Acts 4:29

KJV

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} now {G3569}, Lord {G2962}, behold {G1896}{G1909} their {G846} threatenings {G547}: and {G2532} grant unto {G1325} thy {G4675} servants {G1401}, that with {G3326} all {G3956} boldness {G3954} they may speak {G2980} thy {G4675} word {G3056},

Complete Jewish Bible

“So now, Lord, take note of their threats; and enable your slaves to speak your message with boldness!

Berean Standard Bible

And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness,

American Standard Version

And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:29 captures a pivotal moment in the early church's response to persecution, as the gathered believers, having heard of the Sanhedrin's threats against Peter and John, turn to God in unified prayer. Instead of requesting relief from the opposition, they boldly petition the Lord to observe the threats and, more importantly, to empower His servants with unwavering courage and freedom of speech to continue proclaiming His word, demonstrating their profound trust in divine sovereignty and their unyielding commitment to the gospel mission despite escalating danger.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 4:29 is embedded within a larger narrative detailing the burgeoning growth of the early Christian community and the immediate opposition it faced from Jewish authorities. Prior to this verse, Peter and John had miraculously healed a lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple ([Acts 3:6-8](/acts/3-6-8 "Peter Heals the Lame Man")). This miracle served as a catalyst for Peter's powerful sermon, which boldly proclaimed Jesus' resurrection and called for repentance ([Acts 3:12-26](/acts/3-12-26 "Peter's Sermon in the Temple")). The religious leaders, particularly the Sadducees who denied the resurrection, were greatly disturbed by this teaching and arrested Peter and John ([Acts 4:1-3](/acts/4-1-3 "Arrest of Peter and John")). Despite interrogation by the Sanhedrin, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, delivered another courageous defense of Jesus ([Acts 4:8-12](/acts/4-8-12 "Peter's Defense Before the Sanhedrin")). Unable to deny the undeniable miracle, yet unwilling to accept the message, the Sanhedrin commanded them to cease speaking in Jesus' name ([Acts 4:18](/acts/4-18 "The Sanhedrin's Command")). Peter and John's resolute declaration—"Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" ([Acts 4:19-20](/acts/4-19-20 "Peter and John's Response"))—set the stage for their release. Upon returning to their fellow believers ([Acts 4:23](/acts/4-23 "Peter and John Return to the Believers")), they reported the threats, prompting the communal prayer that includes this verse, demonstrating the church's immediate and unified spiritual response to external pressure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, a city under Roman occupation but with significant Jewish self-governance, particularly in religious matters. The Sanhedrin, composed of chief priests, elders, and scribes, represented the highest Jewish religious and judicial authority. Their power, though constrained by Rome in matters of capital punishment, was immense in religious and social life. The Sadducees, a prominent faction within the Sanhedrin, were conservative aristocrats who adhered strictly to the Torah but rejected doctrines like the resurrection, angels, and spirits, making the apostles' message of Jesus' resurrection particularly offensive and threatening to their theological and political standing. The early Christian community, though rapidly growing, was still a nascent movement within Judaism, viewed with suspicion and potential sedition by the established authorities. Preaching in the name of a crucified "messiah" who was now proclaimed resurrected directly challenged the Sanhedrin's authority and the prevailing religious order, making the threats against the apostles a serious matter, potentially leading to further arrests, beatings, or even death, as seen later in Acts. The cultural expectation was obedience to the governing religious body, making the apostles' defiance a radical act.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 4:29 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and the New Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Prayer in Persecution**, demonstrating that the early church's primary response to opposition was not strategic planning or political maneuvering, but fervent, unified prayer, seeking divine intervention and empowerment. This prayer is not for the cessation of threats but for spiritual fortitude. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Boldness in Witness**. The central request for "boldness" (Greek: _parrhesia_) is a recurring motif in Acts, signifying the Spirit-empowered freedom and confidence with which believers proclaimed the gospel, even in hostile environments. This boldness is a direct counterpoint to the intimidation of the authorities. Thirdly, the verse points to **Divine Sovereignty and Trust**. By asking God to "behold their threatenings," the believers acknowledge God's omniscient awareness and ultimate control over all circumstances, placing their trust in His power to sustain and empower them for His purposes, rather than relying on human strength or cunning. Finally, it emphasizes the **Prioritization of God's Mission**. Despite personal danger and the clear command from the Sanhedrin not to speak in Jesus' name, the church's singular focus remained the faithful proclamation of "thy word," demonstrating their unwavering dedication to the Great Commission and the spread of the gospel, echoing Jesus' own commission in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission in Acts 1:8").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term, a respectful title for a master or supreme authority, is used here to address God. The believers' prayer begins by acknowledging God's ultimate sovereignty and authority, even over the powerful Sanhedrin. It signifies their recognition that despite earthly threats, the true "Lord" is God, to whom they owe their ultimate allegiance and from whom all power and authority derive.
* **behold (Greek, _epeîdon'_):** Derived from "to regard" or "to look upon," this word implies more than just a passive observation. When the believers ask God to "behold their threatenings," they are not informing an ignorant God, but rather appealing to His active awareness, His judicial oversight, and His readiness to intervene. It is a plea for God to take notice of the injustice and the opposition, implying a request for His righteous response and protection for His servants.
* **boldness (Greek, _parrēsía'_):** This powerful word signifies "all out-spokenness," frankness, bluntness, and publicity, leading to a sense of assurance and confidence. In the New Testament, _parrhesia_ often describes the Spirit-empowered freedom and courage with which believers, particularly the apostles, proclaimed the gospel without fear or hesitation, even in the face of severe opposition. It is not merely human courage but a divine enablement to speak truth openly and publicly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now, Lord, behold their threatenings:"** The prayer begins with an immediate and direct address to God as "Lord," acknowledging His supreme authority. The phrase "and now" indicates a response to the immediate situation—the threats recounted by Peter and John. The petition "behold their threatenings" is not a request for God to *see* something He doesn't already know, but rather an appeal for His active attention, His divine awareness, and His righteous response to the hostile actions of the authorities. It implies a trust that God is fully cognizant of the opposition and will act in accordance with His sovereign will.
* **"and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,"** This is the core petition. Following the acknowledgment of the threats, the believers do not pray for the threats to cease or for their safety, but for divine enablement. They ask God to "grant" (give, bestow) to them, His "servants" (bond-slaves, indicating their complete devotion and submission to Him), the spiritual gift of "all boldness." This "boldness" (Greek: _parrhesia_) is comprehensive, encompassing complete freedom of speech, confidence, and unreserved public proclamation. The ultimate purpose of this boldness is "that they may speak thy word," emphasizing their unwavering commitment to the faithful and unhindered proclamation of the gospel message, prioritizing God's mission above personal safety or comfort.

