Interpretive Study of Acts 3-4

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Acts Chapter 3

Chapter theme is: Peter and John preach in the Temple.

links to sentences in this chapter:

C3-S1 (Verse 1), C3-S2 (Verse 2-3), C3-S3 (Verse 4), C3-S4 (Verse 5), C3-S5 (Verse 6), C3-S6 (Verse 7), C3-S7 (Verse 8), C3-S8 (Verse 9-10), C3-S9 (Verse 11), C3-S10 (Verse 12), C3-S11 (Verse 12), C3-S12 (Verse 13), C3-S13 (Verse 14-15), C3-S14 (Verse 16), C3-S15 (Verse 17), C3-S16 (Verse 18), C3-S17 (Verse 19-21), C3-S18 (Verse 22), C3-S19 (Verse 23), C3-S20 (Verse 24), C3-S21 (Verse 25), C3-S22 (Verse 26)'.

Our chapter starts with the word Now, which means 'After you understand what came before'. In the First Chapter, Lord Jesus Christ told the disciples to wait until they received God's Holy Ghost. Instead of obeying, Peter led the church into trying to do something that only God had the authority to do. And, later in the history, that church refused to let God correct their doctrine, which eventually led to their destruction by God. We are to be rightly dividing the word of truth (2Timothy 2:15) and they failed to separate what God has reserved for Himself from what God has given the church to do.

In the Second Chapter, the church received God's Holy Ghost and obeyed Him and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls (Acts 2:41). Thus, we see the difference between when we act on our own and when we let God direct us and work through our life. And, that is the main doctrine which we are to understand before we consider this chapter because, in this chapter, we read an account of Peter and John letting God direct them and work through their lives. The result was another demonstration of God's power.

In the first few sentences we read the report of what Peter and John did. In the remainder of the chapter, we read a summary of Peter's message to the gathered Jews. If we look at the words which start many of the sentences in this chapter, we see twelve out of twenty two sentences start withe the word And. In addition, this word is used forty times in this chapter, which gives us the only possible conclusion that the entire chapter is connected together to report one overall incident with a couple of sub-points within the overall incident. Those sub-points are pointed out next. But, please read and consider the entire chapter a single report and keep that in mind as you consider the details within this report.

Acts 3:1-8 give us an account of a miracle done by God's Holy Ghost using Peter and John. Please see the Miracles section of the Significant Events in the New Testament, for links to this, and other, miracles.

Acts 3:10-11 give us the reaction by the common Jew who were in the Temple.

Acts 3:12-26 reports the message from Peter to the gathered Jews in the Temple.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides a chapter outline as:

1-11. Peter preaching to the people that came to see a lame man restored to his feet,
12. professes the cure not to have been wrought by his or John's own power or holiness, but by God, and his son Jesus, and through faith in his name;
13-16. withal reprehending them for crucifying Jesus;
17-18. which because they did it through ignorance, and that thereby were fulfilled God's determinate counsel, and the Scriptures,
19-26. he exhorts them by repentance and faith to seek remission of their sins, and salvation in the same Jesus.'.
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C3-S1 (Verse 1) God used everyday activity to produce a miracle.

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer,
being the ninth hour.

Acts 3:1-11 are an account of a miracle done by God's Holy Ghost using Peter and John. The account includes the reaction by the religious leaders.

Our chapter starts with the word Now, which means 'After you understand what came before'. (Please read the Chapter Summaries for that information.) the church was still praying in the Temple daily and the first place that they were told to take the Gospel was Jerusalem. Therefore, our is telling us how God used their normal every-day activities to produce an opportunity for them to do God's work. And, so long as we are prepared and willing, God will do the same for other saved people.

Our sentence tells us that in the culture of Jerusalem, the ninth hour was considered to be the hour of prayer.

Please see the note for Galatians C2-S6 about Peter. The functional definition for this word is: 'pebble or little rock. Also, the head apostle and example of Christ'. Please also see the first half of the book called SbS-Preacher Missionaries about how God used Peter to show us how He trains a pastor / missionary.

There are several men named John in the Bible. This John was the apostle who also wrote five books of the New Testament.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 3:16 about the word temple. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'first used of the tabernacle, which is called "the temple of the Lord" (1Sa 1:9). In the New Testament the word is used figuratively of Christ's human body (Joh 2:19,21). Believers are called "the temple of God" (1Co 3:16-17). the Church is designated "an holy temple in the Lord" (Eph 2:21). Heaven is also called a temple (Re 7:5). We read also of the heathen "temple of the great goddess Diana" (Ac 19:27).
This word is generally used in Scripture of the sacred house erected on the summit of Mount Moriah for the worship of God. It is called "the temple" (1Ki 6:17); "the temple [R.V., 'house'] of the Lord" (2Ki 11:10); "thy holy temple" (Ps 79:1); "the house of the Lord" (2Ch 23:5,12); "the house of the God of Jacob" (Isa 2:3); "the house of my glory" (Isa 60:7); an "house of prayer" (Isa 56:7; Mt 21:13); "an house of sacrifice" (2Ch 7:12); "the house of their sanctuary" (2Ch 36:17); "the mountain of the Lord's house" (Isa 2:2); "our holy and our beautiful house" (Isa 64:11); "the holy mount" (Isa 27:13); "the palace for the Lord God" (1Ch 29:1); "the tabernacle of witness" (2Ch 24:6); "Zion" (Ps 74:2; 84:7). Christ calls it "my Father's house" (Joh 2:16)'.
The main purpose of a temple is to worship the God of the temple'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the phrase temple of the Lord. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the phrase temple of God.

Please see the note for John 2:4 about the word hour. The functional definition for this word is: 'a short period of time relative to the perspective. Thus, a thousand years can be considered to be an hour / short period of time from the perspective of eternity'.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S25 and 2Corinthians C1S6 about the word pray. The functional definition for this word is: 'talking to God'. Please also see the Doctrinal Study called Pray for links to papers on prayer.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Peter. Ac 4:13; 8:14; Mt 17:1; 26:37; Joh 13:23-25; 20:2-9; 21:7,18-22; Ga 2:9 went. Ac 2:46; 5:25; Lu 24:53 the hour. Ac 10:3,30; Ex 29:39; Nu 28:4; 1Ki 18:36; Ps 55:17; Da 6:10; 9:21; Lu 1:10; 23:44-46'.

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C3-S2 (Verse 2-3) The circumstance and request which resulted in a miracle.

First Step: the circumstance.

And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried,
whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful,
to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;.

Second Step: the request.

Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

Acts 3:1-8 give us an account of a miracle done by God's Holy Ghost using Peter and John. The account includes the reaction by the religious leaders.

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to the prior sentence. This is true for all of the sentences in this report of the incident except Acts 3:6, which starts with the word Then. Thus, the starting word of each sentence connects to the prior sentence in the report of our incident.

Since this man had been lame from his mother's womb, his condition was from birth. And, since he was carried daily (and laid) at the gate of the temple, everybody who regularly went to the temple knew about his condition. Therefore, there was no way that the religious leaders could deny that a miracle had been done by God through Peter and John. God did this miracle in order to gather the people to hear the Gospel preached. Lots of people want a miracle from God but they are not willing to react like this man did and risk looking like a fool before others. When God gives us a miracle, He wants us to use it to testify about God and point others to God for help in their own problems.

Please see the note for Luke 7:22 about the word lame. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a. 1. Crippled or disabled in a limb, or otherwise injured so as to be unsound and impaired in strength; as a lame arm or leg, or a person lame in one leg. 2. Imperfect; not satisfactory; as a lame excuse. 3. Hobbling; not smooth; as numbers in verse.
LAME, v.t. to make lame; to cripple or disable; to render imperfect and unsound; as, to lame an arm or a leg'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:2; Acts 3:11; Acts 8:7.

Please see the note for Mark 1:30 about the word mother. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The law commanded that honour was to be paid to a mother as well as to a father. In nearly all cases the mothers of the kings of Israel are mentioned as well as the fathers. the wise woman who appealed to Joab as 'a mother in Israel,' was at once listened to. 2Sa 20:19. A mother has naturally great influence over her children, whether for good or evil, as Jochebed the mother of Moses, and Jezebel the mother of Athaliah. the children of the virtuous woman arise and call her blessed. Pr 31:28. Timothy had a faithful mother and grandmother. 2Ti 1:5. there are also 'mothers' in the church, who have the Lord's interests at heart in the welfare of the saints, as Paul called the mother of Rufus his own mother also. Ro 16:13'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:15 about the word womb. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 defines this word as: '1. the uterus or matrix of a female; that part where the young of an animal is conceived and nourished till its birth. 2. the place where anything is produced. the womb of earth the genial seed receives. 3. Any large or deep cavity. Womb of the morning, in Scripture, the clouds, which distill dew; supposed to be emblematic of the church bringing forth multitudes to Christ. Psalm 110'.

We find forms of the word carried occurring 145 times in 132 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament in: Matthew 1:11; Mark 15:1; Luke 7:12; Luke 16:22; Luke 24:51; Acts 3:2; Acts 5:6; Acts 7:16; Acts 8:2; Acts 21:34; 1Corinthians 12:2; Galatians 2:13; Ephesians 4:14; Hebrews 13:9; 2Peter 2:17; Jude 1:12; Revelation 12:15; Revelation 17:3; Revelation 21:10. The functional definition for this word is: 'Past-tense form of the word carry'. Please also see the note for Acts 5:9 about the words carry / carrying.

Please see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word day. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The Jews reckoned the day from sunset to sunset (Le 23:32). It was originally divided into three parts (Ps 55:17). "The heat of the day" (1Sa 11:11; Ne 7:3) was at our nine o'clock, and "the cool of the day" just before sunset (Ge 3:8). Before the Captivity the Jews divided the night into three watches, (1) from sunset to midnight (La 2:19); (2) from midnight till the cock-crowing (Jg 7:19); and (3) from the cock-crowing till sunrise (Ex 14:24). In the New Testament the division of the Greeks and Romans into four watches was adopted (Mr 13:35). (See Watches.) the division of the day by hours is first mentioned in Da 3:6,15; 4:19; 5:5. this mode of reckoning was borrowed from the Chaldeans. the reckoning of twelve hours was from sunrise to sunset, and accordingly the hours were of variable length (Joh 11:9). The word "day" sometimes signifies an indefinite time (Ge 2:4; Isa 22:5; Heb 3:8, etc.). In Job 3:1 it denotes a birthday, and in Isaiah 2:12; Acts 17:31; 2Timothy 1:18, the great day of final judgment.'. The functional definition, of the phrase last day is: '(end of the) Church Age. However, in the life of the individual, it can be used for the day that he dies'. Please see the note for Hebrews 3:13 about the word today. The functional definition is: 'obey immediately'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:55 about the word daily. Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:6-LJC and 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of the Lord. Please also see the note for John 20:1 about the phrase first day of the week.

Please see the note for Luke 13:23-24 about the word gate. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Beside the ordinary use of gates for the protection of a city, 'in the gate' was the place where many important things were transacted. When Boaz wanted the question settled respecting Ruth and the inheritance, he went up to the gate: the subject was debated with a nearer relative, then concluded, and witnessed by the elders. Ru 4:1-12; cf. Jos 20:4; 1Sa 4:18; 2Sa 15:2; Ac 14:13. to 'sit in the gate' was a place of honour: "they that sit in the gate speak against me." Ps 69:12. It should have been the place of true judgement and justice, but was not always so. Isa 29:21; Am 5:10,12; Zec 8:16. It was, at least at times, the king's chief place of audience. 2Sa 19:8; 1Ki 22:10; Job 29:7; La 5:14. from this it would be a symbol of power: thus the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church which Christ builds. Mt 16:18. the gates of cities were of wood cased with iron to strengthen them and prevent them being burnt with fire. cf. Jg 9:52. the prison at Jerusalem had an outer gate of iron, the only iron one we read of. Ac 12:10. Doubtless the gates of Solomon's temple were adorned to agree with the rest of the work. In the N.T. we read of thE BEAUTIFUL GATE of the temple, Ac 3:10; and Josephus relates that Herod made an outer gate of Corinthian brass, costing more than those adorned with gold and silver. the gates of the New Jerusalem are described as pearls: "every several gate was of one pearl," Re 21:12-25: the entrances must be in keeping with the rest of the city. the pearls represent the glories of Christ as seen in the church: cf. Mt 13:46. the gate is used symbolically as the entrance both to life and to destruction: the former is narrow and the way straitened, and alas, there are but few that find it; whereas for the latter the gate is wide and the way is broad, and many there are that enter through it. Mt 7:13-14'. Please also see the note for Matthew 16:18 about the phrase gates of hell. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:2; Acts 3:10; Acts 9:24; Acts 10:17; Acts 12:10; Acts 12:13; Acts 12:14; Acts 14:13.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S3 about the word call. That note has links to notes in every New Testament book where there are links to every place where the particular book uses this word. The functional definition is: 'To command another to help or to cry for help, hence to pray (Ge 4:26)'. Please also see the note for Romans 10:13; 2Thessalonians 3:1-LJC; Ephesians 5:8-LJC and 1John 4:14-LJC about the phrase call upon the Lord. The note for Romans 10:13 has links to every place in the Bible where we find the words call and Lord used together, along with a small note on each reference.

Please see the note for Matthew 23:27 about the word beautiful. The functional definition for this word is: 'An assemblage of graces, or an assemblage of properties in the form of the person or any other object, which pleases the eye'.

Please see the note for Matthew 7:7 about the word ask. The functional definition for this word is: 'To inquire, to seek for counsel, to request'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:2-3; Acts 3:10; Acts 9:36; Acts 10:2; Acts 10:4; Acts 10:31; Acts 24:17.

Please see the note for John 10:9 about the word enter. The functional definition for this word is: 'to leave one place and go into another place'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:2; Acts 3:8; Acts 5:21; Acts 8:3; Acts 9:17; Acts 10:24; Acts 11:8; Acts 11:12; Acts 14:22; Acts 16:40; Acts 18:7; Acts 18:19; Acts 19:30; Acts 20:29; Acts 21:8; Acts 21:26; Acts 23:16; Acts 25:23; Acts 27:2; Acts 28:8.

There are several men named John in the Bible. This John was the apostle who also wrote five books of the New Testament.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'lame. Ac 4:22; 14:8; Joh 1:9-30 whom. Lu 16:20 which. Ac 3:10 exp: Ac 9:33. Toask. Ac 10:4,31; Lu 18:35; Joh 9:8'.

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C3-S3 (Verse 4) Peter made sure that he had the attention of the beggar before proceeding further.

And Peter,
fastening his eyes upon him with John,
said,
Look on us.

Acts 3:1-8 give us an account of a miracle done by God's Holy Ghost using Peter and John. The account includes the reaction by the religious leaders.

Peter fastened his eyes upon the beggar man to make sure that he knew that Peter was deliberately stopping to talk to him. Most people refuse to talk to beggars even when they put a coin in their hand of collection thing. God wants His children to deliver His Gospel in a personal way so that the people realize that God is interested in them personally and is inviting them into an ongoing personal relationship with God.

Peter said Look on us to make sure that the beggar was paying attention to the message being delivered. Yes, God can use a message delivered in a non-personal way, such as we see further on in this chapter. However, by making the delivery personal, God received a personal reaction which helped attract others to heat the true Gospel message

Please see the note for Luke 4:20 about the word fasten. The functional definition for this word is: 'Made firm or fast; fixed firmly; impressed'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:4; Acts 11:6; Acts 28:3.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S13 about the word eye. The functional definition for this word is: 'The organ of sight or vision; properly, the globe or ball movable in the orbit'. Please also see the note for John 12:45 about the phrase eyes to see. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acs 3:4; Acts 9:8; Acts 9:18; Acts 9:40; Acts 11:6; Acts 13:9; Acts 26:18; Acts 28:27.

There are several men named John in the Bible. This John was the apostle who also wrote five books of the New Testament.

Please see the note for Romans 11:1 about the phrase I say. The functional definition is: 'Uttering in articulate sounds or words; speaking; telling; relating; reciting'. Please also see the note for Romans C10S28 about the word gainsaying. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:1 about the word sayings (plural). Please also see the notes for Romans C15S15 and 2Corinthians 2:17 about the word speak. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:12-14 about the word speech. Please also see the notes for Ephesians C4S15 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase evil speaking. The words speaketh and saith mean that the person 'keeps on keeping on doing the saying'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:4 about the word look. The functional definition for this word is: 'To direct the eye towards an object, with the intention of seeing it'. Please also see the note for Galatians C6S6 about the phrase LORD looketh on the heart.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'fastening. Ac 11:6; 14:9-10; Lu 4:20 Look. Ac 3:12; Joh 5:6; 11:40'.

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C3-S4 (Verse 5) . The beggar paid attention because he expected to receive an alms if he did as Peter commanded

And he gave heed unto them,
expecting to receive something of them.

Acts 3:1-8 give us an account of a miracle done by God's Holy Ghost using Peter and John. The account includes the reaction by the religious leaders.

The beggar paqid attention because he expected to receive an alms if he did as Peter commanded.

The word gave is the past-tense form of the word give. Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 5:5 and Philippians 4:15 about the word give. The functional definition for this word is: 'Bestowing; conferring; imparting; granting; delivering'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word given. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:7 about the word giver. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about the phrase giving of thanks.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 4:16 about the word heed. The functional definition for this word is: 'Pay close attention; watch out. Ge 31:24'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:5; Acts 5:35; Acts 8:6; Acts 8:10; Acts 20:28; Acts 22:26.

Please see the note for Romans C8S18 about the word expectation. The functional definition for this word is: 'The act of looking forward to a future event with at least some reason to believe the event will happen'.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S1; 1Corinthians C15S1 and Colossians C2-S4 about the word receive. The functional definition for this word is: 'To take, as a thing offered or sent; to accept'. In addition, please see the note for Matthew 10:41, which explains that in order to truly receive a person, we must receive their character as our own.

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C3-S5 (Verse 6) : Peter admitted personal inadequacy while saying that Jesus Christ was adequate.

Equivalent Section: Peter admitted personal inadequacy.

First Step: Nothing personal to give.

Then Peter said,
Silver and gold have I none;.

Second Step: Gift is from Jesus Christ.

but such as I have give I thee:.

Equivalent Section: this is the gift.

In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Acts 3:1-8 give us an account of a miracle done by God's Holy Ghost using Peter and John. The account includes the reaction by the religious leaders.

After Pentecost, it appears as if Peter is giving the gospel everywhere that he goes (Acts 5:28). In Acts 3, Peter is just getting going and so, God decides to help by performing a miracle for a guy that made such a fuss that he drew a crowd of well over 5, 000 people. Acts 4:4 says Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. Notice that the 5, 000 was only counting men. There is every reason to believe that the actual number of people saved was considerably higher (probably over 15, 000 people) when you also count women and children. In addition, It says many of them which heard the word believed, which indicates that there were also people who did not believe.

Now, the Bible says that on Pentecost there were added unto them about three thousand souls. That means, that this incident probably resulted in at least double the souls being saved as compared to the number saved on Pentecost. As a side note, how many of us cry to God for some miracle and He asks why should I bother? this man said thanks for his miracle by drawing such a crowd where literally thousands were saved. How have we shown our thanks?

Going on, we see the next six sentences, after the first sentence of our chapter, start with And, which means they are added to this sentence and must be considered with it if we are to properly interpret within the context. In addition, the last of these sentences that are added is a question. The sentence following it is the answer and the sentences following the answer are added to it by connecting words and this type of connection is continued throughout this chapter and the next. In truth, this sentence can not be properly interpreted without considering all of the consequences.

The first consequence that we see is that this man is so thankful that he is literally walking, and leaping, and praising God in a place (the Temple) that everybody thought that you had to act quiet and controlled and serious and do what religion claims is spiritual. They knew this from when they were children who got clobbered by parents any time they acted wrong and embarrassed their parents. Here this 40 year old man is making more of a ruckus than any child ever got away with. But notice that it says that he was praising God. He wasn't just acting up but was actually doing what the Holy Spirit wanted instead of what religion wanted. The result was all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering (3:11). This then gave Peter the opening for his next message which starts in Acts 3:13. (Please see that note for the outline of Peter's message.)

In addition, (in Acts 3:16), Peter says that this man was healed (and saved) through faith in his [Jesus Christ's]...name. Here, the very next time that the gospel is presented in Acts, we see again that people are told to believe on Jesus Christ of Nazareth, which requires them to accept that Jesus of Nazareth is God's Christ.

Adding to that command, Peter tells them Repent ye therefore, and be converted where before Peter told them to repent and be baptized. As explained in the note for Acts 2:38, these Jews had to Biblically repent and be converted before they were baptized because taking such a public identification with Jesus Christ of Nazareth carried sever consequences which could include death. Some religions preach a repentance that does not include conversion and that does not match this verse. In addition, some people insist that you have to tell people that they have to repent. But we see the gospel presented elsewhere and the word repent is not included. What is included is the requirement for a changed life, which is the fruit of true Biblical repentance.

The main point is that we don't have to do some specific religious act but have to have a change in our innermost being (heart, mind, soul) that is evident to others. The true gospel includes the ministry of Jesus (eternally secure from Hell into Heaven per Romans 3:26) and of Christ (changed life that is the result of an ongoing personal relationship with the Son of God [John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14 ]) . Anyone who has these things will show the fruit of true Biblical repentance. Any so-called gospel that does not include both ministries of the Son of God is not Biblical. Also, any so-called gospel that does not include a changed life as a result of this relationship is not Biblical. The main problem that the truly saved have is continuing to believe in the sufficiency of Jesus Christ of Nazareth which we see presented in this verse and accouny.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C3S13 about the word silver. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word is: 'A metal of a white color and lively brilliancy. It has neither taste nor smell; its specific gravity is 10.552, according to Bergman, but according to Kirwan it is less. A cubic foot weighs about 660 lbs. Its ductility is little inferior to that of gold. It is harder and more elastic that tin of iron. It is found native in thin plates or leaves, or in fine threads, or it is found mineralized by various substances. Great quantities of the metal are furnished by the mines of South America, and it is found in small quantities in Norway, Germany, Spain, the United State, etc. 2. Money; coin made of silver. 3. anything of soft splendor. Pallas-piteous of her plaintive cries, In slumber clos'd her silver-streamaining eyes. SIL'VER, a. 1. Made of silver; as a silver cup. 2. White like silver; as silver hair. Others on silver lakes and rivers bath'd their downy breast. 3. White, or pale; of a pale luster; as the silver moon. 4. Soft; as a silver voice or sound'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:6; Acts 17:29; Acts 19:19; Acts 19:24; Acts 20:33.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C3S13 about the word gold. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word is: 'A precious metal of a bright yellow color, and the most ductile and malleable of all the metals. It is the heaviest metal except platina; and being a very dense, fixed substance, and not liable to be injured by air, it is well fitted to be used as coin, or a representative of commodities in commerce. Its ductility and malleability render it the most suitable metal for gilding. It is often found native in solid masses, as in Hungary and Peru; though generally in combination with silver, copper or iron. 2. Money. forme, the gold of France did not seduce-- 3. Something pleasing or valuable; as a heart of gold. 4. A bright yellow color; as a flower edged with gold. 5. Riches; wealth. Gold of pleasure, a plant of the genus Myagrum. GOLD, a. Made of gold; consisting of gold; as a gold chain'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:6; Acts 17:29; Acts 20:33.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 5:5 and Philippians 4:15 about the word give. The functional definition for this word is: 'Bestowing; conferring; imparting; granting; delivering'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word given. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:7 about the word giver. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about the phrase giving of thanks.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C1S1 and Philippians 2:9-11 about the word name. The functional definition is: 'How a person or thing is identified. In the Bible, the power and authority which is associated with the name is always part of the message where this word is used'. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S4 about the phrase the name. That note has links to every place in the New Testament where the phrase in the name. occurs along with links to where similar phrases occur in the New Testament. Please see the note for 1Peter 4:14-LJC about the name of Christ. Please see the note for Luke 13:35 about the phrase name of the Lord. Please also see the Summary and verses documents about the use of this word for the Son of God. Please also see the note for Acts 1:23 about the word surname.

Please see the note for Luke 1:26-27 about Nazareth. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'separated, generally supposed to be the Greek form of the Hebrew netser, a "shoot" or "sprout." Some, however, think that the name of the city must be connected with the name of the hill behind it, from which one of the finest prospects in Palestine is obtained, and accordingly they derive it from the Hebrew notserah, i.e., one guarding or watching, thus designating the hill which overlooks and thus guards an extensive region. this city is not mentioned in the Old Testament. It was the home of Joseph and Mary (Lu 2:39), and here the angel announced to the Virgin the birth of the Messiah (Lu 1:26-28). Here Jesus grew up from his infancy to manhood (Lu 4:16); and here he began his public ministry in the synagogue (Mt 13:54), at which the people were so offended that they sought to cast him down from the precipice whereon their city was built (Lu 4:29). Twice they expelled him from their borders (Lu 4:16-29; Mt 13:54-58); and he finally retired from the city, where he did not many mighty works because of their unbelief (Mt 13:58), and took up his residence in Capernaum. Nazareth is situated among the southern ridges of Lebanon, on the steep slope of a hill, about 14 miles from the Sea of Galilee and about 6 west from Mount Tabor. It is identified with the modern village en-Nazirah, of six or ten thousand inhabitants. It lies "as in a hollow cup" lower down upon the hill than the ancient city. the main road for traffic between Egypt and the interior of Asia passed by Nazareth near the foot of Tabor, and thence northward to Damascus. It is supposed from the words of Nathanael in John 1:46 that the city of Nazareth was held in great disrepute, either because, it is said, the people of Galilee were a rude and less cultivated class, and were largely influenced by the Gentiles who mingled with them, or because of their lower type of moral and religious character. But there seems to be no sufficient reason for these suppositions. the Jews believed that, according to Mic 5:2, the birth of the Messiah would take place at Bethlehem, and nowhere else. Nathanael held the same opinion as his countrymen, and believed that the great "good" which they were all expecting could not come from Nazareth. this is probably what Nathanael meant. Moreover, there does not seem to be any evidence that the inhabitants of Galilee were in any respect inferior, or that a Galilean was held in contempt, in the time of our Lord. (See Dr. Merrill's Galilee in the Time of Christ.) the population of this city (now about 10,000) in the time of Christ probably amounted to 15,000 or 20,000 souls. "The so-called 'Holy House' is a cave under the Latin church, which appears to have been originally a tank. the 'brow of the hill', site of the attempted precipitation, is probably the northern cliff: the traditional site has been shown since the middle ages at some distance to the south. None of the traditional sites are traceable very early, and they have no authority. the name Nazareth perhaps means 'a watch tower' (now en-Nasrah), but is connected in the New Testament with Netzer, 'a branch' (Isa 4:2; Jer 23:5; Zec 3:8; 6:12; Mt 2:23), Nazarene being quite a different word from Nazarite'.

Please see the note for Colossians C2-S7 about the word rise. The functional definition for this word is: ' to move to pass upward in any manner; to ascend; as, a fog rises from a river or from low ground; a fish rises in water; fowls rise in the air; clouds rise from the horizon towards the meridian; a balloon rises above the clouds'. Please also see the note for Mark 10:1 about the words arise / arose. Please also see the note for John 20:2-LJC about the phrase risen Jesus is Lord. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:6; Acts 10:13; Acts 17:1; Acts 26:16; Acts 26:23.

Please see the note for Romans C8S1 and Ephesians C4S1 about the word walk. The functional definition for this word is: 'Small repeated steps. This word is used symbolically for the everyday activities of life'. Please also see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:6; Acts 3:8; Acts 3:9; Acts 3:12; Acts 9:31; Acts 14:8; Acts 14:10; Acts 14:16; Acts 21:21; Acts 21:24.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Silver. Mt 10:9; 1Co 4:11; 2Co 6:10; 8:9; Jas 2:5 but. Mr 14:8; 2Co 8:12; 1Pe 4:10 In. Ac 3:16; 4:7; 9:34; 16:18; 19:13-16; Mt 7:22; Mr 16:17 Jesus. Ac 2:22,36; 4:10; 10:38; Joh 19:19 exp: Joh 1:45. General references. exp: Pr 8:10.'.

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C3-S6 (Verse 7) God's Holy Ghost did a miracle by using Peter.

Equivalent Section: what Peter did physically.

And he took him by the right hand,
and lifted him up:.

Equivalent Section: what God's Holy Ghost did.

and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength.

Acts 3:1-8 give us an account of a miracle done by God's Holy Ghost using Peter and John. The account includes the reaction by the religious leaders.

Please notice that our sentence tells us what Peter did and then adds what God's Holy Ghost did. We must act in true Biblical faith before God acts because the devil accuses God of being like a devil and taking away the free will of people. By acting first, we provide legal evidence that we acted by our own free will and gave God permission to act in and through our life. In addition, our acting first also proves that we have true faith that God will act and do His part.

in this sentence, we read that God's Holy Ghost did a miracle which is impossible within the laws of this physical reality. (Please also see the Doctrinal Studies called Miracles in Gospels and Miracles in OT and the Miracles section of the Significant Events in the New Testament, for links to other miracles.) It takes a spiritual being (God, angel, devil) to use spiritual power to overcome the limits of physical laws and do a miracle. When such is done, we need to look at the spiritual purpose to separate what is done by a devil from what is done by God. in this case, we see that the purpose was to gather a crowd in order to have Peter present the Gospel and get people saved.

In addition to that, we need to look at what this man did in thanks to God for his miracle. Lots of people want a miracle but how many will truly act like a fool in order to show God their thanks? this man did and it accomplished God's purpose.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S12 and Colossians C2S7 about the word hand. The functional definition for this word is: 'In man, the extremity of the arm, consisting of the palm and fingers, connected with the arm at the wrist; the part with which we hold and use any instrument. Often used symbolically for ability'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. Please also see the note for 1Peter 5:6-7 about the phrase hand of God. Please also see the note for Mark 16:19 about the phrase right hand of God. Please also see the note for Luke 1:38 about the word handmaid. Please also see the note for 1John 1:1-3 about the word handle. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:1-2 about the phrase at hand. This phrase is defined as: 'it will happen very soon'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. The functional definition for this word is: 'To physically grab with the intention of doing great harm which, usually, ends in death'.

Please see the note for Matthew 12:11 about the word lift. The functional definition for this word is: 'To raise; to elevate; as, to lift the foot or the hand; to lift the head'.

