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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/3-26.htm" title="Acts 3:26">◄</a> Acts 4:1 <a href="/acts/4-2.htm" title="Acts 4:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/4.htm">New International Version</a> The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. <a href="/nlt/acts/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. <a href="/esv/acts/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, <a href="/bsb/acts/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, <a href="/blb/acts/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And of them speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, <a href="/kjv/acts/4.htm">King James Bible</a> And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, <a href="/nkjv/acts/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, <a href="/nasb_/acts/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, <a href="/nasb/acts/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, <a href="/nasb77/acts/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees, came upon them, <a href="/lsb/acts/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, <a href="/amp/acts/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And while Peter and John were talking to the people, the priests and the captain [who was in charge of the temple area and] of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, <a href="/csb/acts/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> While they were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple police, and the Sadducees confronted them, <a href="/hcsb/acts/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now as they were speaking to the people, the priests, the commander of the temple police, and the Sadducees confronted them, <a href="/asv/acts/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> And as they spake unto the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, <a href="/cev/acts/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The apostles were still talking to the people, when some priests, the captain of the temple guard, and some Sadducees arrived. <a href="/erv/acts/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> And as they spake unto the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, <a href="/gwt/acts/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Some priests, the officer in charge of the temple guards, and some Sadducees approached Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. <a href="/gnt/acts/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Peter and John were still speaking to the people when some priests, the officer in charge of the Temple guards, and some Sadducees arrived. <a href="/isv/acts/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> While they were speaking to the people, the priests, the commander of the Temple guards, and the Sadducees came to them. <a href="/msb/acts/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, <a href="/net/acts/4.htm">NET Bible</a> While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the commander of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, <a href="/nheb/acts/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them, <a href="/wbt/acts/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And as they were speaking to the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, <a href="/wey/acts/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> While they were saying this to the people, the Priests, the Commander of the Temple Guard, and the Sadducees came upon them, <a href="/web/acts/4.htm">World English Bible</a> As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And as they are speaking to the people, there came to them the priests, and the magistrate of the temple, and the Sadducees— <a href="/blb/acts/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And of them speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, <a href="/ylt/acts/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And as they are speaking unto the people, there came to them the priests, and the magistrate of the temple, and the Sadducees -- <a href="/slt/acts/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they speaking to the people, the priests, and commander of the temple, and the Sadducees, resisted them,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> AND as they were speaking to the people, the priests, and the officer of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, <a href="/cpdv/acts/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But while they were speaking to the people, the priests and the magistrate of the temple and the Sadducees overwhelmed them, <a href="/nabre/acts/4.htm">New American Bible</a> While they were still speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees confronted them, <a href="/nrsvce/acts/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AND while they were speaking these words to the people, the priests and the Sad’du-cees and the leaders of the temple rose up against them, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And when they were speaking these words to the people, The Priests and The Sadducees and the Rulers of The Temple rose up against them,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> While they were speaking to the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, <a href="/godbey/acts/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And they speaking to the people, the priests and captain of the temple and the Sadducees rose up against them, <a href="/haweis/acts/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> AND as they were thus speaking, the priests, and the captain of the temple-guard, and the Sadducees, came upon them, <a href="/mace/acts/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> While they were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadduces came upon them, <a href="/wey/acts/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> While they were saying this to the people, the Priests, the Commander of the Temple Guard, and the Sadducees came upon them, <a href="/worrell/acts/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But, as they were speaking to the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, <a href="/worsley/acts/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And while they were speaking to the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the sadducees came upon them, <a href="/parallel/acts/4-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=895" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/4.htm">Peter and John Before the Council</a> 