Acts 4:8

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and you older leaders,

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 Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander were there, as well as everyone from the high priest's family.

7 They made Peter and John stand before them and then asked them, "By what power or authority did you do this?"

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and you older leaders,

9 are you questioning us about a good thing that was done to a crippled man? Are you asking us who made him well?

10 We want all of you and all the Jewish people to know that this man was made well by the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You crucified him, but God raised him from the dead. This man was crippled, but he is now well and able to stand here before you because of the power of Jesus.