Acts 4:31
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The place was shaken - This earthquake was an evidence of the presence of God, and a most direct answer to their prayer, as far as that prayer concerned themselves. The earthquake proclaimed the stretched-out arm of God, and showed them that resistance against his counsels and determinations must come to nought. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost - And, in consequence of this, they spake the word of God with boldness; a pointed answer to a second part of their request, Act 4:29. A right prayer will always have a right and ready answer. Though these disciples had received the Holy Spirit on the day of pentecost, yet they were capable of larger communications; and what they had then received did not preclude the necessity of frequent supplies, on emergent occasions. Indeed, one communication of this Spirit always makes way and disposes for another. Neither apostle nor private Christian can subsist in the Divine life without frequent influences from on high. Had these disciples depended on their pentecostal grace, they might have sunk now under the terror and menaces of their combined and powerful foes. God gives grace for the time being, but no stock for futurity, because he will keep all his followers continually dependent on himself. With boldness - Παντι τῳ θελοντι πιστευειν, To all who were willing to believe, is added by DE, two others, Augustin, Irenaeus, and Bede.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
place was shaken--glorious token of the commotion which the Gospel was to make (Act 17:6; compare Act 16:26), and the overthrow of all opposing powers in which this was to issue. they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and spake, &c.--The Spirit rested upon the entire community, first, in the very way they had asked, so that they "spake the word with boldness" (Act 4:29, Act 4:31); next, in melting down all selfishness, and absorbing even the feeling of individuality in an intense and glowing realization of Christian unity. The community of goods was but an outward expression of this, and natural in such circumstances.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when they had prayed,.... Either while they were praying, or as soon as they had done; for sometimes, as here, prayer is immediately heard, and an answer is returned, whilst the saints are speaking, or as soon as prayer is ended: the place was shaken where they were assembled together; which, whether it was a private house, or the temple, is not certain: the latter seems more probable, because their number was so great, that no private house could hold them; and since this was the place where they used to assemble; this was now shaken with a rushing mighty wind, as on the day of Pentecost, and was a symbol of the divine presence, and a token that their prayers were heard, and an emblem of the shaking of the world by the ministry of the apostles: and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost; with the gifts of the Holy Ghost, even with extraordinary ones, such as speaking with divers tongues, as before on the day of Pentecost; see Act 2:4 and this was the case not only of the apostles, but of the other ministers of the word, and it may be of the whole church: and they spoke the word of God with all boldness; that is, the apostles, and preachers of the Gospel, spoke it with great freedom, and without fear, not only privately, in their community, but publicly, in the temple: this was what was particularly prayed for, and in which they had a remarkable answer.
Acts 4:31
The Believers’ Prayer
30as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”31After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Europe 2008) Session 1 - a Man Sent From God
By B.H. Clendennen9.0K1:01:30CallingPSA 46:6MAT 6:33JHN 1:6ACT 2:3ACT 2:41ACT 4:31ACT 9:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a revival in London and the world. He mentions that before the Wesleyan revival, there were no gospel churches in London, but when the revival came, everything changed. The speaker also highlights the importance of speaking by the Holy Spirit and living a life dedicated to God. He emphasizes the need for ministers who are fearless and anointed by God to speak the truth. The speaker concludes by stating that the only answer to the current demonic times is a supernatural intervention of God through revival.
Bringing the Power of God Into Prayer
By Carter Conlon6.2K1:00:09Corporate Prayer2SA 22:2PSA 2:1PSA 2:12PSA 21:11PSA 31:5ACT 4:25ACT 4:31In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of speaking and the impact it can have on someone's life. He shares a story from the Old Testament about three lepers who made a choice to speak and ended up saving themselves from death. The preacher then connects this story to the healing of a lame man in Acts chapter four, where Peter's words brought about a miraculous transformation. He encourages the audience to realize that their words can make a difference and urges them to pray for a revival of this kind of speaking and praying. The preacher also emphasizes that the battle for hearts and lives will not be won in the political arena, but through personal interactions and sharing the gospel.
