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.

And {G2532} when they {G846} had prayed {G1189}, the place {G5117} was shaken {G4531} where {G1722}{G3739} they were {G2258} assembled together {G4863}; and {G2532} they were {G4130} all {G537} filled {G4130} with the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, and {G2532} they spake {G2980} the word {G3056} of God {G2316} with {G3326} boldness {G3954}.

While they were still praying, the place where they were gathered was shaken. They were all filled with the Ruach HaKodesh, and they spoke God’s message with boldness.

After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

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

Commentary

Acts 4:31 (KJV) describes a powerful moment in the early Christian community, immediately following the release of Peter and John from the Sanhedrin's custody. This verse highlights the profound impact of prayer and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in the face of opposition.

Context

Prior to this verse, Peter and John had been arrested and threatened by the Jewish religious authorities for healing a lame man and boldly proclaiming Jesus as the Christ (Acts 3, Acts 4:1-22). Upon their release, they returned to their fellow believers, who then lifted their voices together in fervent prayer (Acts 4:23-30). This prayer was not for safety or comfort, but for continued boldness to speak God's word despite the threats.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Power of Corporate Prayer: The immediate and dramatic response to their unified prayer underscores the efficacy of believers gathering together to seek God's will and power. It demonstrates that God actively intervenes in response to the earnest prayers of His people.
  • Divine Affirmation and Presence: The physical shaking of the place served as a tangible sign of God's presence and approval, echoing similar divine manifestations in the Old Testament, such as at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18). It was a powerful confirmation that God was with them and empowering their mission.
  • Renewed Filling of the Holy Spirit: The phrase "they were all filled with the Holy Ghost" signifies a fresh, empowering anointing of the Spirit, building upon the initial outpouring at Pentecost (Acts 2:4). This was not a one-time event, but a continuous enablement for specific tasks, especially in times of spiritual warfare or evangelistic challenge.
  • Boldness in Proclamation: The direct result of this spiritual filling was that "they spake the word of God with boldness." The Greek word for boldness, parrhesia, denotes freedom of speech, confidence, and courage, especially in speaking truth without fear. This was crucial for the early church's mission to spread the gospel in a hostile environment.

Linguistic Insights

The term "shaken" (Greek: saleuo) implies a literal tremor or movement, a physical sign of God's mighty presence and response to their prayer. The phrase "filled with the Holy Ghost" (Greek: eplysthesan pneumatos hagiou) highlights a renewed, dynamic empowerment by the Spirit for the task at hand, emphasizing an ongoing relationship with the Spirit rather than a singular event. The "boldness" (Greek: parrhesia) they exhibited is a key characteristic of Spirit-filled believers throughout the book of Acts, enabling them to confidently declare the gospel even in the face of threats and opposition (Acts 2:29, Acts 9:27-28).

Practical Application

Acts 4:31 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • The Necessity of Prayer: In times of challenge or opposition, corporate and individual prayer is essential for seeking God's guidance and power.
  • Reliance on the Holy Spirit: Effective ministry and courageous witness are not born of human strength but from the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. We must continually seek to be filled and led by the Spirit.
  • Speaking Truth with Courage: The early church's example calls us to speak God's word with conviction and confidence, even when it is counter-cultural or unpopular. The Spirit provides the power to be effective witnesses.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 21:22

    And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

  • Isaiah 65:24

    And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

  • Acts 2:4

    And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

  • Acts 16:25

    ¶ And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

  • Acts 16:26

    And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

  • Acts 2:2

    And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

  • James 1:5

    If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
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