1<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">While</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Peter and John</a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: Lalountōn (V-PPA-GMP) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">were speaking</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2992.htm" title="2992: laon (N-AMS) -- Apparently a primary word; a people.">people,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2409.htm" title="2409: hiereis (N-NMP) -- A priest, one who offers sacrifice to a god (in Jewish and pagan religions; of Christians only met.). From hieros; a priest.">priests</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4755.htm" title="4755: stratēgos (N-NMS) -- From the base of stratia and ago or hegeomai; a general, i.e. a governor, the chief of the temple-wardens.">captain</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/2411.htm" title="2411: hierou (N-GNS) -- Neuter of hieros; a sacred place, i.e. The entire precincts of the Temple.">temple guard</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4523.htm" title="4523: Saddoukaioi (N-NMP) -- Probably from Sadok; a Sadducaean, or follower of a certain heretical Israelite.">Sadducees</a> <a href="/greek/2186.htm" title="2186: epestēsan (V-AIA-3P) -- To stand by, be urgent, befall one (as of evil), be at hand, impend. From epi and histemi; to stand upon, i.e. Be present.">came</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">up to them,</a> 2greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/5-17.htm">Acts 5:17-18</a> Then the high priest and all his associates, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They went out / and arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. <a href="/luke/20-1.htm">Luke 20:1-2</a> One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the gospel, the chief priests and scribes, together with the elders, came up to Him. / “Tell us,” they said, “by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” <a href="/matthew/21-23.htm">Matthew 21:23</a> When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?” <a href="/john/18-12.htm">John 18:12</a> Then the band of soldiers, with its commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him. <a href="/acts/3-11.htm">Acts 3:11</a> While the man clung to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and ran to them in the walkway called Solomon’s Colonnade. <a href="/acts/6-12.htm">Acts 6:12</a> So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, <a href="/acts/16-19.htm">Acts 16:19-20</a> When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace. / They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil <a href="/acts/19-23.htm">Acts 19:23-24</a> About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. / It began with a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis, bringing much business to the craftsmen. <a href="/acts/22-30.htm">Acts 22:30</a> The next day the commander, wanting to learn the real reason Paul was accused by the Jews, released him and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul down and had him stand before them. <a href="/acts/23-1.htm">Acts 23:1-2</a> Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.” / At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. <a href="/acts/24-1.htm">Acts 24:1-2</a> Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul. / When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation. <a href="/acts/25-1.htm">Acts 25:1-2</a> Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, / where the chief priests and Jewish leaders presented their case against Paul. They urged Festus <a href="/acts/26-30.htm">Acts 26:30-31</a> Then the king and the governor rose, along with Bernice and those seated with them. / On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.” <a href="/nehemiah/2-10.htm">Nehemiah 2:10</a> But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were deeply disturbed that someone had come to seek the well-being of the Israelites. <a href="/jeremiah/20-1.htm">Jeremiah 20:1-2</a> When Pashhur the priest, the son of Immer and the chief official in the house of the LORD, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things, / he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And as they spoke to the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came on them,the priests.<a href="/acts/4-6.htm">Acts 4:6</a> And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.<a href="/acts/6-7.htm">Acts 6:7,12</a> And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith… <a href="/matthew/26-3.htm">Matthew 26:3,4</a> Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, … the captain.<a href="/acts/5-24.htm">Acts 5:24,26</a> Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow… <a href="/2_chronicles/23-4.htm">2 Chronicles 23:4-9</a> This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you entering on the sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites, shall be porters of the doors; … <a href="/luke/22-4.htm">Luke 22:4</a> And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.the Sadducees.<a href="/acts/23-6.htm">Acts 23:6-9</a> But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question… <a href="/matthew/16-12.htm">Matthew 16:12</a> Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.<a href="/matthew/22-16.htm">Matthew 22:16,23,24</a> And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/18-12.htm">Captain</a> <a href="/john/18-12.htm">Commander</a> <a href="/luke/22-52.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/acts/3-11.htm">John</a> <a href="/luke/12-58.htm">Magistrate</a> <a href="/acts/3-12.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/john/19-21.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/luke/20-27.htm">Sadducees</a> <a href="/mark/12-18.htm">Sad'ducees</a> <a href="/acts/2-11.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/acts/2-31.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/acts/3-10.htm">Temple</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/5-24.htm">Captain</a> <a href="/acts/5-24.htm">Commander</a> <a href="/acts/5-23.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/acts/4-3.htm">John</a> <a href="/acts/5-24.htm">Magistrate</a> <a href="/acts/4-3.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/acts/4-23.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/acts/5-17.htm">Sadducees</a> <a href="/acts/5-17.htm">Sad'ducees</a> <a href="/acts/4-17.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/acts/7-38.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/acts/5-20.htm">Temple</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 4</div>1. <a href="/acts/4-1.htm">The rulers of the Jews, offended with Peter's sermon,</a> 3. <a href="/acts/4-3.htm">imprison him and John.