Acts 4:2
What does Acts 4:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 4:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 4:2 means
The authorities were deeply disturbed by the apostles' teaching. Their primary grievance was not the healing itself, but the message of Jesus' resurrection from the dead, which was central to Peter and John's preaching. The Sadducees, a powerful Jewish sect, denied the resurrection of the dead, angels, and spirits. Therefore, the apostles' proclamation directly challenged one of their core theological tenets and threatened their authority and influence among the people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000being sore troubled because they taught the people, and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901being sore troubled because they taught the people, and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Being greatly troubled because they were teaching the people and preaching Jesus as an example of the coming back from the dead.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862being grieved because of their teaching the people, and preaching in Jesus the rising again out of the dead--
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Being grieved that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890being distressed on account of their teaching the people and preaching by Jesus the resurrection from among [the] dead;
Context
This verse clarifies the specific reason for the authorities' hostility, rooting it in doctrinal opposition to the resurrection. It directly follows the arrival of the temple officials, explaining their motivation. This detailed explanation of their grievance sets up the subsequent arrest and trial, highlighting the theological conflict that underpins the legal proceedings against Peter and John.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 24:14
But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;
- Acts 24:21
except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question before you this day.
- Acts 26:8
Why is it judged incredible with you, if God doth raise the dead?
- Acts 17:31
inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
- Acts 17:18
And certain also of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, What would this babbler say? others, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.
- Acts 13:45
But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 4
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 4.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Boldness
Bible verses about boldness reveal how believers can stand firm in faith, speak truth, and overcome fear through God’s strength.
Topic
Bible Verses About Courage
The Bible often speaks of courage, urging believers to be strong and brave in the face of fear and adversity
Topic
Bible Verses About Being Filled with the Spirit
The Bible encourages believers to be filled with the Spirit, a divine empowerment for Christian life and witness
What the Bible says about…