Acts 4:29
Verse
Context
The Believers’ Prayer
28They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen.29And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness,30as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings - It is not against us, but against thee, that they conspire: it is not to prevent the success of our preaching, but to bring to nought thy counsel: the whole of their enmity is against thee. Now, Lord, look upon it; consider this. And grant unto thy servants - While we are endeavoring to fulfill thy counsels, and can do nothing without thee, sustain our courage, that we may proclaim thy truth with boldness and irresistible power.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
now, Lord, behold their threatenings--Recognizing in the threatenings of the Sanhedrim a declaration of war by the combined powers of the world against their infant cause, they seek not enthusiastically to hide from themselves its critical position, but calmly ask the Lord of heaven and earth to "look upon their threatenings." that with all boldness they may speak thy word--Rising above self, they ask only fearless courage to testify for their Master, and divine attestation to their testimony by miracles of healing, &c., in His name.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings,.... Meaning not with his eye of omniscience, which he could not but do; but that he would so take notice of them, as in his providence to rebuke them for them, or restrain them, or make them fearless of them: and grant unto thy servants; the apostles, and all the ministers of the word, who are the servants of the most high God, and who serve him in the Gospel of his Son, with great cheerfulness and faithfulness: that with all boldness they may speak thy word; and not their own, or another's; the Gospel, which is God's speech, or a word, a message of grace and mercy from him to sinful creatures. The request of the whole church is, that the ministers of the word might not be intimidated by the menaces of the sanhedrim; but go on to declare it with all freedom of expression, with all boldness, courage, and intrepidity of mind, and all openness and faithfulness, and in the most public manner. And such a petition shows, that as it is gift of God to speak his word, or preach his Gospel, so it also is, to speak it freely, boldly, and faithfully, as it should be spoken.
Acts 4:29
The Believers’ Prayer
28They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen.29And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness,30as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
By Signs and Wonders Where Christ Has Not Been Named
By John Piper2.9K46:25DEU 18:10JHN 5:36ACT 4:29This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the power of God's Word and the role of signs and wonders in the church. It delves into the method and instruments through which Christ brings about obedience, highlighting the significance of both word and deed, signs and wonders, and the power of the Holy Spirit. The sermon encourages believers to pray for signs and wonders today while maintaining a central focus on the Word of God and the sovereignty of God in all things.
Persecution and the Underground House Churches in Iran
By Edgar Reich2.1K39:09PersecutionMAT 10:39MAT 24:9MAT 28:19ACT 4:29The video discusses the testimony of a family in Iran who watched the Gospel TV broadcast on an illegal satellite station and prayed together to confess their faith in Jesus Christ. It highlights the persecution and challenges faced by Christians in Iran, where the government is committed to Islam's quest for world dominion. Despite the risks, believers in the underground church boldly share their faith with others, even in public places like buses, taxis, and shops. The video also shares an example of a believer who obeyed the Holy Spirit's leading to give a New Testament to a man he met at a traffic light, leading to the man's conversion to Christianity.
Why Should I Pray for What Seems Impossible
By Carter Conlon1.8K55:41JHN 11:25ACT 4:29HEB 11:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting God in impossible situations, encouraging believers to step out in faith and pray for revival and transformation in their lives and communities. It highlights the power of prayer, the need to glorify God's name, and the assurance that God can bring life and victory even in the midst of hopelessness and impossibility.
Question Panel With John Piper, Randy Alcorn, and Helen Roseveare
By Helen Roseveare1.6K10:00MAT 16:24ACT 4:29PHP 3:102TI 1:71PE 4:13This sermon touches on the topic of suffering in the Christian life, emphasizing the privilege of sharing in Christ's sufferings and the courage required to follow Him. It explores the fear of suffering in missions, the necessity of embracing suffering as part of the Christian journey, and practical strategies for cultivating courage in the face of fear and comfort. The speaker reflects on personal experiences and the importance of speaking up for Christ, even in challenging situations.
Go on With God (Rora 2003)
By Les Wheeldon1.6K57:38Following After GodACT 4:291CO 12:13In this sermon, the speaker begins by joking about the meeting time and congratulating a football team. He then focuses on a verse from Luke's Gospel, emphasizing the importance of receiving power from God. The speaker shares testimonies of people who have been transformed by God's presence and highlights the need for a hunger for God's word among believers. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the story of Elisha and the importance of faith in God's promises.
K-466 Agenda for Biblical People
By Art Katz1.5K1:22:06BiblicalMAT 5:14MAT 6:33ACT 4:29ROM 12:21CO 2:9JAS 1:271PE 2:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Christians being representatives of another kingdom. He describes the Bible's view of change as primarily coming through the presence of God's people in history, demonstrating what human life can be in the love and power of Christ. The speaker shares a powerful statement from Paul about the gospel's purpose being to teach men how to live, and highlights the role of gospel people in teaching the world to live according to God's values. The speaker challenges the congregation to examine their lives and submit them to God's light, seeking to establish a distinct lifestyle that originates from heaven.
