Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 4:24

"And they, when they heard it, lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, O Lord, thou that didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is:" — Acts 4:24 (ASV)

They lifted up their voice. Among the Hebrews, the phrase "to lift up the voice" could denote either an address to the people (Judges 9:7), or express weeping (Genesis 29:11; Judges 2:4; Ruth 1:9; 1 Samuel 24:16), or signify prayer. To lift up the voice to God means, simply, that they prayed to Him.

With one accord. This means unitedly, or properly, with one mind or purpose. See the notes on Acts 1:14.

The union of the early Christians is often noted in the Acts of the Apostles. Up to this point, there was no conflict or dissension in their community, and everything had the appearance of the most complete affection and confidence.

Lord. The Greek word used here is despota, from which the word despot is derived.

This is not the usual word used to address God. The word commonly translated Lord is Kyrios. The word used here, despota, signifies one who rules over others and was applied to the highest magistrate or officer. It denotes authority, power, and absoluteness in ruling.

Despota indicates more authority in ruling than Kyrios; Kyrios more commonly denotes a property in something, whereas despota signifies absolute rule.

The term despota is applied to God in Luke 2:29, Revelation 6:10, and Jude 1:4; to Jesus Christ in 2 Peter 2:1; to masters in 1 Timothy 6:1, Titus 2:9, and 1 Peter 2:18; to husbands in 1 Peter 3:6; and to a possessor or owner in 2 Timothy 2:21.

You are God. This ascription of praise seems intended to express their awareness of His power to deliver them and His right to dispose of them.

They were employed in His service and were surrounded by dangers. They acknowledged Him as their God, who had made all things and who had a complete right to direct and to dispose of them for His own glory.

In times of danger and perplexity, we should remember that God has a right to do with us as He pleases, and we should cheerfully commit ourselves into His hands.

which have made, etc. (see Genesis 1). This passage is taken directly from Psalm 146:6 .