Acts 4:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:31 describes a pivotal moment for the early Christian community in Jerusalem, immediately following the release of Peter and John from the Sanhedrin. In response to their fervent, unified prayer for boldness in the face of escalating opposition, God dramatically intervenes, physically shaking the place where they were gathered and re-filling them all with the Holy Spirit, empowering them to continue proclaiming the word of God with unwavering courage and conviction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic conclusion to a significant narrative arc in Acts 3 and 4. Peter and John had just performed a miraculous healing of a lame man at the Temple gate (Acts 3), which led to their arrest and interrogation by the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish religious court (Acts 4:1-22). Despite threats and prohibitions against speaking in the name of Jesus, Peter and John boldly declared their resolve to obey God rather than men. Upon their release, they returned to their fellow believers, who, hearing of the threats, collectively lifted their voices in a powerful prayer for divine enablement to continue their mission (Acts 4:23-30). Acts 4:31 serves as God's immediate and tangible answer to that corporate petition, demonstrating divine affirmation and empowerment for their ongoing witness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold in Jerusalem, the epicenter of Jewish religious and political life, within a few weeks or months of Pentecost. The early church, still largely Jewish in composition, was operating under the watchful and often hostile eyes of the established Jewish authorities (the Sanhedrin, priests, Sadducees). These authorities viewed the apostles' proclamation of a crucified and resurrected Messiah as blasphemous and a threat to their religious order and precarious relationship with Roman rule. The believers were a nascent, vulnerable community facing significant pressure to conform or cease their activities. In this context, a physical manifestation of God's power, like the shaking of the building, would have held profound significance, echoing Old Testament divine appearances and validating their mission in a way that defied human opposition.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 4:31 powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the **power and efficacy of corporate prayer**, demonstrating God's direct and immediate response to the unified petitions of His people, particularly when they seek His glory and the advancement of His kingdom, as seen in the prayer for boldness in [Acts 4:29-30](/acts/4-29-30 "Acts 4:29-30 - The Prayer for Boldness"). Secondly, it underscores the **ongoing and dynamic empowerment of the Holy Spirit**. This "filling" is not a one-time event (like the initial outpouring at [Pentecost in Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost")), but a renewed infilling for specific tasks, challenges, and seasons of ministry, equipping believers for courageous witness. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **necessity of boldness in proclaiming God's word** (Greek: _parrhesia_), a recurring characteristic of Spirit-filled believers in Acts, enabling them to confidently share the gospel even in hostile environments (e.g., [Acts 9:27](/acts/9-27 "Acts 9:27 - Paul's Boldness in Damascus")). Finally, the physical shaking serves as a **divine affirmation and tangible sign of God's presence** and approval, echoing similar manifestations of God's power in the Old Testament, such as at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - God's Presence at Sinai") or in the Temple (e.g., [Isaiah 6:4](/isaiah/6-4 "Isaiah 6:4 - The Shaking of the Temple")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prayed (Greek, _déomai'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to beg as binding oneself," signifies an earnest, urgent petition or supplication. It implies a deep sense of need and dependence, going beyond casual request to a heartfelt plea. In this context, it highlights the intensity and seriousness of the early church's corporate prayer, reflecting their reliance on God in the face of severe threats.
* **Shaken (Greek, _saleúō'_):** This term describes a literal physical agitation, a trembling or rocking motion. It denotes a powerful, undeniable movement, often associated with divine presence or intervention. The shaking of the place was not a mere coincidence but a direct, tangible manifestation of God's power and His immediate response to their prayer, echoing Old Testament accounts of God's presence causing the earth to tremble.
* **Boldness (Greek, _parrhesía'_):** Composed of "all" (pan) and "to speak" (rheo), this word literally means "all out-spokenness." It conveys frankness, bluntness, public declaration, and, by implication, confidence and courage. In the context of the early church, it refers to the freedom and courage to speak the truth of the gospel openly and without fear, even when facing opposition, threats, or potential persecution. It is a Spirit-empowered characteristic essential for effective witness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they had prayed":** This clause establishes the direct cause-and-effect relationship between the believers' earnest, unified prayer and the subsequent divine response. It underscores the power of corporate intercession and the immediacy of God's attention to the petitions of His people. Their prayer was not a passive request but an active, faith-filled engagement with God.
* **"the place was shaken where they were assembled together":** This describes a dramatic, physical manifestation of God's presence and power. The shaking of the building served as a tangible sign of divine affirmation and intervention, confirming that God had heard their prayer and was actively with them. It was a visible, undeniable display of God's sovereignty over human threats and opposition.
* **"and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost":** This signifies a renewed, fresh infilling and empowerment by the Holy Spirit, distinct from the initial outpouring at Pentecost. It emphasizes a dynamic, ongoing relationship with the Spirit, where believers are continually equipped for specific tasks and challenges. This filling was universal among those assembled, indicating a corporate anointing for their shared mission.
* **"and they spake the word of God with boldness":** This is the immediate and intended outcome of the Spirit's fresh anointing. The renewed filling of the Holy Spirit directly resulted in an increased measure of courage and confidence (boldness) to proclaim the gospel. This demonstrates that divine empowerment is always for the purpose of advancing God's kingdom through faithful witness, especially in the face of adversity.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 4:31 employs several potent **Literary Devices**. The most striking is **Symbolism**: the physical **shaking** of the place where the believers were gathered is a powerful symbol of God's dynamic presence, His immediate response to prayer, and His sovereign power over earthly circumstances. It echoes Old Testament theophanies where God's presence caused physical tremors (e.g., Mount Sinai). This shaking serves as a divine validation of their prayer and mission. Furthermore, there is a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship established: their fervent prayer (cause) directly leads to the divine shaking and the fresh filling of the Holy Spirit (effects), which in turn produces the ultimate desired effect: speaking the word of God with **boldness**. This chain of events highlights the practical and powerful results of Spirit-empowered prayer. The phrase "filled with the Holy Ghost" also functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the "Holy Ghost" represents the divine power, presence, and enablement that empowers their speech and actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 4:31 stands as a profound testament to the active and responsive nature of God in the life of the early church, and by extension, in the lives of believers today. It underscores the theological truth that God not only hears but also powerfully intervenes in response to the earnest prayers of His people, especially when those prayers align with His kingdom purposes. The renewed filling of the Holy Spirit highlights the Spirit's ongoing work of empowering believers for witness, demonstrating that the Spirit's presence is not a static event but a dynamic, continuous enablement for mission. This divine empowerment is intrinsically linked to the courage (boldness) required to proclaim God's truth in a world often hostile to it, affirming that effective ministry flows from divine anointing, not human strength or eloquence.