#### Literary Devices
The prayer in Acts 4:29 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, the direct address to "Lord," which immediately establishes the divine recipient of the prayer and underscores the believers' absolute reliance on God. The phrase "behold their threatenings" functions as a form of **Petition** or **Supplication**, a direct appeal to God for His attention and intervention, implicitly invoking His justice and power against the opposition. There is a strong **Contrast** between the external "threatenings" of the Sanhedrin and the internal, Spirit-empowered "boldness" requested by the believers. This highlights the spiritual nature of the conflict and the source of true strength. The use of "all boldness" (Greek: _pâs parrēsía_) functions as a form of **Emphasis** or **Hyperbole**, underscoring the comprehensive and unreserved nature of the courage they seek, indicating a desire for complete freedom and confidence in their proclamation, without any reservation or fear.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 4:29 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of prayer, divine sovereignty, and the church's mission in the face of adversity. It reveals that true spiritual strength is not found in the absence of opposition, but in a deeper reliance on God's empowering presence amidst it. The believers' prayer is a testament to their understanding that God is not only aware of their circumstances but is also actively involved in equipping His people for His purposes. Their request for boldness, rather than relief, demonstrates a mature faith that prioritizes the advancement of God's kingdom and the proclamation of His truth over personal comfort or safety. This aligns with a consistent biblical theme: God often uses opposition to refine His people and to magnify His power through their weakness, ensuring that the glory goes to Him alone. The prayer also underscores the essential role of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to speak God's word with power and conviction, echoing the promise of [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness").

