Acts 4:8

8 Then Peter full of ye holy goost sayd vnto them: ye rulars of the people and elders of Israel

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 as Annas the chefe Prest and Cayphas and Iohn and Alexander and as many as were of ye kynred of the hye prestes gadered to geder at Ierusalem

7 and set the other before them and axed: by what power or what name have ye done this syrs?

8 Then Peter full of ye holy goost sayd vnto them: ye rulars of the people and elders of Israel

9 yf we this daye are examined of the good dede done to the sycke man by what meanes he is made whoale:

10 be yt knowen vnto you all and to the people of Israel that in the name of Iesus Christ of Nazareth whom ye crucified and whom God raysed agayne from deeth: even by him doth this man stonde here present before you whoale.