Acts 4:8
What does Acts 4:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 4:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 4:8 means
In response to the Sanhedrin's inquiry, Peter, empowered and directed by the Holy Spirit, began to address the assembled rulers and elders. His spiritual filling, a fulfillment of Jesus' promise to His disciples that they would be given words to speak in such moments, underscored that his subsequent testimony was not merely his own. This divine enablement allowed him to speak with supernatural courage and wisdom before the highest Jewish legal authority.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then Peter, being full of the Holy Spirit, said to them, O you rulers of the people and men of authority,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Then Peter, having been filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them: `Rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them: Ye princes of the people and ancients, hear.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Then Peter, filled with [the] Holy Spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people and elders [of Israel],
Context
This verse initiates Peter's powerful defense before the Sanhedrin, emphasizing his being filled with the Holy Spirit. It directly precedes his direct address and declaration, explaining the source of his boldness. This spiritual empowerment is crucial, as it sets the tone for his uncompromising message and highlights God's active involvement in the apostles' witness.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 10:19
But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what ye shall speak.
- Luke 21:14
Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand how to answer:
- Acts 7:55
But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
- Acts 4:31
And 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.
- Acts 4:5
And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem;
- Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
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