Please see the note for Mark 1:42 about the word immediate. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Proximate; acting without a medium, or without the intervention of another cause or means; producing its effect by its own direct agency. An immediate cause is that which is exerted directly in producing its effect, in opposition to a mediate cause, or one more remote. 2. Not acting by second causes; as the immediate will of God. 3. Instant; present; without the intervention of time. We must have an immediate supply of bread. Immediate are my needs-- Death--inflicted--by an immediate stroke'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:7; Acts 9:18; Acts 9:34; Acts 10:33; Acts 11:11; Acts 12:23; Acts 13:11; Acts 16:10; Acts 16:26; Acts 17:10; Acts 17:14; Acts 21:32.

Please see the note for Luke 1:76 about the word feet. Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'n. plu of foot. Sandals covered only the soles, so that the feet needed washing when coming from a journey. In Joh 13:10 a distinct Greek word expresses bathing the whole person and washing the feet; "he that is washed (leloumenos) needeth not save to wash (nipsasthai) his feet, but is clean every whit." When one has been, as Peter, once for all wholly forgiven in regeneration, and so received the bathing of the whole man, i.e. justification through faith in Jesus, he needs no repetition of this as Peter requested; all he needs is cleansing from the soils that his feet contract in his daily life walk. Hence we daily pray, "give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as," etc. (1Jo 1:9.) So the priests in entering the house of God (Ex 30:19). It was an act of humble deference to guests to wash the feet (Lu 7:38-44; 1Ti 5:10). Disciples, after Christ's example, were to wash one another's feet, "by love serving one another" (Ga 5:13). the sandals were taken off in entering a house, hence the command to Moses (Ex 3:5) and to Joshua (Jos 5:15); compare Ec 5:1. to put them on was to prepare for active duty (Eze 24:17); whereas mourners went barefoot (2Sa 15:30). to "cover the feet" was the delicate expression for easing oneself, preparatory to which the loose garment was let fall to cover the person (1Sa 24:3; compare margin 2Ki 18:27). Putting the feet on captives' necks, as Joshua did (Jos 10:24), symbolizes complete mastery (Ps 110:1; 1Co 15:25; Isa 60:14)'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:7; Acts 4:35; Acts 4:37; Acts 5:2; Acts 5:9; Acts 5:10; Acts 7:33; Acts 7:58; Acts 10:25; Acts 13:25; Acts 13:51; Acts 14:8-10; Acts 16:24; Acts 21:11; Acts 22:3; Acts 26:16.

We find forms of the word ancle / ankle only in: Ezekiel 47:3 and Acts 3:7. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia defines this word as: 'an'-k'-l (in older editions of the King James Version, ancle): From Hebrew me'aphecayim literally, "water of ankles," i.e. shallow water (Eze 47:3); "anklebones" (Ac 3:7) from sphudron "ankle chains" (the King James Version "chains"), from a Hebrew root meaning "to walk about proudly" (Nu 31:50). the same Hebrew word is translated "bracelet" (2Sa 1:10), but in Isa 3:20 another word from the same root "ankle chains" (the King James Version "ornaments of the legs"). Compare ANKLET (Isa 3:18)'. The modern definition is: 'The joint which connects the leg bone to the foot or hoof'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians C1S6 about the word strength. The functional definition for this word is: ' that property or quality of an animal body by which it is enabled to move itself or other bodies'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word strong. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:7; Acts 3:16; Acts 9:19; Acts 9:22; Acts 18:23.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 9:41; Mr 1:31; 5:41; 9:27; Lu 13:13'.

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C3-S7 . (Verse 8) How the crippled man reacted.

And he leaping up stood,
and walked,
and entered with them into the temple,
walking,
and leaping,
and praising God .

Acts 3:1-8 give us an account of a miracle done by God's Holy Ghost using Peter and John. The account includes the reaction by the religious leaders.

The first thing that he did was to leap up in obedience to God's Holy Ghost Who gave the command through Peter. When we want something like a miracle from God, we need to be willing to obey quickly and with enthusiasm.

Next, we are told that he stood and then walked. This was the first time in his life that he could do these things. Like all babies do, he first learned to stand and then to walk.

Next, he entered with them into the temple. In 1Corinthians 4:15 we read For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Unless they turn against God, we need to continue to fellowship with the people who lead us to salvation. In addition, the newly saved need to be baptized, join the church and then bring soul winners to all of their lost friends. We read that Matthew did a similar thing when he was called to be a disciple (Matthew 9:9-10).

Next, we read that he was walking, and leaping, and praising God. How many of you got clobbered by your parents for acting that way in church? How many of you had some older person let you know that such behavior was not acceptable in church? Yet we read that this was what he did because God's Holy Ghost told he to do these things in order to gather a crows to hear the Gospel message from Peter. And, there will be times that God tells us to do the socially unacceptable. We are to always obey God even when others disapprove. And, I've personally received more than one miracle in my life. Based upon personal experience I can testify that if you are reluctant to do everything that God commands, especially if it gives God glory and can result in the salvation of souls, God will also be reluctant to give you a miracle.

Please see the note for Luke 1:41-42 about the word leap. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to spring or rise from the ground with both feet, as man, or with all the feet, as other animals; to jump; to vault; as, a man leaps over a fence, or leaps upon a horse. A man leapeth better with weights in his hands than without. 2. to spring or move suddenly; as, to leap from a horse. 3. to rush with violence. And the man in whom the evil spirit was, leaped on them and overcame them - Acts 19. 4. to spring; to bound; to skip; as, to leap for joy. 5. to fly; to start. Job. 41. He parted frowning from me, as if ruin leaped from his eyes. Our common people retain the Saxon aspirate of this word in the phrase, to clip it, to run fast. LEAP, v.t. 1. to pass over by leaping; to spring or bound from one side to the other; as, to leap a wall, a gate or a gulf; to leap a stream. But the phrase is elliptical, and over is understood. 2. to compress; as the male of certain beasts.
LEAP, n. 1. A jump; a spring; a bound; act of leaping. 2. Space passed by leaping. 3. A sudden transition of passing. 4. the space that may be passed at a bound. 'Tis the convenient leap I mean to try. 5. Embrace of animals. 6. Hazard, or effect of leaping'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:8; Acts 14:10; Acts 19:16.

The word stood is the past-tense form of the word stand. Please see the notes for Romans C14S5 and 1Corinthians C15S1 about the word stand. The functional definition for this word is: 'to be upon the feet, as an animal; not to sit, kneel or lie'. Please also see the note for Galatians C5S1 about the phrase stand fast.

Please see the note for John 10:9 about the word enter. The functional definition for this word is: 'to leave one place and go into another place'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C11S2 about the word praise. The functional definition for this word is: 'to commend; to applaud; to express approbation of personal worth or actions. We praise not Hector, though his name we know Is great in arms; 'tis hard to praise a foe. 2. to extol in words or song; to magnify; to glorify on account of perfections or excellent works. Praise him, all his angels, praise ye him, all his hosts. Ps.148. 3. to express gratitude for personal favors. Ps.138. 4. to do honor to; to display the excellence of. All thy works shall praise thee, of Lord. Ps.145'. Please also see the note for Romans C15S9 about the phrase praise the Lord.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'he. Ac 14:10; Isa 35:6; Lu 6:23; Joh 5:8-9,14 praising. Ps 103:1-2; 107:20-22; Lu 17:15-18; 18:43'.

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C3-S8 (Verse 9-10) the reaction of the people to the enthusiastic testimony of the lame man.

Equivalent Section: He made such a commotion that no one could ignore his praise of God.

And all the people saw him walking and praising God :.

Equivalent Section: the people knew that it was physically impossible for him the stand or walk or leap for forty years.

And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple:.

Equivalent Section: the reaction of others to what they saw.

and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

Even though his action was not socially acceptable in the Temple, nor in most religious buildings, he did what was required to accomplish the purpose of God's Holy Ghost. Our next sentence tells us the next reaction of all of the people once they were over their wonder and amazement enough to act.

The word saw is the past-tense form of the words see. Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S9; 2Corinthians 2:17 and Colossians C1S6 about the words see / sight. The functional definition is: 'perception of objects by the eye; view. This word is often used symbolically for spiritual understanding'. Please also see the note for John 6:40-LJC about the phrase see the Son. Please also see the note for Acts 2:25 about the words foresee / foresaw. Please also see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men.

Please see the notes for Romans C10S25; 1Corinthians C1S11; 2Corinthians C1S5; Galatians C3-S9; Colossians C1S3 and know in 1John about the word know. The word knew is the past-tense form of the word know. The functional definition is: 'A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact; and the perception of the connection and agreement, or disagreement between various truths and acts. Within the Biblical usage is the knowledge that comes only from personal intimate experience'. Please see the notes for 2Peter 1:2-LJC; 2Peter 2:20-LJC and Philippians 1:9-11 about the word knowledge. Please see the note for Romans 6:3 about the phrase Know ye not. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C16S17 about the word acknowledge. Please also see the note for Romans C11S4 about the word foreknow.

Please see the note for Luke 11:41 about the word alms. The functional definition for this word is: 'charitable giving associated with religion'. As can be seen in the references of the Bible, there is more to true Christian giving than what most saved people realize.

Please see the note for Romans C15S11 about the word fill. The functional definition for this word is: 'the action which causes a container to be full'. Please alsosee the note for Philippians 4:18 about the word full. Please also see the note for Colossians 2:9 about the word fullness. The functional definition for this word is: 'Replete; having within its limits all that it can contain'. Please also see the notes for Romans C15S11 and Galatians C5-S15 about the word fulfill.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 12:12 about the word wonder. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'that emotion which is excited by novelty, or the presentation to the sight or mind, of something new, unusual, strange, great, extraordinary, or not well understood; something that arrests the attention by its novelty, grandeur or inexplicableness. Wonder expresses less than astonishment, and much less than amazement. It differs from admiration, in not being necessarily accompanied with love, esteem or approbation, nor directed to persons. But wonder sometimes is nearly allied to astonishment, and the exact extent of the meaning of such words can hardly be graduated. they were filled with wonder and amazement. Acts 3. Wonder is the effect of novelty upon ignorance. 2. Cause of wonder; that which excites surprise; a strange thing; a prodigy. to try things oft, and never to give over, doth wonders. I am as a wonder to many. Psalm 71. 3. anything mentioned with surprise. Babylon, the wonder of all tongues. Wonders of the world. the seven wonders of the world were the Egyptian pyramids, the Mausoleum erected by Artemisia, the temple of Diana at Ephesus, the walls and hanging gardens of Babylon, the colossus at Rhodes, the statue of Jupiter Olympius, and the Pharos or watch-tower of Alexandria. 4. A miracle. Exodus 3'. Please also see the note for Matthew 7:22 about the word wonderful. The functional definition for this word is: 'a. Adapted to excite wonder or admiration; exciting surprise; strange; astonishing. Job 42'. Please see the Minor Titles of the Son of God Section, of the Significant Gospel Events Study, for links to this nameans other titles for Jesus.

Please see the note for Mark 1:27 about the words amazed / amazement. Webster's 1828 defines the word this word as: 'Astonished; confounded with fear, surprise or wonder'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 14:11; Mr 2:11-12; Lu 13:17
they knew. Ac 3:2; 4:14-16,21-22; Joh 9:3,18-21 they were. Ac 2:7,12; Lu 4:36; 9:43; Joh 5:20 General references. exp: 1Ki 6:3; Mr 5:42; Joh 12:9.'.

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C3-S9 (Verse 11) the lame man was successful in drawing a crowd.

And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John,
all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's,
greatly wondering.

The crowd greatly wondered because they were well acquainted with this man who had been lameans begging at the Temple for forty years.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S29 about the word heal. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. L. celo; Heb. to be whole or entire, all. 1. to cure of a disease or wound and restore to soundness, or to that state of body in which the natural functions are regularly performed; as, to heal the sick. Speak, and my servant shall be healed. Matt.8. 2. to cure; to remove or subdue; as, to heal a disease. 3. to cause to cicatrize; as, to heal a sore or wound. 4. to restore to soundness; as, to heal a wounded limb. 5. to restore purity to; to remove feculence or foreign matter. thus, saith the Lord, I have healed these waters. 2 Kings.2. 6. to remove, as differences or dissension; to reconcile, as parties at variance; as, to heal a breach or difference. 7. In Scripture, to forgive; to cure moral disease and restore soundness. I will heal their backsliding. Hos.14. 8. to purify from corruptions, redress grievances and restore to prosperity. Jer.14. 9. to cover, as a roof with tiles, slate, lead, etc.
HEAL, v.i. to grow sound; to return to a sound state; as, the limb heals, or the wound heals; sometimes with up or over; it will heal up or over'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:11; Acts 4:14; Acts 4:22; Acts 4:30; Acts 5:16; Acts 8:7; Acts 10:38; Acts 14:9; Acts 28:8; Acts 28:9; Acts 28:27.

The word held is the past-tense form of the word hold. The functional definition for this word is: 'To stop; to confine; to restrain from escape; to keep fast; to retain'. Please see the note for Colossians 2:18-19 about the word hold. The functional definition for this word is: 'Stopping; confining; restraining; keeping; retaining; adhering; maintaining, etc'. Please also see the note for Luke 24:15 about the word holden. Please see the note for Luke 24:15 about the word holden. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:17-19 about the phrase lay hold. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:11; Acts 4:3; Acts 11:18; Acts 12:17; Acts 14:4; Acts 15:13; Acts 18:9.

There are several men named John in the Bible. This John was the apostle who also wrote five books of the New Testament.

The word ran is the past-tense form of the word run. Please see the note for 1Peter 4:4 about the word run. The functional definition for this word is: 'To move or pass in almost any manner, as on the feet or on wheels. Men and other animals run on their feet; carriages run on wheels, and wheels run on their axle-trees'. Forms of these word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:11; Acts 7:57; Acts 8:30; Acts 12:14; Acts 14:14; Acts 21:30; Acts 21:32; Acts 27:16; Acts 27:41.

Please see the note for Matthew 26:71 about the word porch. Smith's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Ulam, or ulam: 1Ch 28:11. 2. Misderon ulam: Jg 3:23. strictly a vestibule, was probably a sort of veranda chamber in the works of Solomon, open in front and at the sides, but capable of being enclosed with awnings or curtains. the porch: Mt 26:71. may have been the passage from the street into the first court of the house, in which, in eastern houses, is the mastabah or stone bench, for the porter or persons waiting, and where also the master of the house often receives visitors and transacts business'.

We find Solomon occurring 306 times in 274 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Matthew 1:6-7; Matthew 6:29; Matthew 12:42; Luke 11:3; Luke 12:27; John 10:23; Acts 3:11; Acts 5:12; Acts 7:47. Morrish Bible Dictionary says: 'Son of David and Bathsheba. Bath-sheba He reigned forty years over the united kingdom from B.C. 1015 to 975. David when near his death appointed Solomon his son, whom God had chosen to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of Jehovah, to be his successor, and he began his reign by executing righteous judgement, as Christ will when He comes to reign, followed by a reign of peace. He put to death Adonijah who had usurped the throne, and Joab who had shed innocent blood; and he cast Abiathar out of the priesthood. His marriage with the daughter of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, is symbolical of Christ having the church (mainly Gentiles) with Him when He comes to reign.
Solomon loved the Lord, and worshipped Him at the altar at Gibeon, and there the Lord appeared to him in a dream, and said, "Ask what I shall give thee." Solomon asked for an understanding heart to judge the people wisely. the choice pleased God, and He gave him wisdom such as no king before nor since has had, and added to it both riches and honour beyond all others. If he would be obedient God would lengthen his days. His wisdom soon became apparent by his judgement in the case of the two women with the living and dead child. And people came from all the kings of the earth to hear his wisdom. the queen of Sheba came also. this is again symbolical of the reign of Christ during the millennium. It is further exemplified by all dwelling in safety, "every man under his vine and under his fig tree . . . . all the days of Solomon."
He was occupied for seven years in building the temple, for which David had made preparation. He built also his own house and one for Pharaoh's daughter. When the temple was dedicated, Solomon sacrificed and prayed to Jehovah. In answer to which Jehovah appeared to him a second time, and said, He had hallowed the house, had put His name there, and His heart should be there perpetually. God would continue to bless him and establish his house in Israel, on the condition that Solomon was obedient, and turned not to other gods.
Everything for a time was ordered wisely. the riches of Solomon increased so much that silver was of little value in his days. He had his navy of ships, which brought him riches, and he increased his chariots and his horsemen, and brought horses out of Egypt (an act that had been forbidden in the law, De 17:16). He tells us that he had tried everything under the sun, but had to declare that all was vanity and vexation of spirit. the Lord declared that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as a simple lily of the field. His fall, alas, followed, for he loved many strange women, which turned his heart away, and he went after their gods, and built high places for them.
God then stirred up adversaries against Solomon, and by the prophet Ahijah He foretold that Jeroboam would reign over ten of the tribes. He would reserve two to keep in memorial before Him the name of David. Still Solomon did not repent, but sought the life of Jeroboam. God did not prolong Solomon's days, for he died at about the age of 58.
We read of Solomon that he spake three thousand proverbs, and his songs were a thousand and five. He was the writer of the books of the Proverbs, the Ecclesiastes, and the Canticles. His reign is given in 1 Kings 1 - 1 Kings 12; 2 Chr. 1 - 2 Chr. 9'. Smith's Bible Dictionary says: '(peaceful). I. Early life and occasion to the throne. --Solomon was the child of David's old age, the last born of all his sons: Ch 3:5. The yearnings of the "man of war" led him to give to the new-horn infant the name of Solomon (Shelomoth, the peaceful one). Nathan, with a marked reference to the meaning of the king's own name (David, the darling, the beloved one), calls the infant Jedidiah (Jedid'yah), that is, the darling of the Lord: 2Sa 11:24-25. He was placed under the care of Nathan from his earliest infancy. At first, apparently, there was no distinct purpose to make him the heir. Absalom was still the king's favorite son, 2Sa 13:37; 18:33. and was looked on by the people as the destined successor: 2Sa 14:13; 15:1-6. The death of Absalom when Solomon was about ten years old left the place vacant, and David pledged his word in secret to Bath-sheba that he, and no other, should be the heir: Ki 1:13. The words which were spoken somewhat later express, doubtless, the purpose which guided him throughout: Ch 28:9,20. His son's life should not he as his own had been, one of hardships and wars, dark crimes and passionate repentance, but, from first to last, be pure, blameless, peaceful, fulfilling the ideal of glory and of righteousness after which he himself had vainly striven. the glorious visions of Ps 72:1. ... may be looked on as the prophetic expansion of these hopes of his old age. So far,all was well. Apparently his influence over his son's character was one exclusively for good. Nothing that we know of Bath-sheba lends us to think of her as likely to mould her son's mind and heart to the higher forms of goodness. Under these influences the boy grew up. At the age of ten or eleven he must have passed through the revolt of Absalom, and shared his father's exile: 2Sa 15:16. He would be taught all that priests or Levites or prophets had to teach. When David was old and feeble, Adonijah, Solomon's older brother attempted to gain possession of the throne; but he was defeated, and Solomon went down to Gihon and was proclaimed and anointed king. A few months more and Solomon found himself, by his father's death, the sole occupant of the throne. the position to which he succeeded was unique. Never before, and never after, did the kingdom of Israel take its place among the great monarchies of the East. Large treasures, accumulated through many years, were at his disposal. II. Personal appearance. --Of Solomon's personal appearance we have no direct description, as we have of the earlier kings. there are, however, materials for filling up the gap. Whatever higher mystic meaning may be latent in Ps 45:1. ... or the Song of Songs, we are all but compelled to think of them us having had at least a historical starting-point. they tell of one who was, in the eyes of the men of his own time, "fairer than the children of men," the face "bright, and ruddy" as his father's, Song 5:10; 1Sa 17:42. bushy locks, dark as the raven's wing, yet not without a golden glow, the eyes soft as "the eyes of cloves," the "countenance as Lebanon excellent as the cedars," "the chiefest among ten thousand, the altogether lovely." Song 5:13-16. Add to this all gifts of a noble, far-reaching intellect large and ready sympathies, a playful and genial humor, the lips "full of grace," and the soul "anointed" as "with the oil of gladness," Ps 45:1. ... and we may form some notion of what the king was like in that dawn of his golden prime. III. Reign. --All the data for a continuous history that we have of Solomon's reign are-- (a) the duration of the reign, forty sears, B.C. 1015-975: Ki 11:4. (b) the commencement of the temple in the fourth, its completion in the eleventh, year of his reign: Ki 6:1,37-38. (c) the commencement of his own palace in the seventh, its completion in the twentieth, year: Ki 7:1; 2Ch 8:1. (d) the conquest of Hamath-zobah, and the consequent foundation of cities in the region of north Palestine after the twentieth year: 2Ch 8:1-6. IV. foreign policy. -- 1. Egypt. the first act of the foreign policy of the new reign must have been to most Israelites a very startling one. He made affinity with Pharaoh, king of Egypt, by marrying his daughter 1Ki 3:1. The immediate results were probably favorable enough. the new queen brought with her as a dowry the frontier city of Gezer. But the ultimate issue of alliance showed that it was hollow and impolitic: 2. Tyre. the alliance with the Phoenician king rested on a somewhat different footing. It had been a part of David's policy from the beginning of his reign. Hiram had been "ever a lover of David." As soon as he heard of Solomon's accession he sent ambassadors to salute him. A correspondence passed between the two kings, which ended in a treaty of commerce. the opening of Joppa as a port created a new coasting-trade, and the materials from Tyre were conveyed to that city on floats, and thence to Jerusalem: 2Ch 2:16. In return for these exports, the Phoenici and were only too glad to receive the corn and oil of Solomon's territory. the results of the alliance did not end here. Now, for the first time in the history of the Jews, they entered on a career as a commercial people: 3. the foregoing were the two most important to Babylon alliances. the absence of any reference to Babylon and Assyria, and the fact that the Euphrates was recognized as the boundary of Solomon's kingdom, 2Ch 9:26. suggests the inference that the Mesopotamian monarchies were at this time comparatively feeble. Other neighboring nations were content to pay annual tribute in the form of gifts: 2Ch 9:28. 4. the survey of the influence exercised by Solomon on surrounding nations would be incomplete if we were to pass over that which was more directly personal the fame of his glory and his wisdom. Wherever the ships of Tarshish went, they carried with them the report, losing nothing in its passage, of what their crews had seen and heard. the journey of the queen of Sheba, though from its circumstances the most conspicuous, did not stand alone. V. Internal history.-- 1. the first prominent scene in Solomon's reign is one which presents his character in its noblest aspect. God in a vision having offered him the choice of good things he would have, he chose wisdom in preference to riches or honor or long life. the wisdom asked for was given in large measure, and took a varied range. the wide world of nature, animate and inanimate, the lives and characters of men, lay before him, and he took cognizance of all but the highest wisdom was that wanted for the highest work, for governing and guiding, and the historian hastens to give an illustration of it. the pattern-instance is, in all its circumstances, thoroughly Oriental: Ki 3:16-28. 2. In reference to the king's finances, the first impression of the facts given us is that of abounding plenty. Large quantities of the precious metals were imported from Ophir and Tarshish: Ki 9:28. All the kings and princes of the subject provinces paid tribute in the form of gifts, in money and in kind, "at a fixed rate year by year." 1Ki 10:25. Monopolies of trade contributed to the king's treasury: Ki 10:28-29. The total amount thus brought into the treasury in gold, exclusive of all payments in kind, amounted to 666 talents: Ki 10:14. 3. It was hardly possible, however, that any financial system could bear the strain of the king's passion for magnificence. the cost of the temple was, it is true, provided for by David's savings and the offerings of the people; but even while that was building, yet more when it was finished one structure followed on another with ruinous rapidity. All the equipment of his court, the "apparel" of his servants was on the same scale. A body-guard attended him, "threescore valiant men," tallest and handsomest of the sons of Israel. forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen made up the measure of his magnificence: Ki 4:26. As the treasury became empty, taxes multiplied and monopolies became more irksome. 4. A description of the temple erected by Solomon is given elsewhere. After seven years and the work was completed and the day came to which all Israelites looked back as the culminating glory of their nation. 5. We cannot ignore the fact that even now there were some darker shades in the picture. He reduced the "strangers" in the land, the remnant of the Canaanite races, to the state of helots, and made their life "bitter with all hard bondage." One hundred and fifty-three thousand, with wives and children in proportion, were torn from their homes and sent off to the quarries and the forests of Lebanon: Ki 5:15; 2Ch 2:17-18. And the king soon fell from the loftiest height of his religious life to the lowest depth. Before long the priests and prophets had to grieve over rival temples to Molech, Chemosh, Ashtaroth and forms of ritual not idolatrous only, but cruel, dark, impure. this evil came as the penalty of another: Ki 11:1-8. He gave himself to "strange women." He found himself involved in a fascination which led to the worship of strange gods. Something there was perhaps in his very "largeness of heart," so far in advance of the traditional knowledge of his age, rising to higher and wider thoughts of God, which predisposed him to it. In recognizing what was true in other forms of faith, he might lose his horror at what was false. With this there may have mingled political motives. He may have hoped, by a policy of toleration, to conciliate neighboring princes, to attract larger traffic. But probably also there was another influence less commonly taken into account. the widespread belief of the East in the magic arts of Solomon is not, it is believed, without its foundation of truth. Disasters followed before long as the natural consequence of what was politically a blunder as well as religiously a sin. VI. His literary works. --little remains out of the songs, proverbs, treatises, of which the historian speaks: Ki 4:32-33. Excerpts only are given from the three thousand proverbs. Of the thousand and five songs we know absolutely nothing. His books represent the three stages of his life. the Song of Songs brings before us the brightness of his -youth. then comes in the book of Proverbs, the stage of practical, prudential thought. the poet has become the philosopher, the mystic has passed into the moralist; but the man passed through both stages without being permanently the better for either. they were to him but phases of his life which he had known and exhausted, Ec 1:1,1; 2:1. ... and therefore there came, its in the confessions of the preacher, the great retribution.'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides links for Solomon as: 'Son of David by Bath-sheba": 2Sa 12:24; 1Ki 1:13,17,21. Named Jedidiah, by Nathan the prophet: 2Sa 12:24-25. An ancestor of Joseph: Mt 1:6. Succeeds David to the throne of Israel: 1Ki 1:11-48; 2:12; 1Ch 23:1; 28; Ec 1:12. Anointed king a second time: 1Ch 29:22. His prayer for wisdom, and his vision: 1Ki 3:5-14; 2Ch 1:7-12. Covenant renewed in a vision after the dedication of the temple: 1Ki 9:1-9; 2Ch 7:12-22. His rigorous reign: 1Ki 2. Builds the temple: 1Ki 5; 6; 9:10; 1Ch 6:10; 2Ch 2; 3; 4; 7:11; Jer 52:20; Ac 7. Dedicates the temple: 1Ki 8; 2Ch 6. Renews the courses of the priests and Levites, and the forms of service according to the commandment of Moses and the regulations of David: 2Ch 8:12-16; 35:4; Ne 12:45. Builds his palace: 1Ki 3:1; 7:1,8; 9:10; 2Ch 7:11; 8:1; Ec 2:4. Builds his house, the forest of Lebanon: 1Ki 7:2-7. Builds another house for Pharaoh's daughter: 1Ki 7:8-12; 9:24; 2Ch 8:11; Ec 2:4. Ivory throne of: 1Ki 7:7; 10:18-20. Porches of judgment: 1Ki 7:7. Builds Millo (a stronghold), the wall around Jerusalem, the cities of Hazor, Megiddo, Gezer, Beth-horon, Baalath, Tadmor, store cities, and cities for chariots, and for cavalry: 1Ki 9:15-19; 2Ch 9:25. Provides an armory: 1Ki 10:16-17. Plants vineyards and orchards of all kinds of fruit trees; makes pools: Ec 2:4-6. Imports apes and peacocks: 1Ki 10:22. Drinking vessels of his houses: 1Ki 10:21; 2Ch 9:20. Musici and and musical instruments of his court: 1Ki 10:12; 2Ch 9:11; Ec 2:8. The splendor of his court: 1Ki 10:5-9,12; 2Ch 9:3-8; Ec 2:9; Mt 6:29; Lu 12:27. Commerce of: 1Ki 9:28; 10:11-12,22,28-29; 2Ch 1:16-17; 8:17-18; 9:13-22,28. Presents received by: 1Ki 10:10; 2Ch 9:9,23-24. Is visited by the Queen of Sheba: 1Ki 10:1-13; 2Ch 9:1-12. Wealth of: 1Ki 9; 10:10,14-15,23,27; 2Ch 1:15; 9:1,9,13,24,27; Ec 1:16. Has seven-hundred wives and three-hundred concubines: 1Ki 11:3; De 17:17. Their influence over him: 1Ki 11:4. Marries one of Pharaoh's daughters: 1Ki 3:1. Builds idolatrous temples: 1Ki 11:1-8; 2Ki 23:13. His idolatry: 1Ki 3:3-4; 2Ki 23:13; Ne 13:26. Extent of his dominions: 1Ki 4:21,24; 8:65; 2Ch 7:8; 9:26. Receives tribute (taxes): 1Ki 4:21; 9:21; 2Ch 8:8. Officers of: 1Ki 2:35; 4:1-19; 2Ch 8:9-10. His purveyors: 1Ki 4:7-19. Divides his kingdom into subsistence departments; the daily, subsistence rate for his court: 1Ki 4:7-23,27-28. Military equipment of: 1Ki 4:26,28; 10:16-17,26,28; 2Ch 1:14; 9:25; De 17:15-16. Cedes some inferior cities to Hiram: 1Ki 9:10-13; 2Ch 8:2. Wisdom and fame of: 1Ki 4:29-34; 10:3-4,8,23-24; 1Ch 29:24-25; 2Ch 9:2-7,22-23; Ec 1:16; Mt 12:42. Piety of: 1Ki 3:5-15; 4:29; 8. Beloved of God: 2Sa 12:24. Justice of, illustrated in his judgment of the two prostitutes: 1Ki 3:16-28. Oppressions of: 1Ki 12:4; 2Ch 10:4. Reigns for forty years: 2Ch 9:30. Death of: 2Ch 9:29-31. Prophecies concerning: 2Sa 7:12-16; 1Ki 11:9-13; 1Ch 17:11-14; 28:6-7; Ps 132:11. A "type" of Christ: Ps 45:2-17'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides links for Solomon as: '(king of Israel, son of David and Bath-sheba): 2Sa 5:14; 12:24; 1Ki 1:11,30,39; 2:1; 3:1; 4:1; 5:1; 6:1; 7:1; 8:1; 9:1; 10:1,16; 11:1,40; 1Ch 28:20; 29:23; 2Ch 1:1; 2:1; 3:1; 5:1; 6:1; 7:1; 8:1; 9:1,23,31; Mt 12:42. "The Man of Wisdom and Folly": His Wisdom see: in his wise choice: 1Ki 3:5-9. In judicial insight: 1Ki 3:16-28. In surpassing other wise men: 1Ki 4:29-31. In uttering proverbs and discourses: 1Ki 4:32-34. In erection of the temple: 1Ki 5; 6. In his prayer of dedication: 1Ki 8:22-53. His Folly shown: In luxurious living: 1Ki 4:22-23; 10:21. In marrying heathen women: 1Ki 11:1-2; Ne 13:23-26. In excessive sensuality: 1Ki 11:3. In oppressing the people: 1Ki 12:4. In sanctioning idolatry: 1Ki 11:4-7'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'held. Lu 8:38 all. Ac 2:6 in. Ac 5:12; Joh 10:23 General references. exp: 1Ki 6:3; Mr 5:42; Joh 12:9.'.