Humility vs Pride
By Gerhard Du Toit5.9K10:05PridePRO 16:18ISA 57:15ACT 4:31ROM 12:3PHP 2:3JAS 4:61JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the destructive nature of pride in a person's life. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and repenting of pride, as it hinders one's relationship with God and others. The speaker contrasts a prideful heart with a broken heart before God, highlighting the humility and dependence that comes with a broken Christian life. They emphasize the need for confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation in relationships, as well as the importance of serving others with a selfless and compassionate spirit. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to cultivate a broken heart before God, acknowledging their own unworthiness and relying on His grace and forgiveness.
What Difference Does the Holy Spirit Make?
By A.W. Tozer5.2K44:58Holy SpiritMRK 16:15ACT 1:4ACT 1:8ACT 2:4ACT 2:41ACT 4:31ACT 5:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the lack of wonder and vague sense of reality that many people live by. He then tells a story about the disciples and how the Holy Spirit brought a change in their lives. The Holy Spirit gave them a sense of joy and transformed their emotional tone. The preacher contrasts the lack of joy in the Four Gospels with the abundance of joy in the book of Acts. He also criticizes the idea of trying to bring the world into the church without regeneration or sanctification. The preacher emphasizes the need for believers to have a separation that allows them to see another world and to have the authority to proclaim the message of God. He also comments on the superficial attempts to find joy in dance halls and rock and roll sessions.
"We Don't Know God!"
By Leonard Ravenhill4.9K08:12PSA 85:6JER 9:23JHN 17:3ACT 4:31JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of truly knowing God, highlighting how many people may know about God but not truly know Him intimately. It shares stories of past revivals and the powerful presence of God that transformed lives, contrasting it with the lack of spiritual fervor and depth in modern times. The message calls for a return to fervent prayer, deep intimacy with God, and a hunger for revival that can set hearts on fire for God.
A Personal Pentecost
By Bill McLeod4.6K54:28PentecostMAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 2:41ACT 4:12ACT 4:31ROM 10:17EPH 3:19In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a revival that took place in the Hebrides islands. Prior to the revival, every home in those islands had Bible reading and prayer twice a day, which laid a foundation for the young people to hear the basic truths of the gospel. During the revival, without a preacher present, all 80 young people in a gathering fell on their knees and wept, crying out to God and getting saved. The speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on God and shares the story of a man who wasted years before experiencing a powerful revival. The sermon also highlights the significance of the Holy Spirit's presence in the lives of believers, referencing passages from Acts and Galatians.
Be Filled With the Spirit
By William MacDonald4.1K37:29Holy SpiritACT 1:6ACT 4:31ROM 12:1COL 3:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of meeting certain conditions in order to experience the power and filling of the Holy Spirit. The first condition is to have a complete dedication and devotion to Christ, surrendering one's life without reservations. The speaker emphasizes that this is not just talk, but a genuine commitment. The second condition is to be transformed by the renewing of the mind, not conforming to the ways of the world. The speaker highlights the significance of the Holy Spirit's filling, which brings power, boldness, and a great witness to the resurrection of Jesus. The book of Acts serves as an example of how the Holy Spirit's presence and filling can transform ordinary people into powerful vessels for God's work.
Pray Big and Pray Bold
By Sundar Krishnan3.9K24:59PSA 2:1ACT 4:31EPH 6:18COL 4:2JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the power of intercessory prayer in shaping the future and creating a better world. It explores the concept of spiritual defiance through prayer, believing in God's promises, and surveying the future with faith. The sermon delves into Acts chapter 4, highlighting the prayer of the early church in the face of opposition, showcasing the attributes of God and the importance of boldness in prayer.
