23 When they had been released , they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said , "O Lord , it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA , AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM 25 who by the Holy Spirit , through the mouth of our father David Your servant , said , ' WHY e DID THE GENTILES RAGE , AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS ? 26 ' THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND , AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER e e AGAINST THE Lord AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST .' 27 For truly e in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus , whom You anointed , both Herod and Pontius Pilate , along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel , 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur . 29 "And now , Lord , take note of their threats , and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence , 30 while You extend Your hand to heal , and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus ." 31 And when they had prayed , the place where e they had gathered together was shaken , and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 4:23-31
Commentary on Acts 4:23-31
(Read Acts 4:23-31)
Christ's followers do best in company, provided it is their own company. It encourages God's servants, both in doing work, and suffering work, that they serve the God who made all things, and therefore has the disposal of all events; and the Scriptures must be fulfilled. Jesus was anointed to be a Saviour, therefore it was determined he should be a sacrifice, to make atonement for sin. But sin is not the less evil for God's bringing good out of it. In threatening times, our care should not be so much that troubles may be prevented, as that we may go on with cheerfulness and courage in our work and duty. They do not pray, Lord let us go away from our work, now that it is become dangerous, but, Lord, give us thy grace to go on stedfastly in our work, and not to fear the face of man. Those who desire Divine aid and encouragement, may depend upon having them, and they ought to go forth, and go on, in the strength of the Lord God. God gave a sign of acceptance of their prayers. The place was shaken, that their faith might be established and unshaken. God gave them greater degrees of his Spirit; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, more than ever; by which they were not only encouraged, but enabled to speak the word of God with boldness. When they find the Lord God help them by his Spirit, they know they shall not be confounded, Isaiah 17.