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C3-S10 (Verse 12) Peter answered their questions with a message of salvation.

And when Peter saw it,
he answered unto the people,
Ye men of Israel,
why marvel ye at this?.

Peter answered their questions with his own question which was designed to make them stop speculating among themselves and listen to his message. And, Peter used it to tell people about true salvation.

Most people probably responded to Peter's question with a thought like: 'What do you mean with Why do we marvel? this is so unusual that no one has seen the like since before Jesus was crucified'. And, once Peter had their attention, he continued with his message of salvation.

The points of Peter's message are:

(3:12) this miracle wasn't done by our power: Don't give men credit for God's work.
(3:13) the God that all of our ancestors worshipped sent us His Son and you forced Pilate to murder Him.
(3:14) You chose a murderer over the Prince of life
(3:15) Even though you killed the Prince of life, God hath raised [Him] from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
(3:16) this miracle was done by His power.
(3:17-18) I know you acted through ignorance but God had His prophets warn you ahead of you actions.
(3:19) Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out
(3:20) God shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you.
(3:21) Jesus Christ is in Heaven until the time that God restores things to how they were at creation as God's holy prophets have told us since the world began.
(3:22) Moses promised the top prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren and old you to obey Him.
(3:23) Moses warned that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
(3:24-25) All of the prophets since Moses have also warned of the times we are in.
(3:26) God raised up his Son Jesus to turn away every one of you from his iniquities.

If you look at 3:13 and 3:26, you will find that Peter uses the same expression (his Son Jesus) in both sentences. In 3:13, Peter is stating what he will prove. In 3:26 Peter is concluding what he has proved. Peter is following the basic format of teaching which is: tell them what you will say; say it; and tell them what you have said. Everything between 3:13 and 3:26 is a more detailed version of 3:13 and 3:26. Notice that the entire Gospel is in 3:13 combined with 3:26

ye delivered up [God's ] Son Jesus [to be crucified]
God. raised up his Son Jesus
sent him to bless you
in response to salvation, each of us are to turn. from his iniquities.

The entire Gospel is also presented between these verses, but the middle section is personalized to the audience. In 3:13, Peter tells us that he is talking about the God of the Bible and how God treated His Son Jesus verses how man treated Jesus.

We have our sin, which is a refusal to follow the God of the Bible and a determined violation (ye delivered up, and denied) of God's Law which resulted in death. We have our personal responsibility (ye = " each and every one of you personally'). We have the substitutionary death of Son Jesus (" God in the flesh'). Then in 3:26, we have the rest of the gospel. In 3:26 we have the resurrection of Son Jesus (God in the flesh) and the reason for God doing this.

Notice that Peter says the reason that God did this was the turning away every one of you from his iniquities. First, this is present ongoing tense. It is not a one time event, as a religious 'prayer to Jesus' would be but is an ongoing series of events, as a relationship (and true salvation) are. In addition, it is still personal and individual (every one of you), which true salvation is, and is not religious rules as 'Lordship Salvation' claims. Finally, it results each person having a changed life that is evidenced by each person turning away from their personal (...you from his iniquities) ongoing sin life.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S9; 2Corinthians 2:17 and Colossians C1S6 about the words see / sight. The functional definition is: 'perception of objects by the eye; view. this word is often used symbolically for spiritual understanding'. Please also see the note for John 6:40-LJC about the phrase see the Son. Please also see the note for Acts 2:25 about the words foresee / foresaw. Please also see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:12 about the word answer. The functional definition for this word is: 'To speak in return to a call or question, or to a speech, declaration or argument of another person; as, "I have called and ye have not answered." "He answered the question or the argument."'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:16 about the word Israel. The functional definition for this word is: 'The name for Jacob when he was acting spiritual and the name for his descendants'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:7-8 about the phrase children of Israel. Please also see the note for Romans C11S30 about the phrase all Israel shall be saved.

Please see the note for Galatians C1-S3 about the word marvel. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 defines this word as: '1. A wonder; that which arrests the attention and causes a person to stand or gaze, or to pause. this word is nearly obsolete, or at least little used in elegant writings. 2. Wonder; admiration'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Ye men. Ac 2:22; 13:26; Ro 9:4; 11:1.'.

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C3-S11 Peter asked them if they thought Peter of John did the miracle.(Verse 12) .

or why look ye so earnestly on us,
as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?.

Our sentence starts with the word Or, which means it is giving an alternative to the question in the prior sentence. In the prior sentence Peter asked them why they marvelled at the evidence of a miracle. Now he adds the question if they marvelled at the idea that he or John had the power to do a miracle. Even when God works through someone to do a miracle, it is God Who truly has the power. In his question, Peter implies that neither he, nor John, nor any other man had the power to do true miracles. All true miracles are done by some spirit.

Please see the note for Romans C8S18 about the word earnest. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a. ern'est. 1. Ardent in the pursuit of an object; eager to obtain; having a longing desire; warmly engaged or incited. they are never more earnest to disturb us, than when they see us most earnest in this duty. 2. Ardent; warm; eager; zealous; animated; importunate; as earnest in love; earnest in prayer. 3. Intent; fixed. On that prospect strange their earnest eyes were fixed. 4. Serious; important; that is, really intent or engaged; whence the phrase, in earnest. to be in earnest, is to be really urging or stretching towards an object; intent on a pursuit. Hence, from fixed attention, comes the sense of seriousness in the pursuit, as opposed to trifling or jest. Are you in earnest or in jest?'.

Please see the note for Acts 1:7 about the word own. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Belonging to; possessed; peculiar; usually expressing property with emphasis, or in express exclusion of others. It follows my, your, his, their, thy, her. God created man in his own image. Adam begat a son in his own likeness. Let them fall by their own counsel. He washed us from our sins in his own blood. In the phrases, his own nations, his own country, the word own denotes that the person belongs to the nation or country. 2. Own often follows a verb; as, the book is not my own, that is, my own book. 3. It is used as a substitute. That they may dwell in a place of their own. 2Sam. 7. in this use, a noun cannot follow own. 4. "He came to his own, and his own received him not," that is, his own nation or people; own being here used as a substitute, like many other adjectives.
OWN, v.t. from the adjective. 1. to have the legal or rightful title to; to have the exclusive right of possession and use. A free holder in the United states owns his farm. Men often own land or goods which are not in their possession. 2. to have the legal right to, without the exclusive right to use; as, a man owns the land in front of his farm to the middle of the highway. 3. to acknowledge to belong to; to avow or admit that the property belongs to. When you come, find me out and own me for your son. 4. to avow; to confess, as a fault, crime or other act; that is, to acknowledge that one has done the act; as, to own the faults of youth; to own our guilt. the man is charged with theft, but he has not owned it. 5. In general, to acknowledge; to confess; to avow; to admit to be true; not to deny; as, to own our weakness and frailty. Many own the gospel of salvation more from custom than conviction.'. Please also see the note for Acts 27:11 about the word owner.

Please see the note for Romans C13S2 about the word power. The functional definition for this word is: 'the faculty of doing or performing anything; the faculty of moving or of producing a change in something; ability or strength. Power might be physical, spiritual, emotional, moral, religious or of some other nature'. Please also see the note for John 5:41 about the phrase power of God. Please also see the notes for Romans C8S40 and Ephesians C6S8 about the phrase spiritual powers.

Please see the notes for Romans C7S16; 1Corinthians C3S17; Philippians 1:3-7 and Colossians C1S6 about the word holy. The functional definition for this word is: 'pure in heart, temper or dispositions; free from sin and sinful affections. Applied to the Supreme Being, holy signifies perfectly pure, immaculate and complete in moral character; and man is more or less holy, as his heart is more or less sanctified, or purified from evil dispositions. We call a man holy, when his heart is conformed in some degree to the image of God, and his life is regulated by the divine precepts. Hence, holy is used as nearly synonymous with good, pious, Godly'. Please see the Word Study on Spirit for links to every place in the Bible where we find the phrase Holy Spirit. Please see the Word Study on Holy Ghost for links to every place in the Bible where we find the phrase Holy Ghost. Please see the note for Matthew 4:5 about the phrase holy city. Please also see the note for 1John 2:20 about the phrase Holy One. Please also see the note for John 7:39 about the phrase Holy Spirit, indwelling.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'or. Ac 10:25-26; 14:11-15; Ge 40:8; 41:16; Da 2:28-30; Joh 3:27-28; 7:18 as. 2Co 3:5 General references. exp: Mr 5:42; 12:11'.

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C3-S12 (Verse 13) Peter tells the Jews that they had the Son of God crucified when Pilate tried to let Him go.

First Step: Peter clearly identifies the God of the Bible and the God of their ancestors and the God Whom they are supposed to truly worship and obey and how God acted.

The God of Abraham,
and of Isaac,
and of Jacob,
the God of our fathers,
hath glorified his Son Jesus;.

Second Step: Peter clearly identifies how the Jews personally treated the Son of God and that the Jews can not blame the Roman government.

whom ye delivered up,
and denied him in the presence of Pilate,
when he was determined to let him go.

Our First Step tells us that Peter clearly identifies the God of the Bible and the God of their ancestors and the God Whom they are supposed to truly worship and obey. Our Second Step tells us that Peter clearly identifies how the Jews personally treated the Son of God and that the Jews can not blame the Roman government. The natural, sinful, reaction when someone is caught doing wrong is to find someone else to blame. That's why Peter made sure that the Jews knew that they could not do that.

The saying is: 'You have to get someone lost before you can get them saved'. And, in this sentence, Peter is telling these Jews that they are lost and condemned to Hell doing the exact opposite of what their God told them to do. They can not deny that The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers was their God. And, since He hath glorified his Son Jesus, they very definitely sinned when they agreed to have Him crucified (whom ye delivered up, and denied). And, just in case this sentence was not enough, Peter adds the next sentence to further condemn. Then, in the sentence after that, Peter adds a path of hope and he uses the rest of his message to tell them how to be saved.

Please see the note for Hebrews 2:16 about Abraham. The functional definition for this word is: 'Abtaham is is called the father of the faithful'. Please also see the note for Galatians C3S9 about the phrase children of Abraham. The functional definition is: 'The Jews claimed to be children of Abraham but Jesus said that the true children of Abraham would have his faith'. Please also see the notes for Romans 4 and James 2:21-LJC about the phrase Abraham's faith. We find Abraham, in this book, in: Acts 3:13; Acts 3:25; Acts 7:2; Acts 7:8; Acts 7:16; Acts 7:17; Acts 7:32; Acts 13:26.

Please see the note for Galatians C4-S25 about the word Isaac. The functional definition for this word is: 'The only son of Abraham by Sarah'. We find Isaac, in this book, in: Acts 3:13; Acts 7:8; Acts 7:32.

Please see the note for Hebrews 11:9 about Jacob. The functional definition for this word is: 'The son and heir of Isaac. Jacob is used in the Bible when he was acting in the flesh. Israel is used in the Bible when he was following God's Holy Spirit'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:32-33 about the phrase house of Jacob. We find Jacob, in this book, in: Acts 3:13; Acts 7:8; Acts 7:12; Acts 7:14; Acts 7:15; Acts 7:32; Acts 7:46.

Please see the note for Hebrews 1:5 about the word father. The functional definition for this word is: 'the man who passes his character to the son'.

Please see the note for Romans C15S14; 1Corinthians C15S36; Ephesians C1S2; 2Corinthians 10:14-LJC and Colossians C1S6 about the word glory. The functional definition is: 'Abundance, wealth, treasure, and hence honour, dignity of God; of the mind or heart; Splendour, brightness, majesty of Jehovah , the infinite perfections of God'. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:1 about the phrase Jesus Christ return in glory. Think about the 'Mount of transfiguration'. Forms of the word glory are found in this book, in: Acts 3:13; Acts 4:21; Acts 7:2; Acts 7:55; Acts 11:18; Acts 12:23; Acts 13:48; Acts 21:20; Acts 22:11.

Please see the note for Mark 9:31 about the word delivered. The functional definition for this word is: 'Freed; released; transferred or transmitted; passed from one to another; committed; yielded; surrendered; rescued; uttered; pronounced'.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 2:11-13 about the words deny / denial. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to contradict; to gainsay; to declare a statement or position not to be true. We deny what another says, or we deny a proposition. We deny the truth of an assertion, or the assertion itself. the sense of this verb is often expressed by no or nay. 2. to refuse to grant; as, we asked for bread, and the man denied us. 3. Not to afford; to withhold. 4. to disown; to refuse or neglect to acknowledge; not to confess'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:13; Acts 3:14; Acts 4:16.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:12 about the word presence. The functional definition for this word is: 'The existence of a person or thing in a certain place; opposed to absence'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:13; Acts 3:16; Acts 3:19; Acts 5:41; Acts 27:35.

Please see the note for John 18:29 about Pilate. The functional definition for this word is: 'The representative of all Gentiles in the trial and crucifixion of the Son of God'. Pilate is mentioned, in this book, in: Acts 3:13; Acts 4:27; Acts 13:38.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:1 about the word determine. The functional definition for this word is: 'Ended; concluded; decided; limited; fixed; settled; resolved; directed. Having a firm or fixed purpose, as a determined man; or manifesting a firm resolution, as a determined countenance'. Please also see the note for Acts 2:22-24 about the word determinate. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:13; Acts 4:28; Acts 11:29; Acts 15:2; Acts 15:37; Acts 17:26; Acts 19:39; Acts 20:16; Acts 25:25; Acts 27:1.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'God of Abraham. Ac 5:30; 7:32; Ex 3:6; Ps 105:6-10; Mt 22:32; Heb 11:9-16 hath. Ac 2:33-36; 5:31; Ps 2:6-12; 110:1-2; Mt 11:27; 28:18; Joh 3:35-36; 5:22-23; 7:39; 12:16; 13:31-32; 16:14-15; 17:1-5; Eph 1:20-23; Php 2:9-11; Heb 2:9; Re 1:5,18 whom. Ac 2:23-24; 5:30; 13:27-28; Mt 27:2,17-25; Mr 15:11; Lu 23:16-23; Joh 18:40; 19:15 General references. exp: Mr 5:42; 12:11; Lu 24:20; Joh 18:40; Ac 13:28,30.'.

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C3-S13 (Verse 14-15) Time sequence of what happened.

First Step: the Jews preferred a murderer to God's Christ and King.

But ye denied the Holy One and the Just,
and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;.

Second Step: Demand that God's Christ and King be murdered.

And killed the Prince of life,
whom God hath raised from the dead;.

Third Step: Hear the testimony of resurrection.

whereof we are witnesses.

In our sentence, we see three different actions which were done. {Please see the Studies called Gospel Time Sequences, and Significant Gospel Events Study for links to where the word of God reports these events.)

Pilate tried to free Jesus in Luke 23:4; Luke 23:16 and John 19:14-15. This was after Pilate declared Jesus to be innocent in Luke 23:4; John 19:4 and John 19:6.

Luke 23:1-26; Matthew 27:1-34; Mark 15:1-20 and John 18:29-19:16 tell us about the trial of Jesus, done by Pilate and Herod. Here, we are told about the murderer who was released in place of Jesus. We read about the argument between Pilate and the Jews, over releasing Barabbas or Jesus in several places. Matthew 27:16-26 tells us that Barabbas was a notable prisoner. Mark 15:7 says, that he lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection. Luke 23:18 says: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) John 18:40 tells us that he was a robber. Acts 3:14 says, that he was a murderer. Thus, we see different ways that the character of this man is described within the Bible.

In the First Step, of our sentence, Peter reminds the Jews of their crying for Pilate to release Barabbas and to crucify Jesus. In the Second Step, of our sentence, Peter reminds the Jews of the crucifixion of Jesus and calls it murder since it was not justified. In addition, Peter tells them that God hath raised (Jesus) from the dead, to prove that they went against the will of God. Then, in the third Step, of our sentence, Peter tells them that he and John were witnesses to the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. Since their law required two witnesses for something to be legally accepted as true, the Jews had to accept this testimony or make themselves more of a criminal than they were for their involvement in the first two Steps.

Now, Peter is going to build upon this sentence to tell them of their need for true Biblical salvation. However, he first had to tell them that they were guilty before God and, therefore, condemned to Hell. No, Peter did not tell them the consequence of their sin because all of the Jews were taught that truth from when they were children. Therefore, Peter moves on to God's plan of salvation found in the next sentence.

Please see the Minor Titles of the Son of God Section, of the Significant Gospel Events Study, for links to other titles for Jesus besides Holy One and the Just and Prince of life.

Please also see the note for 1John 2:20 about the phrase Holy One. The functional definition for this word is: 'our Saviour'. Jesus was in the grave for three days and three nights but that was not enough for His dead body to become corrupted. Lazarus was in the ground four days and his body did become corrupted. Please see the notes for Romans C7S16; 1Corinthians C3S17; Philippians 1:3-7 and Colossians C1S6 about the word holy. The functional definition for this word is: 'pure in heart, temper or dispositions; free from sin and sinful affections. Applied to the Supreme Being, holy signifies perfectly pure, immaculate and complete in moral character; and man is more or less holy, as his heart is more or less sanctified, or purified from evil dispositions. We call a man holy, when his heart is conformed in some degree to the image of God, and his life is regulated by the divine precepts. Hence, holy is used as nearly synonymous with good, pious, Godly'. Please see the Word Study on Spirit for links to every place in the Bible where we find the phrase Holy Spirit. Please see the Word Study on Holy Ghost for links to every place in the Bible where we find the phrase Holy Ghost. Please see the note for Matthew 4:5 about the phrase holy city. Please also see the note for John 7:39 about the phrase Holy Spirit, indwelling.

Please see the notes for Romans C7S16; Galatians 2:16-LJC and 2Peter 2:9-LJC about the word just. The functional definition is: 'Regular; orderly; due; suitable; exactly proportioned; proper; upright; honest; having principles of rectitude; or conforming exactly to the laws, and to principles of rectitude in social conduct; equitable in the distribution of justice'. Please also see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please also see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith. Please also see the note for Romans C3S29 about the phrase justification by faith. Please also see the note for Romans 3:20 about the word justify. Please see the Minor Titles of the Son of God in the Significant Gospel Events Study for the title of Just. Please also see the note for 2Peter 2:9-LJC about the word unjust. Forms of the word just are found in this book in: Acts 3:14; Acts 7:52; Acts 10:22; Acts 22:14; Acts 24:15.

Please see the notes for Romans C10S1; 2Corinthians 5:2-3 and Galatians 4:9; Philippians 1:23-24 about the word desire. The functional definition for this word is: 'An emotion or excitement of the mind, directed to the attainment or possession of an object from which pleasure, sensual, intellectual or spiritual, is expected; a passion excited by the love of an object, or uneasiness at the want of it, and directed to its attainment or possession. Desire is a wish to possess some gratification or source of happiness which is supposed to be obtainable'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:14; Acts 7:46; Acts 8:31; Acts 9:2; Acts 9:38; Acts 12:20; Acts 13:7; Acts 13:21; Acts 13:28; Acts 16:39; Acts 18:20; Acts 19:31; Acts 23:20; Acts 25:3; Acts 25:15; Acts 28:14; Acts 28:22.

Please see the notes for John 8:44; Romans C1S16 and Galatians C5S20 about the word murder. The functional definition for this word is: 'The act of unlawfully killing a human being with premeditated malice, by a person of sound mind. to constitute murder in law, the person killing another must be of sound mind or in possession of his reason, and the act must be done with malice pretense, aforethought or premeditated; but malice may be implied, as well as express. In addition, in the Scripture view an outrage or sacrilege (Philo, Spec. Leg. 3:15) on God's likeness in man. Ge 9:5-6, "whose sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God made He man." His blood was so sacred that "God requires it (compare Ps 9:12) of every beast"; so the ox that gored man must be killed (Ex 21:28). God's image implies in man a personal, moral, and responsible will. to cut short his day of grace and probation is the greatest wrong to man and insult to his Maker'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:14; Acts 7:52; Acts 21:38; Acts 28:4.

Please see the note for Mark 10:37 about the word grant. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to admit as true what is not proved; to allow; to yield; to concede. We take that for granted which is supposed to be true. Grant that the fates have firmed, by their decree-- 2. to give; to bestow or confer on without compensation, particularly in answer to prayer or request. thou hast granted me life and favor. Job.10. God granted him that which he requested. 1. Chron.4. 3. to transfer the title of a thing to another, for a good or valuable consideration; to convey by deed or writing. the legislature have granted all the new land. Grant me the place of this threshing floor. 1 Chron.21.
GR`ANT, n. the act of granting; a bestowing or confering. 1. the thing granted or bestowed; a gift; a boon. 2. In law, a conveyance in writing, of such things as cannot pass or be transferred by word only, as land, rents, reversions, tithes, etc. A grant is an executed contract. 3. Concession; admission of something as true. 4. the thing conveyed by deed or patent'.'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:14; Acts 4:29; Acts 11:18; Acts 14:3.

Please see the note for Romans C13S12 about the word kill. Webster's 1828 defines the word kill as: 'v.t. 1. to deprive of life, animal or vegetable, in any manner or by any means. to kill an animal or a plant, is to put an end to the vital functions, either by destroying or essentially injuring the org and necessary to life, or by causing them to cease from action. An animal may be killed by the sword or by poison, by disease or by suffocation. A strong solution of salt will kill plants. 2. to butcher; to slaughter for food; as, to kill an ox. 3. to quell; to appease; to calm; to still; as, in seamen's language, a shower of rain kills the wind'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:15; Acts 7:28; Acts 9:23; Acts 9:24; Acts 10:13; Acts 12:2; Acts 16:27; Acts 21:31; Acts 23:12; Acts 23:15; Acts 23:21; Acts 23:27; Acts 25:3; Acts 26:21; Acts 27:42.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C2S5 about the word prince. The functional definition for this word is: 'One of the highest levels of rulers but not the very highest level. Lord Jesus Christ gives spiritual life which belongs to God the Father. He is the Prince of life because His authority is under that of God the Father'. Please also see the notes for Romans C8S40 and Ephesians C6S8 about the word principalities. Please also see the note for Hebrews 6:1 about the word principles. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:14; Acts 5:31.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 2:15; Philippians 1:19-20; Life in 1John about the word life. The functional definition is: 'Life is that by which a created being enjoys the place in which the Creator has set it'. Please also see the note for Life in 1John about the phrase eternal life. Please also see the notes for Hebrews 1:8-LJC; Philippians 1:27-LJC about the phrase life everlasting. Please note that eternal life is different from everlasting life in that while eternal life is 'Without beginning or end of existence', everlasting life 'has a beginning but is without end of existence'. Please see the note for John 5:24 about the phrase everlasting life. Please also see the note for Life in 1John about the phrase eternal life. Please also see the note for Romans C10S15 about the phrase belief changes life. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16 about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by lifestyle sins. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:10 about the word sinners. Please also see the notes for Romans C14S11; Galatians C2-S14 and Philippians 1:21 about the word live. Please also see the note for Colossians C3S4 about the phrase Christ lives through us. Please also see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please also see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith. Please also see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith.

Please see the note for Mark 10:1 about the words arise / arose. The functional definition for the word arose. is: 'The past tense of the verb, to arise'. The functional definition for the word arise / arose. is: 'To ascend, mount up or move to a higher place; as, vapors arise from humid places'. Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C15S32 and John 6:39 about the word raise and see the note for 1Peter C1S2 about the word resurrection. The functional definition for this word is: 'Bringing dead people back to life as opposed to a belief in reincarnation which says that the same spirit is given a new physical body in this physical reality. This is one of the cardinal facts and doctrines of the Gospel. If Christ be not risen, our faith is vain (1Co 15:14). In addition, there are times when this word is used for something being lifted higher physically, but even then the Bible reference often has a symbolic spiritual meaning in addition to the physical meaning.'. Please also see the Prophecies and Prophecy Fulfilled Sections for Bible references to resurrection. Please also see the note for John 20:2-LJC about the phrase risen Jesus is Lord. Please also see the note for 1Peter C1S2 about the word resurrection. Please also see the note for Romans C8S11 about the phrase resurrection of Christ. Please also see the note for Romans C8S11 about the phrase resurrection of Jesus. Please also see the Prophecies and Prophecy Fulfilled Sections for Bible references to resurrection. Please see the Appearances of Jesus Christ After the Resurrection Section within the Time Sequence of Gospel Events Study.

Please see the notes for Romans C6S4; 2Corinthians 2:15; Philippians 1:19-20 and Colossians C1S4 about the words dead / death / die. The functional definition for this word is: 'Physical death is separation of soul and spirit from body and the second death is eternal separation from God'. Please also see the notes for Revelation 2:11; Revelation 20:6; Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8 about the phrase death, second.

Please see the note for Hebrews 11:4 about the word witness. The functional definition for this word is: 'someone who is qualified to testify in court and is available to do so if the court requests'. In addition, we have the definition, as it applies to the Bible, of: 'Basically, if the Bible literally says something in at least two places, that is a law that will be enforced by the court of God and is something that all must accept and obey'. Please also see the notes for John 8:17; 2Corinthians 13:1 and Colossians C3S13 about the phrase witnesses, two or the. Please also see the note for John 5:1 about the phrase witnesses given by Jesus to show that He is God.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the Holy One. Ac 2:27; 4:27; 7:52; 22:14; Ps 16:10; Zec 9:9; Mr 1:24; Lu 1:35; Jas 5:6; 1Pe 3:18; 1Jo 2:1; Re 3:7 exp: Lu 4:34. desired. Mr 15:7; Lu 23:19 General references. exp: Mr 12:11; 15:11; Lu 19:14; 23:19; 24:20; Joh 16:9; 18:40; Ac 13:28.
Prince. or, Author. Joh 1:4; 4:10,14; 5:26; 10:28; 11:25-26; 14:6; 17:2; Ro 8:1-2; 1Co 15:45; Col 3:3-4; Heb 2:10; 5:9; 1Jo 5:11-12,20; Re 21:6; 22:1,17 whom. Ac 2:24,32; Mt 28:2-5; Eph 1:20 exp: Ac 10:39; 1Th 1:10. whereof. Ac 1:22; 2:32; 10:40-41; 13:30-32 General references. exp: Mr 12:11; Lu 19:14; 24:20,48; Joh 16:9; Ac 13:30.'.

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C3-S14 (Verse 16) How the lame man received a miracle.

Equivalent Section: His miracle was because of the power and authority (name) of Lord Jesus Christ.

And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong,
whom ye see and know:.

Equivalent Section: the faith must be in the person of Lord Jesus Christ.

yea,
the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

This man received complete healing (perfect soundness) of his lameness. I've had multiple miracles and healings in my life. Sometimes God does not heal such as Paul experienced (2Corinthians 12:7-10). Sometimes He heals completely and instantly as with this man. Sometimes God uses medicine, or operations, or other medical aids. The primary controlling factor is what will give God the most glory. The person who is willing to act like this man, and tell others often and enthusiastically about what God does is far more likely to receive a miracle than the person who says nothing.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C1S3; 2Corinthians C1S17; Galatians C3S27; Ephesians 6:23-LJC; Philippians 1:25-26 and 2Timothy C1S2 about the word faith. The functional definition is: 'an action word that is based upon a belief in a promise found within the Bible with the action dictated by the Bible and the understanding that our action does not force God to act nor determines when or how God acts but proves that of our own free will we are giving God permission to act in and through our life to do what He promised within His Word'. Please also see the notes for Colossians 1:1 and Titus 1:1 about the word faithful. The functional definition is: 'Firm in adherence to the truth and to the duties of religion. Full of faith, trustful, and not simply trustworthy. being true to oneself, to one's nature, to any promise given, and to any trust committed'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 3:1-LJC about Christ Jesus is faithful. Please also see the notes for Romans 4 and James 2:21-LJC about Abraham's faith. Please also see the note for 2Timothy C1S2 about the phrase faith: unfeigned. Please also see the note for 2Peter 2:3 about the word feign. Please also see the note for Romans C10S12 about the phrase faith makes us not ashamed. Please also see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please also see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith. Please also see the note for Romans C3S29 about the phrase justification by faith. Please also see the note for Romans C3S25 about Law and faith. Please also see the note for Romans C9S28 about live / walk by faith. Please see the note for James 2:14 for links to every verse in the New Testament where the words faith and works contained within the same verse. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:16; Acts 6:5; Acts 6:7; Acts 6:8; Acts 11:24; Acts 13:8; Acts 14:9; Acts 14:22; Acts 14:27; Acts 15:9; Acts 16:5; Acts 16:15; Acts 20:21; Acts 24:24; Acts 26:18.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word strong. The functional definition for this word is: 'Having physical active power, or great physical power; having the power of exerting great bodily force; vigorous' .Please see the note for 2Corinthians C1S6 about the word strength.

