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.
