Matthew Henry on Acts 4:23-31

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Christ's followers do best in company, provided it is their own company. It encourages God's servants, both in doing work, and suffering work, that they serve the God who made all things, and therefore has the disposal of all events; and the Scriptures must be fulfilled.

Jesus was anointed to be a Saviour, therefore it was determined he should be a sacrifice, to make atonement for sin. But sin is not the less evil for God's bringing good out of it. In threatening times, our care should not be so much that troubles may be prevented, as that we may go on with cheerfulness and courage in our work and duty.

They do not pray, Lord let us go away from our work, now that it is become dangerous, but, Lord, give us thy grace to go on stedfastly in our work, and not to fear the face of man. Those who desire Divine aid and encouragement, may depend upon having them, and they ought to go forth, and go on, in the strength of the Lord God.

God gave a sign of acceptance of their prayers. The place was shaken, that their faith might be established and unshaken. God gave them greater degrees of his Spirit; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, more than ever; by which they were not only encouraged, but enabled to speak the word of God with boldness.

When they find the Lord God help them by his Spirit, they know they shall not be confounded, Isa 17.

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The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:1-37Acts 4:1-37 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION 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 Apostles Return to Their Company; The Devout Appeal of the ApostlesActs 4:23-31 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleTHE APOSTLES RETURN TO THEIR COMPANY; THE DEVOUT APPEAL OF THE APOSTLES. We hear no more at present of the chief priests, what they did when they had dismissed Peter and John, but are to attend those two witnesses. And…The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:23Acts 4:23 · The Pulpit CommentaryCame for went, A.V.; the elders for elders, A.V. To their own company (comp. Malachi 3:16). The chief priests ( οἱ ἀρχειρεῖς); evidently the same as those who were described as being "of the kindred of the high pries…The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:23Acts 4:23 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe use of freedom. "Being let go, they went to their own company." We have here an apt illustration of— I. AN ACT INCIDENTAL TO LIBERTY. "Being let go"—the hand of restraint being taken off them—"they went to their own…The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:23-37Acts 4:23-37 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe resource of the devout, etc. Released from the restraint of law, the apostles returned to "their own company," and there they related what they had passed through. We may be sure that the whole of that community of…

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:1-37EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe 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 contributors commentaryThe Apostles Return to Their Company; The Devout Appeal of the ApostlesTHE APOSTLES RETURN TO THEIR COMPANY; THE DEVOUT APPEAL OF THE APOSTLES. We hear no more at present of the chief priests, what they did when they had dismissed Peter and John, but are to attend those two witnesses. And…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:23Came for went, A.V.; the elders for elders, A.V. To their own company (comp. Malachi 3:16). The chief priests ( οἱ ἀρχειρεῖς); evidently the same as those who were described as being "of the kindred of the high pries…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:23-31Praise 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…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:23The use of freedom. "Being let go, they went to their own company." We have here an apt illustration of— I. AN ACT INCIDENTAL TO LIBERTY. "Being let go"—the hand of restraint being taken off them—"they went to their own…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:23-37The resource of the devout, etc. Released from the restraint of law, the apostles returned to "their own company," and there they related what they had passed through. We may be sure that the whole of that community of…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 4:23-31The joy of faith confirmed. The Church, on hearing of the recent events, break out into expressions of joy. As usual on such occasions, the voice of ancient sacred song becomes their voice. I. OUR HELP IS IN THE CREATOR…Joseph S. Exell and contributors