Please see the notes for Philippians 2:17 and Luke 24:22-23 about the word yea. The functional definition for this word is: 'Yes; a word that expresses affirmation or assent. Yea is used only in the sacred and solemn style. It affirms much more strongly than a simple Yes'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:16; Acts 3:24; Acts 5:8; Acts 7:43; Acts 20:34; Acts 22:27.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C2S5 and 2Timothy C3S10 about the word perfect. The functional definition for this word is: 'Properly, whole, entire or perfect, in a moral sense. Hence, pure in heart, temper or dispositions; free from sin and sinful affections'. Please also see the note for 1John 4:12 about the phrase perfect love. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:16; Acts 18:26; Acts 22:3; Acts 23:15; Acts 23:20; Acts 24:22.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C13S1 about the word sound. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word is: 'a. L. sanus. 1. Entire; unbroken; not shaky, split or defective; as sound timber. 2. Undecayed; whole; perfect, or not defective; as sound fruit; a sound apple or melon. 3. Unbroken; not bruised or defective; not lacerated or decayed; as a sound limb. 4. Not carious; not decaying; as a sound tooth. 5. Not broken or decayed; not defective; as a sound ship. 6. Whole; entire; unhurt; unmutilated; as a sound body. 7. Healthy; not diseased; not being in a morbid state; having all the org and complete and in perfect action; as a sound body; sound health; a sound constitution; a sound man; a sound horse. 8. Founded in truth; firm; strong; valid; solid; that cannot be overthrown or refuted; as sound reasoning; a sound argument; a sound objection; sound doctrine; sound principles. 9. Right; correct; well founded; free form error; orthodox. II Tim 1. Let my heart be sound in thy statutes. Ps. 119. 10. Heavy; laid on with force; as sound strokes; a sound beating. 11. Founded in right and law; legal; valid; not defective; that cannot be overthrown; as a sound title to land; sound justice. 12. Fast; profound; undisturbed; as sound sleep. 13. Perfect, as intellect; not broken or defective; not enfeebled by age or accident; not wild or wandering; not deranged; as a sound mind; a sound understanding or reason.
SOUND, adv. Soundly; heartily. So sound he slept that nought might him awake.
SOUND, n. the air bladder of a fish'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:12 about the word presence. The functional definition for this word is: 'The existence of a person or thing in a certain place; opposed to absence'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'his. Ac 3:6; 4:7,10,30; 16:18; Mt 9:22 through. Ac 14:9; 19:13-17; Mt 17:19-20; 21:21-22; Mr 11:22-23; 16:17-18; Lu 17:5-6; Joh 14:12; 1Co 13:2 exp: Joh 20:31; Ac 10:43. perfect. Ac 3:8; 8:14-16; De 32:4; Joh 7:23 General references. exp: Mr 12:11; Joh 16:9.'.

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C3-S15 (Verse 17) Peter says that he understood that they did not know the spiritual consequences of their actions..

And now,
brethren,
I wot that through ignorance ye did it,
as did also your rulers.

Basically, Peter is saying that he realizes that they did not know the spiritual significance of their actions. Also their rulers also did not know. They only knew of the physical perspective. However, as the saying goes, 'Ignorance of the law is no excuse'. They were guilty and needed forgiveness.

Please see the note for Matthew 1:2 about the word brethren. The functional definition for this word is: 'Spiritually used for God's people: the Jews and the people are saved, baptized and active members of the church'.

Please see the note for Romans C11S5 about the word wot. The functional definition for this word is: 'v.i. to know; to be aware'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S42 and 2Corinthians 2:10-11 about the word ignorant. The functional definition for this word is: 'a lack of knowledge''. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:17; Acts 4:13; Acts 17:23; Acts 17:30.

Please see the note for John 7:26 about the word ruler. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'One that governs, whether emperor, king, pope or governor; any one that exercises supreme power over others. 2. One that makes or executes laws in a limited or free government. thus, legislators and magistrates are called rulers. 3. A rule; an instrument of wood or metal with straight edges or sides, by which lines are drawn on paper, parchment or other substance. When a ruler has the lines of chords, tangents, sines, etc. it is called a plane scale'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:17; Acts 4:5; Acts 4:8; Acts 4:26; Acts 7:27; Acts 7:35; Acts 7:35; Acts 13:15; Acts 13:27; Acts 14:5; Acts 16:19; Acts 17:6; Acts 17:8; Acts 18:8; Acts 18:17; Acts 23:5.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'wot. Ac 7:40; Ge 21:26; 39:8; 44:15; Ex 32:1; Nu 22:6; Ro 11:2; Php 1:22 through. Ac 13:27; Nu 15:24-31; Lu 23:34; Joh 7:26-27,52; 16:3; 1Co 2:8; 2Co 3:14; 1Ti 1:13 General references. exp: Nu 15:27; Joh 16:9.'.

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C3-S16 (Verse 18) the scriptural basis for death before resurrection.

But those things,
which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets,
that Christ should suffer,
he hath so fulfilled.

in this sentence, Peter says by the mouth of all his prophets because he is referencing written scripture and also the historical documents which the Jews held as almost scripture. We do not hold with those extra documents. But, at that time and in that culture, he used what was accepted to lead those Jews to true salvation.

Next, Peter said that Christ should suffer. This was the scriptural truth which all Jews denied because of their religious traditions. The disciples suffered much more than necessary because they kept rejecting the prophecies by Jesus Christ about His suffering, death and resurrection. Mary Magdalene was the only disciple who is recorded as believing before this truth His death. However, now all of the disciples had accepted the truth and it was necessary for Peter to tell them this sentence before he told them about resurrection. Please see the Gospel Significant Events Study for links to the many places where the word of God gives us these prophecies.

In our last phrase, Peter says he hath so fulfilled. Jesus not only fulfilled the scriptures about His suffering but He also fulfilled all scriptural prophecies about Him. That is the true meaning when He said it is finished. He did everything that God the Father required for our salvation and everything else which God the Father required of Him. Please see the Gospel Significant Events Study for links to the many places where the word of God gives us prophecies which he fulfilled.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S8 about the word shew. The functional definition for this word is: 'The Biblical spelling for the word show, which means: to exhibit or present to the view of others'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:64 about the word mouth. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'Is sometimes used in Scripture for speaker, Ex 4:16; Jer 15:19. God spoke with Moses "mouth to mouth," Nu 12.8, that is, condescendingly and clearly. the law was to be "in the mouth" of the Hebrews, Ex 13:9, often rehearsed and talked of. "The rod of his mouth," Isa 11:4, and the sharp sword, Re 1:16, denote the power of Christ's word to convict, control, and judge; compare Isa 49:2; Heb 4:12. the Hebrew word for mouth is often translated "command," Ge 45:21; Job 39:27; Ec 8:2; and the unclean spirits out of the mouth of the dragon, Re 16:14, are the ready executors of his commands'.

Please see the notes for Luke 1:76; Romans C16S33; Romans C12S5 and Jude about the word prophet. In addition, false prophets are covered in the Study called False things according to the Bible. The most popular religious definition for this word is: 'someone who foretells the future'. However, that definition tends to limit the thinking of people to only those statements when, actually, the majority of their message was doctrinal. Please also see the note for John 1:45 about the phrase law and the prophets. Please also see the links for Prophecies and Prophecies Fulfilled in the Gospel Significant Events Study and the New Testament Significant Events Study.

Please see the notes for Romans C8S17 and 1Corinthians C4S13 about the word suffer. The functional definition for this word is: 'To feel or bear what is painful, disagreeable or distressing, either to the body or mind; to undergo. We suffer pain of body; we suffer grief of mind'. Please also see the note for Romans 9:22 about the word longsuffering. Please also see the Study called Significant Gospel Events, for references to verses related to the suffering of Jesus Christ.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S11 and Galatians C5-S15 about the word fulfill. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. A tautological compound of full and fill. 1. to accomplish; to perform; to complete; to answer in execution or event what has been foretold or promised; as, to fulfill a prophecy or prediction; to fulfill a promise. 2. to accomplish what was intended; to answer a design by execution. Here nature seems fulfilled in all her ends. 3. to accomplish or perform what was desired; to answer any desire by compliance or gratification. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him. Ps. 145. 4. to perform what is required; to answer a law by obedience. If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well. James 2. 5. to complete in time. Fulfill her week. Gen. 29. 6. In general, to accomplish; to complete; to carry into effect'. Please also see the note for Philippians 4:18 about the word full. Please also see the note for Colossians 2:9 about the word fullness.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'those. Ac 17:2-3; 26:22-23; 28:23; Lu 24:26-27,44; 1Co 15:3-4; 1Pe 1:10-11; Re 19:10 all. Ge 3:15; Ps 22:1-30; 69; Isa 50:6; 53; Da 9:26; Zec 12:10; 13:7 General references. exp: Joh 16:9.'.

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C3-S17 (Verse 19-21) The requirements for true Biblical salvation.

Equivalent Section: What the saved get now.

First Step: What we must do and what God does now.

Repent ye therefore,
and be converted,
that your sins may be blotted out,
when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;.

Second Step: What is promised to the truly saved.

And he shall send Jesus Christ,
which before was preached unto you:.

Equivalent Section: the 1,000 years rule of Christ is also promised.

Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things,
which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Our sentence gives us the requirements for true Biblical salvation. The phrases of our sentence can be interpreted as:

The phrase Repent ye therefore means: 'Each and every one must personally turn from religion to obeying God on a personal basis'.
The phrase and be converted means: 'You personally must have a God-caused changed life added to true Biblical salvation'.
The phrase that your sins may be blotted out, means: 'God will blot out the legal record, in Heaven, of your violating His law, if you personally do the prior two phrases'.
The phrase when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord means: 'The Lord will refresh the spirits of saved people who are also saved'.
The phrase And he shall send Jesus Christ means: 'This is a promise of personal leading in this life, the truly saved, by Jesus Christ and an indirect prophecy of the 'Rapture''.
The phrase which before was preached unto you means: 'The promises of the prior phrase are preached to the truly saved'.
The phrase Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things means: 'Jesus Christ is in Heaven until the time for Him to return and rule this world'.
The phrase which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began means: 'The 1,000 years rule of Christ has been prophesied since the world began'.

This sentence can be considered to be the start of Peter's 'altar call', for the message in this chapter. In each Equivalent Section, of this sentence, we see a current action by us or by Jesus Christ and a future action by God. The difference between the two Equivalent Section is that we are to act now in the first section of this sentence and Jesus Christ is acting in the future in the Second Equivalent Section of this sentence.

In the First Equivalent Section, we are told that Jesus Christ will come to us personally if each and every one of us personally (ye) Repent and are converted. These words make it clear that there is to be a change in our lifestyle as a result of being saved.

We also see Peter tell us that your sins may be blotted out. As has been explained in many other notes, sin is a violation of God's law (1John 3:4). When we are saved God blots out our sin record. This is the entire record, past sins. When I am witnessing to a lost person I show them my Bible and tell them to imagine that is God's Legal book with all of their sins recorded. Then I ask them if they could read anything on the page if I covered it with blood. The answer, of course, is no. That is what God does, in Heaven, to the legal record of someone who is truly saved.

God then adopts us (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5) and makes us legal sons of God (John 1:12-13). {We must accept His character as our own in order to be a true Biblical son.} I then point out 1John 3:9 and tell them that saved people have diplomatic immunity, in God's criminal court system, and God will not record sin in His Legal book (he cannot sin) for his seed remaineth in him:...because he is born of God. In order to violate a law, there must be the breaking of the law and a charge brought against the person in the legal system.

Once we are saved, we can still do the deed (1John 1) but we can not force God to bring a charge against us in His criminal legal system that is controlled by the Great White throne judgment (Revelation 20:11). However, we must still face the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10; 2Corinthians 5:10). While we might not go to the Lake Fire (Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10, Revelation 20:14-15), we will still face the terror of the Lord (2Corinthians 5:11) and that can result in mote than 1, 000 years of tears. That's why we need to pay attention to the other requirements that Peter stated.

We need to truly and Biblically repent and be converted. If we are not willing to Repent and be converted then God refuses to save us if our heart is not right (Romans 10:10). However, when we are willing to Repent and be converted, God shall send Jesus Christ to us personally. This is why all through the Bible we see Jesus Christ used for salvation. Salvation is personal and the Son of God has a personal relationship with every saved person through each of these roles. The payment by Jesus paid for my personal sins. Further, God uses the example of Jesus to show me personally how to live and deal with my personal problems that you might not have. (Please see the Doctrinal Study called What Did Jesus Do? for links to places in the Gospel accounts where He shows us how to act in this world.)

In addition, Christ died to pay for my personal sins that I do after my initial profession so that I don't have to spend time paying for those sins but can spend my time learning how to stop sinning. Further, Christ gives me spiritual maturity through my personal relationship with Him and Christ works through my life in a personal way that is different than how He works through anyone else's life. In conclusion, Jesus Christ is used here because this relationship is required for all saved people but it includes the mandatory spiritual growth that comes through our relationship with Christ after our initial profession.

Of course, I have considerable more verses I could provide to back the above explanation, but this is only a 'quick overview'.

In the First Equivalent Section of this sentence is the phrase of when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. When the saved obey the Lord, He refreshes their spirit. That is the times of refreshing which shall come from the presence of the Lord when His people obey.

In the Second Equivalent Section, we read until the times of restitution of all things. This is a reference to the 1, 000 year reign of Christ. That is when He will restore nature (Romans 8:22-23). In addition, our Second Equivalent Section says Whom the heaven must receive until the times. Jesus Christ in in Heaven being the advocate for the saved until is time for the 'Rapture'.

only those who are the are called, and chosen, and faithful (Revelation 17:14 are promised to return with Christ. There are people who are truly saved, and go to Heaven, but who do not remain faithful and, therefore, do not fulfill the requirements to return with Him. One of the most popular lies accepted by most saved today is that they can live a life of sin and lost nothing of the available rewards in heaven. That is why, it the start of our sentence, Peter told us that we must be truly converted in order to receive the promises of this sentence.

The simplest way to remove worry about missing out on a promise, is to do what the Bible truly means by Repent and be converted. Our blessings for true Biblical salvation aren't just here and aren't just going to Heaven but the Bible VERY definitely teaches variable rewards based upon our works after salvation (Revelation 2:2, Revelation 5, Revelation 2:9, Revelation 2:13, Revelation 19, Revelation 23, Revelation 26; Revelation 3:1, Revelation 2, Revelation 8, Revelation 3:15; Revelation 9:20; Revelation 14:13; Revelation 15:3; Revelation 18:6; Revelation 20:12, Revelation 20:13).

Please see the note for Romans C11S32 about the word repentance. The functional definition for this word is: 'A turning away from the attitudes and actions of sin and turning towards God and accepting His attitudes and actions about sin'.

Please see the note for Romans intro about the word therefore. The functional definition is: 'what follows the therefore is a future result that is based upon what came before the therefore and result is only seen there'.

Please see the note for James 5:19-20 about the word convert. The functional definition for this word is: 'To change or turn into another substance or form; as, to convert gases into water, or water into ice. Spiritually, this is to change from relying on self and religion to relying upon Jesus'.

Please see the note for Romans C7S26 about the word sin. The functional definition is: 'a violation of God's law' (1John 3:4). Please see the notes for Sin in 1John; Romans C2S4; 1Corinthians 8:11-LJC and Galatians C3-S26 about the phrase sin unto death. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16 about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by lifestyle sins. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:10 about the word sinners.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S8 about the word blot. The functional definition for this word is: ' Easton's Bible Dictionary defines blot as: 'a stain or reproach (Job 31:7; Pr 9:7). to blot out sin is to forgive it (Ps 51:1,9; Isa 44:22; Ac 3:19). Christ's blotting out the handwriting of ordinances was his fulfilling the law in our behalf (Col 2:14)'.

Please see the note for Philemon 1:7 about the word refresh. TheWebster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to cool; to allay heat. A dew coming after a heat refresheth. 2. to give new strength to; to invigorate; to relieve after fatigue; as, to refresh the body. A man or a beast is refreshed by food and rest. Ex. 23. 3. to revive; to reanimate after depression; to cheer; to enliven. Forthey have refreshed my spirit and yours. 1Cor. 16. 4. to improve by new touches anything impaired. The rest refresh the scaly snakes. 5. to revive what is drooping; as, rain refreshes the plants'. functional definition for this word is: 'to make fresh again'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:12 about the word presence. The functional definition for this word is: 'The existence of a person or thing in a certain place; opposed to absence'.

Please see the notes for Romans C16S33; 1Corinthians C15S1; Galatians C1-S4 and 2Timothy 4:1-LJC about the word preach. The functional definition for this word is: 'To pronounce a public discourse on a religious subject, or from a subject, or from a text of Scripture. the purpose of preaching is to get people to obey God's word'. Please also see the note for Romans 10:14 about the word preacher. Please also see the Study called False things According to the Bible about 'false preachers'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word heaven. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) Definitions. the phrase "heaven and earth" is used to indicate the whole universe (Ge 1:1; Jer 23:24; Ac 17:24). According to the Jewish notion there were three heavens, (a) the firmament, as "fowls of the heaven" (Ge 2:19; 7:3,23; Ps 8:8, etc.), "the eagles of heaven" (La 4:19), etc. (b) the starry heavens (De 17:3; Jer 8:2; Mt 24:29). (c) "The heaven of heavens," or "the third heaven" (De 10:14; 1Ki 8:27; Ps 115:16; 148:4; 2Co 12:2). (2.) Meaning of words in the original, (a) the usual Hebrew word for "heavens" is shamayim, a plural form meaning "heights," "elevations" (Ge 1:1; 2:1). (b) the Hebrew word marom is also used (Ps 68:18; 93:4; 102:19, etc.) as equivalent to shamayim, "high places," "heights." (c) Heb galgal, literally a "wheel," is rendered "heaven" in Ps 77:18 (R.V., "whirlwind"). (d) Heb shahak, rendered "sky" (De 33:26; Job 37:18; Ps 18:11), plural "clouds" (Job 35:5; 36:28; Ps 68:34, marg. "heavens"), means probably the firmament. (e) Heb rakia is closely connected with (d), and is rendered "firmamentum" in the Vulgate, whence our "firmament" (Ge 1:6; De 33:26, etc.), regarded as a solid expanse. (3.) Metaphorical meaning of term. Isa 14:13-14; "doors of heaven" (Ps 78:23); heaven "shut" (1Ki 8:35); "opened" (Eze 1:1). (See 1Ch 21:16.) (4.) Spiritual meaning. the place of the everlasting blessedness of the righteous; the abode of departed spirits. (a) Christ calls it his "Father's house" (Joh 14:2). (b) It is called "paradise" (Lu 23:43; 2Co 12:4; Re 2:7). (c) "The heavenly Jerusalem" (Ga 4:1; 6:18; Heb 12:22; Re 3:12). (d) the "kingdom of heaven" (Mt 25:1; Jas 2:5). (e) the "eternal kingdom" (2Pe 1:11). (f) the "eternal inheritance" (1Pe 1:4; Heb 9:15). (g) the "better country" (Heb 11:14,16). (h) the blessed are said to "sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," and to be "in Abraham's bosom" (Lu 16:22; Mt 8:11); to "reign with Christ" (2Ti 2:12). In heaven the blessedness of the righteous consists in the possession of "life everlasting," "an eternal weight of glory" (2Co 4:17), an exemption from all sufferings for ever, a deliverance from all evils (2Co 5:1-2) and from the society of the wicked (2Ti 4:18), bliss without termination, the "fulness of joy" for ever (Lu 20:36; 2Co 4:16,18; 1Pe 1:4; 5:10; 1Jo 3:2). the believer's heaven is not only a state of everlasting blessedness, but also a "place", a place "prepared" for them (Joh 14:2)'. Please also see the notes for Hebrews 12:2-LJC and Laying up Treasure in heaven about the phrase treasure in heaven. Please also see the note for 1Peter 1:2-LJC about the phrase heaven, things in. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:2 about the phrase kingdom of heaven.

Please see the note for Romans C13S8 about the phrase must needs. The functional definition for this word is: 'This choice is not optional'.

We find forms of the word restitution in: Exodus 22:3; Exodus 22:5; Exodus 22:6; Exodus 22:12; Job 20:18; Acts 3:21. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'returning or restoring to a person some thing or right of which he has been unjustly deprived; as the restitution of ancient rights to the crown. Restitution is made by restoring a specific thing taken away or lost. 2. the act of making good, or of giving an equivalent for any loss, damage or injury; indemnification. He restitution to the value makes. 3. the act of recovering a former state or posture. Unusual. Restitution of all things, the putting the world in a holy and happy state. Acts 3.'. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'Job 20:10,18. the repairing of wrongs done, and the restoring of what one has wrongfully taken from another, are strictly enjoined in Scripture, and are a necessary evidence of true repentance, Ex 22:1-15; Ne 5:1-13; Lu 19:8. Restoration should be perfect and just; replacing, so far as possible, all that has been taken, with interest, Le 6:1-6; 24:21. In Ac 3:21, the time of the "restitution of all things," is the time when Christ shall appear in his glory, and establish his kingdom as foretold in the Scriptures.'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides links for the word restitution as: 'To be made for injury to life, limb, or property: Ex 21:30-36; Le 24:18. Tobe made for theft: Ex 22:1-4; Pr 6:30-31; Eze 33:15. Tobe made for dishonesty: Le 6:2-5; Nu 5:7; Job 20:18; Eze 33:15; Lu 19:8'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides links for the word restitution as: 'Enjoined: Ex 22:3; Le 6:4; Pr 6:31; Eze 33:15. Examples of: 1Ki 20:34; 2Ki 8:6; Ne 5:12; Lu 19:8'.

Please see the note for Romans 16:25-27 which gives links to every place in the New Testament that uses any form of the word world and provides the definition from Webster's 1828 . Please also see the notes for 1Timothy 1:15; 2Timothy C1S5; 1Corinthians C1S19 and World in 1John about the word world. The functional definition is: 'The world is not the earth but is all of the people in the earth and often is used for the majority opinion / thought process. that opinion / thought process is the result of lost people thinking that they know better than God does and believe Satan's lie'. Please also see the note for John 9:5 about the phrase light of the world. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:21; Acts 11:28; Acts 15:18; Acts 17:6; Acts 17:24; Acts 17:31; Acts 19:27; Acts 24:5.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Repent. Ac 2:38; 11:18; 2Ti 2:25 exp: Eze 14:6; Mt 3:2; 4:17; Ac 8:22; 26:20. be. Ac 11:21; 15:3; 26:18-20; 28:27; Ps 51:13; Isa 1:16-20; 6:10; 55:6-7; Jer 31:18-20; La 3:40; 5:21; Eze 18:30-32; Da 9:13; Ho 14:2; Joe 2:13; Mt 13:15; 18:3; Lu 1:16; Jas 4:7-10; 5:19-20; 1Pe 2:25 that. De 4:29-31; 1Ki 8:48-50; Ps 32:1-5; 51:1-3,9; 103:12; Isa 1:16-18; 43:25; 44:22; Jer 31:33-34; 50:20; Mic 7:18-19; Re 21:4 exp: Lu 24:47. when. Ac 3:21; 1:6; 17:26; Ps 72:6-19; 98; Isa 2:1-3; 49:10-22; 51:11; 52:1-10; 54:1-14; 60; 61:3,9-11; 62:1-5; 65:17-25; 66:10-14,18-22; Jer 31:22-26; 32:37-41; 33:15-26; Eze 34:23-31; 37:21-28; 39:25-29; Ho 2:19-23; Joe 3:16-21; Am 9:13-15; Mic 7:14-15; Zep 3:14-20; Zec 8:20-23; Ro 11:25; 2Th 1:7,10; 2Pe 3:8 exp: Eze 18:27. General references. exp: Lu 5:32; Joh 16:9.
General references. Ac 17:31; Mt 16:27; 24:3,30-36; Mr 13:26,30-37; Lu 19:11; 21:27; 2Th 2:2,8; Heb 9:28; Re 1:7; 19:11-16
the heaven. Ac 1:11 the times. Ac 3:19; Isa 1:26; Mal 3:3-4; 4:5-6; Mt 17:11-12; Mr 9:11-13 holy. Ac 10:43; Lu 1:70; 2Pe 1:21; 3:2; Re 18:20; 22:6'.

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C3-S18 (Verse 22) the scriptural basis which Peter uses.

First Step: Reference scripture.

For Moses truly said unto the fathers,
A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren,
like unto me;.

Second Step: the command of scripture.

him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

The First Step references Deuteronomy18:15-19. Acts 7:37 also references the prophecy. The next sentence, in this chapter, continues the reference.

This prophecy, by Moses, was understood, by the Jews, to refer to Messiah / Christ. And, as seen clearly in the Second Step, the Jews were commanded to personally (ye) hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And, as we read the rest of this chapter, Peter clearly tells them to obey. The Biblical liars who claim that the person who makes a profession while continuing to live a life of sin are claiming something opposite of what Peter preaches in his first two reported messages.

This verse quotes Deuteronomy 18:15 for the prophecy by Moses. In Isaiah 55:3-4 God attaches the everlasting covenant to this prophet that Moses talked about. The Jews understood this. That's why they were looking for that prophet (John 1:21, John 1:25; John 6:14). In Matthew 17 and Mark 9 and Luke 9 we see the Mount of Transfiguration where Moses and Elias came and honored Jesus as that prophet. They listened to Him, as God instructed in Deuteronomy 18:15.

in this quote we have the true commandment from God concerning our relationship to Christ. That is: him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. Or, said more simply, 'Trust and obey Christ and not anyone that tries to take His place'. This commandment came from God the Father who was speaking in all of His power and authority as Lord. This is a commandment on the level of Law and we will be judged according to how we obey it at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10; 2Corinthians 5:10-11).

Please see the note for Hebrews 3:1 about Moses. The functional definition for this word is: 'While this name is often used for the physical man, it is also used in the Bible to refer to the Law that God gave to His people through the man. In the New Testament, the Law for the saved comes from the Lord Jesus Christ'. Moses is referenced, in this book, in: Ac 3:22; Acts 6:11; Acts 6:14; Acts 7:20; Acts 7:22; Acts 7:29; Acts 7:31; Acts 7:32; Acts 7:35; Acts 7:37; Acts 7:40; Acts 7:44; Acts 13:39; Acts 15:1; Acts 15:5; Acts 15:21; Acts 21:21; Acts 26:22; Acts 28:23.

Please see the note for Hebrews 1:5 about the word father. The functional definition for this word is: 'the man who passes his character to the son'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S14 and Galatians C3-S7 about the word hear. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Perceiving by the ear. This word is often used symbolically for hearing the spiritual message of the word of God, as sound. 1. Listening to; attending to; obeying; observing what is commanded. 2. Attending to witnesses or advocates in a judicial trial; trying'. Please pay attention to the word 'obey' within this definition. That is what most people refuse to do when the Bible says that they do not hear. Please also see the note for James 2:5 about the word hearken. Please also see the note for Mark 4:9 about the phrase He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Moses. Ac 7:37; De 18:15-19 A prophet. Lu 13:33; 24:19; Joh 8:12; 12:46; Re 1:1 exp: De 18:15; Mt 13:57; Mr 6:15; Ac 7:37. of your. Ro 8:3; 9:5; Ga 4:4; Heb 2:9-17 like. De 18:18 him. Isa 55:3-4; Mt 17:4-5; Mr 9:4-7; Lu 9:30-35; Joh 1:17; 5:24,39-47; Heb 1:1-2; 2:1; 5:9 General references. exp: De 18:19; Ho 12:13; Mt 11:13.'.

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C3-S19 (Verse 23) People who refuse to listen and obey Jesus will be destroyed.

And it shall come to pass,
that every soul,
which will not hear that prophet,
shall be destroyed from among the people.

This sentence references Deuteronomy18:19. The Jews clearly understood that this scriptural quote also demanded obedience. Only devil motivated liars claim that people can make a profession with no obedience and expect to go to Heaven.

The word destroyed has two applications and was deliberately used instead of damned. The lost person who refuses to obey will be damned to Hell and the lake of fire. The saved person who refuses to obey will be destroyed by punishment in this world and at the judgment seat of Christ with God not wiping away their tears until after the great white throne judgment.

Please see the notes for Romans C13S1 and Psalms 119:20 about the word soul. The functional definition for this word is: 'The long-term result of the short-term actions of our heart in deciding how we will think, how we will act emotionally to circumstances of life and how we will decide the issues of life'. Please also see the note for James 1:21 about the phrase save your soul.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S22 and 1Corinthians C3S17 about the word destroy. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines as: 'v.t. L. to pile, to build. 1. to demolish; to pull down; to separate the parts of an edifice, the union of which is necessary to constitute the thing; as, to destroy a house or temple; to destroy a fortification. 2. to ruin; to annihilate a thing by demolishing or by burning; as, to destroy a city. 3. to ruin; to bring to naught; to annihilate; as, to destroy a theory or scheme; to destroy a government; to destroy influence. 4. to lay waste; to make desolate. Go up against this land, and destroy it. Is. 36. 5. to kill; to slay; to extirpate; applied to men or other animals. Ye shall destroy all this people. Num. 32. All the wicked will he destroy. Ps. 145. 6. to take away; to cause to cease; to put an end to; as, pain destroys happiness. that the body of sin might be destroyed. Rom 6. 7. to kill; to eat; to devour; to consume. Birds destroy insects. Hawks destroy chickens. 8. In general, to put an end to; to annihilate a thing or the form in which it exists. An army is destroyed by slaughter, capture or dispersion; a forest, by the ax, or by fire; towns, by fire or inundation, etc. 9. In chimistry, to resolve a body into its parts or elements'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 10:10 about the word destroyer. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Ac 3:23; Acts 6:14; Acts 9:21; Acts 13:19; Acts 19:27.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'that every. Ac 13:38-41; De 18:19; Mr 16:16; Joh 3:18-20; 8:24; 12:48; 2Th 1:7-9; Heb 2:3; 10:28-30,39; 12:25; Re 13:8; 20:15 General references. exp: Le 26:14; De 18:19; Ho 12:13; Mt 11:13.'.

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C3-S20 (Verse 24) All of the Old Testament prophets foretold of the new Testament.

Yea,
and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after,
as many as have spoken,
have likewise foretold of these days.

God had told His people about the change He would make and God did so several times before it happened. Therefore, they should have expected what was happening.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C4S16 about the word follow. The functional definition for this word is: 'To go after or behind; to walk, ride or move behind, but in the same direction. Soldiers will usually follow a brave officer'. Please also see the note for Romans C14S25 about the phrase follow after. Please also see the note for Mark 2:14 about the phrase follow me. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:24; Acts 12:8; Acts 12:9; Acts 13:43; Acts 16:17; Acts 21:1; Acts 21:18; Acts 21:36; Acts 23:11.

Please see the note for Mark 4:16-17 about the word likewise. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. like and wise. In like manner; also; moreover; too. forhe seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. Ps. 49'. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:5-8 about the word likeness.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'and all. Ac 3:19,21; Ro 3:21 exp: Lu 24:27. Samuel. Ac 13:20; 1Sa 2:18; 3:1,20; Ps 99:6; Jer 15:1 exp: Heb 11:32. General references. exp: Ge 20:17; Mt 11:13.'.

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C3-S21 (Verse 25) . God had used the prophets to tell the Jews of their heritage.

Ye are the children of the prophets,
and of the covenant which God made with our fathers,
saying unto Abraham,
And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

The phrases of our sentence can be considered as:

The phrase Ye are the children of the prophets means: 'Each and every one of them personally could claim that God's prophets were part of the ancestors of their people'.
The phrase and of the covenant which God made with our fathers means: 'In addition, the spiritual contract that God made with the Jews extended to them'.
The phrase saying unto Abraham means: 'God said this to Abraham, who was an ancestor to all Jews'.
The phrase And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed means: 'This promise is usually applied to Jesus Christ However, since the first church was composed of all Jews, and since they spread the Gospel to the Gentiles, this promise is also applied to the saved Jews who were member5s of the Jerusalem Church'.

