Acts 4:8

8 Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit. He 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 Annas, the high priest, was there. So were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others in the high priest's family.

7 They had Peter and John brought to them. They wanted to question them. "By what power did you do this?" they asked. "And through whose name?"

8 Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit. He said to them, "Rulers and elders of the people!

9 Are you asking us to explain our actions today? Do you want to know why we were kind to a disabled man? Are you asking how he was healed?

10 Then listen to this, you and all the people of Israel! You nailed Jesus Christ of Nazareth to the cross. But God raised him from the dead. It is through Jesus' name that this man stands healed in front of you.