The Church That Is, Is Not the Church That Was
By Leonard Ravenhill3.9K1:26:33RevivalLUK 13:6ACT 3:1ACT 3:19ACT 4:12ACT 4:31ACT 5:29In this sermon, the preacher discusses the lack of impact that the church is having on the world. He references J.B. Phillips, an English preacher, who was deeply moved by reading the book of Acts in the New Testament. The preacher emphasizes the contrast between the bondage of living under the law and the freedom found in Christ. He also highlights the fact that Christianity was born in a time of slavery and totalitarianism, yet the early Christians were able to bring about change. The sermon concludes with a call for the church to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit and live out their faith boldly.
(Europe 2008) Session 6 - the Revelation of God in Man
By B.H. Clendennen3.7K1:04:55Revelation Of GodPSA 133:1ACT 2:1ACT 2:41ACT 4:311CO 6:19GAL 2:20EPH 4:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being dependent on Christ and having a personal knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He uses the example of Paul's life to illustrate the contradiction of being dead yet alive in Christ. The preacher warns against compromising the message of the gospel, as it is the power that holds the moral universe together. He also shares a personal experience of God speaking to him and emphasizes the significance of resurrection over birth in understanding God's message.
Wednesday #1 Revival in America – Mid 1800’s
By J. Edwin Orr3.3K43:59Revival HistoryLUK 15:10JHN 4:35ACT 2:2ACT 2:41ACT 4:31ACT 9:3ACT 10:44In this sermon transcript, the speaker describes a packed meeting where he reads scripture, offers commentary, and leads prayer. He shares a story of someone telling him that people are initially disappointed when they see him, but then realize that only God could use him. The speaker explains that each evening they follow a pattern of sharing God's wonderful works in the country. He mentions a prayer meeting in Chicago during a boom time in the United States, where thousands of men gathered to pray. The speaker also mentions revivals happening in Pittsburgh and other places.
Audio Sermon: Be Filled With the Holy Spirit
By Chuck Smith3.2K51:48ACT 3:6ACT 4:8ACT 4:31ROM 8:261CO 2:4GAL 5:22EPH 5:18COL 3:17This sermon focuses on the story of Peter and John healing a lame man at the temple, highlighting the power of faith in Jesus Christ and the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit for effective ministry. It emphasizes the need for prayer, faith, humility, knowledge of God's Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to be used by God in accomplishing His eternal purposes.
The Ministry of Prayer
By F.J. Huegel3.1K1:02:07GEN 32:262CH 7:14JER 33:3MAT 6:33ACT 4:31ACT 6:41TH 5:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and the ministry of the Word. He highlights the power of prayer by referencing the early apostles who, after praying, were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. The speaker also mentions the Protestant movement and how it turned towards faith and world missions through the influence of prayer. He shares the example of a prayer circle formed by the Moravians in Germany, who prayed continuously for ten years, leading to a great missionary age. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about a missionary convention and the impact of prayer in missionary work.
The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Flame of the Spi)
By A.W. Tozer2.9K45:17Holy SpiritACT 2:3ACT 2:38ACT 4:31ACT 9:17ACT 10:44ACT 19:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having God in one's life. He contrasts the value of having God with the emptiness of having everything else without Him. The preacher describes the scene of the Holy Spirit descending upon the believers, symbolized by flames of fire resting on their heads. He highlights the wonder and privilege of human nature being able to receive and embrace this divine presence. The preacher also discusses the role of emotions in the Christian faith, emphasizing that they are a gift from God and should be redeemed and used for His glory.
(Demonology) the Truth About Tonges - Part 1
By Willie Mullan2.4K1:15:37DemonologyMRK 16:9MRK 16:14ACT 2:4ACT 4:31In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God in different languages without the need for an interpreter. He mentions that he can go to Queens to obtain transcripts in various languages and assist in communicating with people in their own language. The speaker also acknowledges the power of words and works that bring conviction and conversion. He discusses the foundation that has been laid and mentions the upcoming topic of exploring the gift of faith. The sermon concludes with a reference to a hymn and a mention of various influential teachers and their impact on the speaker's understanding of the Bible.
