Acts 4

Acts 4:1

CAptain of the temple] Or, ruler. Som think that he was a Ruler or Commander over the Levites, who ministred by turnes, and guarded the Temple. See 2 Chron. 35. 4, 5.

the Sadduces came upon them] Who deny the Resurrection.

Acts 4:5

rulers, and elders, and scribes] Meaning their Sankedrin or great Councell.

Acts 4:7

or by what name] By what authority? by whose command

Acts 4:8

Peter filled with the holy Ghost] Assisted by the grace of Gods holy Spirit, which enabled and emboldened him to speak.

Acts 4:9

If we this day] Or, seeing that.

examined of the good deed done] Meaning, whereas you question us for doing good, who ought to question and punish evill doers onely, Mark 3:4.

Acts 4:11

This is the stone] Psalms 118:22. Matthew 21:42. Mark 12:10. Luke 20:17. 1 Pet. 2. 7.

of you builders] You Priests, Elders, and Governours, who should edifie the Church of God.

is become the head of the corner] The corner stone, which as it uniteth two walls into one; so doth Christ unite both Jewes and Gentiles into one Church. See Ephesians 2:14. 20, 21.

Acts 4:17

to no man in this name] They commanded them to preach Christ no more.

Acts 4:20

we cannot but speak the things] We cannot choose but obey Christ, who hath commanded us so to do.

Acts 4:21

all men glorified God] All that beleeved, or many men.

Acts 4:23

they went to their own] To glorifie God and to encourage them, by letting them know, how God had assisted them.

Acts 4:25

Why did the heathen rage] Psalms 2:1.

Acts 4:28

For to doe whatsoever] Though they meant not to obey God in crucifying Christ, but had severall other ends, yet God ordered this to our redemption. See Acts 13:27. Isaiah 10:7.

thy hand and thy counsell] Thy power and providence.

Acts 4:29

behold their threatnings] Divert their rage and malice, who enterprise against thee.

and grant] Because God only can give patience, perseverance and boldnesse to preach the Gospel, they pray him to give it.

Acts 4:31

the place was shaken] By this sensible signe, God shewed that he would confirm and heare them.

and they were all filled with the holy Ghost] They were strengthened with greater confidence to speak.

Acts 4:32

were of one heart] So unanimous, as if they had all but one heart, and one soule; because they were all united and guided by one Spirit of God.

was his owne] They gave, as if the needy had as good interest in their goods, as themselves who were owners.

Acts 4:35

according as he had need] They who wanted most, had the greater reliefe given them.