Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 4
Matthew Henry Commentary
Acts 4
Matthew Henry Commentary
Acts 4
"And as they spake unto the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, being sore troubled because they taught the people, and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in ward unto the morrow: for it was now eventide. But many of them that heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand." — Acts 4:1-4 (ASV)
The apostles preached the resurrection from the dead through Jesus. This resurrection includes all the happiness of the future state, and they preached that this happiness is to be obtained only through Jesus Christ.
Miserable is the condition of those for whom the glory of Christ's kingdom is a cause of grief; for since the glory of that kingdom is everlasting, their grief will also be everlasting.
The harmless and useful servants of Christ, like the apostles, have often been troubled for their work of faith and labor of love, while wicked men have escaped. And to this day, instances are not lacking where reading the Scriptures, social prayer, and religious conversation are met with disapproval and opposition. But if we obey the precepts of Christ, he will support us.
"And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; and Annas the high priest [was there], and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest. And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, By what power, or in what name, have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders, if we this day are examined concerning a good deed done to an impotent man, by what means this man is made whole; be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] in him doth this man stand here before you whole. He is the stone which was set at nought of you the builders, which was made the head of the corner. And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved. Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And seeing the man that was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it." — Acts 4:5-14 (ASV)
Peter, being filled with the Holy Ghost, wanted everyone to understand that the miracle had been performed by the name, or power, of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, whom they had crucified; and this confirmed their testimony to his resurrection from the dead, which proved him to be the Messiah. These rulers must either be saved by that Jesus whom they had crucified, or they must perish forever.
The name of Jesus is given to people of every age and nation, as that by which alone believers are saved from the wrath to come. But when covetousness, pride, or any corrupt passion rules within, people shut their eyes and close their hearts in enmity against the light, considering all who desire to know nothing in comparison with Christ crucified as ignorant and unlearned.
And the followers of Christ should act so that all who converse with them may recognize that they have been with Jesus. This makes them holy, heavenly, spiritual, and cheerful, and raises them above this world.
"But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been wrought through them, is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye: for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard. And they, when they had further threatened them, let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people; for all men glorified God for that which was done. For the man was more than forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was wrought." — Acts 4:15-22 (ASV)
The primary concern of the rulers is that the doctrine of Christ does not spread among the people, yet they cannot say it is false or dangerous, or has any harmful tendency; and they are ashamed to admit the true reason: that it testifies against their hypocrisy, wickedness, and tyranny.
Those who know how to place a proper value on Christ's promises also know how to show proper contempt for the world's threats.
The apostles look with concern on perishing souls and know they cannot escape eternal ruin except through Jesus Christ; therefore, they are faithful in warning and showing the right way.
No one will enjoy peace of mind, nor act uprightly, until they have learned to guide their conduct by the fixed standard of truth, and not by the shifting opinions and fancies of people.
Especially beware of a vain attempt to serve two masters, God and the world; the outcome will be that you can serve neither fully.
"And being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said unto them. 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: who by the Holy Spirit, [by] the mouth of our father David thy servant, didst say, Why did the Gentiles rage, And the peoples imagine vain things? The kings of the earth set themselves in array, And the rulers were gathered together, Against the Lord, and against his Anointed: for of a truth in this city against thy holy Servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together, to do whatsoever thy hand and thy council foreordained to come to pass. And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, while thy stretchest forth thy hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy Servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness." — Acts 4:23-31 (ASV)
Christ's followers do best in company, provided it is among themselves. It encourages God's servants, both in doing their work and in enduring suffering, that they serve the God who made all things and therefore controls all events; and the Scriptures must be fulfilled. Jesus was anointed to be a Savior, therefore it was determined he should be a sacrifice, to make atonement for sin. But sin is no less evil because God brings good out of it.
In threatening times, our concern should not be so much that troubles might be prevented, but rather that we may continue with cheerfulness and courage in our work and duty. They do not pray, 'Lord, let us go away from our work, now that it has become dangerous,' but 'Lord, give us your grace to go on steadfastly in our work, and not to fear human opposition.' Those who desire divine aid and encouragement can depend on receiving them, and they should go out, and go on, in the strength of the Lord God.
God gave a sign of acceptance of their prayers. The place was shaken, so that their faith might be established and unshaken. God gave them a greater measure of His Spirit; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit more than ever, by which they were not only encouraged but also enabled to speak the word of God with boldness. When they find the Lord God helping them by His Spirit, they know they shall not be confounded (Isaiah 17).
"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and not one [of them] said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. For neither was there among them any that lacked: 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 at the apostles` feet: and distribution was made unto each, according as any one had need. And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of exhortation), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles` feet." — Acts 4:32-37 (ASV)
The disciples loved one another. This was the blessed fruit of Christ's dying precept to his disciples, and his dying prayer for them. So it was then, and it will be so again when the Spirit shall be poured upon us from on high.
The doctrine preached was the resurrection of Christ. This matter of fact, when duly explained, was a summary of all the duties, privileges, and comforts of Christians. There were evident fruits of Christ's grace in all they said and did.
They were dead to this world. This was a great evidence of the grace of God in them. They did not take away others' property, but they were indifferent to it. They did not call it their own, because in their devotion they had forsaken all for Christ and were expecting to be stripped of all for holding fast to him. It is no wonder that they were of one heart and soul when they were so unattached to the wealth of this world.
In effect, they had all things in common; for no one among them lacked, since care was taken for their supply. The money was laid at the apostles' feet.
Great care should be taken in the distribution of public charity, ensuring it is given to those who have need and those who are not able to provide for themselves; indeed, those who are reduced to poverty for doing good, and for the testimony of a good conscience, ought to be provided for. One person in particular is mentioned who was remarkable for this generous charity: it was Barnabas.
As one intended to be a preacher of the gospel, he disentangled himself from the affairs of this life. When such dispositions prevail, and are exercised according to the circumstances of the times, the testimony will have very great power upon others.
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