At the time that Peter gave this message, only the Jews knew the word of God and what was reported in it that the prophets told men. Notice that our next sentences starts with the phrase Unto you first. Yes, God gave salvation to the Jews first, but God intended to use the Jews to extent salvation unto all the kindreds of the earth. Just like God expected the Jews to obey and take His Gospel to all nations, even so does God expect the saved of today to do the same. And, even as God judged the Jerusalem Church for failure to do so, so also do we see God judge churches of Today who stop spreading the Gospel.

Several times in this message Peter said that the truly saved need to have a God-caused change in their life so that they can properly represent God to other men. Our doing God's will is how, in us, shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

Please see the note for Galatians C4-S1 about the word child. The functional definition for this word is: 'Someone who has less physical or spiritual maturity than the speaker. This word has considerable latitude of meaning in Scripture. Thus, Joseph is called a child at the time when he was probably about sixteen years of age (Ge 37:3); and Benjamin is so called when he was above thirty years (Ge 44:20)'.. Please also see the note for Galatians C3S9 about the phrase children of Abraham. The functional definition is: 'The Jews claimed to be children of Abraham but Jesus said that the true children of Abraham would have his faith'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:7-8 about the phrase children of Israel. Please also see the note for Romans C8S14; God in Romans : Romans C4S12 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase children of God. Please also see the note for Galatians 4:19-20 about the phrase my little children. Please also see the note for Mark 2:19 about the phrase children of the bridechamber. Please also see the note for Colossians 3:8 about the phrase children of disobedience. The functional definition is: 'Saved people who live a life of disobedience to God'. Please also see the note for Colossians 3:8 about the phrase children of wrath.

Please see the note for Galatians C3-S16 about the word covenant. The functional definition for this word is: 'A mutual consent or agreement of two or more persons, to do or to forbear some act or thing; a spiritual contract'. Please also see the note for Romans C1S16 about the phrase covenant breakers. Please also see the note for Hebrews 9:15 about the phrase testament, new / new covenant. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:25; Acts 7:8.

Please see the note for Hebrews 1:5 about the word father. The functional definition for this word is: 'the man who passes his character to the son'.

Please see the note for Galatians C3-S17 about the word seed. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. 1. the substance, animal or vegetable, which nature prepares for the reproduction and conservation of the species. the seeds of plants are a deciduous part, containing the rudiments of a new vegetable. In some cases, the seeds constitute the fruit or valuable part of plants, as in the case of wheat and other esculent grain; sometimes the seeds are inclosed in fruit, as in apples and melons. When applied to animal matter, it has no plural. 2. that from which anything springs; first principle; original; as the seeds of virtue or vice. 3. Principle of production. Praise of great acts he scatters as a seed. Waller. 4. Progeny; offspring; children; descendants; as the seed of Abraham; the seed of David. in this sense, the word is applied to one person, or to any number collectively, and admits of the plural form; but rarely used in the plural. 5. Race; generation; birth. Of mortal seed they were not held. Waller.
SEED, v. i. 1. to grow to maturity, so as to produce seed. Maiz will not seed in a cool climate. 2. to shed the seed.
SEED, v. t. to sow; to sprinkle with seed, which germinates and takes root'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:25; Acts 7:5; Acts 7:6; Acts 13:23.

Please see the note for Luke 1:61 about the word kindred. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. from kin, kind. 1. Relation by birth; consanguinity. Like her, of equal kindred to the throne. 2. Relation by marriage; affinity. 3. Relatives by blood or marriage, more properly the former. thou shalt go unto my country and to my kindred. Gen.26. 4. Relation; suit; connection in kind.
KIN'DRED, a. Related; congenial; of the like nature or properties; as kindred souls; kindred skies'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:25; Acts 4:6; Acts 7:3; Acts 7:13; Acts 7:14; Acts 7:19.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 5:1 and Philippians 2:9-11 about the word earth. The functional definition for this word is: 'All of this physical world including the influence it has on us. At times, the application o0f this word, will focus on only part of the whole'. Please also see the note for Luke 21:10-11 about the word earthquake. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:7 about the word earthen. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word earthly. Please also see the note for Revelation 10:11-LJC about the phrase kings of the earth.

Please see the notes for Galatians C3-S10 about the word bless. The functional definition for this word is: 'receiving, or wishing another to receive, the spiritual good from God which produces spiritual joy even while it might make us less happy in the flesh'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:25; Acts 3:26; Acts 20:35.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the children. Ac 2:39; 13:26; Ge 20:7; 27:36-40; 48:14-20; 49; Ps 105:8-15; Mt 3:9-10 exp: Mt 8:12. The covenant. Ge 17:9-10,19; 1Ch 16:17; Ne 9:8; Lu 1:72; Ro 9:4-5; 15:8; Ga 3:29 And in. Ge 12:3; 18:18; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14; Ro 4:13; Ga 3:8,16 all. Ps 22:27; 96:7; Re 5:9; 7:9; 14:6 exp: 2Co 1:20. General references. exp: Mic 7:20; Ga 4:28.'.

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C3-S22 (Verse 26) the Gospel was given to the Jews first so that they would turn away every one of you from his iniquities and then take the Gospel to all nations.

Unto you first God,
having raised up his Son Jesus,
sent him to bless you,
in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

This verse clearly, and doctrinally, declares Jesus to be the Son of God. Jesus is the Son of God in human flesh. However, there is more here. Not only does this verse tell us that Jesus is the Son of God, but it also tells us that God the Father raised Him from the dead. Jesus is the only person ever raised from the dead without God working through a man to do so.

Next, our verse tells us that God raised Him for our benefit and to bless us. However, that blessing is in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. If we refuse to turn away from our own iniquities ('lifestyle sins'), then we are rejecting, or abusing, God's blessings.

Please see the note for James 1:10 about the word away. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Absent; at a distance; as, the master is away from home. Have me away, for I am wounded. 2Chron. 35. 2. It is much used with words signifying moving or going from; as, go away, send away, run away, etc.; all signifying departure, or separation to a distance. Sometimes without the verb; as, whither away so fast. Love hath wings and will away. 3. As an exclamation, it is a command or invitation to depart; away, that is, be gone, or let us go. "Away with him." Take him away. 4. With verbs, it serves to modify their sense and form peculiar phrases; as, to throw away, to cast from, to give up, dissipate or foolishly destroy. to trifle away, to lose or expend in trifles, or in idleness. to drink away, to squander away, etc., to dissipate in drinking or extravagance. to make away, is to kill or destroy. 5. Away with has a peculiar signification in the phrase, "I cannot away with it." Isa. 1. the sense is, "I cannot bear or endure it."'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S19 about the phrase cast away. Please also see the note for Romans C11S1 about the phrase God will not cast away his people. Please also see the note for John 6:67 about the phrase go away. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:17 about the phrase passed away. Please also see the note for Matthew 19:3 about the phrase put away. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:26; Acts 5:37; Acts 7:27; Acts 7:43; Acts 8:33; Acts 8:39; Acts 10:23; Acts 13:3; Acts 13:8; Acts 17:10; Acts 17:14; Acts 19:26; Acts 20:6; Acts 20:30; Acts 21:36; Acts 22:16; Acts 22:22; Acts 24:7; Acts 27:20.

Please see the note for James 6:6 about the word iniquity. The functional definition for this word is: 'ongoing lifestyle sins'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 1:18; Acts 3:26; Acts 8:23.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'first. Ac 1:8; 13:26,32-33,46-47; 18:4-6; 26:20; 28:23-28; Mt 10:5-6; Lu 24:47; Ro 2:9-10; Re 7:4-9 having. Ac 3:15,22 sent. Ac 3:20,25; Ps 67:6-7; 72:17; Lu 2:10-11; Ro 15:29; Ga 3:9-14; Eph 1:3; 1Pe 1:3; 3:9 in. Isa 59:20-21; Jer 32:38-41; 33:8-9; Eze 11:19-20; 36:25-29; Mt 1:21; Eph 5:26-27; Tit 2:11-14; 1Jo 3:5-8; Jude 1:24 General references. exp: Mic 7:20; Lu 5:32; Ac 13:30.'.

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Acts Chapter 4

Chapter theme is: the Reaction to the Gospel Being Given.

links to sentences in this chapter:

C4-S1 (Verse 1-2), C4-S2 (Verse 3), C4-S3 (Verse 4), C4-S4 (Verse 5-6), C4-S5 (Verse 7), C4-S6 (Verse 8-10), C4-S7 (Verse 11), C4-S8 (Verse 12), C4-S9 (Verse 13), C4-S10 (Verse 14), C4-S11 (Verse 15-16), C4-S12 (Verse 16), C4-S13 (Verse 17), C4-S14 (Verse 18), C4-S15 (Verse 19), C4-S16 (Verse 20), C4-S17 (Verse 21), C4-S18 (Verse 22), C4-S19 (Verse 23), C4-S20 (Verse 24-25), C4-S21 (Verse 26), C4-S22 (Verse 27-28), C4-S23 (Verse 29-30), C4-S24 (Verse 31), C4-S25 (Verse 32), C4-S26 (Verse 33), C4-S27 (Verse 34-35), C4-S28 (Verse 36-37)'.

In Acts 4:1-7, the religious leaders sent their guards to arrest Peter and John and bring them to the religious leaders to answer why they did a miracle and preached the Gospel.

In Acts 4:8-12, Peter preached to the religious leaders.

In Acts 4:13-17, the religious leaders decided how to react.

In Acts 4:18, the religious leaders commanded Peter and John to never preach in the name of Jesus Christ again.

Acts 4:19-20 says But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. Forwe cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Acts 4:21-22 says So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. Forthe man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. Religious people might want to deny the power of God. But, when there are many witnesses, they can not do so wit6hout proving themselves to be liars.

Acts 4:23-31 tells us the immediate reaction by the church.

Acts 4:32-37 tells us the long-term reaction by the church.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides a chapter outline as:

1-2. the rulers of the Jews, offended with Peter's sermon,
3-4. imprison him and John.
5-12. After, upon examination Peter boldly avouching the lame man to be healed by the name of Jesus, and that by the same Jesus only we must be eternally saved,
13-22. they command him and John to preach no more in that name, adding also threatening;
23-30. whereupon the church flees to prayer.
31-37. And God, by moving the place where they were assembled, testifies that he heard their prayer; confirming the church with the gift of the Holy Ghost, and with mutual love and charity.'.
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C4-S1 (Verse 1-2) the religious leaders tried to stop Peter and John from preaching the truth.

And as they spake unto the people,
the priests,
and the captain of the temple,
and the Sadducees,
came upon them,
Being grieved that they taught the people,
and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

Notice that we have people mentioned here who disagreed about doctrine but who joined together to fight against the truth. The Sadducees disagreed about doctrine of resurrection from the dead. The priests had no objection to the doctrine of resurrection, but, because of their religious leaders, they objected to taught the people, and preached through Jesus. The captain of the temple objected to anything which upset the religious leaders. So, we have three different groups of political opinion which gathered together, as quickly as they could, and went to stop the preaching of the Gospel.

Next, notice that all of these people were grieved by Peter and John telling the truth. In addition, as we read further on in the chapter, they were grieved by the presence of the lame man who was healed because t6he miracle proved that they had the power of God backing their message. Such miracles were the signs that the Jews had been taught to look for by the religious leaders who now objected to the God-backed truth. It is hard to get people to believe a religious lie which disputes such evidence when the lie had nothing to back it.

All of the verses and notes for Acts 3 and Acts 4 should be considered together as they all are section of a single account within Acts. The notes for Acts 3 deal with Peter's message which resulted in more souls being saved than were saved at Pentecost. Acts 4 deals with the reaction of the religious leadership to the obvious working of God.

Basically, they realized that their personal power and authority were going to be diminished because they had stolen the power and authority of God for their own personal use. Since they had control of the religion and insisted that God could only work through the religion, people believed that God only spoke through them. When God made it obvious that He could go around them, they became upset and killed Jesus. They thought they had forced God to submit to them and are upset By this second obvious display of God's power which proves that they did not forced God to submit to them. Pentecost they could pass off as a one-time fluke. This second display of God's power could not be dismissed and was an obvious challenge to their stolen authority.

As the account progresses through Acts, we see these religious leaders becoming more and more violent while they provide God undeniable evidence of their heart's condition. 2Corinthians 2:15-16 tells us For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? this type of God's work is what we see started here in Acts 4 and what we see repeated in the lives of true Biblical Christians since then. God allows His people to suffer so that He can give His people eternal rewards for allowing Him to use their life. He also gets the evidence that He will use at the Great White throne judgment to condemn the other people who mistreat His people when His people are delivering His message. With this overall perspective, we can properly appreciate what happens in the detailed verses.

Acts 4:2 tells about the reaction of the religious Jewish leaders to Peter's second recorded message in Act 3. As noted for verses in the end of Acts 3, this crippled man attracted a crowd that was probably included everyone in the Temple at that time. Pentecost was one thing. Only 3, 000 got saved then and it was a festival, so people could be forgiven for acting a little crazy. However, about 5,000 were saved and this wasn't a holiday. Now, the Jewish leaders became concerned about their position, especially with what Peter and John were preaching. In their arrogance and pride they had violated their laws to murder Jesus and now there were several thousand Jews believing that Jesus was the promised Christ. If enough people became convinced of this, they not only would loose their favored positions, but they would probably be stoned to death. So, yes, they were grieved in that they were afraid for their own lives and position.

Next, they were grieved because they were the religious authorities of the day and they couldn't argue against the resurrection. In Acts 23 Paul was also brought before the council of the Temple. While the individual members were probably changed to some extent, the groups were the same. Paul used the dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees (Acts 23:7) that arose For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both (Acts 23:8). Just as there was a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees about the resurrection recorded in Acts 23, there would also have been a dissension in the council faced by Peter and John in our current verse. It said 'the priests...and the Sadducees, came upon them and these would have been the two sides of this dissension.

While they had a dissension about the resurrection, they were united in their desire to end this preaching about Jesus. If it continued, then they could loose all of their respect and be treated as dangerous religious outcasts. All of the danger that these unlearned and ignorant men presented was directly linked to their claiming that the man Jesus was raised from the dead because that was a known sign that Jesus was the Christ. The real problem that they had was that they knew they were trying to cover up the truth and pass off a lie. They knew that they had paid the Roman soldiers to support their lie. However, they also knew that the people saw it as an obvious lie. Also, they had no cover for the many dead who had rose with Jesus and had witnessed in Jerusalem. Further, all off these things were just starting to fade from peoples' memories (it was a little more than 40 days) and the Jewish religious leaders didn't want to refresh the peoples' memories. So as much as they wanted to hurt or kill the apostles, they didn't dare.

Please see the note for Hebrews 4:14 about the word priest. The functional definition for this word is: 'One who represents men before God'. Please also see the note for Mark 14:63 about the phrase high priest.

Please see the note for Luke 22:4 about the word captain. The functional definition for this word is: 'the man who goes with a military or police force and is in charge of them'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:1; Acts 5:24; Acts 5:26; Acts 21:31; Acts 21:32; Acts 21:33; Acts 21:37; Acts 22:24; Acts 22:26; Acts 22:27; Acts 22:28; Acts 22:29; Acts 23:10; Acts 23:15; Acts 23:17; Acts 23:18; Acts 23:19; Acts 23:22; Acts 24:7; Acts 24:22; Acts 25:23; Acts 28:16.

Please see the note for Luke 20:27-28 about the word Sadducees. The functional definition for this word is: '(followers of Zadok), Mt 3:7; 16:1,6,11-12; 22:23,31; Mr 12:18; Lu 20:27; Ac 4:1; 5:17; 23:6-7,8. a religious party or school among the Jews at the time of Christ, who denied that the oral law was a revelation of God to the Israelites. and who deemed the written law alone to be obligatory on the nation, as of divine authority. Except on one occasion. Mt 16:1,4,6. They also denied the resurrection from the dead'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:1; Acts; Ac 5:17; Acts 23:6; Acts 23:7; Acts 23:8.

Please see the note for Romans 14:15 about the word grieve. The functional definition for this word is: 'To give pain of mind to; to afflict; to wound the feelings. Nothing grieves a parent like the conduct of a profligate child'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S27 about the word teach / taught. The functional definition for this word is: 'To instruct; to inform; to communicate to another the knowledge of that of which he was before ignorant'. The word taught is the past-tense form of the word teach. Please also see the note for John 3:2 about the word teacher. Please also see the Study called False things According to the Bible about 'false teachers'.

Please see the note for 1Peter C1S2 about the word resurrection. The functional definition for this word is: 'returned to live from the dead by the power of God'. Please also see the Prophecies and Prophecy Fulfilled Sections for Bible references to resurrection. Please also see the note for Romans C8S11 about the phrase resurrection of Jesus. Please also see the note for Romans C8S11 about the phrase resurrection of Christ. Please see the Appearances of Jesus Christ After the Resurrection Section within the Time Sequence of Gospel Events Study.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the priests. Ac 4:6; 6:7,12; Mt 26:3-4; 27:1-2,20,41; Joh 15:20; 18:3 the captain. or, the ruler. Ac 5:24,26; 2Ch 23:4-9; Lu 22:4 the Sadducees. Ac 23:6-9; Mt 16:12; 22:16,23-24 exp: Lu 20:27. General references. exp: Jer 26:7; Ac 23:8.
grieved. Ac 5:17; 13:45; 19:23; Ne 2:10; Joh 11:47-48 exp: Ex 1:12. preached. Ac 10:40-43; 17:18,31-32; 24:14-15,21; 26:8,23; Ro 8:11; 1Co 15:12-20,23; 2Co 4:13-14; 1Th 4:13-14 General references. exp: Jer 26:7; Ac 26:8.'.

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C4-S2 (Verse 3) Peter and John were forcibly arrested.

Equivalent Section: Peter and John were forced into their jail.

And they laid hands on them,
and put them in hold unto the next day:.

Equivalent Section: Here's why.

for it was now eventide.

The guards and others arrested Peter and John to try and keep them from telling the truth. Our next sentence tells us that they were too late to keep God from giving the truth to many people. Acts 3:1 told us Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And, our current sentence says it was now eventide. I believe that difference is three hours. Therefore, Peter and John had plenty of time to preach the Gospel and our next sentence tells us the result.

Since the religious leaders were, obviously, too late to prevent the preaching, is seems obvious that they did this to try and frighten Peter and John into not saying anything more. However, as sentences further in the chapter tell us, their plan did not work.

The word held is the past-tense form of the word hold. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. pret.held; pp. held. Holden is obsolete in elegant writing. Gr. to hold or restrain; Heb. to hold or contain. 1. to stop; to confine; to restrain from escape; to keep fast; to retain. It rarely or never signifies the first act of seizing or falling on, but the act of retaining a thing when seized or confined. to grasp, is to seize, or to keep fast in the hand; hold coincides with grasp in the latter sense, but not in the former. We hold a horse by means of a bridle. An anchor holds a ship in her station. 2. to embrace and confine, with bearing or lifting. We hold an orange in the hand, or a child in the arms. 3. to connect; to keep from separation. The loops held one curtain to another. Ex.36. 4. to maintain, as an opinion. He holds the doctrine of justification by free grace. 5. to consider; to regard; to think; to judge, that is, to have in the mind. I hold him but a fool. The Lord will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his name in vain. Ex.20. 6. to contain, or to have capacity to receive and contain. Here is an empty basket that holds two bushels. this empty cask holds thirty gallons. the church holds two thousand people. 7. to retain within itself; to keep from running or flowing out. A vessel with holes in its bottom will not hold fluids. They have hewed them out broken cisterns that can hold no water. Jer.2. 8. to defend; to keep possession; to maintain. We mean to hold what anciently we claim Of empire. 9. to have; as, to hold a place, office or title. 10. to have or possess by title; as,he held his lands of the king. the estate is held by copy of court-roll. 11. to refrain; to stop; to restrain; to withhold. Hold your laughter. Hold your tongue. Death! what do'st? O, hold thy blow. 12. to keep; as, hold your peace. 13. to fix; to confine; to compel to observe or fulfill; as, to hold one to his promise. 14. to confine; to restrain from motion. The Most High--held still the flood till they had passed. 2 Esdras. 15. to confine; to bind; in a legal or moral sense. He is held to perform his covenants. 16. to maintain; to retain; to continue. But still he held his purpose to depart. 17. to keep in continuance or practice. And Night and Chaos, ancestors of nature, hold Eternal anarchy. 18. to continue; to keep; to prosecute or carry on. Seed-time and harvest,heat and hoary-frost, Shall hold their course. 19. to have in session; as, to hold a court or parliament; to hold a council. 20. to celebrate; to solemnize; as, to hold a feast. 21. to maintain; to sustain; to have in use or exercise; as, to hold an argument or debate. 22. to sustain; to support. Thy right hand shall hold me. Ps.139. 23. to carry; to wield. They all hold swords, being expert in war. Cant.3. 24. to maintain; to observe in practice. Ye hold the traditions of men. Mark 7. 25. to last; to endure. the provisions will hold us, till we arrive in port. So we say, the provisions will last us; but the phrase is elliptical for will hold or last for us, the verb being intransitive. Tohold forth, to offer; to exhibit; to propose. Observe the connection of ideas in the propositions which books hold forth and pretend to teach. 1. to reach forth; to put forward to view. Tohold in, to restrain; to curb; to govern by the bridle. 1. to restrain in general; to check; to repress. Tohold off, to keep at a distance. Tohold on, to continue or proceed in; as, to hold on a course. Tohold out, to extend; to stretch forth. The king held out to Esther the golden scepter.Esther 5. 1. to propose; to offer. Fortune holds out these to you as rewards. 2. to continue to do or suffer. He cannot long hold out these pangs. Not used. Tohold up, to raise; as, hold up your head. 1. to sustain; to support. He holds himself up in virtue. 2. to retain; to withhold. 3. to offer; to exhibit. He held up to view the prospect of gain. 4. to sustain; to keep from falling. Tohold one's own, to keep good one's present condition; not to fall off, or to lose ground. In seamen's language, a ship holds her own, when she sails as fast as another ship, or keeps her course. Tohold, is used by the Irish, for to lay, as a bet, to wager. I hold a crown, or a dollar; but this is a vulgar use of the word.
HOLD, v.i. to be true; not to fail; to stand, as a fact or truth. this is a sound argument in many cases, but does not hold in the case under consideration. The rule holds in lands as well as in other things. in this application, we often say, to hold true, to hold good. the argument holds good in both cases. this holds true in most cases. 1. to continue unbroken or unsubdued. Our force by land hath nobly held. Little used. 2. to last; to endure. We now say, to hold out. 3. to continue. While our obedience holds. 4. to be fast; to be firm; not to give way, or part. the rope is strong; I believe it will hold. the anchor holds well. 5. to refrain. His dauntless heart would fain have held From weeping. 6. to stick or adhere. the plaster will not hold. Tohold forth, to speak in public; to harangue; to preach; to proclaim. Tohold in, to restrain one's self. He was tempted to laugh; he could hardly hold in. 1. to continue in good luck. Unusual. Tohold off, to keep at a distance; to avoid connection. Tohold of, to be dependent on; to derive title from. My crown is absolute and holds of none. Tohold on, to continue; not to be interrupted. The trade held on many years. 1. to keep fast hold; to cling to. 2. to proceed in a course. Job 17. Tohold out, to last; to endure; to continue. A consumptive constitution may hold out a few years. He will accomplish the work, if his strength holds out. 1. Not to yield; not to surrender; not to be subdued. The garrison still held out. Tohold to, to cling or cleave to; to adhere. Else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Matt.6. Tohold under, or from, to have title from; as petty barons holding under the greater barons. Tohold with, to adhere to; to side with; to stand up for.hold plow, to direct or steer a plow by the hands, in tillage. Tohold together, to be joined; not to separate; to remain in union. Tohold up, to support one's self; as, to hold up under misfortunes. 1. to cease raining; to cease, as falling weather; used impersonally. It holds up; it will hold up. 2. to continue the same speed; to run or move fast. But we now say, to keep up. Tohold a wager, to lay, to stake or to hazard a wager. Hold, used imperatively, signifies stop; cease; forbear; be still.
HOLD, n. A grasp with the hand; an embrace with the arms; any act or exertion of the strength or limbs which keeps a thing fast and prevents escape. Keep your hold; never quit your hold. It is much used after the verbs to take, and to lay; to take hold, or to lay hold, is to seize. It is used in a literal sense; as to take hold with the hands, with the arms, or with the teeth; or in a figurative sense.vSorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestine. Ex.15. Take fast hold of instruction. Prov.4. My soul took hold on thee. 1. Something which may be seized for support; that which supports. If a man be upon a high place, without a good hold, he is ready to fall. 2. Power of keeping. On your vigor now, My hold of this new kingdom all depends. 3. Power of seizing. The law hath yet another hold on you. 4. A prison; a place of confinement. They laid hands on them, and put them in hold till the next day. Acts.4. 5. Custody; safe keeping. King Richard, he is in the mighty hold Of Bolingbroke. 6. Power or influence operating on the mind; advantage that may be employed in directing or persuading another, or in governing his conduct. Fear--by which God and his laws take the surest hold of us. --Gives fortune no more hold of him than is necessary. 7. Lurking place; a place of security; as the hold of a wild beast. 8. A fortified place; a fort; a castle; often called a strong hold. Jer.51. 9. the whole interior cavity of a ship, between the floor and the lower deck. In a vessel of one deck, the whole interior space from the keel or floor to the deck. that part of the hold which lies abaft the main-mast is called the after-hold; that part immediately before the main-mast, the main-hold; that part about the fore-hatchway, the fore-hold. 10. In music, a mark directing the performer to rest on the note over which it is placed. It is called also a pause.'. Please see the note for Colossians 2:18-19 about the word hold. The functional definition for this word is: 'Stopping; confining; restraining; keeping; retaining; adhering; maintaining, etc'. Please also see the note for Luke 24:15 about the word holden. Please see the note for Luke 24:15 about the word holden.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'laid. Ac 5:18; 6:12; 8:3; 9:2; 12:1-3; 16:19-24; Mt 10:16-17; Lu 22:52,54; Joh 18:12 General references. exp: Jer 26:7; Ac 5:18.'.

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C4-S3 (Verse 4) they were too late to prevent people from being saved.

First Step: Many heard and were saved.

Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed;.

Second Step: this is the count of men.

and the number of the men was about five thousand.

Again, we see that in the culture of the Jews, during the time of the Gospel accounts and the time of the early church, they often counted only men. However, with the standard ration of women and children to men, it can reasonably be believed that up to fifteen thousand people (souls) were saved.

Regardless of the actual number, it was sufficient to cause the religious leaders to be very concerned, as the rest of out chapter tells us.

Please see the note for Matthew 17:21 about the word Howbeit. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. how, be, and it. Be it as it may; nevertheless; notwithstanding; yet; but; however'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:4; Acts 7:48; Acts 14:20; Acts 17:34; Acts 27:26; Acts 28:6.

The word heard is past-tense for the word hear. Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S14 and Galatians C3-S7 about the word hear. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Perceiving by the ear. This word is often used symbolically for hearing the spiritual message of the word of God, as sound. 1. Listening to; attending to; obeying; observing what is commanded. 2. Attending to witnesses or advocates in a judicial trial; trying'. Please pay attention to the word 'obey' within this definition. That is what most people refuse to do when the Bible says that they do not hear. Please also see the note for James 2:5 about the word hearken. Please also see the note for Mark 4:9 about the phrase He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S2 about the word word. The functional definition is: 'a single component part of human speech or language'. However, the word of God is the holy scriptures and in the English language, it is only the KJV-1611. Please also see the notes for Romans C10S22 and Word in 1John about the phrase word of God. Please also see the note for John 1:1 for an extensive note explaining the differences, and similarities, between the capitalized and the non-capitalized word word. When a Bible reference uses an uppercase word, it is referring to Jesus Christ. The uppercase makes this a formal name of the Son of God. However, while the exact definition is different, the properties are spiritually similar to the lowercase word. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 1:8 about the phrase word of the Lord. Please note that the word of the Lord is a sub-set of the word of God. the word of God contains all of God's written truth including recording the lies of Satan. The word of the Lord is that part of the word of God which will be used to judge us. The lies from Satan are not included within the word of the Lord.

Please see the notes for Romans C10S15; 1Corinthians C14S25 and Galatians C3-S8 about the word believe. The functional definition for this word is: 'To credit upon the authority or testimony of another; to be persuaded of the truth of something upon the declaration of another, or upon evidence furnished by reasons, arguments, and deductions of the mind, or by other circumstances, than personal knowledge. When we believe upon the authority of another, we always put confidence in his veracity. When we believe upon the authority of reasoning, arguments, or a concurrence of facts and circumstances, we rest our conclusions upon their strength or probability, their agreement with our own experience, etc. Tocredit upon the authority or testimony of another; to be persuaded of the truth of something upon the declaration of another, or upon evidence furnished by reasons, arguments, and deductions of the mind, or by other circumstances, than personal knowledge. When we believe upon the authority of another, we always put confidence in his veracity. When we believe upon the authority of reasoning, arguments, or a concurrence of facts and circumstances, we rest our conclusions upon their strength or probability, their agreement with our own experience, etc. true Biblical belief causes us to act upon that belief and any claimed belief that does not lead to matching action is a lie. Many people confuse faith and belief. Before people act, they have a belief but that belief does not turn into true faith until the people act upon it. Thus, we need to tell people the true gospel, which requires them to act upon their claimed belief'. Please also see the note for John 3:16 about the word believeth. The functional definition for this word is: 'a lifestyle belief. This is opposed to whay people call belief but what they have does not stay with them'. Please also see the notes for John 6:42 and John 12:40 about the phrase believe on / believe in. The functional definition for this word is: 'This identifies an ongoing spiritual relationship'. Please also see the notes for Romans 3:26-LJC and John 20:31-LJC about the phrase believe in Jesus / Christ. The functional definition for this word is: 'the start of a spiritual relationship with Jesus and / or Christ'. Please also see the note for John 8:30 about the phrase belief, non-saving. Please also see the note for Romans C10S15 about the phrase belief (true) changes life.

