The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:23-31

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

Praise for safety and prayer for power

"From the court-room the apostles retired to the Church. Christian confessors win their victories in the face of day; but the strength by which such victories are won is only to be got where Jesus got his, in secret. Remember Luther's broken cries as he lay on his chamber floor at early morning on the 18th day of April, 1521 (D'Aubigne, 'History of the Reformation' bk. 7. Acts 8:1-40.). In every crisis of strain and peril through which our lives must pass, at every moment of supreme difficulty, Sanhedrim threatenings, Worms Diets, or whatever less thing it be before which our faith and courage quail, there is for us no place of help like the secret footstool of Almighty God, nor any weapon like the cry of faith" (Dr. Dykes). Notice that the prayer of the disciples is addressed to God, not to Christ. Also that in the worship and prayer one voice led, finding expression for the common feeling, and the rest of the company probably responded with "Amens" spoken aloud. From the exegetical portion of this Commentary the precise meaning and allusions of the prayer may be learned. We dwell on two things.

I. MAN'S PRAISE AND PRAYER. Compare other recorded songs and prayers. Especially unfold that the praise took the form of a psalm. Compare the so-called "Psalms of David." It was a public rejoicing on account of a Divine deliverance that was of public interest. Compare Miriam's song at the Red Sea. Impress the duty of recognizing God's hand in our lives, and praising him for his "merciful kindnesses." The prayer took the form of a request for precisely the things needed at the moment, viz. power to witness and power to work miracles, in attestation of the truth witnessed. An example of directness in prayer.

II. GOD'S RESPONSE. TO MAN'S PRAISE AND PRAYER. A renewal of the special grace and endowment with which the apostles had been started on their work. Renewals of grace are still God's best answers to our prayers (2 Corinthians 12:9).—R.T.

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