Spiritual Insights 03 Rom 13:8
By William MacDonald1.2K45:21Spiritual Insights2KI 4:8PRO 22:7MAT 5:16MAT 22:37JHN 3:20ACT 4:29ROM 13:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and obedience to God's word. He contrasts the actions of wise individuals who seek to please the Lord with the foolishness of those who only seek to please themselves. The preacher also highlights the need for Christians to be realistic while still maintaining their idealism for perfection. He uses various examples, such as the imperfections in the world and the flaws in every person, to illustrate this point. Additionally, the preacher draws inspiration from the early Christians who did not wait for circumstances to change before serving God, but instead chose to glorify Him in their present circumstances.
Spiritual Warfare Series - the Great Privilege
By Jim Cymbala1.0K26:24Spiritual WarfareACT 4:29ACT 4:31EPH 6:19In this video, the speaker shares his experience of being invited to speak at a conference where he felt pressured to conform to the atmosphere and not "rock the boat." Despite his initial fear and lack of preparation, he trusted in God's guidance and delivered a sermon that had a profound impact on the audience. The video highlights the importance of seeking God's will and being faithful in sharing His message, even in challenging circumstances. The speaker also emphasizes the need for revival in the church and in the country, and encourages viewers to pray for these things.
Growth of the Church
By Steve Gallagher74851:33MAT 10:19ACT 3:6ACT 4:13ACT 4:29ACT 4:31This sermon delves into Acts 3 and 4, highlighting the growth of the early church, the boldness and courage of Peter and John in the face of opposition from the religious leaders, and the power of the Holy Spirit at work. It emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth fearlessly, seeking God's authority, and praying for boldness to preach the Word despite threats and challenges.
Apostolic Foundations (7 of 12)
By Art Katz73158:45ApostolicMAT 10:28ACT 4:13ACT 4:291CO 2:7EPH 3:8REV 11:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ and making known the hidden truths of God. He highlights the need for grace to fulfill this task and discusses the eternal purpose of God. The speaker then shares a personal experience of receiving a list of points of application from the Lord. He challenges the church to confront the lies and deception in society, particularly referencing the mafia in Italy. The sermon concludes with a call for the church to move beyond comfortable praise and embrace a deeper level of worship, even in the midst of affliction and persecution.
(Acts) Purity and Power
By Brian Brodersen57453:30MAT 6:19ACT 3:1ACT 4:18ACT 4:29ACT 4:31ACT 4:34REV 2:5In this sermon, the speaker begins by setting the context in Acts chapter 4, where the disciples had just healed a lame man and were subsequently arrested by the authorities. The authorities commanded them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. The speaker then draws a parallel to the story of Joshua and the battle of AI, where sin in the camp halted the progression of the people of God. The speaker suggests that sin can also hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the church. However, when sin is dealt with and removed, the power of God is poured out, miracles happen, and multitudes are added to the Lord.
Witness Unto Jesus
By G.W. North1441:12:33Jesus1SA 17:55ACT 3:8ACT 4:29ACT 4:31ROM 12:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life dedicated to God. He highlights the book of Acts as a testament to the life of the early church and the significance of the church in the Christian faith. The speaker encourages the audience to seek a genuine and personal experience with God, rather than following popular ideas or trends. He references Romans 6, emphasizing the need to present oneself as a living sacrifice to God, just as Jesus did. The sermon concludes with the speaker mentioning Peter's witness to Jesus and the power of proclaiming his name.
God Is With Them
By David Wilkerson0Boldness in FaithPresence of GodACT 4:13ACT 4:23ACT 4:29David Wilkerson emphasizes the transformative power of being in the presence of Jesus, as demonstrated by Peter and John in Acts 4. Their boldness and the miraculous healing of a man served as undeniable evidence of their time spent with Christ. After facing judgment, they returned to their community, where they prayed for continued boldness and the ability to perform signs and wonders in Jesus' name. Wilkerson highlights that true followers of Christ carry His presence with them, impacting those around them. The sermon encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus to manifest His power in their lives.
Early Christians Undergoing Persecution
By William MacDonald0Serving God in AdversityBoldness in FaithECC 11:4ACT 4:29PHP 1:12William MacDonald emphasizes that early Christians faced persecution with boldness, choosing to glorify God rather than waiting for favorable circumstances. He critiques the tendency to postpone service to God due to life's distractions and challenges, illustrating that true ministry can thrive even in adverse situations, as seen in the lives of Joseph, Daniel, and Paul. MacDonald encourages believers to act now, as ideal conditions may never come, and highlights the wisdom of Luther and Solomon regarding the importance of seizing the moment for service.
God Is in That!
By A.W. Tozer0FaithAuthenticity in WorshipACT 4:29A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and the presence of God in acts of boldness and prayer rather than in commercialized miracles. He critiques organized religion that seeks to control and market divine interventions, asserting that true miracles occur when individuals earnestly seek God in solitude and faith. Tozer encourages believers to step out in faith, trusting that God is present in their sincere efforts to serve and proclaim His word. He calls for a return to authentic spirituality, where reliance on God supersedes the need for human organization and control.