Please see the note for Matthew 10:30 about the word number. The functional definition for this word is: 'Used to count things Also used symbolically in the Bible'. That note is extensive and includes 'Numbers are used as Symbols' from the Morrish Bible Dictionary. Be very careful about the use of this information. Much doctrinal error and division has been caused in God's church by preachers claiming that the symbolicl meaning of numbers provided the single interpretation of the word of God and that the symbolic meaning actually corrected the word of God. All symbolic meanings provide the many applications, must be understood within the context where they are found, and can vary from one application to another. Be careful to not use these symbols beyond their God-given purpose.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'many. Ac 28:24; 2Co 2:14-17; Php 1:12-18; 2Ti 2:9-10 exp: Ps 40:3. The number. Ac 2:41; Ge 49:10; Isa 45:24; 53:12; Joh 12:24 General references. exp: Jer 26:7.'.

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C4-S4 (Verse 5-6) .

And it came to pass on the morrow,
that their rulers,
and elders,
and scribes,
And Annas the high priest,
and Caiaphas,
and John,
and Alexander,
and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest,
were gathered together at Jerusalem.

I can not write, for sure, who John, and Alexander were, but since they are named and only the high priests who led the council which judged Jesus, are also named, they must have been important at that time and in that society.

What we see here is that the volume was intended to intimidate Peter and John. However, since they now had God's indwelling Holy Ghost leading them, it did not work. We are commanded to fear the Lord and no one else. That is what we see Peter and John doing in this chapter.

Please see the note for Mark 11:12-13 about the word morrow. The functional definition for this word is: 'The day next after the present'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Ac 4:5; Acts 10:9; Acts 10:23; Acts 10:24; Acts 20:7; Acts 22:30; Acts 23:15; Acts 23:20; Acts 23:32; Acts 25:17; Acts 25:22; Acts 25:23.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:1 about the word elder. The functional definition for this word is: 'An older saved person within the church who has Godly wisdom and is accepted as a leader in the church even if he has no formal position within the church'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:5; Acts 4:8; Acts 4:23; Acts 6:12; Acts 11:30; Acts 14:23; Acts 15:2; Acts 15:4; Acts 15:6; Acts 15:22-23; Acts 16:4; Acts 20:17; Acts 21:18; Acts 22:5; Acts 23:14; Acts 24:1; Acts 25:15.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:20 about the word scribe. The functional definition for this word is: 'anciently held various important offices in the public affairs of the nation'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:5; Acts 6:12; Acts 23:9.

Please see the note for John 18:12-13 about Annas. That note has comments, from others, which explain why there were two high priests at that time. The functional definition for him is: 'Annas was high priest A.D. 7- 14'.

Caiaphas is named along with a comment from Easton's Bible Dictionary. The functional definition for this him is: 'The Jewish high priest who condemned Jesus'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 8:13-15 about the word gather. The functional definition for this word is: 'Collected; assembled; contracted; plaited; drawn by inference'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:6; Acts 4:26; Acts 4:27; Acts 12:12; Acts 14:27; Acts 15:30; Acts 16:10; Acts 17:5; Acts 20:8; Acts 28:3.

Please see the note for Galatians C1-S12 about Jerusalem. The functional definition for this word is: 'the central place of worship of the true God'. Several Bible dictionaries have quite large entries about Jerusalem because it is so important within the Bible and within world history outside of the Bible.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'on. Ac 5:20-21; Mic 2:1; Mt 27:1-2 rulers. Ac 4:8; 5:34; 6:12; Isa 1:10; Mr 15:1; Lu 20:1; 22:66; 24:20 exp: Ps 2:2. General references. exp: Jer 26:7; Lu 12:11.
Annas. Lu 3:2; Joh 11:49; 18:13-14,24 General references. exp: Jer 26:7; Lu 12:11.'.

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C4-S5 (Verse 7) the council set them in the midst to try and intimidate Peter and John.

And when they had set them in the midst,
they asked,
By what power,
or by what name,
have ye done this?.

Remember that they had put Peter and John in their hold all night and then made them wait until they gathered everyone from across Jerusalem. They also, undoubtedly also did not feed them and did other things which were intended to intimidate. However, under the guidance of God's Holy Ghost, all of their efforts failed.

Please see the note for John 20:19 about the word midst. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'The middle. there is nothing said or done in the midst of the play, which might not have been placed in the beginning. the phrase, in the midst, often signifies involved in, surrounded or overwhelmed by, or in the thickest part, or in the depths of; as in the midst of afflictions, troubles or cares; in the midst of our contemplations; in the midst of the battle; in the midst of pagan darkness and error; in the midst of Gospel light; in the midst of the ocean; in the midst of civil dissensions. From the midst, from the middle, or from among. Deut.18.
MIDST, adv. In the middle. On earth, join all ye creatures to extol Him first, Him last, Him midst, and without end'.

Please see the note for Matthew 7:7 about the word ask. The functional definition for this word is: 'To inquire, to seek for counsel, to request'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'when. Ac 5:27; 1Ki 21:12-14; Joh 8:3,9 By what power. Ex 2:14; Mt 21:23; Mr 11:28; Joh 2:18 by what name. Ac 4:10; 5:28,40 General references. exp: Lu 12:11.'.

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C4-S6 (Verse 8-10) the answer from God's Holy Ghost given through Peter.

First Step: Peter answers their question.

Then Peter,
filled with the Holy Ghost,
said unto them,
Ye rulers of the people,
and elders of Israel,
If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man,
by what means he is made whole;.

Second Step: Peter adds the Gospel message.

Be it known unto you all,
and to all the people of Israel,
that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
whom ye crucified,
whom God raised from the dead,
even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

Our sentence tells us the answer from God's Holy Ghost given through Peter. A summary level interpretation of this sentence is:

The phrase Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them means: 'Peter was the one talking but it was really God's Holy Ghost answering them. God's Holy Ghost used willing holy people, like we use a pen to write (2Peter 1:21). The pen puts down the ink but we do the writing. Likewise, God's people say the words but it is really God's Holy Ghost Who speaks.'.
The phrase Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel means: 'Peter is addressing each and every one of them (ye) personally. They will each personally have to answer to God for how they abused the power that God gave to them'.
The phrase If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole means: 'Peter is identifying the miracle done by God to show that their doctrine came from God. The religious leaders know this truth and can not deny it'.
The phrase Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth means: 'Peter answered their question. When they asked have ye done this?, they were asking about the miracle. Therefore, Peter answered about the miracle. When they asked By what power, or by what name?, they were asking about the true source of the power behind the miracle. Therefore, Peter answered about the source of the power behind the miracle when he said that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth...doth this man stand here before you whole. Peter did not claim the power for himself. He answered a direct question with a direct answer'.
The phrase whom ye crucified means: 'Peter included this to be very clear Whom had the power and to let them know their personal guilt before God'.
The phrase whom God raised from the dead means: 'Peter included this phrase to let them know that their actions were not final and to include this part of the Gospel message'.

Notice that Peter was filled with the Holy Ghost, which means this answer actually came from God. In Peter's answer we find:

He addressed those who challenged God's power and authority (Ye rulers of the people, and elders of israel). He addressed them each in a personal manner (Ye) and addressed them by the positions that God gave them.
God starts with If because it was possible for them to be examined and it was possible for them to not be examined. 1Samuel 8:7 tells us And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. We may shoot the messenger, but God knows that we are really rejecting His message. So those who examined Peter and John proved that they were rejecting God's message and those who didn't examine Peter and John didn't bring this condemnation upon themselves.
They were examined of the good deed which everyone knew was God's good deed. These religious leaders had a full time job which required them to let God work through their lives. They had the position but refused to do the job. As always happens in such cases, they became extremely irate when someone else did the job they were supposed to do. It also always causes an increased irate reaction when the person actually doing the job does it without getting paid. These leaders didn't really examine Peter and John of the good deed but they really examined them for showing the failure of the religious leaders who were not doing the job they were paid to do.
When Peter said If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole, he was ignoring why they were really being examined because by going along with the professed reason he was able to testify about God's grace and salvation.
When Peter said Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel he was giving them notice that their attempt to suppress the truth would fail.
When Peter said that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead he gave them the basic gospel and showed their sin to them. We can't get saved until after we recognize our need for a Saviour. By pointing out their sin, Peter was pointing out their need and giving them a chance to get saved.
When Peter said even by him doth this man stand here before you whole he was pointing out God's grace which is given as a free gift (John 4:10; Acts 8:20; Romans 6:23; 1Corinthians 7:7; Ephesians 2:8; 2Timothy 1:6). According to Jewish religious thinking, this impotent man had to be a really bad sinner. By pointing out that God gave him grace, Peter was implying that God would give grace to any sinner.
After telling the gospel and telling of God's grace, Peter uses the scriptures to point out their religious error when he says This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. This was a quote to Psalms 118:22-23 and Isaiah 28:16. The leaders would have a hard time rejecting prophecies by King David and by Isaiah. However, they had a worse problem and they knew it. section of their controversy with Jesus that caused them to crucify Him was His own teaching on these same scriptures which are recorded in Matthew 21:42-45 and Mark 12:10-12 and Luke 20:16-18.
With this context, we can better appreciate the next verse which is often used in soul winning. The first equivalent section of this sentence (Neither is there salvation in any other) is directly pointed at the particular sin of these religious leaders who crucified Jesus and insisted that salvation was by their religion. The second equivalent section of this sentence tells us why when it says for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Virtually every place that the Bible uses Rock it is talking about Christ and these Jewish religious leaders would know that. Further, they would understand that The stone of Psalms 118:22-23 and Isaiah 28:16 also referred to Christ. Finally, they knew and taught that Christ would bring in the kingdom that they were looking for. Therefore, even more than people understand oday, these Jewish religious leaders would have understood that Peter was telling them that Jesus was God's Christ and that when they rejected Him they were rejecting the only salvation that God provided.

Please see the note for Romans C15S11 about the word fill. The functional definition for this word is: 'the action which causes a container to be full'. Please also see the note for Philippians 4:18 about the word full. Please also see the note for Colossians 2:9 about the word fullness. The functional definition for this word is: 'Replete; having within its limits all that it can contain'. Please also see the notes for Romans C15S11 and Galatians C5-S15 about the word fulfill.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S6 about the word examine. The functional definition for this word is: 'o inspect carefully, with a view to discover truth or the real state of a thing; as, to examine a ship to know whether she is sea-worthy, or a house to know whether repairs are wanted'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:9; Acts 12:19; Acts 22:24; Acts 22:29; Acts 24:8; Acts 25:26; Acts 28:18.

Please see the notes for Romans C7S16; Romans C11S26 and 2Corinthians 5:10 about the word good. The functional definition for this word is: 'what comes from God'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S26 about the word goodness. Please also see the note for Mark 14:14 about the word goodman. Please also see the note for Mark 2:28-LJC about the phrase Good Friday. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:9; Acts 9:36; Acts 10:22; Acts 10:38; Acts 11:24; Acts 14:17; Acts 15:7; Acts 15:25; Acts 15:28; Acts 15:38; Acts 18:18; Acts 22:12; Acts 23:1; Acts 23:11; Acts 27:22; Acts 27:25; Acts 27:36.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 12:12 about the word deed. The functional definition for this word is: 'That which is done, acted or effected; an act; a fact; a word of extensive application, including whatever is done, good or bad, great or small'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:9; Acts 7:22; Acts 19:18; Acts 24:2.

Please see the note for John 5:3 about the word impotent. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Weak; feeble; wanting strength or power; unable by nature, or disabled by disease or accident to perform any act. I know thou wast not slow to hear, Nor impotent to save. 2. Wanting the power of propagation, as males. 3. Wanting the power of restraint; not having the command over; as impotent of tongue.
IM'POTENT, n. One who is feeble, infirm, or languishing under disease'.

Please see the note for Luke 5:18 about the word means (plural). The part of Webster's 1828 , which matches the Biblical usage of this word is: 'Means, in the plural, income, revenue, resources, substance or estate, considered as the instrument of effecting any purpose. He would have built a house, but he wanted means'.

Please see the note for Mark 10:52 about the word whole. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'All; total; containing the total amount or number, or the entire thing; as the whole earth; the whole world; the whole solar system; the whole army; the whole nation. 2. Complete; entire; not defective or imperfect; as a whole orange; the egg is whole; the vessel is whole. 3. Unimpaired; unbroken; uninjured. My life is yet whole in me. 2 Samuel 1. 4. Sound; not hurt or sick. they that are whole need not a physician. Matthew 9. 5. Restored to health and soundness; sound; well. thy faith hath made thee whole. Mark 5. His hand was restored whole. Mark 3.
WHOLE, n. 1. the entire thing; the entire or total assemblage of parts. the whole of religion is contained in the short precept, Love God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12. 2. A system; a regular combination of parts'. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:3 about the word wholesome. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:9-10; Acts 6:5; Acts 9:34; Acts 11:26; Acts 13:44; Acts 15:22; Acts 19:29; Acts 28:30.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:13 about the words crucify / crucified / crucifixion. The functional definition for this word is: 'To put to death by nailing the hands and feet to a cross or gibbet. Spiritually, this means to accept the suffering of Jesus Christ because you truly represent God in this sinful world'.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S5 and 1Corinthians C15S1 about the word stand. The functional definition for this word is: 'to be upon the feet, as an animal; not to sit, kneel or lie'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:18 about the word notwithstanding. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C14S2 about the word understand. Please also see the note for Galatians C5S1 about the phrase stand fast.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'filled. Ac 4:31; 2:4; 7:55; Mt 10:19-20; Lu 12:11-12; 21:14-15 exp: Ac 13:9. General references. exp: Lu 12:12; 24:20.
the good. Ac 3:7; Joh 7:23; 10:32; 1Pe 3:15-17; 4:14 General references. exp: Lu 24:20.
known. Ac 13:38; 28:28; Jer 42:19-20; Da 3:18 that by. Ac 2:22-24,36; 3:6,13-16; 5:29-32 whom God. Ac 2:24; 10:40-42; 13:29-41; Mt 27:63-66; 28:11-15; Ro 1:4 General references. exp: Lu 2:30; 24:20; Ac 13:30.'.

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C4-S7 (Verse 11) Peter is giving them the true interpretation of this Bible quote.

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders,
which is become the head of the corner.

Peter is quoting a well known scripture. Please see the Bible references, in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge below, for where this reference is found. in this message from Peter, he is giving them the true intrtpretation, which is that the stone which was set at nought of you builders was Jesus Christ. And, He is become the head of the corner because He is the head of the church in the 'Church Age'.

Please see the note for 1Peter 2:4-5 about the word stone. The functional definition for this word is: 'he same composition as a rock or a pebble but with a size between them'. Please also see the note for Luke 17:28-29 about the word brimstone. Please also see the note for Ephesians 2:20 about the phrase corner stone. Please also see the note for Luke 17:2 about the word millstone. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C3S13 about the phrase precious stones. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:11; Acts 5:26; Acts 7:58; Acts 7:59; Acts 14:5; Acts 14:19; Acts 17:29.

Please see the note for Romans C14S15 about the word nought. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. Nothing. Doth Job serve God for naught? Job 1. thou sellest thy people for naught. Psalm 44. to set at naught, to slight, to disregard or despise. Ye have set at naught all my counsel. Proverbs 1.
NAUGHT, adv. In no degree. to wealth or sovereign power he naught applied.
NAUGHT, a. Bad; worthless; of no value or account. things naught and things indifferent. It is naught, it is naught, says the buyer. Proverbs 20'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts Ac 4:11; Acts 5:36; Acts 5:38; Acts 19:27.

Please see the note for Matthew 7:24-25 about the words build / built. The functional definition for this word is: 'pp. Framed and raised; constructed.
BUILT, n. bilt. form; shape; general figure of a structure; as the built of a ship. Species of building'. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C3S10 and 1Peter 2:7-8 about the word builder. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C3S9 about the word building.

Please see the note for Colossians C1S4 about the word head. The functional definition for this word is: 'The uppermost part of the human body, or the foremost part of the body of prone and creeping animals. this part of the human body contains the org and of hearing, seeing, tasting and smelling; it contains also the brain, which is supposed to be the seat of the intellectual powers, and of sensation. Hence the head is the chief or more important part, and is used for the whole person, in the phrase, let the evil fall on my head'. Please also see the note for Matthew 14:10 about the word beheaded. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 11:3-LJC about the phrase Christ: the head of. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:11; Acts 18:6; Acts 18:18; Acts 21:24; Acts 27:34.

Please see the note for Mark 12:10-11 about the word corner. The functional definition for this word is: 'Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The angle of a house (Job 1:19) or a street (Pr 7:8). "Corners" in Ne 9:22 denotes the various districts of the promised land allotted to the Israelites. In Nu 24:17, the "corners of Moab" denotes the whole land of Moab. the "corner of a field" (Le 19:9; 23:22) is its extreme part, which was not to be reaped. the Jews were prohibited from cutting the "corners," i.e., the extremities, of the hair and whiskers running round the ears (Le 19:27; 21:5). the "four corners of the earth" in Isa 11:12; Eze 7:2 denotes the whole land. the "corners of the streets" mentioned in Mt 6:5 means the angles where streets meet so as to form a square or place of public resort.
The corner gate of Jerusalem (2Ki 14:13; 2Ch 26:9) was on the north-west side of the city.
Corner-stone (Job 38:6; Isa 28:16), a block of great importance in binding together the sides of a building. the "head of the corner" (Ps 118:22-23) denotes the coping, the "coign of vantage", i.e., the topstone of a building. But the word "corner stone" is sometimes used to denote some person of rank and importance (Isa 28:16). He is also styled "the chief corner stone" (Eph 2:20; 1Pe 2:6-8). When Zechariah (Zec 10:4), speaking of Judah, says, "Out of him came forth the corner," he is probably to be understood as ultimately referring to the Messiah as the "corner stone."'. Please also see the note for Ephesians 2:20 about the phrase corner stone. Please see the Minor Titles of the Son of God in the Significant Gospel Events Study for the title of stone. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:11; Acts 10:11; Acts 11:5; Acts 26:26.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the stone. Ps 118:22-23; Isa 28:16; Mt 21:42-45; Mr 12:10-12; Lu 20:16-18; 1Pe 2:6-8 exp: Ge 49:24; Zec 3:9. you. Ac 7:52; 20:26-27; Pr 28:1; Isa 58:1-2; Eze 2:6-7; 3:7-11,18-19; 33:7-9; 2Co 3:12; 4:1 the head. Zec 3:9; 4:6-7; Eph 2:20-22 General references. exp: Lu 2:30; 1Co 3:11.'.

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C4-S8 (Verse 12) Only Jesus Christ provides true salvation.

Equivalent Section: No other being can provide true salvation.

Neither is there salvation in any other:.

Equivalent Section: Why.

for there is none other name under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved.

This verse is often quoted for soul winning and is usually properly used. It is almost a precept, which remains the same even without the context, so long as the person says that it is speaking about Jesus Christ. It is clear as given.

Please see the note for Romans C13S8 about the phrase must needs. The functional definition for this word is: 'This choice is not optional'.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:19-20 for links to every place in that epistle where we find the word salvation along with definitions from three different dictionaries and links from other commentators. The functional definition is: 'to exclude. When used spiritually, it means to exclude from the damned by having God's life in you. When used physically, it means to exclude from what is endangering physical life'. As we see in the Bible and in this book, our continuing spiritual growth, and our sanctification is part of true Biblical salvation. Please see the note for Main Menu item for Salvation about the word save. Please also see the notes for 2Thessalonians 2:13-LJC and Hebrews 12:2-LJC about the phrase salvation through sanctification. Please also see the note for John 8:30 about the phrase non-saving belief Please also see verses in the New Testament. Summary on the name / role of Saviour. Please also see the note for James 1:21 about the phrase save your soul. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:12; Acts 13:26; Acts 13:47; Acts 16:17; Acts 28:28.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word heaven. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) Definitions. the phrase "heaven and earth" is used to indicate the whole universe (Ge 1:1; Jer 23:24; Acts 17:24). According to the Jewish notion there were three heavens, (a) the firmament, as "fowls of the heaven" (Ge 2:19; 7:3,23; Ps 8:8, etc.), "the eagles of heaven" (La 4:19), etc. (b) the starry heavens (De 17:3; Jer 8:2; Mt 24:29). (c) "The heaven of heavens," or "the third heaven" (De 10:14; 1Ki 8:27; Ps 115:16; 148:4; 2Co 12:2). (2.) Meaning of words in the original, (a) the usual Hebrew word for "heavens" is shamayim, a plural form meaning "heights," "elevations" (Ge 1:1; 2:1). (b) the Hebrew word marom is also used (Ps 68:18; 93:4; 102:19, etc.) as equivalent to shamayim, "high places," "heights." (c) Heb galgal, literally a "wheel," is rendered "heaven" in Ps 77:18 (R.V., "whirlwind"). (d) Heb shahak, rendered "sky" (De 33:26; Job 37:18; Ps 18:11), plural "clouds" (Job 35:5; 36:28; Ps 68:34, marg. "heavens"), means probably the firmament. (e) Heb rakia is closely connected with (d), and is rendered "firmamentum" in the Vulgate, whence our "firmament" (Ge 1:6; De 33:26, etc.), regarded as a solid expanse. (3.) Metaphorical meaning of term. Isa 14:13-14; "doors of heaven" (Ps 78:23); heaven "shut" (1Ki 8:35); "opened" (Eze 1:1). (See 1Ch 21:16.) (4.) Spiritual meaning. the place of the everlasting blessedness of the righteous; the abode of departed spirits. (a) Christ calls it his "Father's house" (Joh 14:2). (b) It is called "paradise" (Lu 23:43; 2Co 12:4; Re 2:7). (c) "The heavenly Jerusalem" (Ga 4:1; 6:18; Heb 12:22; Re 3:12). (d) the "kingdom of heaven" (Mt 25:1; Jas 2:5). (e) the "eternal kingdom" (2Pe 1:11). (f) the "eternal inheritance" (1Pe 1:4; Heb 9:15). (g) the "better country" (Heb 11:14,16). (h) the blessed are said to "sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," and to be "in Abraham's bosom" (Lu 16:22; Mt 8:11); to "reign with Christ" (2Ti 2:12). In heaven the blessedness of the righteous consists in the possession of "life everlasting," "an eternal weight of glory" (2Co 4:17), an exemption from all sufferings for ever, a deliverance from all evils (2Co 5:1-2) and from the society of the wicked (2Ti 4:18), bliss without termination, the "fulness of joy" for ever (Lu 20:36; 2Co 4:16,18; 1Pe 1:4; 5:10; 1Jo 3:2). the believer's heaven is not only a state of everlasting blessedness, but also a "place", a place "prepared" for them (Joh 14:2)'. Please also see the notes for Hebrews 12:2-LJC and Laying up Treasure in heaven about the phrase treasure in heaven. Please also see the note for 1Peter 1:2-LJC about the phrase heaven, things in. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:2 about the phrase kingdom of heaven.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'is there. Ac 10:42-43; Mt 1:21; Mr 16:15-16; Joh 3:36; 14:6; 1Co 3:11; 1Ti 2:5-6; Heb 2:3; 12:25; 1Jo 5:11-12; Re 7:9-10; 20:15 under. Ac 2:5; Ge 7:19; Job 41:11; Ps 45:17; Col 1:23 General references. exp: Nu 35:32; Isa 43:11; Lu 2:30; 24:46; 1Co 3:11.'.

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C4-S9 (Verse 13) What the religious leaders saw and concluded.

First Step: What the religious leaders saw.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John,
and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men,
they marvelled;.

Second Step: What the religious leaders concluded.

and they took knowledge of them,
that they had been with Jesus .

Our sentence gives us what the religious leaders saw and concluded. The phrases of our sentence are interpreted as:

The phrase Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John means: 'This is what the religious leaders saw'.
The phrase perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men means: 'This is what the religious leaders understood'. The word unlearned means: 'Peter and John had not been to a religious school'. The word ignorant means: 'Peter and John did not know the approved religious doctrines'.
The phrase they marvelled means: 'This is how the religious leaders reacted emotionally'.
The phrase and they took knowledge of them means: 'This is what the religious leaders concluded'.
The phrase that they had been with Jesus means: 'Their doctrine all came from Jesus'. None of their doctrine came from any other source.

This verse starts out with Now which means 'after what was just said and after what happened'. Acts 3 started out telling us about Peter and John healing an impotent man. That man then gathered a crowd that was probably more than 10, 000 people and preached salvation by believing on the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. The Jewish religious leaders arrested Peter and John, threw them in jail over night, gathered a 'court' of the most important religious leaders and tried to intimidate Peter and John. They responded by telling these leaders to their face they had murdered God's Christ and that unless they obeyed the command to Repent ye therefore, and be converted (Acts 3:19) they were going to Hell because Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). This verse, which starts with the word Now, and is the direct result of all of this, especially Peter's answer which ended in Acts 4:12.

This sentence tells us Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John because they expected Peter and John to be cowed, but Peter and John told the Jewish religious leaders to their face that they had murdered the Christ In addition, they plainly stated that Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ. This sentence clearly states the reaction of the religious rulers to this unexpected reaction to what they had done. First, we note that this sentence says when they...perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men. Now there is also the qualifier of that they had been with Jesus, and we will get to that qualifier, but for the moment we will stick to our phrase of they were unlearned and ignorant men.

The word ignorant means without knowledge. Some people go to school to get learning and are still ignorant and some people never go to a formal school but obtain learning on their own. So our phrase means they had never been to a religious school and never learned all of the religiously approved Jewish doctrine. I always find it amazing how many people put their trust in what religious leaders teach even among religious people who profess to not trust formal training. For example, many Baptist preachers loudly proclaim that they are neither Catholic not Protestant and yet follow the Catholic and Protestant training of relying upon 'the Greek and Hebrew' while ignoring the sentence structure and context of the English. God preserved His word unto every generation and the trade language of this generation is English. In addition, what is called the Greek has been proven to be unreliable and not preserved properly. Therefore, these religious people tell us to rely upon what they claim based upon an unreliable source while they claim that their opinion is more reliable than the God-preserved word of God.

I have been hired, as a professional, three times to interpret from one language to another language by people who knew and understood both languages. This was because they understood that there is more involved in proper interpretation than just understanding both languages. Many people who have dealt with some company's 'Customer Support' that is in India find it extremely hard to believe that the real common language used in India is English and that most of the people working for that 'Customer Support' group actually have more formal training in English that most people in the U.S. have. The point is that there is more to communication than just putting words together by some set of rules. That's also why we don't have any computer translation programs that are any good. In addition, the people who rely upon religious education tell other people that they can spend a couple of months learning Greek and Hebrew and are then qualified to translate from those languages into English when every example in the real world shows that such things lead to massive errors. Religious training also teaches people to translate by verse, instead of by sentence structure and context as this study has done.

The phrase that they had been with Jesus means that Peter and John used the methods taught by Jesus. And, Jesus constantly showed the religious leaders that their religious doctrines went against what the word of God truly said. Jesus constantly told people to believe what the word of God truly said when religious doctrine disagreed with the written and God-preserved word of God.

It should be obvious that this study had repeatedly shown the errors that result from the methods taught by formalized religious training. Yet for all of that, people will still trust those who use the methods of formal religious training over those who demonstrate that they had been with Jesus. This sentence tells us which we should really trust. Later, Peter will also fall prey to this error. So while we need to constantly examine ourselves to be sure that we don't fall into this error, we shouldn't look down on those who do. Instead, we should show them the better way while using love.

This sentence also says that the rulers took knowledge...that they had been with Jesus. there are some religious groups which take pride in their ignorance. They claim that they are correct because they are were unlearned and ignorant men but miss the second requirement that they had been with Jesus. The truth is that Paul was a very learned man. Therefore, the true qualification is not if we are unlearned and ignorant but it is if we have been with Jesus.

Jesus refused to be intimidated and willingly went to the cross. This sentence says that these rulers took knowledge because they acknowledged that they would probably get the same response from Peter and John as they got from Jesus. They thought they ended their problems by killing Jesus, and now are faced with obvious failure. While they refused to accept that Jesus was the Christ, they did recognize their failure when dealing with the man known as Jesus of Nazareth. This sentence tells us that religious men used Jesus of Nazareth to identify the man even while they refuse to acknowledge that He was 'God in human flesh'. They also refused to acknowledge that the changes in a saved person's life must be from 'God in human flesh' because 'just a man' could not make that type of change in another man. That's also why we need to stop proclaiming salvation based upon someone's profession and require them to identify the change that God truly brings into a person's life after true Biblical salvation.

Please see the note for Romans C15S13 about the word bold. The functional definition for this word is: 'Daring; courageous; brave; intrepid; fearless; applied to men or other animals. Requiring courage in the execution'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:13; Acts 4:29; Acts 4:31; Acts 9:27; Acts 9:29; Acts 13:46; Acts 14:3; Acts 18:26; Acts 19:8.

There are several men named John in the Bible. This John was the apostle who also wrote five books of the New Testament.

Please see the note for John 4:19 about the word perceive. The functional definition for this word is: 'come to understand'. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to have knowledge or receive impressions of external objects through the medium or instrumentality of the senses or bodily organs; as, to perceive light or color; to perceive the cold or ice or the taste of honey. 2. to know; to understand; to observe. Till we ourselves see it with our own eyes, and perceive it by our own understanding, we are in the dark. 3. to be affected by; to receive impressions from. the upper regions of the air perceive the collection of the matter of tempests before the air below'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:13; Acts 8:23; Acts 10:34; Acts 14:9; Acts 17:22; Acts 23:6; Acts 23:29; Acts 27:10; Acts 28:26.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 14:31 about the word learn. The functional definition for this word is: 'To gain knowledge of; to acquire knowledge or ideas of something before unknown. We learn the use of letters, the meaning of words and the principles of science. We learn things by instruction, by study, and by experience and observation. It is much easier to learn what is right, than to unlearn what is wrong'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C14S25 about the word unlearned. The functional definition for this word is: 'They did not have the formal religious education'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:13; Acts 7:22; Acts 26:24.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S42 and 2Corinthians 2:10-11 about the word ignorant. The functional definition for this word is: 'a lack of knowledge'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'were. Ac 2:7-12; Mt 4:18-22; 11:25; Joh 7:15,49; 1Co 1:27 they took. Mt 26:57-58,71,73; Lu 22:52-54,56-60; Joh 18:16-17; 19:26'.

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C4-S10 (Verse 14) God shut the mouths of the religious leaders.

And beholding the man which was healed standing with them,
they could say nothing against it.

in this sentence we see that it was God who shut their mouths. They could not deny that this man, who had begged at the door of the Temple most of his forty years, was healed. There were too many witnesses who had heard his testimony and the testimony of Peter and John that he was healed by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. No man could duplicate the miracle. Therefore, they could not deny that it was done by the power of God and that God backed the doctrine which God's Holy Ghost spoke through Peter and John. In addition to what should be an obvious truth, God's Holy Ghost had Luke write this truth, in the next couple of sentences, so that it is not missed by anyone.

