Acts 4:8

KJV

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} Peter {G4074}, filled {G4130} with the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, Ye rulers {G758} of the people {G2992}, and {G2532} elders {G4245} of Israel {G2474},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Kefa, filled with the Ruach HaKodesh, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people!

Berean Standard Bible

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people!

American Standard Version

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:8 captures a pivotal moment in the nascent Christian movement as the Apostle Peter, freshly empowered by the Holy Spirit, stands before the formidable Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious and judicial council. This verse marks the beginning of Peter's bold and Spirit-inspired defense, transforming a humble fisherman into an authoritative spokesperson for the resurrected Christ, directly challenging the very authorities who had condemned Jesus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 4:8 is situated immediately after the arrest of Peter and John, detailed in [Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "Peter Heals a Lame Man at the Temple Gate") and [Acts 4:1-7](/acts/4-1-7 "Peter and John Arrested and Questioned"). The preceding chapter describes the miraculous healing of a lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, which drew a large crowd and prompted Peter to preach a powerful sermon, proclaiming Jesus as the Christ and calling for repentance. This public demonstration of divine power and the subsequent bold proclamation of the resurrection of Jesus deeply disturbed the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, and the Temple authorities, who saw their control threatened. Peter and John were then apprehended and brought before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court, for questioning. Verse 8 sets the stage for Peter's Spirit-empowered response to this interrogation, demonstrating the direct confrontation between the early church's message and the established religious order.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sanhedrin was the seventy-one-member supreme court and governing body of the Jewish people, comprising chief priests, elders, and scribes. The "rulers of the people, and elders of Israel" specifically refers to these prominent members, many of whom were Sadducees (as indicated in [Acts 4:1](/acts/4-1 "Acts 4:1 - Sadducees Arrest Peter and John")), who were politically powerful but did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, angels, or spirits. Peter, a Galilean fisherman, was standing before the very same body that had condemned Jesus just weeks or months prior. This setting underscores the immense power imbalance and the potential danger Peter faced. For a common man to address such an esteemed and hostile body with authority was culturally unprecedented and would have been seen as an act of profound disrespect, unless backed by an undeniable divine power. The mention of "Israel" emphasizes that these were the recognized leaders of the entire Jewish nation, making Peter's address a direct challenge to their spiritual and temporal authority over God's people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Acts. Firstly, **Divine Empowerment** is central, as Peter's being "filled with the Holy Ghost" directly enables his subsequent boldness and wisdom. This echoes the promise of Jesus in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness") and the initial outpouring at [Pentecost in Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost"), illustrating the Spirit's ongoing work in equipping believers for witness. Secondly, **Boldness in Witness** is a hallmark of the early church, particularly evident here as Peter, despite his humble background and intimidating circumstances, fearlessly proclaims the truth about Jesus. This courage is a direct result of the Spirit's presence, fulfilling the prophetic words of [Isaiah 50:7](/isaiah/50-7 "Isaiah 50:7 - Set My Face Like Flint"). Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Confrontation of Authority**, as the nascent Christian movement, represented by Peter, directly challenges the established religious and political powers of the day, asserting a higher, divine authority. Finally, the theme of **Resurrection** underpins the entire encounter, as it was the preaching of Jesus' resurrection that led to Peter and John's arrest, and it forms the core of Peter's subsequent defense in [Acts 4:10-12](/acts/4-10-12 "Acts 4:10-12 - Salvation in No Other Name").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **filled (Greek, _plḗthō'_):** This verb (G4130) signifies to "fill" in a literal or figurative sense, often implying an imbueing, influencing, or supplying. In the context of the Holy Spirit, as here and in [Acts 2:4](/acts/2-4 "Acts 2:4 - Filled with the Holy Spirit"), it denotes a specific, fresh, and powerful infilling or empowerment for a particular purpose, rather than a permanent state. It indicates a divine enablement that equips the individual to speak God's word with power and conviction, especially in challenging circumstances.
* **Holy (Greek, _hágios'_):** This adjective (G40) means sacred, pure, morally blameless, or consecrated. When applied to the "Ghost" (Spirit), it emphasizes the divine, set-apart, and pure nature of the third person of the Trinity, whose presence brings about sanctification and empowerment.
* **Ghost (Greek, _pneûma'_):** This noun (G4151) refers to a current of air, breath, or a breeze, but figuratively and most significantly in this context, it refers to a spirit, specifically the divine Spirit of God. "Holy Ghost" is an older English translation for "Holy Spirit," denoting the divine agent who empowers Peter.
* **rulers (Greek, _árchōn'_):** This noun (G758) refers to a first in rank or power, a chief ruler, magistrate, or prince. Here, it specifically denotes the leading members of the Sanhedrin, those holding significant authority and influence within the Jewish governing body.
* **people (Greek, _laós'_):** This noun (G2992) refers to a people in general, often used to distinguish a nation or group from its populace (δῆμος). In this context, it refers to the Jewish people as a whole, over whom these rulers and elders exercised authority.
* **elders (Greek, _presbýteros'_):** This noun (G4245), meaning older or senior, refers to respected leaders, specifically the senior members of the Sanhedrin, who held positions of authority due to their age, wisdom, and experience.
* **Israel (Greek, _Israḗl'_):** This proper noun (G2474), of Hebrew origin, refers to the adopted name of Jacob and, by extension, his descendants. Here, it signifies the entire nation of Israel, emphasizing that Peter is addressing the legitimate, recognized leaders of God's chosen people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost,"**: This clause immediately establishes the divine source of Peter's forthcoming words and actions. It is not Peter's natural courage or eloquence, but a supernatural empowerment by the Holy Spirit that enables him to speak. This "filling" is a specific anointing for the task at hand, distinct from the initial indwelling of the Spirit, equipping him with divine boldness and wisdom to confront formidable opposition.
* **"said unto them,"**: This simple phrase indicates that Peter is about to speak directly to his interrogators, the members of the Sanhedrin. The context implies a formal address within a judicial setting, where Peter transitions from the accused to the one delivering a powerful message.
* **"Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,"**: Peter directly addresses his audience, identifying them by their official titles. This is a respectful but firm acknowledgement of their authority, setting the stage for a declaration that, while respectful in address, will ultimately challenge their spiritual authority by pointing to the ultimate authority of Jesus Christ. The mention of "Israel" emphasizes that these are the leaders of the entire nation, making Peter's message one of national significance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is prominent, contrasting Peter, a humble fisherman and an accused man, with the powerful and esteemed "rulers of the people, and elders of Israel" who sit in judgment. This highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, elevating Peter beyond his social standing. **Divine Empowerment** is a central theme, manifested through the phrase "filled with the Holy Ghost," which serves as a **caesura** or a pivotal point, signaling a shift from Peter's human vulnerability to his Spirit-led authority. This phrase also acts as a **motif** recurring throughout Acts, emphasizing the Spirit's active role in the early church's mission. The direct address, "Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel," is a form of **apostrophe**, drawing the audience into the immediate confrontation and underscoring the gravity of the situation. Furthermore, there is a subtle **irony** at play: those who believed they held ultimate authority are about to be confronted by a higher authority, speaking through a man they sought to silence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 4:8 is a profound testament to the power of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for courageous witness, even in the face of severe opposition. It underscores the New Testament emphasis on divine enablement over human ability, demonstrating that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things when they are yielded to His Spirit. This Spirit-filled boldness is not reckless arrogance but a divinely imparted confidence to speak truth to power, rooted in the conviction of Jesus' resurrection and the authority of His name. The confrontation between Peter and the Sanhedrin also highlights the inherent tension between the established religious order and the radical new covenant inaugurated by Christ, foreshadowing the spread of the gospel beyond traditional boundaries.

