Acts 4:27

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

“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,

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:27 forms a pivotal part of the early church's prayer, offered in the face of persecution, acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty over the seemingly chaotic events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion. It highlights the divine orchestration behind the convergence of diverse human powers—Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel—all conspiring against God's "holy child Jesus," whom He had anointed. This confession affirms that even the most malicious human opposition ultimately serves to fulfill God's predetermined redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a profound communal prayer (Acts 4:24-30) offered by the early Christian community in Jerusalem. This prayer is a direct response to the release of Peter and John from the Sanhedrin, who had threatened them and commanded them to cease speaking in Jesus' name. Peter and John had been arrested after miraculously healing a lame man at the Temple gate and boldly proclaiming Jesus' resurrection and messianic identity (Acts 3). Their defiant declaration to the Sanhedrin—that they must obey God rather than men (Acts 4:19-20)—set the stage for the church's collective prayer. The prayer itself begins with an affirmation of God as the sovereign Creator (Acts 4:24) and then immediately connects the current opposition to the prophetic words of [Psalm 2](/psalms/2 "Psalm 2 - The Anointed King"), which foretold the conspiracy of rulers against the Lord and His Anointed One. Acts 4:27 specifically identifies the historical figures who fulfilled this prophecy, thereby providing a theological framework for understanding their present suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Acts 4:27 vividly portrays the complex political and religious landscape of first-century Judea. **Herod** refers to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, a Jewish ruler under Roman authority, who had a role in Jesus' trial (cf. [Luke 23:6-12](/luke/23-6-12 "Luke 23:6-12 - Jesus Before Herod")). **Pontius Pilate** was the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea, holding ultimate judicial and military authority, responsible for Jesus' crucifixion. The "Gentiles" broadly represent the Roman imperial power and the non-Jewish world, while "the people of Israel" refers to the Jewish populace, particularly the religious and political leadership (the Sanhedrin) who advocated for Jesus' death. This verse underscores the unique historical moment where both the ruling Jewish elite and the occupying Roman power, despite their frequent antagonism, found common ground in their opposition to Jesus. Their collaboration, however, was not arbitrary but, from the perspective of the early church, divinely ordained to fulfill prophecy.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 4:27 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Sovereignty** of God, asserting that even the most heinous acts of human rebellion against Christ were part of God's predetermined plan (cf. [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")). This perspective transforms apparent defeat into purposeful fulfillment. Secondly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy**, specifically drawing a direct link to [Psalm 2:1-2](/psalms/2-1-2 "Psalm 2:1-2 - The Conspiracy Against the Lord's Anointed"), which speaks of kings and rulers conspiring against the Lord and His Anointed. The early church understood Jesus' crucifixion not as a random tragedy, but as the unfolding of God's ancient promises. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Jesus' Identity as God's Anointed Servant/Messiah**, using language that echoes the Suffering Servant passages in Isaiah, reinforcing His unique role in God's redemptive work. Finally, it addresses the theme of **Opposition to God's Kingdom**, demonstrating that resistance to God's plan is not new and has always been met with God's ultimate triumph.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** This word emphasizes the absolute certainty and reality of the events described. The phrase "of a truth" (KJV) or "in truth" (ESV) signifies that the gathering of these diverse parties against Jesus was not a mere coincidence or an accidental confluence of events, but a verifiable, undeniable fact that aligned with God's ultimate purpose. It underscores the divine perspective on human actions, revealing them as part of a larger, sovereign plan.
* **child (Greek, _paîs'_):** While "child" is a possible translation, in this theological context, _paîs_ carries the significant meaning of "servant" or "son." When applied to Jesus, it powerfully links Him to the "Suffering Servant" passages found in the book of Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Servant of the Lord"), [Isaiah 53:11](/isaiah/53-11 "Isaiah 53:11 - The Suffering Servant")). This designation highlights Jesus' obedient submission to the Father's will and His role as God's chosen instrument for salvation, even unto death. It also implies a filial relationship, emphasizing His unique status as God's Son.
* **anointed (Greek, _chríō'_):** This verb means "to smear or rub with oil," and by implication, "to consecrate to an office or religious service." It is the root of the Greek word _Christos_, from which we get "Christ." To say that God "anointed" Jesus is to declare Him as the Messiah, the divinely appointed King and Savior. This anointing was not with physical oil but with the Holy Spirit and power (cf. [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - God Anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit")), signifying His unique commission and divine authority for His ministry, death, and resurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus":** This opening clause establishes the undeniable reality and divine perspective on the opposition to Jesus. The term "holy child Jesus" emphasizes His unique, consecrated nature and His obedient, servant-like disposition, setting Him apart as God's chosen one. The opposition is not merely against a man, but against God's specially designated and pure Son/Servant.
* **"whom thou hast anointed":** This phrase directly identifies Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ, the one set apart by God for a specific, redemptive purpose. It underscores that His mission, including His suffering and death, was not an accident but a direct result of God's sovereign appointment and empowerment. This anointing confirms His divine authority and messianic identity.
* **"both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,":** This powerful enumeration details the diverse coalition of powers that conspired against Jesus. It meticulously lists the Jewish political ruler (Herod), the Roman governor (Pilate), the broader non-Jewish Roman authority ("the Gentiles"), and the Jewish populace and leadership ("the people of Israel"). Their "gathering together" signifies a unified, albeit unwitting, conspiracy, demonstrating the breadth of human opposition to God's plan. The early church saw this as a direct fulfillment of prophecy, highlighting that even human malice serves God's ultimate purposes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Enumeration** is prominently used by explicitly listing the key figures and groups—Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel—who conspired against Jesus. This detailed list emphasizes the comprehensive and diverse nature of the opposition, revealing that both Jewish and Gentile, religious and political powers were implicated. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Allusion** to [Psalm 2](/psalms/2 "Psalm 2 - The Conspiracy Against the Lord's Anointed"), which the preceding verses in Acts 4 directly quote. This allusion frames the historical events of Jesus' crucifixion within a prophetic, divine narrative, asserting that these acts of human rebellion were, in fact, the fulfillment of ancient scripture. Finally, the verse utilizes **Juxtaposition** by contrasting the "holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed" with the conspiring human powers. This highlights the purity and divine appointment of Jesus against the backdrop of human sin and rebellion, reinforcing God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly machinations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 4:27 is a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty and the nature of God's redemptive plan. It asserts that even the most heinous acts of human sin and rebellion, such as the crucifixion of God's Son, are not outside of God's control but are, in fact, part of His predetermined will. This perspective offers immense comfort and strength to believers facing persecution, reminding them that God remains sovereign even amidst chaos and opposition. The verse transforms what might appear as a defeat into a purposeful act within God's unfolding drama of salvation, demonstrating that every human action, whether intended for good or evil, ultimately serves God's greater glory and the accomplishment of His eternal purposes. This understanding empowers the early church to pray for boldness rather than deliverance, knowing that their suffering, like Christ's, is part of a divine design.