Because of pride, many saved people fail to consider that God can do a better job of shutting the mouths of religious liars.

Please see the note for Colossians C2S3 about the word behold. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this word as: 'to fix the eyes upon; to see with attention; to observe with care. Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1. 2. In a less intensive sense, to look upon; to see. When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Num. 21. BEHO'LD, v.i. to look; to direct the eyes to an object. And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne, a lambdas it had been slain. Rev.5. 1. to fix the attention upon an object; to attend; to direct or fix the mind. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Rev.3.word is much used in this manner for exciting attention, or admiration. It is in the imperative mode, expressing command, or exhortation; and by no means a mere exclamation.' Please also see the note for 2:18-19 about the word holding'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'beholding. Ac 4:10; 3:8-12 they. Ac 4:16,21; 19:36 General references. exp: Joh 12:9.'.

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C4-S11 (Verse 15-16) they were not sure how to fight against God and against God's representatives.

But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council,
they confered among themselves,
Saying,
What shall we do to these men?.

Our sentence can be interpreted as:

The phrase But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council means: 'They did not want Peter and John to know that they could not answer what God had done'.
The phrase they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? means: 'Since they could not answer God, they wanted to punish the representatives of God'.

Notice that they attacked the men since they could not attack God. They were hoping that if they could shut the mouths of Peter and John that, in a little while, the people would go back to their lives and forget about the miracle and, at that time, the religious leaders could go back to convincing people to believe their religious lies.

Please see the note for Romans 7:8 about the word commandment. The functional definition for this word is: 'a mandate; an order or injunction given by authority; charge'.. Please note that a commandment is not always written down and often comes through the human person that God has placed in authority over us. Please see the note for Psalms 119:4 for the use of the word commandment within this Psalm and considerations from several other places within the Bible. Please see the note for Romans C7S11 about the word commandment. Please see the Doctrinal Study on the use Ten Commandments for links to where they are dealt with in the word of God. Please use This link to see the 'Ten (10) Commandments' and references to them in the New Testament. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments.

Please see the note for Luke 9:10 about the word aside. The functional definition for this word is: 'Distinct from others, privately, to withdraw'. In this sentence, the Jewish Council separated themselves from the apostles so that they could plan how to do wrong while avoiding being blamed by the Jews in general for their wrong actions.

Please see the note for Mark 13:9 about the word council. The functional definition for this word is: 'An assembly of men summoned or convened for consultation, deliberation and advice'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Ac 4:15; Acts 5:21; Acts 5:27; Acts 5:34; Acts 5:41; Acts 6:12; Acts 6:15; Acts 22:30; Acts 23:1; Acts 23:6; Acts 23:15; Acts 23:20; Acts 23:28; Acts 24:20; Acts 25:12.

Please see the note for Galatians C1-S12 about the word confer. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word is: 'v.i. L., to bear, to bring forth, to show, to declare. See Bear. to discourse; to converse; to consult together; implying conversation on some serious or important subject, in distinction from mere talk or light familiar conversation; followed by with. Adonijah confered with Joab and Abiathar. I Kings 1. Festus confered with the council. Acts 25.
CONFER', v.t. 1. to give, or bestow; followed by on. Coronation confers on the king no royal authority. this word is particularly used to express the grant of favors, benefits and privileges to be enjoyed, or rights which are to be permanent; as, to confer on one the privileges of a citizen; to confer a title or an honor. 2. to compare; to examine by comparison; literally, to bring together. See Compare. If we confer these observations with others of the like nature. this sense, though genuine, is now obsolete. 3. to contribute; to conduce to; that is, to bring to. the closeness of parts confers much to the strength of the union, or intransitively, confers to the strength of the union'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'to go. Ac 5:34-42; 26:30-32
What. Joh 11:47-48; 12:18'.

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C4-S12 (Verse 16) they could not hide nor deny what God had done.

First Step: they acknowledged what had been done.

for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem;.

Second Step: they acknowledged their inability to deny or hide the truth.

and we cannot deny it.

Notice that they acknowledged the miracle but claimed to was done by Peter and John and refused to acknowledge God's involvement. This is typical for religious people who want to play god and pretend that they have more authority than God. However, in this case, with thousands of people already knowing about the miracle, they could neither hide it nor deny it. Therefore, as we see in the next few sentences, they ignored it and threatened Peter and John to try and stop talk about the miracle and about Jesus Christ. And, as we read in this account, God wants people who receive a miracle to tell everyone that they can so that God gets the glory and others turn towards God for help.

Please see the note for Luke 3:11 about the word indeed. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. in and deed. In reality; in truth; in fact. the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom.8. Indeed is usually emphatical, but in some cases more so than in others; as,This is true; it is indeed. I were a beast indeed to do you wrong. Some sons indeed; some very few we see, Who keep themselves from this infection free. there is indeed no greater pleasure in visiting these magazines of war-- It is used to note concession or admission; as, ships not so large indeed, but better manned. Indeed is used as an expression of surprise, or for the purpose of obtaining confirmation of a fact stated. Indeed! is it possible? is it so in fact?'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:16; Acts 11:16; Acts 22:9.

Please see the note for Matthew 27:16 about the word notable. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to know. 1. Remarkable; worthy of notice; memorable; observable; distinguished or noted. they bore two or three charges from the horse with notable courage. Two young men of notable strength. 2 Maccabees. 2. Active; industrious; careful; as a notable woman. In both senses, this word is obsolete in elegant style, or used only in irony. the second sense is in colloquial use in New England. 3. In Scripture, conspicuous; sightly; as a notable horn. Daniel 8. 4. Notorious. Matthew 27. 5. Terrible. Acts 2. 6. Known or apparent. Acts 4.
NOT'ABLE, n. 1. In France, the nobles or persons of rank and distinction were formerly called notables. 2. A thing worthy of observation'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S28; Matthew 14:16-LJC; Luke 4:41-LJC about the word miracle. The functional definition for this word is: 'An action in the physical world which is not possible within the laws of nature and required spiritual power to override the laws of nature'. Please also see the Doctrinal Studies called Miracles in Gospels; miracles in OT and the Miracles section of the Significant Events in the New Testament.

Please see the notes for Romans C3S20; Romans C16S33 and 1John-Manifest about the word manifest. The functional definition for this word is: 'revealed in every possible way'.

Please see the note for Romans C7S24 about the word dwell. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines dwelling as 'ppr. Inhabiting; residing; sojourning; continuing with fixed attention.
DWELL'ING, n. Habitation; place of residence; abode. Hazor shall be a dwelling for dragons. Jer.49. 1. Continuance; residence; state of life. thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. Dan.4'. Please also see the note for John 7:39 about the phrase indwelling Holy Spirit.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'a notable. Ac 3:9-10; Da 8:5,8; Mt 27:16 and we. Ac 6:10; Lu 6:10-11; 21:15 exp: Ge 37:20. General references. exp: Ps 109:27.'.

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C4-S13 (Verse 17) their plan to stop the spread of the Gospel.

But that it spread no further among the people,
let us straitly threaten them,
that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

The phrases of this sentence tell us:

The phrase But that it spread no further among the people means: 'They were worried about what the people thought'.
The phrase let us straitly threaten them means: 'This was their plan'.
The phrase that they speak henceforth to no man in this name means: 'This was their goal'.

Notice that they wanted to stop anyone from speaking in the name ('the power and authority') of Jesus Christ. Satan is not as upset by someone getting saved as he is by them becoming an e4ffective worker for God.

This is one of the main ways that devils get lost people to try and stop the spread of the Gospel. They threaten the saved physically and threaten their things in this world. That is why God tells the saved to not value the things of this world not even their life. A threat to something that you don't care about has no power over you. And, a threat has power only based upon how much you care about what is threatened.

Next, notice that they wanted the apostles to speak henceforth to no man in this name. They weren't threatening them about telling the miracle. The devils which motivated the religious people understood that the real spiritual threat came from them speaking in the name of Jesus. It was giving glory to Jesus that truly enabled the spiritual power to help them.

Please see the note for Matthew 9:31 about the word spread. The functional definition for this word is: 'Extent; compass. I have a fine spread of improvable land. 2. Expansion'.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:25-26 about the word further. The functional definition for this word is: 'n. A helping forward; promotion; advancement. I know that I shall abide and continue with you all, for your furtherance and joy of faith. Phil. 1'. Forms of this word are used, in this Gospel, in: Acts 4:17; Acts 4:21; Acts 12:3; Acts 21:28; Acts 24:4; Acts 27:28.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:23-24 about the word strait. The functional definition for this word is: 'Narrow, and difficult to pass, Mt 7:13-14. This word is not to be confounded with straight. to be "in a strait," is to have one's way beset with doubts or difficulties, to be at a loss, 1Sa 13:6; 2Sa 24:14; Php 1:23'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:12 about the word straiten. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:17; Acts 5:28; Acts 26:5.

Please see the note for 1Peter 2:21-24 about the word threat. The functional definition for this word is: 'To declare the purpose of inflicting punishment, pain or other evil on another, for some sin or offense; to menace'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:17; Acts 4:21; Acts 4:29; Acts 9:1.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:14-15 about the word henceforth. The functional definition for this word is: 'from this time forward'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'that it. Ac 5:39; Ps 2:1-4; Da 2:34-35; Ro 10:16-18; 15:18-22; 1Th 1:8 let. Ac 4:21,29-30; 5:24,28,40; 2Ch 25:15-16; Isa 30:8-11; Jer 20:1-3; 29:25-32; 38:4; Am 2:12; 7:12-17; Mic 2:6-7; Mt 27:64; Joh 11:47-48; 1Th 2:15-16 General references. exp: Ps 83:4.'.

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C4-S14 (Verse 18) What the religious leaders did.

And they called them,
and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus .

In the account before this, starting at the start of Chapter 3, we read that the religious leaders tried to intimidate Peter and John to make them not preach the Gospel. All of their efforts of intimidation failed. Further, Acts 4:14 says that couldn't do anything about the miracle. They could nbot hide it nor could they deny it. So, they tried to keep it from being used to support the message of the Gospel and that is what this sentence is about.

When all else failed, they tried threatening Peter and John (Acts 4:15-17), which brings us to this sentence. Since they couldn't do anything about what was done, they decided to prevent further acts of God by threatening the men that God was using. Again, we see the rulers of the Jews using Jesus to identify the man that they crucified. They admitted that they could not fight against God. Therefore, they were denying that Jesus was 'God in human flesh'. Saved people use Jesus for 'God in human flesh' and lost people use Jesus for 'just a man'. We need to verify what definition people are using when they say Jesus. That's one of the reasons that God refuses to answer a prayer of salvation said to Jesus. If a lost person thinks of Jesus as 'just a man', then God does not save them.

Moving on, we see that the next sentence starts with But, which means it is dealing with the same subject while going in a different direction. It has the answer from Peter and John and tells us how we should respond to any religious intimidation. They didn't challenge these men's authority but said Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. We can not go wrong reminding people that they will stand before God and give an answer for the things that they do in the flesh. Acts 4:20-21 has the rest of this immediate confrontation and further sections of Acts tell us of the continuing escalation of this confrontation. In all of the escalation, the lost people caused it. We need to avoid causing confrontations to grow where possible so long as we can remain true to our witness for God.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'And they. Ac 5:40 not to speak. Ac 1:8; 5:20; Lu 24:46-48'.

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C4-S15 (Verse 19) Peter and John said why they would not obey the religious leaders.

But Peter and John answered and said unto them,
Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God,
judge ye.

The phrases of our sentence can be summarized as:

The phrase But Peter and John answered and said unto them means: 'Peter and John rejected their command'.
The phrase Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God means: 'Peter and John told them the conflicting commands. Their command was to disobey God's command'.
The phrase judge ye means: 'Each and every one of them personally, and each of us personally, must judge whom to obey when men's' commands oppose God's command'.

As written in the summary, this is an ongoing decision which each and every one of us personally must make throughout our life. There is an ongoing spiritual war between God and devils with each using men to get other men to follow their commands. And, in addition to the doctrines of devils, devils use all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1John 2:16) to fight against God. in this Biblical example, the religious leaders were abusing their position and letting pride cause them to claim authority which they were not given. But, other men still do the same. Therefore, the decision that Peter and John had to make is one that men still have to make today and our everlasting judgment by God is based upon what each us personally decide to do in these types of situations.

There are several men named John in the Bible. This John was the apostle who also wrote five books of the New Testament.

Please see the note for Matthew 9:5 about the word whether. The functional definition for this word is: 'Which of two'.

Please see the notes for Matthew 7:1 about the word judge. The functional definition for this word is: 'To hear and determine, as in causes on trial; to pass sentence'. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C4S5 and Ephesians C5S6 about the phrase we are to judge. Please also see the notes for Romans 8:1-LJC; Galatians C5-S6 and Revelation 19:2-LJC about the phrase judged by works. Please also see the notes for Romans C2S2; Philippians 1:9-11 and Psalms 119 about the word judgment. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:10 about the phrase judgment Seat. Please also see the notes for Romans 14:10 and 2Corinthians 5:10 about the phrase judgment Seat of Christ. Please also see the note for Romans 14:8-LJC and 2Thessalonians 1:9-LJC about the phrase judgment without mercy. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:19; Acts 7:7; Acts 7:27; Acts 7:35; Acts 10:42; Acts 13:20; Acts 13:46; Acts 16:15; Acts 17:31; Acts 18:15; Acts 23:3; Acts 24:6; Acts 24:10; Acts 25:9; Acts 25:10; Acts 25:20; Acts 26:6.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Whether. 2Co 4:2; Eph 6:1; 1Ti 2:3 to hearken. Ac 5:29; Ex 1:17; 1Ki 12:30; 14:16; 21:11; 22:14; 2Ki 16:15; 2Ch 26:16-20; Da 3:18; 6:10; Ho 5:11; Am 7:16; Mic 6:16; Mt 22:21; Heb 11:23; Re 13:3-10; 14:9-12 judge. Ps 58:1; Joh 7:24; 1Co 10:15; Jas 2:4 General references. exp: Ge 27:8; Nu 23:26; 1Ki 13:19; 2Ki 16:16; 1Co 14:32.'.

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C4-S16 Peter voices their decision.(Verse 20)
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'we cannot. Ac 2:4,32; 17:16-17; 18:5; Nu 22:38; 23:20; 2Sa 23:2; Job 32:18-20; Jer 1:7,17-19; 4:19; 6:11; 20:9; Eze 3:11,14-21; Mic 3:8; 1Co 9:16-17 the things. Ac 1:8,22; 3:15; 5:32; 10:39-41; 22:15; Lu 1:2; Heb 2:3-4; 1Jo 1:1-3 General references. exp: Nu 23:26; Mr 4:22; 1Co 14:32.'.

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C4-S17 (Verse 21) the reaction of the religious leaders to the truth.

Equivalent Section: What the religious leaders did.

So when they had further threatened them,
they let them go,
finding nothing how they might punish them,
because of the people:.

Equivalent Section: Here's why.

for all men glorified God for that which was done.

The phrases of our sentence can be summarized as:

The phrase So when they had further threatened them means: 'This was the most that the religious leaders could do'.
The phrase they let them go means: 'This is what the religious leaders had to do'.
The phrase finding nothing how they might punish them means: 'Here's why they could do nothing more'.
The phrase because of the people means: 'The people would have objected strenuously and even fought the leaders over an obvious abuse of power. Leaders can get away with some abuses but when the abuse becomes too obvious, people object because they become afraid that they will next become the victim of obvious abuse'.
The phrase for all men glorified God for that which was done means: 'The religious leaders were supposed to lead men in worship and glorifying God. If they obviously abused the apostles for God using them to perform an obvious miracle, they would prove to the people that they truly served devils. That could lead the people to reject them and even possibly kill the religious leaders. Since they weren't willing to chance death for their lies, they limited the obvious abuse and service to devils'.

Here we see the limit that God puts on what devil-motivated people can do to His true servants, if they want to avoid consequences coming upon themselves. Yes, God's people suffer more and some even become martyrs. But, after that happens, God brings judgment upon the servants of Satan. Thus, most often the servants of Satan can only threaten God's true servants. And, the reaction to such threats prove if God's children truly trust God or only claim to do so.

Our next sentence tells us why the religious liar5s could not deny that it was God Who did the miracle. And, the rest of the chapter tells us the reaction of the church to a true demonstration of the power and protection of God. Sometimes, the best way to encourage other saved people is to simply stand for what you know is right.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word might. The functional definition for this word is: 'Having great power and able to accomplish things which most people can not do'. Please also see the note for Revelation 4:8-LJC about the word Almighty.

Please see the note for John 1:41 about the word find. The functional definition for this word is: 'Literally, to come to; to meet; hence, to discover by the eye; to gain first sight or knowledge of something lost; to recover either by searching for it or by accident'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:21; Acts 7:46; Acts 17:27; Acts 19:1; Acts 21:2; Acts 21:4; Acts 23:9.

Please see the note for Romans C1S10 about the word because. The functional definition for this word is: 'provides a cause where the cause and effect are both in the past'. Please also see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of the truth.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:6 about the word punish. The functional definition for this word is: 'Any pain or suffering inflicted on a person for a crime or offense, by the authority to which the offender is subject, either by the constitution of God or of civil society'. Please also see the note for Matthew 25:46 about the word punishment. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Ac 4:21; Acts 22:5; Acts 26:11.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'when. Ac 4:17; 5:40 exp: Mt 14:5. how. Ac 5:26; Mt 21:46; 26:5; Lu 19:47-48; 20:6,19; 22:2 for all. Ac 3:6-9; Mt 9:33; 15:31; Lu 5:26; 13:17; Joh 12:18-19 General references. exp: Ac 16:35.'.

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C4-S18 Here's why they could not deny that it took the power of God to do the miracle.(Verse 22) .

For the man was above forty years old,
on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

This man had been begging at the door of the Temple for most of his life and he was above forty years old. In addition, he had raised such a ruckus that literally multiple of thousands people knew that he had received the miracle. In addition, no threat from the religious people would have shut his mouth. No, they could not deny nor hide the miracle. The most that they could hope for was that people would get distracted and forget about it. And, while they waited for that to happen, they threatened Peter and John with the hope that threats would make them stop preaching God's gospel.

Please see the note for Hebrews 3:17 about the word forty. That note has several notes from other commentators. The functional definition for this word is: 'This number is symbolically associated with the judgment of God'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:7 about the word year. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Heb shanah, meaning "repetition" or "revolution" (Ge 1:14; 5:3). Among the ancient Egyptians the year consisted of twelve months of thirty days each, with five days added to make it a complete revolution of the earth round the sun. the Jews reckoned the year in two ways, (1) according to a sacred calendar, in which the year began about the time of the vernal equinox, with the month Abib; and (2) according to a civil calendar, in which the year began about the time of the autumnal equinox, with the month Nisan. the month Tisri is now the beginning of the Jewish year'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:22; Acts 7:6; Acts 7:23; Acts 7:30; Acts 7:36; Acts 7:42; Acts 9:33; Acts 11:26; Acts 13:18; Acts 13:20; Acts 13:21; Acts 18:11; Acts 19:10; Acts 20:31; Acts 24:10; Acts 24:17; Acts 24:27; Acts 28:30.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'forty. Ac 3:2; 9:33; Mt 9:20; Lu 13:11; Joh 5:5; 9:1'.

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C4-S19 (Verse 23) Peter and John reported to the church.

And being let go,
they went to their own company,
and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

They were let go because the religious leaders could do nothing more to them without suffering consequences themselves. And, as our sentence says, they returned to the church and testified of all that happened. Our sentence only says that they reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. However, we all know that people would ask questions until they received all of the details.

Please see the note for John 6:5 about the word company. The functional definition for this word is: 'Any assemblage of persons or other animals, in a very indefinite sense'. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:25 about the word companion. Please also see the note for Hebrews 6:9 about the word accompany. All of these words have a similar basic meaning while the technical details vary.

Please see the note for Hebrews 11:2 about the word report. The functional definition for this word is: 'To make a statement of facs'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Ac 4:23; Acts 6:3; Acts 10:22; Acts 16:2; Acts 22:12.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:5 about the word chief. The functional definition for this word is: 'Highest in office or rank; principal; as a chief priest; the chief butler.'. Forms of the word chief are found in this book in: Acts 4:23; Acts 5:24; Acts 9:14; Acts 9:21; Acts 13:50; Acts 14:12; Acts 15:22; Acts 16:12; Acts 17:4; Acts 18:8; Acts 18:17; Acts 19:14; Acts 19:31; Acts 21:31; Acts 21:32; Acts 21:33; Acts 21:37; Acts 22:24; Acts 22:26; Acts 22:27; Acts 22:28; Acts 22:29; Acts 22:30; Acts 23:10; Acts 23:14; Acts 23:15; Acts 23:17; Acts 23:18; Acts 23:19; Acts 23:22; Acts 24:7; Acts 24:22; Acts 25:2; Acts 25:15; Acts 25:23; Acts 26:10; Acts 26:12; Acts 28:7; Acts 28:17.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they. Ac 1:13-14; 2:44-46; 12:11-12; 16:40; Ps 16:3; 42:4; 119:63; Pr 13:20; Mal 3:16; 2Co 6:14-17'.

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C4-S20 (Verse 24-25) the church responded with prayer and praise to God.

Equivalent Section: the church praised God for Who He was and what He did.

And when they heard that,
they lifted up their voice to God with one accord,
and said,
Lord,
thou art God,
which hast made heaven,
and earth,
and the sea,
and all that in them is:.

Equivalent Section: the church included scripture in their prayer.

Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said,
Why did the heathen rage,
and the people imagine vain things?.

The phrases of our sentence can be summarized as:

The phrase And when they heard that means: 'The church added toe following response to the report of the prior sentence'.
The phrase they lifted up their voice to God with one accord means: 'They all prayed together and in agreement'.
The phrase and said, Lord, thou art God means: 'They started with praise for Who God is'.
The phrase which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is means: 'They next praised God for what He has done'.
The phrase Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said means: 'They next quoted scripture which says how God will react'.
The phrase Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? means: 'This starts how God will react to proud God deniers like the religious leaders were'.

The Second Equivalent Section, of our sentence, references Psalms 2:1 and our next sentence paraphrases Psalms 2:2. Then, the sentence after that applies the truth of that scripture to the events of their day with the further sentences telling us the results of this prayer and praise. Thus, we see an example to follow even today.

As of Acts 4:22, Peter and John had worked a miracle which resulted in about 5, 000 men (plus women and children) being saved. Peter and John were arrested and left in jail over night, they were pulled out to face a court of the Jewish religious heavy weights. The religious leaders tried to intimidate Peter and John into stopping their preaching and witnessing and letting God use them. Peter and John reminded these men that we all have to face God and answer for the deeds done in the flesh. After that, the religious leaders threatened them and let them go. And, that brings us to 4:23 which tells us and being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

With that background, we read that our current sentence adds (and) the truth that God's people prayed and praised God while the lost religious crowd were making threats. Many of God's people want to avoid confrontations but we don't see God work until we get to the point that we can't do it and we need God to act.

Our current sentence starts this praise service. It quotes scripture and it recognizes God's great power and authority in creation and quotes truth found in Genesis 2:4; Genesis 6:7; 2Kings 19:15; Nehemiah 9:6; Psalms 102:18; Psalms 148:5; Isaiah 4:5; Isaiah 41:20; Isaiah 42:5; Isaiah 43:1; Isaiah 45:7-8, Isaiah 45:18; Jeremiah 10:10-12; Amos 4:13; and other Old Testament verses. In addition, our sentence quotes Psalms 2:1-2, which also teaches the same doctrine.

According to Jewish tradition, they only said the first verse or two when they meant to include the meaning of the whole Psalm. In addition, they apply the Psalm when they pray about thy holy child Jesus (4:27-28). They recognized that He was God's anointed Christ and that God was in control of what happened. Further, in 4:29-30 they prayed for the Lord to provide healing (they assumed that they would get hurt in the upcoming spiritual battle). They also prayed that God would provide signs and wonders which would prove that Jesus was God's holy child.

Starting in 4:31, we see the results of this prayer but the important thing is that they prayed with a heart that was willing to suffer anything for the advancement of God's testimony and kingdom. That heart condition is what got them the response that they received. They started their prayer by recognizing the vast difference between God and us and based their prayer upon God's ability and not our own inability.

Please see the note for Matthew 12:11 about the word lift. The functional definition for this word is: 'To raise; to elevate; as, to lift the foot or the hand; to lift the head'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C14S11 about the word voice. The functional definition for this word is: 'The sense of the verb is to throw, to drive out sound; and voice is that which is driven out. Sound or audible noise uttered by the mouth, either of human beings or of other animals'. Please also see the note for Luke 3:21-22 about the phrase voice from heaven Please also see the note for Revelation 20:9 about the phrase fire from heaven.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:1 about the word accord. The functional definition for this word is: 'Agreeing; harmonizing when two notes are in a music chord, they move together, up or down, to the next note''. Please also see the note for Psalms 119:23 about the phrase according to works.

Please see the note for John 6:16-17 about the word sea. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A large bason, cistern or laver which Solomon made in the temple, so large as to contain more than six thousand gallons. this was called the brazen sea, and used to hold water for the priests to wash themselves. 1 Kings 7. 2 Chron. 4 2. A large body of water, nearly inclosed by land, as the Baltic or the Mediterranean; as the sea of Azof. Seas are properly branches of the ocean, and upon the same level. Large bodies of water inland, and situated above the level of the ocean, are lakes. the appellation of sea, given to the Caspian lake, is an exception, and not very correct. So the lake of Galilee is called a sea, from the Greek. 3. the ocean; as, to go to sea. the fleet is at sea, or on the high seas. 4. A wave; a billow; a surge. the vessel shipped a sea. 5. the swell of the ocean in a tempest, or the direction of the waves; as, we head the sea. 6. Proverbially, a large quantity of liquor; as a sea of blood. 7. A rough or agitated place or element. In a troubled sea of passion tost. Milton'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 11:29 about the phrase Red Sea. Please also see the note for John 21:1 about the phrase sea of Tiberias. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:24; Acts 7:36; Acts 10:6; Acts 10:32; Acts 14:15; Acts 17:14; Acts 27:5; Acts 27:30; Acts 27:38; Acts 27:40; Acts 27:41; Acts 27:43; Acts 28:4.

Please see the notes for Romans C16S21 and 2Timothy C1-S2 about the word serve. The functional definition for this word is: 'To work for; to bestow the labor of body and mind in the employment of another'.Please also see the note for Philippians 2:17 about the word service. Please also see the notes for Romans C14S4; 1Corinthians C7S27 and Ephesians C6S4 about the word servant. The functional definition is: 'To command another to help or to cry for help, hence to pray (Ge 4:26)'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:26-27 about the phrase house of David. This phrase refers to king David and all of his descendants including God's Christ. Please also see the note for Verses in the New Testament about the phrase 'son of David.

Please see the note for Galatians C1-S12 about the word heathen. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines heathen as: 'n. Gr. from heath, that is, one who lives in the country or woods, as pagan from pagus, a village. 1. A pagan; a Gentile; one who worships idols, or is unacquainted with the true God. In the Scriptures, the word seems to comprehend all nations except the Jews or Israelites, as they were all strangers to the true religion, and all addicted to idolatry. the word may now be applied perhaps to all nations, except to Christians and Mohammedans. Heathen, without the plural termination, is used plurally or collectively, for Gentiles or heathen nations. Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance. Ps.2. Heathen, however, has a plural, expressing two or more individuals. If men have reason to be heathens in Japan-- the precepts and examples of the ancient heathens. 2. A rude, illiterate, barbarous person.
HE'ATHEN, a. Gentile, pagan; as a heathen author'.

We find forms of the word rage in: 2Kings 5:12; 2Kings 19:27-28; 2Chronicles 16:10; 2Chronicles 28:9; Job 39:24; Job 40:11; Psalms 2:1; Psalms 7:6; Psalms 46:6; Psalms 89:9; Proverbs 6:34; Proverbs 14:16; Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 29:9; Isaiah 37:28-29; Jeremiah 46:9; Daniel 3:13; Hosea 7:16; Jonah 1:15; Nahum 2:4; Luke 8:24; Acts 4:25; Jude 1:13. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. Heb. to grind or gnash the teeth. 1. Violent anger accompanied with furious words, gestures or agitation; anger excited to fury. Passion sometimes rises to rage. Torment and loud lament and furious rage. 2. Vehemence or violent exacerbation of anything painful; as the rage of pain; the rage of a fever; the rage of hunger or thirst.'. Please also see the note for Luke 8:24 about the word raging.

We find the word imagine in: Job 6:26; Job 21:27; Psalms 2:1; Psalms 38:12; Psalms 62:3; Psalms 140:2; Proverbs 12:20; Hosea 7:15; Nahum 1:9; Zechariah 7:10; Zechariah 8:17; Acts 4:25. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.t. L. imaginor, from imago, image. 1. to form a notion or idea in the mind; to fancy. We can imagine the figure of a horse's head united to a human body. in this sense, fancy is the more proper word. 2. to form ideas or representations in the mind, by modifying and combining our conceptions. 3. to contrive in purpose; to scheme; to devise. How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? Ps.62.
IMAG'INE, v.i. to conceive; to have a notion or idea. I cannot imagine how this should have happened.'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:51 about the word imagination.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C15S1 and Galatians C2-S16 about the word vain. The functional definition for this word is: 'Empty; worthless; having no substance, value or importance.'. I tell people to think about a sepulcher which looks pretty on the outside but is filled with dead men's bones.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they. Ac 16:25; Ps 55:16-18; 62:5-8; 69:29-30; 109:29-31; Jer 20:13; Lu 6:11-12; 2Co 1:8-11; 1Th 5:16-18; 2Ti 4:17-18 exp: Ac 2:1. Lord. 2Ki 19:15,19; Ne 9:6; Ps 146:5; Isa 51:12; Jer 10:10-12; 32:17 General references. exp: Ps 124:8.
by. Ac 1:16; 2:30 Why. Ps 2:1-6 General references. exp: Isa 7:7; Lu 9:22.'.

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C4-S21 (Verse 26) A paraphrase of scripture included in the prayer..

The kings of the earth stood up,
and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord,
and against his Christ .

This sentence is a paraphrase of Psalms 2:2 and follows the prior sentence which quoted Psalms 2:1. Therefore, the two sentences must be considered together and both must be kept within the context of the end of this chapter, which reports a single incident. In addition, our next sentence gives us the application of the references scripture. Then, the rest of the chapter tells us the results of this praise and prayer service. Therefore, everything from Acts 4:23 through the end of the chapter is related and needs to be treated as a single report of one incident.