Book of Acts Series - Part 1 | Visitation
By Jim Cymbala2.3K29:59Book Of ActsACT 2:1ACT 3:19ACT 4:31ACT 10:44In this sermon, Pastor Symbola discusses the importance of receiving the power of the Holy Spirit to be effective witnesses for Jesus. He explains that Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, allowing us to be free. After Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to the disciples for 40 days, teaching them about the kingdom of God. Pastor Symbola also shares his personal experience of being visited by the Holy Spirit and emphasizes the need for repentance and conversion to receive times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.
Reminding God
By Jim Cymbala2.1K33:53ACT 4:31This sermon emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God in prayer and humility, highlighting the need for churches to prioritize prayer meetings and create accessible times for congregants to seek God. It encourages pastors to consider changing Sunday services to include more time for prayer, emphasizing the power of waiting on God and trusting in His promises. The speaker shares personal testimonies of God's faithfulness in answering prayers and calls for a focused intercession for prodigal children and loved ones.
Holy Spirit, Church and Nations - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks2.0K52:34Holy SpiritACT 2:4JHN 3:30ACT 1:9ACT 2:38ACT 4:31ACT 16:6EPH 5:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the futility of human striving and the deceptive nature of the world. He argues that despite thinking they are free, humans are actually prisoners and deceived by lies. The preacher emphasizes the importance of living a truthful life, both in conduct and in fellowship with others. He highlights the need for worshiping God in spirit and truth, as stated in the Bible.
Prayer, the Holy Spiirt and Boldness and David Platt
By Francis Chan1.9K07:02MAT 18:19ACT 4:31ROM 15:30EPH 6:19COL 4:21TH 5:112TI 1:7HEB 10:24JAS 5:161PE 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of believers coming together in prayer to seek supernatural courage and boldness to share the gospel, drawing inspiration from the early church's practice of praying for one another's boldness. It highlights the need for believers to support and pray for each other's spiritual growth, encouraging a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit for empowerment in evangelism and disciple-making.
How to Pray for Revival
By David Guzik1.8K53:52PSA 85:1PSA 85:6MAT 6:33ACT 2:4ACT 4:31In this sermon, the speaker recounts a story from the 19th century about a preacher named Mr. Lewis who desired to bring revival to his community. Despite facing challenges and a lack of results initially, Mr. Lewis persisted in his efforts and organized a concert of prayer to seek God's intervention. The speaker emphasizes the importance of praying for revival when remembering the great things God has done in the past. The sermon encourages listeners to persevere in prayer and seek God's outpouring of awakening and revival upon their communities.
Sovereignty of God (Toronto Spiritual Life Convention 1999)
By Eric J. Alexander1.8K56:24JER 9:23ACT 4:31EPH 1:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and knowing God. He emphasizes that God longs to see his people growing in their knowledge of him. The speaker explores three dominant themes in the Bible related to God's nature and character. He also highlights the sovereign rule of God in the world, including his control over creation and revelation. The sermon concludes with a prayer for a deeper understanding of God and a hymn of worship.
A Last Day Return to the Power
By Carter Conlon1.8K1:00:51PSA 133:1MAL 3:15MAT 18:20JHN 17:21ACT 4:31JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of returning to the power of unity, focusing on the need for believers to dwell together in unity based on God's Word. It highlights the blessings that come from unity, the need to put away sin, engage in serious Bible reading and prayer, reach out to others in love, and get involved in ministry. The message calls for living for the honor of God and the souls of men, making a commitment to walk in unity with God and others.
Travailing - Part 8
By Leonard Ravenhill1.6K06:29MAT 18:20ACT 4:311CO 1:18EPH 3:20JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the potential impact of a gathering of believers to turn the world upside down through prayer and seeking God's provision. It encourages the congregation to cry out to God for their needs and to come together in prayer and worship, reflecting on the significance of the cross.