* [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be Filled with the Spirit")
* [Philippians 1:20](/philippians/1-20 "Philippians 1:20 - Boldness in Christ")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne with Boldness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 4:31 offers timeless principles for believers navigating a world that may be indifferent or hostile to the gospel. It powerfully reminds us that our primary resource in times of opposition is not strategic planning or human ingenuity, but fervent, unified prayer. When we gather to seek God's face, especially for the courage to speak His truth, we can anticipate a divine response that transcends natural limitations. This passage challenges us to cultivate a deep dependence on the Holy Spirit, recognizing that true boldness in witness is a supernatural gift, not a personality trait. It calls us to move beyond fear, trusting that the same Spirit who empowered the early church will equip us to declare God's word with conviction and clarity, even when it is unpopular or costly. Our effectiveness in ministry and evangelism is directly proportional to our willingness to be filled and led by the Spirit, enabling us to speak God's message with the authority and love it deserves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you currently need a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit for boldness?**
* **How might a more consistent and fervent practice of corporate prayer strengthen your church or community in facing contemporary challenges?**
* **What specific fears or hesitations prevent you from speaking the word of God with greater boldness, and how can you surrender these to the Holy Spirit?**

### FAQ

**Why did the place shake, and what is its significance?**

Answer: The shaking of the place was a supernatural, physical manifestation of God's immediate and powerful response to the fervent prayers of the early believers. Its significance is multifaceted: it served as a tangible sign of God's presence and approval, a divine affirmation that He heard their prayer and was actively with them. This echoes similar Old Testament accounts where God's presence caused the earth to tremble (e.g., [Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai Shakes")). It was a powerful, undeniable demonstration of God's sovereignty over human threats and a confirmation that their mission was divinely sanctioned and empowered. It likely instilled both awe and renewed courage in the believers.

**Was this a "second filling" of the Holy Spirit, distinct from Pentecost?**

Answer: Yes, this event is often understood as a renewed or fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit, rather than a "second baptism" or a contradiction of the initial outpouring at [Pentecost in Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost"). The believers had already received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, marking their initial empowerment and incorporation into the body of Christ. However, the book of Acts repeatedly shows believers being "filled" with the Spirit on subsequent occasions for specific purposes, particularly when facing opposition or needing fresh empowerment for witness (e.g., [Acts 7:55](/acts/7-55 "Acts 7:55 - Stephen Filled with the Spirit"), [Acts 13:9](/acts/13-9 "Acts 13:9 - Paul Filled with the Spirit")). This indicates that while the initial indwelling is permanent, the Spirit's empowering presence for service can be renewed and intensified as needed, equipping believers for specific tasks and challenges.

**What does "boldness" (parrhesia) truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In Acts 4:31, "boldness" (Greek: _parrhesía_) signifies much more than mere courage; it denotes an "all out-spokenness," a freedom of speech, confidence, and unreserved frankness in public declaration. It means speaking the truth openly, plainly, and without fear, even in the face of threats, opposition, or potential persecution. For the early church, this was crucial for proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to hostile authorities and a skeptical world. It is a Spirit-empowered characteristic that enables believers to overcome fear of man and confidently declare God's word, as seen in Peter's earlier boldness before the Sanhedrin in [Acts 4:13](/acts/4-13 "Acts 4:13 - Peter and John's Boldness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 4:31 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The Spirit's empowerment for bold witness directly extends the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus was the epitome of one filled with the Spirit, speaking the word of God with unparalleled authority and boldness, even in the face of intense opposition (e.g., [Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus' Authority in Teaching"), [Luke 4:32](/luke/4-32 "Luke 4:32 - Jesus' Authoritative Teaching")). His life was marked by a constant reliance on prayer, and His ministry was characterized by divine power. Furthermore, the promise of the Holy Spirit, whose infilling is described here, was a central promise of Christ to His disciples, assuring them that they would receive power to be His witnesses (e.g., [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to be Witnesses")). The "word of God" they spoke with boldness is ultimately the good news of Jesus Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and lordship. Thus, the shaking of the place and the fresh anointing of the Spirit were divine affirmations of Christ's ongoing work through His body, the Church, enabling them to continue His mission of proclaiming the kingdom of God with the same Spirit-empowered boldness that characterized His earthly ministry. The Church's boldness is a reflection of Christ's victory over sin and death, empowering believers to declare His triumph to a world in need of His saving grace.

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 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.