The note for this sentence, in the Lord Jesus Christ Study, explains how this sentence actually uses Lord for God the Father and uses Christ for God the Son. It also explains how Psalms 2 is actually a prophecy of the return of Christ to rule this world for 1,000 years. However, our current chapter explains how the church used this future prophecy for an application of their day. Thus, we see prophecies can have more than one application.

In their application of that day, the church took what the Psalm said about the kings of the earth and saw the religious rulers acting the same way. And, since both had the same heart attitude, they concluded that God's judgment of both groups would be the same. Thus, since God does not change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8), we can also do the same. That is, when people of our day act like people acted in Bible times, or act like people are prophesied to act, we can expect God to judge them the same as is reported in the word of God.

Our next sentence continues their prayer based upon this sentence and gives us the application which they expected in their day. If we truly devote our lives to the service of God, like they did, then we also can expect God to work in and through our life like He did for the early church.

Please see the note for verses in the New Testament and Summary on the name / role of king. The functional definition for this word is: 'The head of government for a nation whose character defines the character of the kingdom'. The difference between a lowercase king and an uppercase King is that the lowercase is applied to any being who is not God and the uppercase is only applied to the Son of God by the word of God. Please also see the note for Revelation 10:11-LJC about the phrase kings of the earth. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:26; Acts 7:10; Acts 7:18; Acts 9:15; Acts 12:1; Acts 12:20; Acts 13:21; Acts 13:22; Acts 17:7; Acts 25:13; Acts 25:14; Acts 25:24; Acts 25:26; Acts 26:2; Acts 26:7; Acts 26:13; Acts 26:19; Acts 26:26; Acts 26:27; Acts 26:30.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 8:13-15 about the word gather. The functional definition for this word is: 'Collected; assembled; contracted; plaited; drawn by inference'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'kings. Ps 83:2-8; Joe 3:9-14; Re 17:12-14,17; 19:16-21 against his. Re 11:15; 12:10 General references. exp: Isa 7:7; Lu 9:22.'.

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C4-S22 (Verse 27-28) the church identifying the people who fight against God.

For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus,
whom thou hast anointed,
both Herod,
and Pontius Pilate,
with the Gentiles,
and the people of Israel,
were gathered together,
For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

This sentences part of a united prayer by the church in thanksgiving for Peter and John being released by the religious leaders with only threats of harm. The leaders were upset about them preaching the Gospel but could do nothing against them because the preaching accompanied a notable miracle which they could not deny nor could they hide the miracle. In the sentences before this one, they quoted from Psalms 2. and this sentence applies the future prophecy to their day because the leaders of their day were acting like the prophecy said that future leaders would act. Thus, we see that a given prophecy can have more than one application.

In our sentence, we see all of the political groups who were united in crucifying Jesus. As all were united for the crucifixion, so also will all political groups be united to fight against God's Christ when He returns to rule this world for 1,000 years. The last phrase of our sentence acknowledges that God had prophesied their actions in both times. And, as mentioned in a related note, just because God prophesies an action, that does not make God responsible for the sinful chooses of men. Each person, of their own free will, chooses what they will do in a given situation. God simply prophesies what men will do in a given situation because God knows the hearts of men.

Please see the note for Galatians C4-S1 about the word child. The functional definition for this word is: 'Someone who has less physical or spiritual maturity than the speaker. This word has considerable latitude of meaning in Scripture. Thus, Joseph is called a child at the time when he was probably about sixteen years of age (Ge 37:3); and Benjamin is so called when he was above thirty years (Ge 44:20)'.. In addition, please use to following links to access other places where this word is used in this book: Acts 4:30; Acts 7:5; Acts 13:10. Please also see the note for Galatians C3S9 about the phrase children of Abraham. The functional definition is: 'The Jews claimed to be children of Abraham but Jesus said that the true children of Abraham would have his faith'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:7-8 about the phrase children of Israel. Please also see the note for Romans C8S14; God in Romans : Romans C4S12 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase children of God. Please also see the note for Galatians 4:19-20 about the phrase my little children. Please also see the note for Mark 2:19 about the phrase children of the bridechamber. Please also see the note for Colossians 3:8 about the phrase children of disobedience. The functional definition is: 'Saved people who live a life of disobedience to God'. Please also see the note for Colossians 3:8 about the phrase children of wrath.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians C1S15 about the word anoint. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. L. ungo. 1. to pour oil upon; to smear or rub over with oil or unctuous substances; also to spread over, as oil. We say, the man anoints another, or the oil anoints him. 2. To pour oil upon; to smear or rub over with oil or unctuous substances. Used symbolically to represent being covered by God's Holy Ghost. thou shalt anoint the altar, and sanctify it. Ex. 29. 3. to smear or daub. He anointed the eyes of the blind man with clay. John 9. 4. to prepare, in allusion to the consecrating use of oil. Anoint the shield. Isaiah 21. to anoint the head with oil, Ps. 23 seems to signify to communicate the consolations of the Holy Spirit. the use of oil in consecrations, was of high antiquity. Kings, prophets and priests were set apart or consecrated to their offices by the use of oil. Hence the peculiar application of the term anointed to Jesus Christ'.

Please see the note for Matthew 2:1 about Herod. The functional definition for this word is: ' the Herods, though aliens by birth, were Jews in faith. they made religion an engine of state policy. Eschewing Antiochus Epiphanes' design to Graecize Jerusalem by substituting the Greek worship and customs for the Jewish law, the Herod's, while professing to maintain the law, as effectively set at nought its spirit by making it a lever for elevating themselves and their secular kingdom. for this end Herod adorned gorgeously the temple with more than Solomonic splendor'. Please also see the note for Mark 3:6 about the word Herodians. Herod is menioned, in this book, in: Acts 4:27; Acts 12:1; Acts 12:6; Acts 12:11; Acts 12:19; Acts 12:20; Acts 12:21; Acts 13:1; Acts 23:35.

Please see the note for John 18:29 about Pilate. The functional definition for this word is: 'The representative of all Gentiles in the trial and crucifixion of the Son of God'.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S13 and Galatians C2-S4 about the word Gentile. The functional definition for this word is: 'In the scriptures, a pagan; a worshipper of false gods; any person not a Jew or a christian; a heathen'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 8:13-15 about the word gather. The functional definition for this word is: 'Collected; assembled; contracted; plaited; drawn by inference'.

Please see the note for John 11:53 about the word counsel. The functional definition for this word is: 'advice; opinion, or instruction, given upon request or otherwise, for directing the judgment or conduct of another; opinion given upon deliberation or consultation. Every purpose is established by counsel. Proverbs 20'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S38 about the word counseller.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'of a. Mt 26:3; Lu 22:1; 23:1,8-12 thy. Ac 4:30; 2:27; 3:14; Job 14:4; 15:14; 25:4; Lu 1:35; Heb 7:26 whom. Ac 10:38; Ps 2:2,6 (margin) Ps 45:7; Isa 61:1; Lu 4:18; Joh 10:36 both. Mt 2:13-16; Lu 13:31-33; 23:7-12 Pontius Pilate. Ac 3:13; Mt 27:2,11-36; Mr 15:1-28; Lu 18:31-33; 23:13-38; Joh 19:1-24,34 exp: Lu 3:1. The people. Isa 49:7; 53:3; Zec 11:7-8; Mt 20:18-19; 21:28; 23:37; 26:3-4,59-68; 27:25,40-43; Mr 10:33; 14:1-2,43-65; 15:1-3,31; Lu 9:22; 20:13-19; 22:2-6,47-52,63-71; 23:1-5; Joh 1:11; 18:1-14,19-24,28-40; 19:15 General references. exp: Pr 21:30; Isa 7:7; Lu 9:22; 19:14; 22:2; 23:12; 24:20.
to do. Ac 2:23; 3:18; 13:27-29; Ge 50:20; Ps 76:10; Mt 26:24,54; Lu 22:22; 24:44-46; 1Pe 2:7-8 and. Job 12:13; Pr 21:30; Isa 5:19; 28:29; 40:13; 46:10; 53:10; Eph 1:11; Heb 6:17 exp: Jas 2:6. General references. exp: Pr 21:30; Isa 7:7; Lu 9:22; 19:14; 24:20; 2Co 13:8; Phm 1:15.'.

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C4-S23 (Verse 29-30) the church prayer applying prophecy to their day.

Equivalent Section: Prayer for God to recognize what the lost leaders do.

And now,
Lord,
behold their threatenings:.

Equivalent Section: Prayer for God to help them do their jobs for God.

First Step: Prayer for help in preaching.

and grant unto thy servants,
that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
By stretching forth thine hand to heal;.

Second Step: Prayer for help with miracles.

and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus .

In the prior sentences, the church quoted scripture and declared their faith in the scriptures which showed them that Jesus is God's Christ. Then this sentence starts out with and now, which is 'based upon scripture and evidence and our faith', grant our requests. Notice that their requests are directed towards the Lord because the things that they are asking for come from God's role as Lord and do not come from any other role. The first thing that they do is turn the unbelieving religious leaders over to the Lord for judgment. They also don't try to tell the Lord what type of judgment they think He should provide.

In the Second Equivalent Section of this sentence, they ask for is boldness in the face of threats. These two sections are equivalent in that they state pl and for the next actions that they will do which are based upon faith. The First Equivalent Section states their faith that the Lord will take care of those who do wrong. The second section states their plan to face actual physical danger with the faith that God will heal them. This requires power and protection from the Lord because those making threats have already crucified Jesus Christ and could do the same to church members. By using the quote that they did, they are stating their faith that the Lord will turn the threats of the religious leaders into vain things.

The power and authority to overcome threats of physical death and orture belongs to the Lord. In addition, their second request was that the Lord would provide healing and other miracles in the name of Jesus. Since the devil, through the religious leaders, declared war on preaching in the name of Jesus, that became their rallying cry. The Lord definitely works through men and He honors those who recognize His might and power. The Lord chose to put His spirit into Jesus in a special way and showing that Jesus was/is 'God in human flesh'. The church has declared war on the forces of the devil by using the power that only comes from God (Lord) and proving that they have access to that power through 'God in human flesh' (Jesus) by doing miracles in the name of Jesus.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:14-16 about the word stretch. The functional definition for this word is: 'To draw out to greater length; to extend in a line; as, to stretch a cord or a rope.'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:30; Acts 12:1; Acts 26:1.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 12:12 about the word sign. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'A token, pledge, or proof, Ge 9:12-13; 17:11; Ex 3:12; Isa 8:18. Also a supernatural portent, Lu 21:11; and a miracle, regarded as a token of the divine agency, Ex 4:7-9; Mr 8:11. the "signs of Heaven" were the movements and aspects of the Heavenly bodies, from which heathen astrologers pretended to obtain revelations, Isa 44:25; Jer 10:2'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'behold. Ac 4:17-18,21; Isa 37:17-20; 63:15; La 3:50; 5:1; Da 9:18 that. Ac 4:13,31; 9:27; 13:46; 14:3; 19:8; 20:26-27; 26:26; 28:31; Isa 58:1; Eze 2:6; Mic 3:8; Eph 6:18-20; Php 1:14; 1Th 2:2; 2Ti 1:7-8; 4:17 General references. exp: 2Co 13:8.
By stretching. Ex 6:6; De 4:34; Jer 15:15; 20:11-12; Lu 9:54-56; 22:49-51 and that. Ac 2:22,43; 5:12,15-16; 6:8; 9:34-35,40-42 the name. Ac 4:10,27; 3:6,16 exp: 1Co 5:4. General references. exp: Lu 9:6; 2Co 13:8.'.

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C4-S24 (Verse 31) the first result of their prayer.

First Step: God gave them a physical sign of His approval.

And when they had prayed,
the place was shaken where they were assembled together;.

Second Step: they received the spiritual help that they needed.

and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,
and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Our sentence tells us the result what God wants from His giving us His Holy Ghost. He doesn't do that so that we can be filled with pride and claim that we are more spiritual than other people. He gives us help strictly so that we can do His will in this world.

The word shaken is the past-tense form of the word shake. Please see the note for Luke 6:47-48 about the word shake. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to cause to move with quick vibrations; to move rapidly one way and the other; to agitate; as, the wind shakes a tree; an earthquake shakes the hills or the earth. I shook my lap, and said, so God shake out every man from his house- Neh. 5. He shook the sacred honors of his head. Dryden. -As a fig casteth her untimely fruit, when it is shaken of a mighty wind. Rev. 6. 2. to make to totter or tremble. the rapid wheels shake the heav'n's basis. Milton. 3. to cause to shiver; as, an ague shakes the whole frame. 4. to throw down by a violent motion. Macbeth is ripe for shaking. Shak. But see shake off, which is generally used. 5. to throw away; to drive off. 'Tis our first intent to shake all cares and business from our age. See Shake off. Shak. 6. to move from firmness; to weaken the stability of; to endanger; to threaten to overthrow. Nothing should shake our belief in the being and perfections of God, and in our own accountableness. 7. to cause to waver or doubt; to impair the resolution of; to depress the courage of. that ye be not soon shaken in mind. 2 thess. 2. 8. to trill; as, to shake a note in music'.

Please see the note for Mark 14:53 about the word assembled. The functional definition for this word is: 'collected into a body; congregated'.

Please see the note for Romans C15S11 about the word fill. The functional definition for this word is: 'the action which causes a container to be full'. Please also see the note for Philippians 4:18 about the word full. Please also see the note for Colossians 2:9 about the word fullness. The functional definition for this word is: 'Replete; having within its limits all that it can contain'. Please also see the notes for Romans C15S11 and Galatians C5-S15 about the word fulfill.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the place. Ac 2:2; 16:25-26 they were all. Ac 2:4 spake. Ac 4:29; Isa 65:24; Mt 18:19-20; 21:22; Joh 14:12; 15:7,16; 16:23-24; Jas 1:5 General references. exp: Isa 65:24.'.

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C4-S25 (Verse 32) The entire church was united in serving God.

Equivalent Section: they were united spiritually.

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul:.

Equivalent Section: they were united physically.

First Step: they valued the spiritual above the physical.

neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own;.

Second Step: they shared everything alike.

but they had all things common.

Some of my cousins got caught up in what was called the 'Jesus Movement' and moved into communes. That whole thing lasted for about ten years. Communes and communism does not last long if the group is more than small. And, people thought that the success of the early church was their social structure when it was actually due to their dedication to God. However, religion and society deny the power of the personal relationship to God and try to claim that everything comes from w3hat is done in the physical reality.

Notice that our First Equivalent Section says that they were of one heart and of one soul. And, this was because they all believed. The only way that people can be united is if they put their own personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ above all else and allow Him to change their character and their personal lives. Only He can unite people. And, as we read in the next chapter, the unity can be destroyed by someone valuing things of this world over their own personal relationship.

Please see the note for John 6:2 about the word multitude. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'the state of being many; a great number. 2. A number collectively; the sum of many. 3. A great number, indefinitely. It is a fault in a multitude of preachers, that they utterly neglect method in their harangues. 4. A crowd or throng; the populace; applied to the populace when assembled in great numbers, and to the mass of men without reference to an assemblage. He the vast hissing multitude admires. the multitude have always been credulous, and the few artful'.

Please also see the note for Mark 1:32 about the word possess. The functional definition for this word is: 'To have the just and legal title, ownership or property of a thing; to own; to hold the title of, as the rightful proprietor, or to hold both the title and the thing. A man may possess the farm which he cultivates, or he may possess an estate in a foreign country, not in his own occupation'. Please also see the note for Acts 2:44-45 about the word possession.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C10S10 about the word common. The functional definition for this word is: 'Of no rank or superior excellence; ordinary and applies to the majority of any grouping. Not noble, not distinguished'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 5:1 about the word commonly.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the multitude. Ac 1:14; 2:1; 5:12; 2Ch 30:12; Jer 32:39; Eze 11:19-20; Joh 17:11,21-23; Ro 12:5; 15:5-6; 1Co 1:10; 12:12-14; 2Co 13:11; Eph 4:2-6; Php 1:27; 2:1-2; 1Pe 3:8 ought. Ac 2:44-46; 1Ch 29:14-16; Lu 16:10-12; 1Pe 4:11 General references. exp: Le 25:6; Joh 13:35; Heb 13:1.'.

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C4-S26 (Verse 33) the results in this world from their attitudes and actions.

Equivalent Section: God helped their efforts.

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus :.

Equivalent Section: God blessed everyone.

and great grace was upon them all.

In our First Equivalent Section, we see that God gave great power when the apostles let God work through them to give witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. In the Second Equivalent Section, we see that God gave great grace to those who let God use their lives. There are times that God will bless the people that we care about because of our service to God. So, even though some church member might be less than God wanted, they were blessed because of the work of others. And, that is one reason why we need to pray for our leaders. Their obe4dience brings God's grace to everyone in the church.

Notice that every sentence after their prayer (in 4:24-30) starts with And. We start out praying in true faith and God starts adding things to us. First, in 4:31 we read that And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together. We receive different assurance from God today but God still gives us assurances when we are doing as He desires us to do. Next we read and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Many people make the mistake of speaking religious doctrine and think they are doing what the disciples did here. However, this whole chapter is about religious leaders threatening unlearned and ignorant men who chose what the the word of God literally said (as revealed to them by the Holy Ghost) over religious doctrine. They not only chose what the the word of God literally said but they they spake the word of God with boldness.

I've had a lot of 'good godly men' tell me they disagree with 'me' when I tell them what the the word of God literally says (as shown in the notes of this study). I've also had a lot of 'good godly men' tell me that what I'm telling them from the word of God doesn't match the doctrine from all of the well educated godly pastors. In both cases they were telling me that I should stop telling people what the the word of God literally says. What the disciples experienced here in Acts 4 still goes on today.

This sentence starts with an And, which connects it to the prior sentences. The two sections let us know that the specific grace that fell on them was power to witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and that this power to witness is a grace, and not something that is earned or demanded.

This sentence tells us that God added great power unto what He already gave them in prior verses because it takes great power to overcome the resistance of religious leaders.Only the faith in the greater power of the Lord Jesus let them continue to witness. That witness was of the resurrection backed by heal[ings] and signs and wonders (4:30), which the religious people could not argue against. That is because it is only by the power of the Lord (God) that anyone is raised from the dead or that any other miracle is done. Further, since Jesus is the only person who rose by His own power and since the miracles were done in the name of Jesus, no one could argue against the claim that Jesus is Lord (God).

The resurrection and the miracles proved that Jesus is Lord and God. However, more than anything else, the final commandment that they received from the Lord Jesus before He returned to Heaven was ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost section of the earth (Acts 1:8). They were trying to obey the commandment from our Lord Jesus but could not do it without God's great power and they asked for what they needed believing that God would supply their need. That is what this verse teaches doctrinally. Jesus is Lord and exercises the Power that only the Lord God has and He expects us to obey Him. When we need His great power to do His work, He will supply it if we ask in faith.

Please see the notes for Romans C4S5; Romans C4S17; Galatians 1:1 and Ephesians C1S2 about the word grace. The word grace is usually presented as 'God's riches at Christ Expense'. However, that obviously does not fit in James 1:11. So while that is the main application within the Bible, the true definition is: 'that which makes the source look good'. We are given God's grace for the expressed purpose of making God look good. please see the notes for Galatians C5S4 and Galatians C6S18 about the phrase grace through Christ. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:33; Acts 11:23; Acts 13:43; Acts 14:3; Acts 14:26; Acts 15:11; Acts 15:40; Acts 18:27; Acts 20:24; Acts 20:32.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'with. Ac 4:30; 1:8,22; 2:32-33; 3:15-16; 5:12-16; Mr 16:20; Lu 24:48-49; Ro 15:18-19; 1Th 1:5; Heb 2:4 grace. Ac 2:47; Lu 2:52; Joh 1:16 General references. exp: Lu 24:48; Joh 13:35.'.

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C4-S27 (Verse 34-35) Everyone's physical needs were met.

Equivalent Section: No one lacked a need.

Neither was there any among them that lacked:.

Equivalent Section: Here's why. Saved people were w3illing to give up physical possessions to care for the needs of others.

for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them,
and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
And laid them down at the apostles' feet:.

Equivalent Section: the main concern was the need of everyone.

and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

They let the church leaders distribute what was needed. They did not seek personal glory for what they gave. The main concern was the need of everyone.

Remember that many came the Jerusalem for Pentecost, were saved, and stayed. The church went from one hundred twenty to over three thousand to close to twenty thousand in just a few weeks. As a result, there was a great need to supply all of the physical needs of those people and to teach them the doctrine of the New Testament. I doubt if any other church has seen that rapid of growth.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 8:13-15 about the word lack. The functional definition for this word is: 'To want; to be destitute of; not to have or possess'.

Please also see the note for Mark 1:32 about the word possess. The functional definition for this word is: 'o have the just and legal title, ownership or property of a thing; to own; to hold the title of, as the rightful proprietor, or to hold both the title and the thing'. Please also see the note for Acts 2:44-45 about the word possession.

Please see the note for Mark 10:30 about the word land the functional definition for this word is: 'Earth, or the solid matter which constitutes the fixed part of the surface of the globe, in distinction from the sea or other waters, which constitute the fluid or movable part'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word house. The functional definition for this word is: ' In a general sense, a building or shed intended or used as a habitation or shelter for animals of any kind; but appropriately, a building or edifice for the habitation of man; a dwelling place, mansion or abode for any of the human species. It may be of any size and composed of any materials whatever, wood, stone, brick, etc. This word is also used, symbolically within the Bible, for the descendants of a person'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:17 about the phrase house of God. Please also see the note for Luke 1:26-27 about the phrase house of David. Please also see the note for Luke 1:32-33 about the phrase house of Jacob. Please also see the note for Matthew 10:25 about the words household / householder.

Please see the note for Acts 2:44-45 about the word sold. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'the past-tense form of he word sell'. Please also see the note for Mark 10:21 about the word sell. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to transfer property or the exclusive right of possession to another for an equivalent in money. It is correlative to buy, as one party buys what the other sells. It is distinguished from exchange or barter, in which one commodity is given for another; whereas in selling the consideration is money, or its representative in current notes. to this distinction there may be certain exceptions. "Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a mess of pottage." But this is unusual. "Let us sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites- And they sold him for twenty pieces of silver." Gen. 37. Among the Hebrews, parents had power to sell their children. 2. to betray; to deliver or surrender for money or reward; as, to sell one's country. 3. to yield or give for a certain consideration. the troops fought like lions, and sold their lives dearly. that is, they yielded their lives, but first destroyed many, which made it a dear purchase for their enemies. 4. In Scripture, to give up to be harassed and made slaves. He sold them into the hands of their enemies. Judg. 2. 5. to part with; to renounce or forsake. Buy the truth and sell it not. Prov. 23'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C7S30 about the word price. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. L. pretium. See Praise. 1. the sum or amount of money at which a thing is valued, or the value which a seller sets on his goods in market. A man often sets a price on goods which he cannot obtain, and often takes less than the price set. 2. the sum or equivalent given for an article sold; as the price paid for a house, an ox or a watch. 3. the current value or rate paid for any species of goods; as the market price of wheat. 4. Value; estimation; excellence; worth. Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Prov.31. 5. Reward; recompense. that vice may merit; 'tis the price of toil; the knave deserves it when he tills the soil. the price of redemption, is the atonement of Jesus Christ. 1 Cor.6. A price in the hands of a fool, the valuable offers of salvation, which he neglects. Prov.17.'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:34; Acts 5:2; Acts 5:3; Acts 19:19.

Please see the note for Romans C12S8 about the word distribute. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. L., to give or divide. 1. to divide among two or more; to deal; to give or bestow in parts or portions. Moses distributed lands to the tribes of Israel. Christ distributed the loaves to his disciples. 2. to dispense; to administer; as, to distribute justice. 3. to divide or separate, as into classes, orders, kinds or species. 4. to give in charity. Distributing to the necessities of the saints. Romans 12. 5. In printing, to separate types, and place them in their proper cells in the cases.'.

Please see the note for Philippians 4:19 about the word need. The functional definition for this word is: 'n. to be in want. the primary sense is to press. 1. Want; occasion for something; necessity; a state that requires supply or relief. It sometimes expresses urgent want; pressing exigency. What further need have we of witnesses? Matthew 26. 2. Want of the means of subsistence; poverty; indigence. I know how to abound and to suffer need. Philippians 4.'. Please also see the note for Romans C13S8 about the phrase must needs.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'was. De 2:7; Ps 34:9-10; Lu 22:35; 1Th 4:12 for. Ac 4:37; 2:45; 5:1-3; Mr 10:21; Lu 12:33; 16:9; 1Ti 6:19; Jas 1:27 General references. exp: Le 25:6; Joh 13:35.
at. Ac 3:6; 5:2; 6:1-6; 2Co 8:20-21 distribution. Ac 2:45; 6:1 General references. exp: Le 25:6; Joh 13:35.'.

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C4-S28 (Verse 36-37) What Barnabas did,

And Joses,
who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas,
(See Below),
a Levite,
and of the country of Cyprus,
Having land,
sold it,
and brought the money,
and laid it at the apostles' feet.

This is the meaning of their name.

(which is,
being interpreted,
The son of consolation).

This sentence introduces us to Barnabas and gives us a basic theme of his life. He was the first missionary pastor and Paul's partner on the first missionary trip. His lifer was guided by his consideration of saved people. However, he messed up when he put his personal consideration of his nephew, John Mark, above the requirements for being a missionary. Thus, we do not read about him again after he split with Paul over the second missionary trip. And, while God wants us consider the needs of the brethren, we need to keep a proper perspective. Doing God's will must have a higher priority if we must choose between serving God and family (Luke 14:26).

Please see the note for Acts 1:23 about the word surname. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'In scripture this means an additional or added name, not a family name, as the word now implies. Isa 44:5; 45:4; Mt 10:3: Mr 3:16-17; etc'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S8 about Barnabas. The functional definition for this word is: 'This man was a peace maker'. He is named, in this book, in: Acts 4:36; Acts 9:27; Acts 11:22; Acts 11:25; Acts 11:30; Acts 12:25; Acts 13:1; Acts 13:2; Acts 13:7; Acts 13:43; Acts 13:46; Acts 13:50; Acts 14:12; Acts 14:14; Acts 14:20; Acts 15:2; Acts 15:12; Acts 15:22-25; Acts 15:35; Acts 15:36; Acts 15:37; Acts 15:39.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S8 about the word interpret. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. L. interpretor, from interpres. 1. to explain the meaning or words to a person who does not understand them; to expound; to translate unintelligible words into intelligible ones; as, to interpret the Hebrew language to an Englishman. --Immanuel, which being interpreted, signified, God with us. Matt.1. 2. to explain or unfold the meaning of predictions, vision, dreams or enigmas; to expound and lay open what is concealed from the understanding; as, Joseph interpreted the dream of Pharaoh. 3. to decipher. 4. to explain something not understood; as, to interpret looks or signs. 5. to define; to explain words by other words in the same language'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:36; Acts 9:36; Acts 13:8.

Please see the note for Luke 10:32 about the word Levite. The functional definition for this word is: 'a descendant of the tribe of Levi (Ex 6:25; Le 25:32; Nu 35:2; Jos 21:3,41). this name is, however, generally used as the title of that portion of the tribe which was set apart for the subordinate offices of the sanctuary service (1Ki 8:4; Ezr 2:70), as assistants to the priests'.

Please see the note for Mark 12:1 about the word country. The functional definition for this word is: 'An area of land. It can be all the land controlled by a government or the land lying near a city'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 4:36; Acts 7:3; Acts 12:20; Acts 13:7; Acts 18:23; Acts 27:27.

We find Cyprus in: Acts 4:36; Acts 11:19; Acts 11:20; Acts 13:4; Acts 15:39; Acts 21:3; Acts 21:16; Acts 27:4. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'one of the largest islands of the Mediterranean, about 148 miles long and 40 broad. It is distant about 60 miles from the Syrian coast. It was the "Chittim" of the Old Testament (Nu 24:24). the Greek colonists gave it the name of Kypros, from the cyprus, i.e., the henna (see Camphire), which grew on this island. It was originally inhabited by Phoenicians. In B.C. 477 it fell under the dominion of the Greeks; and became a Roman province B.C. 58. In ancient times it was a centre of great commercial activity. Corn and wine and oil were produced here in the greatest perfection. It was rich also in timber and in mineral wealth.
It is first mentioned in the New Testament (Ac 4:36) as the native place of Barnabas. It was the scene of Paul's first missionary labours (Ac 13:4-13), when he and Barnabas and John Mark were sent forth by the church of Antioch. It was afterwards visited by Barnabas and Mark alone (Ac 15:39). Mnason, an "old disciple," probaly one of the converts of the day of Pentecost belonging to this island, is mentioned (Ac 21:16). It is also mentioned in connection with the voyages of Paul (Ac 21:3; 27:4). After being under the Turks for three hundred years, it was given up to the British Government in 1878'.

Please see the notes for Mark 6:7-9 and John 6:7 about the word money. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Mention is made of money as early as Ge 17:12-13, where persons are said to be 'bought with money;' and from Genesis to Zechariah it is spoken of as being not counted, but weighed, which would give the true value of the precious metals in the form of rings or in odd pieces of gold or silver. the names Gerah, Bekah, Shekel, Maneh, and Talent, being used for weights as well as money, the two are better considered together.
On the return of the Jews, B.C. 536, Persian money was used by them. this would be followed by Greek money when they were under the dominion of the Greeks. Antiochus VII about B.C. 140, granted permission to Simon Maccabeus to coin Jewish money. Shekels were coined bearing a pot of manna and an almond rod. Under the Romans, Roman money was used'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Ac 4:37; Acts 7:16; Acts 8:18; Acts 8:20; Acts 24:26.

Please see the note for Romans C15S5 about the word consolation. The functional definition for this word is: 'Comfort; alleviation of misery, or distress of mind; refreshment of mind or spirits'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Barnabas. Ac 11:22-25,30; 12:25; 13:1; 15:2,12,37; 1Co 9:6; Ga 2:1,9,13 exp: Ac 9:27. The son. Mr 3:17 Cyprus. Ac 11:19-20; 15:39; 21:16 exp: Ac 13:4; 21:3; 27:4. General references. exp: Le 25:34.
sold. Ac 4:34-35; 5:1-2; Mt 19:29 exp: Ac 2:45. General references. exp: Le 25:34.'.

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Acts Chapter 3

Chapter theme is: Peter and John preach in the Temple.

links to sentences in this chapter:

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides a chapter outline as:

Acts Chapter 4

Chapter theme is: the Reaction to the Gospel Being Given.

links to sentences in this chapter:

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides a chapter outline as:

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