</a> 5. <a href="/acts/4-5.htm">After, upon examination </a> 8. <a href="/acts/4-8.htm">Peter boldly avouching the lame man to be healed by the name of Jesus, </a> 11. <a href="/acts/4-11.htm">and that only by the same Jesus we must be eternally saved,</a> 13. <a href="/acts/4-13.htm">they threaten him and John to preach no more in that name,</a> 23. <a href="/acts/4-23.htm">whereupon the church flees to prayer.</a> 31. <a href="/acts/4-31.htm">And God, by moving the place where they were assembled, testifies that he heard their prayer; </a> 34. <a href="/acts/4-34.htm">confirming the church with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and with mutual love and charity.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>While Peter and John were speaking to the people Peter and John, two of Jesus' closest disciples, are actively engaging with the people in Jerusalem. This follows the healing of the lame man at the temple gate, which drew significant attention. Their speaking is a continuation of their witness to the resurrection of Jesus, a central theme in the early chapters of Acts. This public proclamation is a fulfillment of Jesus' command in <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a> to be His witnesses in Jerusalem. The setting is likely the temple courts, a common place for teaching and discussion.the priests The priests were influential religious leaders responsible for temple rituals and maintaining the spiritual life of Israel. They were part of the Levitical order, descendants of Aaron, and held significant authority in Jewish society. Their involvement here indicates the perceived threat Peter and John posed to the established religious order by preaching Jesus' resurrection, which challenged the Sadducees' beliefs and the temple's authority.and the captain of the temple guard The captain of the temple guard was a high-ranking official responsible for maintaining order in the temple precincts. This position was second only to the high priest in terms of authority within the temple hierarchy. The presence of the captain underscores the seriousness with which the temple authorities viewed the apostles' activities. The temple guard was tasked with preventing disturbances and ensuring that temple worship proceeded without interruption.and the Sadducees The Sadducees were a sect of Judaism known for their aristocratic status and control of the temple. They were distinct from the Pharisees in their denial of the resurrection, angels, and spirits, as noted in <a href="/acts/23-8.htm">Acts 23:8</a>. Their opposition to Peter and John is rooted in theological differences, as the apostles' message of Jesus' resurrection directly contradicted Sadducean doctrine. The Sadducees' involvement highlights the political and religious tensions of the time, as they sought to preserve their power and influence.came up to them The approach of these authorities signifies an impending confrontation. The Sadducees, priests, and temple guard were likely motivated by a desire to suppress what they saw as a dangerous and heretical movement. This encounter is part of a broader pattern of opposition faced by the early church, as seen throughout Acts. It foreshadows the persecution that the apostles and early Christians would endure for their faith, fulfilling Jesus' warnings about the cost of discipleship (<a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-20</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/peter_and_john.htm">Peter and John</a> Two of Jesus' apostles who were actively preaching the resurrection of Jesus Christ and performing miracles in His name. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_priests.htm">The Priests</a> Religious leaders responsible for temple rituals and maintaining religious order among the Jewish people. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_captain_of_the_temple_guard.htm">The Captain of the Temple Guard</a> The official responsible for maintaining order in the temple precincts, second in authority only to the high priest. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_sadducees.htm">The Sadducees</a> A sect of Judaism known for their denial of the resurrection and the existence of spirits, often in conflict with the Pharisees and early Christians. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_temple.htm">The Temple</a> The central place of worship for the Jewish people in Jerusalem, where significant religious and social activities took place.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/b/boldness_in_proclaiming_the_gospel.htm">Boldness in Proclaiming the Gospel</a> Peter and John exemplify courage in the face of opposition. Believers today are called to share their faith boldly, even when facing resistance. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_opposition.htm">Understanding Opposition</a> Recognize that opposition to the Gospel often comes from those who feel their power or beliefs are threatened. This understanding can help Christians respond with grace and truth. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_religious_authority.htm">The Role of Religious Authority</a> The involvement of the priests and temple guard highlights the tension between religious authority and the new movement of Christianity. Believers should discern when to respect authority and when to stand firm in their faith. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_the_resurrection.htm">The Importance of the Resurrection</a> The Sadducees' opposition underscores the centrality of the resurrection in Christian doctrine. Believers should be prepared to defend this core tenet of their faith. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_support.htm">Community and Support</a> Peter and John were together, showing the importance of community and mutual support in ministry. Christians should seek fellowship and encouragement from other believers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 4</a> <a href="/q/is_christian_faith_cultural_conditioning.htm">Isn’t Christian faith just cultural conditioning?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_christian_behavior.htm">What defines Christian behavior?</a> <a href="/q/when_did_christian_denominations_start.htm">When did various Christian denominations originate?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_mystery_religions.htm">What are Mystery Religions?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>IV.(1) The priests, and the captain of the temple.