* [Luke 12:11-12](/luke/12-11-12 "Luke 12:11-12 - The Holy Spirit Will Teach You What to Say")
* [Matthew 10:19-20](/matthew/10-19-20 "Matthew 10:19-20 - Do Not Worry About What to Say")
* [Ephesians 6:19-20](/ephesians/6-19-20 "Ephesians 6:19-20 - Pray for Boldness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 4:8 provides a powerful blueprint for believers facing intimidation or opposition when called to speak for Christ. Peter, an uneducated fisherman, was transformed into a fearless advocate because he was "filled with the Holy Ghost." This teaches us that our effectiveness in ministry and witness does not depend on our natural abilities, social standing, or eloquence, but on our reliance on the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. When we are called to stand for truth, share the gospel, or confront injustice, we can pray for and expect a fresh infilling of the Spirit, granting us the necessary wisdom, courage, and words. This verse encourages us to step out in faith, trusting that God will equip us for every task He calls us to, enabling us to speak with divine authority rather than human fear. It challenges us to consider where we might be holding back due to fear of man, and instead, to lean into the Spirit's power to be bold witnesses for Christ in our own contexts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel a lack of boldness to speak or act for Christ?**
* **How does Peter's example of being "filled with the Holy Ghost" challenge your understanding of personal strength versus divine empowerment?**
* **What specific situations might call for you to rely on the Holy Spirit for a fresh infilling of courage or wisdom, as Peter did?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater dependency on the Holy Spirit in your daily walk, preparing you for moments of witness or challenge?**

### FAQ
**What does "filled with the Holy Ghost" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Acts 4:8, "filled with the Holy Ghost" (Greek: _plēstheis pneumatos hagiou_) signifies a specific, temporary, and empowering anointing by the Holy Spirit for a particular task or proclamation. It's not referring to the initial indwelling of the Spirit that happens at conversion, but rather a fresh surge of the Spirit's power that equips an individual with divine boldness, wisdom, and utterance for a specific moment of witness or challenge. This concept is seen repeatedly in the book of Acts, such as when the disciples were filled at [Acts 2:4](/acts/2-4 "Acts 2:4 - The Spirit Fills the Disciples"), or when Peter and John spoke boldly again in [Acts 4:31](/acts/4-31 "Acts 4:31 - The Place Was Shaken, and They Were All Filled with the Holy Spirit"). It enabled Peter to speak with authority and fearlessness before the Sanhedrin, a powerful and hostile religious court.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 4:8, with Peter's Spirit-empowered boldness before the Sanhedrin, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Himself. Jesus was uniquely and perpetually "filled with the Holy Spirit" from His baptism, as seen in [Luke 4:1](/luke/4-1 "Luke 4:1 - Jesus Full of the Holy Spirit"). This divine anointing enabled Him to speak with unparalleled authority, perform miracles, and confront the religious authorities of His day with unyielding truth, just as Peter does here. Indeed, Peter's very words and actions are a direct continuation of Christ's mission and a testament to the power of the Spirit that Jesus promised to send to His disciples ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Spirit of Truth")). Peter, standing before the very council that condemned Jesus, becomes a living embodiment of the resurrected Christ's continued work through His church. His boldness is not his own, but a reflection of the authority and power of the "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) who conquered death, empowering His followers to bear witness to that victory, even unto the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). Thus, Peter's Spirit-filled speech is a Christ-centered fulfillment of the prophetic promise that God's people would speak His words with power, echoing the very voice of the Lord.

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

Luke 12:11

And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and [unto] magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:

Luke 12:12

For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Matthew 10:19

But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

Matthew 10:20

For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

Luke 21:14

Settle [it] therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:

Luke 21:15

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

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.