Acts 4:8

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

Acts 4:8 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 4:8

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost
At that very instant, having received a fresh measure of the gifts and graces of the Spirit, besides what he had poured forth upon him at the day of Pentecost; so that he had great courage and presence of mind, and freedom of speech, as Christ had promised his disciples they should have, when they were brought before governors and magistrates, ( Matthew 10:18 Matthew 10:19 Matthew 10:30 ) ( Luke 21:14 Luke 21:15 ) . The case was much altered with Peter, he who but a little while ago was frightened by a servant maid, now stands before the Jewish sanhedrim, with undaunted courage and resolution:

and said unto them, ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel;
he addresses them in a very handsome manner, and gives them their proper titles as magistrates; which ought to be done by men and Christians; honour should be given, to whom honour is due: the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, and some copies, add "hear", which seems very necessary; he called for audience, or desired to be heard a few words, in the defence of himself and fellow apostle, and in answer to their questions.

Acts 4:8 In-Context

6 along with 'Anan the cohen hagadol, Kayafa, Yochanan, Alexander and the other men from the family of the cohen hagadol.

7 They had the emissaries stand before them and asked, "By what power or in what name did you do this?"

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

9 If we are being examined today about a good deed done for a disabled person, if you want to know how he was restored to health,

10 then let it be known to you and to all the people of Isra'el that it is in the name of the Messiah, Yeshua from Natzeret, whom you had executed on a stake as a criminal but whom God has raised from the dead, that this man stands before you perfectly healed.