Have You Seen God's Holiness?
By Erlo Stegen1.6K1:07:17God's HolinessISA 6:1MAT 6:33ACT 4:31In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for repentance and confession of sins. He questions whether the church today is truly like the temple of God. He shares a story about a preacher who was willing to discipline his own child for disobedience, showing his dedication to following God's commands. The preacher also discusses the importance of worshiping God with sincerity and purity, rather than just outwardly displaying strong emotions.
(Through the Bible) Acts 3-4
By Chuck Smith1.6K1:27:39ACT 1:11ACT 3:22ACT 3:25ACT 4:12ACT 4:21ACT 4:23ACT 4:31In this sermon, the speaker begins by offering a blessing to the audience, asking for the Lord's presence and protection. He emphasizes the importance of being a true witness for Jesus, not just through words, but through living a life that reflects His love and grace. The speaker shares a story about a fraudulent evangelist who claimed people needed to have faith in him rather than in God, highlighting the importance of placing our faith in God alone. He also mentions a personal story of a man who had a powerful conversion experience and the impact it had on his life. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the early believers' unity and the power of their witness to the resurrection of Jesus, accompanied by signs, wonders, and great grace.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The place was shaken - This earthquake was an evidence of the presence of God, and a most direct answer to their prayer, as far as that prayer concerned themselves. The earthquake proclaimed the stretched-out arm of God, and showed them that resistance against his counsels and determinations must come to nought. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost - And, in consequence of this, they spake the word of God with boldness; a pointed answer to a second part of their request, Act 4:29. A right prayer will always have a right and ready answer. Though these disciples had received the Holy Spirit on the day of pentecost, yet they were capable of larger communications; and what they had then received did not preclude the necessity of frequent supplies, on emergent occasions. Indeed, one communication of this Spirit always makes way and disposes for another. Neither apostle nor private Christian can subsist in the Divine life without frequent influences from on high. Had these disciples depended on their pentecostal grace, they might have sunk now under the terror and menaces of their combined and powerful foes. God gives grace for the time being, but no stock for futurity, because he will keep all his followers continually dependent on himself. With boldness - Παντι τῳ θελοντι πιστευειν, To all who were willing to believe, is added by DE, two others, Augustin, Irenaeus, and Bede.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
place was shaken--glorious token of the commotion which the Gospel was to make (Act 17:6; compare Act 16:26), and the overthrow of all opposing powers in which this was to issue. they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and spake, &c.--The Spirit rested upon the entire community, first, in the very way they had asked, so that they "spake the word with boldness" (Act 4:29, Act 4:31); next, in melting down all selfishness, and absorbing even the feeling of individuality in an intense and glowing realization of Christian unity. The community of goods was but an outward expression of this, and natural in such circumstances.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when they had prayed,.... Either while they were praying, or as soon as they had done; for sometimes, as here, prayer is immediately heard, and an answer is returned, whilst the saints are speaking, or as soon as prayer is ended: the place was shaken where they were assembled together; which, whether it was a private house, or the temple, is not certain: the latter seems more probable, because their number was so great, that no private house could hold them; and since this was the place where they used to assemble; this was now shaken with a rushing mighty wind, as on the day of Pentecost, and was a symbol of the divine presence, and a token that their prayers were heard, and an emblem of the shaking of the world by the ministry of the apostles: and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost; with the gifts of the Holy Ghost, even with extraordinary ones, such as speaking with divers tongues, as before on the day of Pentecost; see Act 2:4 and this was the case not only of the apostles, but of the other ministers of the word, and it may be of the whole church: and they spoke the word of God with all boldness; that is, the apostles, and preachers of the Gospel, spoke it with great freedom, and without fear, not only privately, in their community, but publicly, in the temple: this was what was particularly prayed for, and in which they had a remarkable answer.