The Problem of Depravity
By Denis Lyle02KI 8:7PSA 48:14JER 17:9ACT 4:29ROM 8:28Denis Lyle preaches on 'The Problem of Depravity' by highlighting the bleak future projections of societal decay and moral decline as depicted in a special edition of TIME MAGAZINE. The sermon delves into the root cause of human wickedness and evil, attributing it to the depravity of the human heart, as stated in Jeremiah 17:9. The narrative in 2 Kings 8:7-15 illustrates this concept through the characters of Hazael, Elisha, and God, showcasing the deceptive nature of human ambition and the contrasting godly character of Elisha. The passage also emphasizes God's sovereignty over the affairs of men, using even wicked individuals like Hazael to fulfill His purposes.
Paul's Humiliating Confession
By Thomas Reade0JER 1:17EZK 2:6MAL 2:6ACT 4:29ACT 9:1ACT 14:19ACT 26:91CO 15:92CO 11:23GAL 1:13PHP 3:41TI 1:12REV 2:4Thomas Reade preaches about Paul's humiliating confession, the opposition he faced from the Jews, his reception by the apostles in Jerusalem, and the natural energy of his character. Reade emphasizes the importance of humility in acknowledging our sins and the transforming power of God's grace in Paul's life. He highlights Paul's boldness in preaching the Gospel despite persecution and encourages believers to have unwavering faith and courage in sharing the message of salvation. Reade urges Christians to be examples in love, faith, and purity, following Paul's dedication and zeal in serving the Lord.
Confidence
By Richard E. Bieber0ACT 4:29Richard E. Bieber preaches about the importance of having confidence in God, using the story of Samuel and the early believers in Acts as examples. He emphasizes the need to say 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening' when God calls us, and how connecting with God can transform our weaknesses into strengths. Bieber challenges the congregation to move beyond being hypocrites, crazies, or wimps, and instead, seek God-confidence to boldly proclaim His word and do His work in the world.
A Burning Heart, a Burning Tongue
By Richard E. Bieber0PSA 51:14ISA 50:4MRK 16:17LUK 4:16JHN 7:37ACT 4:29Richard E. Bieber emphasizes the importance of Christians being in touch with the anguish of the world to avoid becoming stale or sterile. He challenges believers to speak words of healing and bring lasting help to those in need, reflecting the true gospel. Drawing from Isaiah and Luke, he highlights the power of speaking with a new tongue that brings life, healing, and freedom, just as Jesus did with authority and power. Bieber encourages believers to seek a new heart filled with God's mercy, to give forth mercy from within, and to let their hearts teach their tongues to speak words that heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free.
Lift Up Your Voice With Strength
By Richard E. Bieber0ACT 4:29Richard E. Bieber preaches about the need for believers to boldly proclaim the message of God without fear, just like the prophets of old. He emphasizes the importance of speaking the word of God clearly and boldly, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to confirm the truth to those who are listening. The sermon highlights the call to get on top of situations, lift up our voices with strength, and point people not to ourselves but to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
A Good Word
By Richard E. Bieber0ISA 50:4MAT 12:33LUK 2:10JHN 7:37ACT 4:29Richard E. Bieber preaches about the importance of having the tongue of those who are taught, to sustain the weary with a word, especially during the Christmas season when many are hurting. He emphasizes the need for believers to speak life-giving words that heal, encourage, and bring hope, just as Jesus did. The sermon highlights the power of words that come from a heart filled with the goodness of God, conveying the life of God in everyday conversations.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings - It is not against us, but against thee, that they conspire: it is not to prevent the success of our preaching, but to bring to nought thy counsel: the whole of their enmity is against thee. Now, Lord, look upon it; consider this. And grant unto thy servants - While we are endeavoring to fulfill thy counsels, and can do nothing without thee, sustain our courage, that we may proclaim thy truth with boldness and irresistible power.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
now, Lord, behold their threatenings--Recognizing in the threatenings of the Sanhedrim a declaration of war by the combined powers of the world against their infant cause, they seek not enthusiastically to hide from themselves its critical position, but calmly ask the Lord of heaven and earth to "look upon their threatenings." that with all boldness they may speak thy word--Rising above self, they ask only fearless courage to testify for their Master, and divine attestation to their testimony by miracles of healing, &c., in His name.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings,.... Meaning not with his eye of omniscience, which he could not but do; but that he would so take notice of them, as in his providence to rebuke them for them, or restrain them, or make them fearless of them: and grant unto thy servants; the apostles, and all the ministers of the word, who are the servants of the most high God, and who serve him in the Gospel of his Son, with great cheerfulness and faithfulness: that with all boldness they may speak thy word; and not their own, or another's; the Gospel, which is God's speech, or a word, a message of grace and mercy from him to sinful creatures. The request of the whole church is, that the ministers of the word might not be intimidated by the menaces of the sanhedrim; but go on to declare it with all freedom of expression, with all boldness, courage, and intrepidity of mind, and all openness and faithfulness, and in the most public manner. And such a petition shows, that as it is gift of God to speak his word, or preach his Gospel, so it also is, to speak it freely, boldly, and faithfully, as it should be spoken.