The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:13

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Beheld for saw, A.V.; had perceived for perceived, A.V. The boldness; literally, free or outspokenness ( παῤῥησία), and properly used with words signifying to speak (see Acts 2:29; Acts 4:29, Acts 4:31; Acts 28:31; John 7:13, etc.

), and so the verb ( παρρησιάζεσθαι) means "to speak freely and boldly" (Acts 9:27, Acts 9:29; Acts 13:46; Acts 14:3; Acts 18:26; Acts 19:8; Acts 26:26; elsewhere in the New Testament only in Ephesians 6:20; 1 Thessalonians 2:2).

St. Peter had shown his free-spokenness in so boldly proclaiming the resurrection and mighty power of him whom the rulers he was addressing had crucified. Boldness of speech, when combined with charity and moderation, is a most important grace for a minister of Christ.

Unlearned and ignorant men. The term unlearned ( ἀγράμματος) means that they had no "knowledge of Jewish culture" beyond the Scriptures. Ignorant men ( ἰδιῶται) was a technical term for those who had not studied in rabbinic schools.

The word hediot occurs frequently in the Talmud. They took knowledge, etc. Annas and Caiaphas or some of their people, it is likely, had seen them in the high priest's palace (John 18:15-18).

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