Acts 4:31
What does Acts 4:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 4:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 4:31 means
Immediately after their united prayer, God responded dramatically. The place where they were gathered was physically shaken, a powerful manifestation of God's presence and approval. Furthermore, they were all "filled with the Holy Spirit," receiving renewed divine empowerment. As a result, they continued to "speak the word of God with boldness," demonstrating that God had answered their specific petition for courage and power in witness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when their prayer was ended, the place where they were was violently moved, and they all became full of the Holy Spirit, preaching the word of God without fear.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And they having prayed, the place was shaken in which they were gathered together, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and were speaking the word of God with freedom,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when they had prayed, the place was moved wherein they were assembled: and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost: and they spoke the word of God with confidence.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke the word ofGod with boldness.
Context
This verse describes God's immediate and tangible response to the believers' corporate prayer, providing powerful confirmation of His favor. It directly follows their petition for boldness and accompanying signs. This divine intervention marks a significant turning point, empowering the community for continued witness and setting the stage for the subsequent description of their unity and generosity.
v.30while thou stretchest forth thy hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy Servant Jesus.
v.31This passage
v.32And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and not oneof themsaid that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 18:19
Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven.
- John 15:7
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
- Isaiah 65:24
And it shall come to pass that, before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
- John 15:16
Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
- Philippians 1:14
and that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
- Acts 2:2
And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
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