Acts 4:23

¶ And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

And {G1161} being let go {G630}, they went {G2064} to {G4314} their own company {G2398}, and {G2532} reported {G518} all {G3745} that the chief priests {G749} and {G2532} elders {G4245} had said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}.

Upon being released, they went back to their friends and reported what the head cohanim and elders had said to them.

On their release, Peter and John returned to their own people and reported everything that the chief priests and elders had said to them.

And being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said unto them.

Commentary

Acts 4:23 describes the immediate actions of Peter and John after their release from the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin. Having faced threats and stern warnings, they returned to their fellow believers to report everything that had transpired, demonstrating the strong bond and transparency within the early Christian community.

Context

This verse follows a pivotal moment in the early church's history. Peter and John had been arrested after miraculously healing a lame man at the Temple gate (Acts 3:6-10) and subsequently proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus to a large crowd (Acts 3:19-26). Their bold witness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, led to their apprehension by the chief priests and Sadducees, who were disturbed by their teaching about Jesus and the resurrection.

Standing before the powerful Sanhedrin, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, courageously declared that salvation is found only through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:8-12). Despite being commanded to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, Peter and John famously replied, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20). The authorities, fearing the people, eventually released them after further threats. Their immediate action upon release was to seek out their "own company," highlighting the communal nature of the early believers in Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Community and Fellowship: The verse emphasizes the vital role of fellowship in the early church. Peter and John did not go home alone but immediately sought out their spiritual family. This highlights the importance of shared experiences, mutual support, and collective strength among believers.
  • Transparency and Accountability: By reporting "all that the chief priests and elders had said," Peter and John demonstrated transparency. They brought their experiences, including the threats and warnings, before the entire group, fostering an environment of trust and shared responsibility.
  • Response to Persecution: This verse sets the stage for the church's collective response to the first significant persecution they faced. Their shared prayer and renewed boldness in the subsequent verses (Acts 4:24-31) illustrate how the community rallied together under pressure.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "their own company" comes from the Greek "πρὸς τοὺς ἰδίους" (pros tous idious), which literally means "to their own (ones)." This simple phrase powerfully conveys a sense of belonging and intimate connection. It suggests not just a casual gathering but a close-knit group of people who shared a common faith and purpose, almost like family.

Practical Application

Acts 4:23 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Value Christian Fellowship: Just as Peter and John found strength and solidarity in their "own company," believers today are encouraged to actively participate in Christian fellowship. Sharing burdens, victories, and challenges within a supportive community is crucial for spiritual growth and resilience.
  • Open Communication: The apostles' willingness to share their difficult encounter with the Sanhedrin models the importance of open and honest communication within the church. This fosters trust and allows the community to pray and respond effectively to external pressures.
  • Preparation for Opposition: The early church understood that proclaiming the Gospel might invite opposition. This verse reminds us that facing challenges is part of the Christian walk, and a strong, unified community is essential for standing firm and continuing to bear witness to Christ, even under threat.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 6:14 (14 votes)

    Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

  • 2 Corinthians 6:17 (14 votes)

    Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

  • Acts 12:11 (5 votes)

    And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and [from] all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

  • Acts 12:12 (5 votes)

    And when he had considered [the thing], he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

  • Psalms 119:63 (5 votes)

    ¶ I [am] a companion of all [them] that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

  • Proverbs 13:20 (4 votes)

    ¶ He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

  • Malachi 3:16 (4 votes)

    Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.