* [Psalm 2:1-2](/psalms/2-1-2 "Psalm 2:1-2 - The Rage of Nations")
* [Ephesians 6:19-20](/ephesians/6-19-20 "Ephesians 6:19-20 - Paul's Prayer for Boldness")
* [Philippians 1:20](/philippians/1-20 "Philippians 1:20 - Christ Magnified in Boldness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 4:29 offers a timeless model for believers navigating opposition and challenges to their faith in any era. When confronted with hostility, fear, or external pressures that seek to silence or compromise our witness, our initial and most potent response should be to turn to God in unified, fervent prayer. This prayer should not primarily focus on the removal of the difficulty, but rather on the divine impartation of courage and confidence to continue faithfully living out and proclaiming God's truth. Like the early apostles, we are called to prioritize God's mission and the integrity of His Word above our own comfort or safety. Trusting that God "beholds" our struggles brings profound comfort and assurance, reminding us that He is fully aware, actively involved, and sovereignly in control, empowering us to speak His word with "all boldness" in a world that desperately needs to hear it. This verse challenges us to examine our own prayers in times of adversity: are we asking for deliverance from the storm, or for the strength to sail through it, proclaiming God's truth all the while?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the early church's response to threats in Acts 4:29 challenge my own typical reactions to adversity or opposition in my life?**
* **What does it mean for me to pray for "boldness" rather than merely for the removal of difficulties, and what specific areas of my life might require such a prayer?**
* **In what ways can I, as a "servant" of God, prioritize the proclamation and embodiment of "thy word" even when it is unpopular or challenging?**
* **How does knowing that God "beholds" my struggles impact my trust and confidence in His presence and power in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**Why didn't the early church pray for the threats to stop or for their persecutors to be removed?**

Answer: The early church's prayer in [Acts 4:29](/acts/4-29 "Acts 4:29 - Prayer for Boldness") demonstrates a profound theological understanding and spiritual maturity. They recognized that their ultimate mission was to proclaim God's word, not to live a life free from opposition. Instead of praying for the removal of the threats, which would have been a natural human desire, they prayed for the divine enablement to fulfill their calling *despite* the threats. This reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty, acknowledging that even opposition can be part of His plan to advance the gospel, as seen in [Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "Acts 4:27-28 - God's Sovereign Plan"). Their focus was on God's glory and the spread of His kingdom, not on their personal comfort or safety. This approach aligns with Jesus' teaching that His followers would face persecution ([Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Persecution for Christ's Name")) and that the Holy Spirit would empower them to speak ([Matthew 10:19-20](/matthew/10-19-20 "Matthew 10:19-20 - The Spirit Will Speak Through You")).

**What is the significance of "all boldness" (Greek: _parrhesia_) in this verse?**

Answer: The term "boldness" (Greek: _parrhesia_) is highly significant in [Acts 4:29](/acts/4-29 "Acts 4:29 - Prayer for Boldness") and throughout the book of Acts. It means more than just courage; it implies an unreserved, public, and confident freedom of speech, without fear or hesitation. In the context of the Sanhedrin's command not to speak in Jesus' name ([Acts 4:18](/acts/4-18 "Acts 4:18 - Sanhedrin's Command")), the request for "all boldness" is a direct counter-petition for the Spirit-empowered ability to do precisely what they were forbidden to do. This boldness is not a natural human trait but a divine enablement, a gift from God that allows His servants to proclaim His "word" ([Greek: _logos_](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word")) openly and truthfully, even when facing severe intimidation. It is the hallmark of effective, Spirit-filled witness in the New Testament, enabling believers to speak God's truth with conviction and authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The prayer in Acts 4:29, requesting boldness to speak God's word in the face of threatenings, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, the "word" they are commissioned to speak is none other than Jesus Christ Himself, who is the living "Word" of God incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")). To speak God's word is to proclaim Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and lordship. Second, the "boldness" they seek is a direct outflow of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out at Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost")) as promised by Christ ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Helper, the Holy Spirit")). This Spirit-empowered boldness mirrors Christ's own fearless proclamation of truth during His earthly ministry, even in the face of opposition from religious authorities ([Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23-1-36 "Matthew 23 - Jesus Denounces the Scribes and Pharisees")). Furthermore, the church's commitment to prioritizing the proclamation of God's word, even unto suffering, reflects the very mission of Christ, who faithfully accomplished the Father's will through His obedient life and sacrificial death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Thus, the prayer in Acts 4:29 is not merely for human courage, but for the divine enablement to continue the redemptive work initiated by Christ, through the power of His Spirit, by proclaiming His very person and saving message to a world in need, ultimately fulfilling His Great Commission ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")).

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 4:13

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 14:3

Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Acts 4:31

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Philippians 1:14

And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Acts 28:31

Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

2 Timothy 4:17

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

Acts 9:27

But Barnabas took him, and brought [him] to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.