--For the first time in this book, we come across the chief agents in the condemnation passed on our Lord by the Sanhedrin. A few weeks or months had gone by, and they were congratulating themselves on having followed the advice of Caiaphas (<a href="/john/11-48.htm" title="If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.">John 11:48</a>). They knew that the body of Jesus had disappeared from the sepulchre, and they industriously circulated the report that the disciples had stolen it (<a href="/context/matthew/28-13.htm" title="Saying, Say you, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.">Matthew 28:13-15</a>). They must have heard something of the Day of Pentecost--though there is no evidence of their having been present as spectators or listeners--and of the growth of the new society. Now the two chief members of the company of those disciples were teaching publicly in the very portico of the Temple. What were they to do? The "captain of the Temple" (see Note on <a href="/luke/22-4.htm" title="And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him to them.">Luke 22:4</a>) was the head of the band of Levite sentinels whose function it was to keep guard over the sacred precincts. He, as an inspector, made his round by night, visited all the gates, and roused the slumberers. His presence implied that the quiet order of the Temple was supposed to be endangered. In <a href="//apocrypha.org/2_maccabees/3-4.htm" title="But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, who was made governor of the temple, fell out with the high priest about disorder in the city.">2 Maccabees 3:4</a>, however, we have a "captain," or "governor of the Temple" of the tribe of Benjamin.The Sadducees.--The higher members of the priesthood, Annas and Caiaphas, were themselves of this sect (<a href="/acts/5-17.htm" title="Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,">Acts 5:17</a>). They had already been foremost in urging the condemnation of Christ in the meetings of the Sanhedrin. The shame of having been put to silence by Him (<a href="/matthew/22-34.htm" title="But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.">Matthew 22:34</a>) added vindictiveness to the counsels of a calculating policy. Now they found His disciples preaching the truth which they denied, and proclaiming it as attested by the resurrection of Jesus. Throughout the Acts the Sadducees are foremost as persecutors. The Pharisees temporise, like Gamaliel, or profess themselves believers. (Comp. <a href="/acts/5-34.htm" title="Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;">Acts 5:34</a>; <a href="/acts/15-5.htm" title="But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.">Acts 15:5</a>; <a href="/acts/23-7.htm" title="And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.">Acts 23:7</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - The captain of the temple. Only here and <a href="/acts/5-24.htm">Acts 5:24</a>, and <a href="/luke/22-4.htm">Luke 22:4, 52</a> in the plural some have thought that the commander of the Roman garrison of the castle of Antonia is here meant. But as the scene is laid in the court of the temple, this is very improbable. Josephus ('Ant. Jud.,' 20, 6:2) speaks of an officer apparently of the temple, who was called ὁ στρατηγός, and was certainly a Jew by his name Ananus, and being, as Josephus relates farther ('Bell Jud.,' 2, 12:6), the son of the high priest Ananias. He also mentions the captain of the temple ('Bell. Jud.,' 6, 5:3) at the time of the destruction of the temple. There can be little doubt, therefore, that the captain of the temple here spoken of was a priest who had under him the Levitical guard, and whose duty it was to keep order in the temple courts in these turbulent times, lie appears from <a href="/acts/5-25.htm">Acts 5:25, 26</a>, <a href="/luke/22-4.htm">Luke 22:4</a>, 52, and the passages in Josephus, to have been an officer of high rank. <a href="/commentaries/acts/4-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[While Peter and John] αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. were speaking Λαλούντων (Lalountōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. to πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. people, λαὸν (laon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2992.htm">Strong's 2992: </a> Apparently a primary word; a people. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. priests ἱερεῖς (hiereis) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2409.htm">Strong's 2409: </a> A priest, one who offers sacrifice to a god (in Jewish and pagan religions; of Christians only met.). From hieros; a priest. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. captain στρατηγὸς (stratēgos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4755.htm">Strong's 4755: </a> From the base of stratia and ago or hegeomai; a general, i.e. a governor, the chief of the temple-wardens. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. temple guard ἱεροῦ (hierou) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2411.htm">Strong's 2411: </a> Neuter of hieros; a sacred place, i.e. The entire precincts of the Temple. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Sadducees Σαδδουκαῖοι (Saddoukaioi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4523.htm">Strong's 4523: </a> Probably from Sadok; a Sadducaean, or follower of a certain heretical Israelite. came ἐπέστησαν (epestēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2186.htm">Strong's 2186: </a> To stand by, be urgent, befall one (as of evil), be at hand, impend. From epi and histemi; to stand upon, i.e. Be present. up to them, αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/4-1.htm">Acts 4:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/4-1.htm">Acts 4:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/4-1.htm">Acts 4:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/4-1.htm">Acts 4:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/4-1.htm">Acts 4:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/4-1.htm">Acts 4:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/4-1.htm">Acts 4:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/4-1.htm">Acts 4:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/4-1.htm">Acts 4:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/4-1.htm">Acts 4:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/4-1.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 4:1 As they spoke to the people (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/3-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 3:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 3:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/4-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 4:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 4:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>