Acts 4:33

KJV

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} with great {G3173} power {G1411} gave {G591} the apostles {G652} witness {G3142} of the resurrection {G386} of the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}: and {G5037} great {G3173} grace {G5485} was {G2258} upon {G1909} them {G846} all {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With great power the emissaries continued testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Yeshua, and they were all held in high regard.

Berean Standard Bible

With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all.

American Standard Version

And with great power gave the apostles their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:33 encapsulates the profound spiritual vitality and evangelistic fervor of the early church, immediately following a period of intense persecution and renewed empowerment by the Holy Spirit. It highlights the apostles' divinely enabled proclamation of Jesus' resurrection and the pervasive, unifying grace that rested upon the entire community of believers, underscoring the supernatural foundation of their mission and the communal blessing that accompanied it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a dynamic narrative of the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem. It follows the miraculous healing of a lame man by Peter and John at the Temple gate, an event that led to their arrest and a bold defense before the Sanhedrin, Israel's highest religious court ([Acts 3:6-10](/acts/3-6-10 "The Healing of the Lame Man") and [Acts 4:8-20](/acts/4-8-20 "Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin")). Upon their release, the apostles returned to their community, who then united in fervent prayer, asking God for continued boldness to proclaim His word despite threats. In a dramatic response, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to speak the word of God with renewed courage ([Acts 4:29-31](/acts/4-29-31 "The Believers' Prayer and Empowerment")). Acts 4:33 serves as a summary statement, describing the powerful, ongoing outcome and reality of this divine empowerment and the deep communal unity that characterized the early church, setting the stage for the description of their communal living in the verses that follow ([Acts 4:34-35](/acts/4-34-35 "Communal Living in the Early Church")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian community in Jerusalem operated within a complex socio-religious environment dominated by Judaism and Roman rule. The Jewish authorities, particularly the Sanhedrin, viewed the apostles' proclamation of a crucified and resurrected Messiah as blasphemous and a threat to their established order and influence. The concept of resurrection, while present in some Jewish thought (e.g., among the Pharisees), was highly contentious, especially concerning an individual who had been executed as a criminal. The apostles' bold "witness" (martyrion) was therefore a direct challenge to the religious establishment, risking further persecution, imprisonment, or even death. The "great grace" upon them suggests not only divine favor but also the internal cohesion and mutual support that enabled this nascent community to thrive in a hostile environment, characterized by shared resources and deep fellowship, a stark contrast to the individualistic norms of the broader Roman world.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 4:33 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Empowerment for Witness**, emphasizing that the apostles' ability to testify was not merely human eloquence but a supernatural endowment from God through the Holy Spirit. This theme is foundational to Luke's portrayal of the early church, as seen from [Jesus' promise in Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Promise of the Holy Spirit and Witness") to the subsequent outpouring at Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "The Day of Pentecost")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Centrality of the Resurrection** of Jesus Christ as the absolute core of the apostolic message. The resurrection was the validating truth that confirmed Jesus' messianic claims, conquered sin and death, and offered the hope of eternal life, forming the bedrock of Christian faith ([1 Corinthians 15:14](/1_corinthians/15-14 "The Centrality of Christ's Resurrection")). Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Apostolic Testimony**, portraying the apostles as authoritative "witnesses" (Greek: _martyres_) to the historical fact of Christ's resurrection, a role uniquely theirs as those who had seen the risen Lord ([Acts 1:21-22](/acts/1-21-22 "Qualifications for an Apostle")). Finally, the phrase "great grace was upon them all" points to the pervasive **Abundance of God's Grace** within the community, manifesting not only as divine favor but also as the empowering presence that fostered their unity, generosity, and collective effectiveness in mission ([Acts 2:42-47](/acts/2-42-47 "The Fellowship of the Believers")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** From G1411, this term signifies inherent strength, ability, or miraculous power. It is the root of the English word "dynamite," conveying an explosive, potent force. In Acts, _dýnamis_ is frequently associated with the Holy Spirit's enablement for ministry, signs, and miraculous works, distinguishing divine capability from mere human effort. Here, it underscores that the apostles' witness was not just persuasive speech but was accompanied by supernatural efficacy and divine backing.
* **Witness (Greek, _martýrion'_):** From G3142, this word denotes something evidential, a testimony or evidence given. It carries the sense of giving testimony based on personal experience and often implies the readiness to suffer or even die for that testimony (hence the English word "martyr"). The apostles were eyewitnesses to the resurrection, and their proclamation was a bold, personal declaration of truth, given with conviction and authority.
* **Grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** From G5485, this term describes graciousness, favor, or a gift. Beyond mere unmerited favor, _cháris_ encompasses God's divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life of believers. Here, "great grace" points to the abundant, pervasive favor and empowering presence of God that rested not only on the apostles but on the entire community, fostering their unity, generosity, and collective effectiveness in their mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus:"** This clause highlights the supernatural enablement of the apostles. Their testimony was not simply human rhetoric but was accompanied by "great power," indicating divine authority and effectiveness. The core content of their witness was the "resurrection of the Lord Jesus," emphasizing that this historical event was the central, non-negotiable truth of their proclamation, validating Jesus' identity and mission. The apostles, as chosen eyewitnesses, were uniquely positioned to deliver this testimony.
* **"and great grace was upon them all."** This second clause describes the pervasive divine favor and empowering presence that enveloped not only the apostles but the entire community of believers. "Great grace" signifies God's abundant blessing, favor, and spiritual enablement, which fostered their unity, generosity, and resilience in the face of opposition. This grace was a tangible manifestation of God's presence, allowing the community to live out their faith powerfully and effectively.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 4:33 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The phrase "great power" (Greek: _dýnamis_) and "great grace" (Greek: _cháris_) utilize **Hyperbole** or **Intensification** through the repeated use of the adjective "great" (_mégas_). This repetition emphasizes the extraordinary, supernatural nature of both the apostolic witness and the divine favor resting on the community, highlighting that these were not ordinary human capabilities or circumstances. The verse also functions as a **Summary Statement**, succinctly capturing the essence of the early church's mission and spiritual state following the prayer and infilling of the Holy Spirit described in the preceding verses. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Cause and Effect**, where the divine empowerment ("great power") directly leads to the effective proclamation ("gave the apostles witness"), and this spiritual vitality is inextricably linked to the pervasive divine favor ("great grace was upon them all"). The **Juxtaposition** of "power" and "grace" also suggests a holistic picture of God's work: His power enables their outward mission, while His grace sustains their inward community life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 4:33 stands as a pivotal statement on the nature of early Christian witness and community. It underscores that effective evangelism is fundamentally a work of divine power, not human ingenuity. The apostles' testimony to the resurrection was the bedrock of their message, a truth validated by God's manifest power and accompanied by His abundant grace. This grace was not merely a passive favor but an active, empowering presence that unified the believers, fostered their generosity, and enabled them to live out their faith authentically in a hostile world. The verse thus connects the supernatural enablement of the Spirit with the communal experience of God's favor, demonstrating that the church's mission and its internal health are intertwined, both flowing from the wellspring of divine grace.

* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "The Power of the Gospel")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "The Core of the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 4:33 provides a timeless blueprint for Christian life and ministry. It challenges believers today to recognize that authentic witness is not merely about human eloquence or strategic planning, but about reliance on the "great power" of the Holy Spirit. Our message, like that of the apostles, must remain centered on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as it is the foundational truth that validates our faith and offers hope to a dying world. Furthermore, the "great grace" upon them all reminds us of the vital importance of Christian community. When God's grace abounds within a unified body of believers, it cultivates genuine fellowship, enables powerful corporate witness, and equips the church to navigate challenges and live out its faith effectively. We are called to be bold witnesses, not in our own strength, but by depending on God's supernatural power and experiencing His pervasive grace, just as the early church did.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you need to rely more on God's "great power" rather than your own strength or abilities?**
* **How central is the resurrection of Jesus to your personal faith and your sharing of the Gospel with others?**
* **How does "great grace" manifest itself in your local church community, fostering unity, generosity, and effective witness?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper experience of God's grace, both individually and corporately, for the sake of more powerful witness?**

### FAQ

**What does "great power" refer to in Acts 4:33?**

Answer: In Acts 4:33, "great power" (Greek: _dýnamis_) refers to the supernatural enablement and authority given by God, specifically through the Holy Spirit, to the apostles. This power allowed them to bear effective witness to the resurrection of Jesus, often accompanied by miraculous signs and wonders, as seen throughout the book of Acts. It signifies that their proclamation was not merely human persuasion but was backed by divine might, giving their message undeniable impact and validating their claims. This divine power is essential for the church's mission, as [Jesus promised His disciples in Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Holy Spirit's Power for Witness") that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them to be His witnesses.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 4:33, with its emphasis on "great power," "witness of the resurrection," and "great grace," finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "great power" displayed by the apostles was a continuation of the power that resided in Christ Himself, who performed miracles and taught with authority ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Jesus Taught with Authority")). Their witness to His resurrection is the central truth that validates Christ's identity as the Son of God and the victorious Messiah, demonstrating His triumph over sin and death ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Jesus Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). Indeed, the resurrection is the cornerstone of the Gospel message, without which Christian faith would be futile ([1 Corinthians 15:17](/1_corinthians/15-17 "If Christ Has Not Been Raised")). Moreover, the "great grace" that was upon the early church flows directly from Christ. He is the embodiment of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")), and it is through His sacrificial death and resurrection that humanity receives God's unmerited favor and spiritual empowerment ([Ephesians 2:4-7](/ephesians/2-4-7 "God's Rich Mercy and Grace")). Thus, the power, witness, and grace experienced by the early believers in Acts 4:33 are not merely historical phenomena but are manifestations of the ongoing work of the risen Christ through His Spirit in His church, enabling believers across all generations to continue His mission with divine enablement and abundant favor.

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

John 1:16

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 1:22

Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

Romans 15:18

For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

Romans 15:19

Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

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 2:52

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.