Bible Commentary

Acts 4:1-4

Matthew Henry on Acts 4:1-4

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

The apostles preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. It includes all the happiness of the future state; this they preached through Jesus Christ, to be had through him only. Miserable is their case, to whom the glory of Christ's kingdom is a grief; for since the glory of that kingdom is everlasting, their grief will be everlasting also.

The harmless and useful servants of Christ, like the apostles, have often been troubled for their work of faith and labour of love, when wicked men have escaped. And to this day instances are not wanting, in which reading the Scriptures, social prayer, and religious conversation meet with frowns and checks.

But if we obey the precepts of Christ, he will support us.

Recommended reading

More for Acts 4:1-4

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Peter and John ImprisonedActs 4:1-4 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BiblePETER AND JOHN IMPRISONED. We have here the interests of the kingdom of heaven successfully carried on, and the powers of darkness appearing against them to put a stop to them. let Christ's servants be ever so resolute,…The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:1-37Acts 4:1-37 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITIONThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:1Acts 4:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe captain of the temple. Only here and Acts 5:24, and Luke 22:4, Luke 22:52 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 Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:1-31Acts 4:1-31 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe first persecution. On observing the phenomena attending the introduction and spread of Christianity in the world, one which arrests our attention is the persecution which at different times its disciples have met wi…The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:1-21Acts 4:1-21 · The Pulpit CommentaryTruth from the tribunal. The principles which are illustrated or suggested here are— I. THAT MEN IN THE HIGHEST RELIGIOUS POSITION MAY BE ALL WRONG IN THEIR THEOLOGY. The priests were grieved that the apostles taught th…The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:1-22Acts 4:1-22 · The Pulpit CommentaryChrist's servants before the tribunal. I. THEIR APPREHENSION. Its causes. 1. The jealousy of those in ecclesiastical power. Caste, privilege, and established professions are ever jealous of popular influence. It is ill…
commentaryPeter and John ImprisonedPETER AND JOHN IMPRISONED. We have here the interests of the kingdom of heaven successfully carried on, and the powers of darkness appearing against them to put a stop to them. let Christ's servants be ever so resolute,…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:1-21Truth from the tribunal. The principles which are illustrated or suggested here are— I. THAT MEN IN THE HIGHEST RELIGIOUS POSITION MAY BE ALL WRONG IN THEIR THEOLOGY. The priests were grieved that the apostles taught th…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:1-22Christ's servants before the tribunal. I. THEIR APPREHENSION. Its causes. 1. The jealousy of those in ecclesiastical power. Caste, privilege, and established professions are ever jealous of popular influence. It is ill…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:1-37EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:1-4The first persecution. I. THE GROUND OF IT. 1. Religious intolerance—"the priests." 2. Political animosity—" the captain of the temple." A representative of Rome, alarmed by the crowd and fearing popular tumult. 3. Rati…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:1The captain of the temple. Only here and Acts 5:24, and Luke 22:4, Luke 22:52 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…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:1-31The first persecution. On observing the phenomena attending the introduction and spread of Christianity in the world, one which arrests our attention is the persecution which at different times its disciples have met wi…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:2Sore troubled for grieved, A.V.; because for that, A.V.; proclaimed in Jesus for preached through Jesus, A.V. The preaching the resurrection of the Lord Jesus as the "First fruits of them that slept," would be especiall…Joseph S. Exell and contributors