* [Psalm 2:1-2](/psalms/2-1-2 "Psalm 2:1-2 - The Conspiracy Against the Lord's Anointed")
* [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")
* [Luke 23:11-12](/luke/23-11-12 "Luke 23:11-12 - Herod and Pilate's Interaction with Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 4:27 provides a powerful lens through which believers can understand and navigate opposition in their own lives. It reminds us that the forces aligned against Christ and His followers are not new, nor are they ultimately beyond God's control. In a world where believers may face ridicule, marginalization, or even outright persecution for their faith, this verse offers profound assurance: God's sovereign hand is at work, even when circumstances seem most dire. Our response, like that of the early church, should not be despair or retreat, but a renewed commitment to prayer and a bold proclamation of the Gospel. Understanding that God can use even the malice of humanity to accomplish His purposes empowers us to trust Him fully, to pray for courage to speak His truth, and to find peace in His unfailing plan. It calls us to look beyond immediate circumstances and see the eternal, sovereign work of God unfolding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the sovereignty of God, as expressed in Acts 4:27, comfort or challenge your perspective on suffering and opposition in your own life?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to despair when facing opposition, and how can the example of the early church's prayer encourage you to respond differently?**
* **How does knowing that even the actions of powerful adversaries serve God's ultimate plan affect your trust in Him during difficult times?**

### FAQ
**Why are "Herod" and "Pontius Pilate" specifically mentioned alongside "Gentiles" and "the people of Israel" in this verse?**

Answer: The specific mention of Herod and Pontius Pilate, alongside the broader categories of "Gentiles" and "the people of Israel," is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the historical precision of the prayer, directly linking the events of Jesus' trial and crucifixion to the prophecy of [Psalm 2](/psalms/2 "Psalm 2 - The Anointed King"). Herod Antipas, as the Jewish tetrarch, represented the Jewish political authority, while Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, embodied the Roman imperial power. Their involvement underscored that both the Jewish religious and political establishment and the Gentile (Roman) occupying force were complicit in Jesus' death. Secondly, their inclusion, along with the general terms "Gentiles" (representing the Roman military and pagan world) and "the people of Israel" (representing the Jewish populace and its leadership), emphasizes the universal nature of the opposition to Jesus. It was not just one group or one authority, but a broad coalition of human powers—both Jewish and Gentile, religious and secular—that "gathered together" against God's Anointed One. This demonstrates the widespread rejection of Jesus by humanity, yet paradoxically, it also shows how God sovereignly used their combined malice to fulfill His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 4:27 powerfully articulates the Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, specifically the messianic vision of [Psalm 2](/psalms/2 "Psalm 2 - The Anointed King"). The early church understood that the conspiracy of Herod, Pilate, Gentiles, and Israel against "thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed" was not a tragic accident but the very means by which God's eternal plan of salvation was brought to fruition. Jesus, as the "holy child" (or Servant), embodies the Suffering Servant prophecies of Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant's Atonement")), whose suffering and death were for the sins of humanity. His anointing signifies His unique identity as the Christ, the Messiah, the divinely appointed King and Savior. The very act of human rebellion against Him, culminating in His crucifixion, was paradoxically the means by which God disarmed the powers of sin and death (cf. [Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Through His death and subsequent resurrection, Jesus triumphed over those who "gathered together" against Him, demonstrating that God's plan cannot be thwarted by human opposition. This understanding transforms the cross from a symbol of defeat into the ultimate demonstration of God's sovereign power and love, fulfilling all that was written about the Christ in the Law, Prophets, and Psalms (cf. [Luke 24:44-47](/luke/24-44-47 "Luke 24:44-47 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")). The church, in its prayer, recognized that the same God who orchestrated these events would also empower them to continue proclaiming the risen Christ, even in the face of similar opposition, knowing that ultimate victory belongs to the Anointed One.

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

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.