Acts 4:4

Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

Howbeit {G1161} many {G4183} of them which heard {G191} the word {G3056} believed {G4100}; and {G2532} the number {G706} of the men {G435} was {G1096} about {G5616} five {G4002} thousand {G5505}.

However, many of those who heard the message trusted; the number of men alone was about five thousand.

But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

But many of them that heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

Acts 4:4 (KJV) records a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, highlighting the remarkable growth of believers in Jerusalem despite escalating opposition. This verse states, "Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand."

Context

This verse immediately follows the arrest of Peter and John by the temple authorities (the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees) who were greatly disturbed by their preaching and their proclamation of Jesus' resurrection. Just prior to this, Peter and John had miraculously healed a lame man at the Beautiful Gate, which drew a large crowd. Peter then used this opportunity to deliver a powerful sermon, calling the people to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Even as Peter and John were being apprehended, the message they had delivered continued to bear fruit, demonstrating the unstoppable nature of God's work.

Key Themes

  • Rapid Church Growth: The most striking aspect of Acts 4:4 is the numerical increase. From the approximately three thousand added on the Day of Pentecost, the community of believers now swelled to "about five thousand men" (implying the total number, including women, was even higher). This signifies the explosive expansion of the early church.
  • Power of the Gospel: Despite the apostles facing arrest and persecution, the "word" (Greek: logos, referring to the message of Jesus Christ, His death, resurrection, and call to repentance) proved powerful and effective. It was the hearing of this divine message that led to belief.
  • Divine Sovereignty Amidst Opposition: The growth occurred "Howbeit" (meaning "nevertheless" or "despite this"), indicating that the opposition from religious leaders did not hinder God's plan. God was actively working through the apostles, causing many to believe even in the face of adversity.
  • Faith and Belief: The verse emphasizes that those who heard the word "believed." This highlights the essential response of faith required for salvation and entry into the Christian community.

Linguistic Insights

The term "the word" (Greek: logos) here refers to the comprehensive message of the gospel – the teachings about Jesus, His ministry, His atoning death, and His glorious resurrection. It's not just a collection of facts but a living, powerful message that, when heard and embraced, transforms lives. The word "believed" (Greek: episteusan) signifies an active, trusting faith, not merely intellectual assent.

Significance and Application

Acts 4:4 serves as a powerful reminder of several enduring truths. Firstly, it underscores that the effectiveness of evangelism ultimately lies in the power of God's word, not solely in the eloquence or circumstances of the preacher. Even in hostile environments, the gospel can flourish. Secondly, it encourages believers facing opposition, showing that persecution can paradoxically lead to further growth as the church is purified and its message spreads. The early church's rapid expansion, exemplified here and in subsequent verses like Acts 5:14, demonstrates God's commitment to building His church and His ability to add to its numbers daily, as seen earlier in Acts 2:47. This verse inspires continued boldness in sharing the unchanging truth of Christ, trusting that God will bring forth fruit.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 2:41

    Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.

  • 2 Timothy 2:9

    Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, [even] unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

  • 2 Timothy 2:10

    Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

  • Philippians 1:12

    ¶ But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things [which happened] unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

  • Philippians 1:18

    What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:14

    Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:17

    For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
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