Psalm 2:1-2, which speaks of kings and rulers conspiring against the Lord and His Anointed One. The early church saw the crucifixion not as a defeat, but as the sovereign will of God unfolding, fulfilling ancient scripture.
  • United Opposition to Jesus: The verse lists a remarkable coalition of forces that conspired against Jesus: Herod (Herod Antipas, the Jewish tetrarch of Galilee, who mocked Jesus), Pontius Pilate (the Roman governor who condemned Him), the Gentiles (representing the Roman authority and pagan world), and the people of Israel (referring to the Jewish leadership and populace who called for His crucifixion). This highlights the widespread and diverse rejection of Jesus by both religious and political powers (Luke 23:11-12 shows Herod and Pilate becoming friends on the day of Jesus' trial).
  • Jesus as God's Anointed Servant: Jesus is referred to as "thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed." The term "child" here comes from the Greek word pais (παῖς), which can also mean "servant" or "son." In this context, it powerfully links Jesus to the "Suffering Servant" passages in Isaiah (e.g., Isaiah 53:3), emphasizing His role as God's chosen instrument. "Anointed" (from the Greek chrio, root of Christos) underscores His messianic identity and divine appointment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "thy holy child Jesus" uses the Greek word pais (παῖς). While it can mean "child," in theological contexts, especially when referring to figures like David or the Messiah, it often carries the weight of "servant." This connection aligns Jesus with the prophetic servant songs of Isaiah, portraying Him as God's obedient and chosen servant who fulfills His redemptive purposes.

Practical Application

Acts 4:27 offers profound comfort and strength to believers facing opposition today. It reminds us that:

  • God is Sovereign: Even in the face of intense persecution or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, God remains in control. The actions of human authorities, no matter how powerful or malicious, ultimately serve God's greater plan.
  • Persecution is Not New: The early church understood that opposition to Christ and His followers is not a new phenomenon. It has historical precedent, even against Jesus Himself, uniting disparate groups. This perspective can help believers endure hardship with faith.
  • Prayer in Adversity: The response of the early church to threats was not despair, but fervent prayer that acknowledged God's power and sovereignty. This encourages us to turn to God in prayer during times of difficulty, trusting that He works all things for His glory.
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.
  • Matthew 27:2

    And when they had bound him, they led [him] away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
  • Acts 4:30

    By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
  • Luke 9:22

    Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
  • Luke 13:31

    ¶ The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.
  • Luke 13:33

    Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the [day] following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.
  • Luke 20:13

    Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence [him] when they see him.
  • 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.

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