New International Version They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. New Living Translation These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. English Standard Version greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Berean Standard Bible greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. Berean Literal Bible being distressed because of their teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection out from the dead. King James Bible Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. New King James Version being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. New American Standard Bible being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. NASB 1995 being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. NASB 1977 being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Legacy Standard Bible being greatly agitated because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Amplified Bible being extremely disturbed and thoroughly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in [the case of] Jesus the resurrection of the dead. Berean Annotated Bible greatly disturbed that they were teaching {didaskein} the people and proclaiming in Jesus (YHWH saves) the resurrection (rising again) of the dead. Christian Standard Bible because they were annoyed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. Holman Christian Standard Bible because they were provoked that they were teaching the people and proclaiming the resurrection from the dead, using Jesus as the example. American Standard Version being sore troubled because they taught the people, and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Contemporary English Version These men were angry because the apostles were teaching the people that the dead would be raised from death, just as Jesus had been raised from death. English Revised Version being sore troubled because they taught the people, and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. GOD'S WORD® Translation These religious authorities were greatly annoyed. Peter and John were teaching the people and spreading the message that the dead will come back to life through Jesus. Good News Translation They were annoyed because the two apostles were teaching the people that Jesus had risen from death, which proved that the dead will rise to life. International Standard Version They were greatly disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people and announcing that Jesus had been resurrected from the dead. NET Bible angry because they were teaching the people and announcing in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. New Heart English Bible being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Webster's Bible Translation Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Weymouth New Testament highly incensed at their teaching the people and proclaiming in the case of Jesus the Resurrection from among the dead. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblegreatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. World English Bible being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbeing grieved because of their teaching the people, and preaching in Jesus the resurrection out of the dead— Berean Literal Bible being distressed because of their teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection out from the dead. Young's Literal Translation being grieved because of their teaching the people, and preaching in Jesus the rising again out of the dead -- Smith's Literal Translation Being exercised because they taught the people, and announced in Jesus the rising up from the dead. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBeing grieved that they taught the people, and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead: Catholic Public Domain Version being grieved that they were teaching the people and announcing in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. New American Bible disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. New Revised Standard Version much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBeing infuriated that they taught the people and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Aramaic Bible in Plain English As they were angered with them that they taught the people in their preaching about the resurrection from among the dead by The Messiah. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentbeing vexed because they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Godbey New Testament being grieved because they were teaching the people and preaching the resurrection of the dead through Jesus; Haweis New Testament worn down with vexation, because they taught the people, and preached by Jesus the resurrection of the dead. Mace New Testament being displeas'd that they taught the people, and maintain'd the resurrection from the dead in the person of Jesus. Weymouth New Testament highly incensed at their teaching the people and proclaiming in the case of Jesus the Resurrection from among the dead. Worrell New Testament being greatly troubled because of their teaching the people, and declaring in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Worsley New Testament being vexed that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Peter and John Before the Council1While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, 2greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day.… Cross References greatly disturbed Acts 5:17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They went out Acts 13:45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and they blasphemously contradicted what Paul was saying. that they were teaching the people Acts 5:25 Then someone came in and announced, “Look, the men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people!” Matthew 9:35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. and proclaiming in Jesus Acts 17:18 Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the resurrection. Acts 17:3 explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,” he declared. the resurrection of the dead. Acts 23:6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” Acts 24:15 and I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Acts 3:15 You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead, and we are witnesses of this fact. Acts 2:24 But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep Him in its grip. Acts 5:28-30 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.” / But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. / The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging Him on a tree. Acts 13:30-33 But God raised Him from the dead, / and for many days He was seen by those who had accompanied Him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now His witnesses to our people. / And now we proclaim to you the good news: What God promised our fathers … 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? / If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. / And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith. … Romans 6:4-5 We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life. / For if we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection. Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you. 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, Treasury of Scripture Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. grieved. Acts 5:17 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 13:45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Acts 19:23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. preached. Acts 10:40-43 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; … Acts 17:18,31,32 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection… Acts 24:14,15,21 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: … Jump to Previous Annoyed Apostles Case Dead Distressed Disturbed Example Greatly Grieved Highly Incensed Jesus Preached Preaching Proclaimed Proclaiming Resurrection Rising Sore Taught Teaching Troubled UpsetJump to Next Annoyed Apostles Case Dead Distressed Disturbed Example Greatly Grieved Highly Incensed Jesus Preached Preaching Proclaimed Proclaiming Resurrection Rising Sore Taught Teaching Troubled UpsetActs 4 1. The rulers of the Jews, offended with Peter's sermon,3. imprison him and John. 5. After, upon examination 8. Peter boldly avouching the lame man to be healed by the name of Jesus, 11. and that only by the same Jesus we must be eternally saved, 13. they threaten him and John to preach no more in that name, 23. whereupon the church flees to prayer. 31. And God, by moving the place where they were assembled, testifies that he heard their prayer; 34. confirming the church with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and with mutual love and charity. greatly disturbed The priests, the captain of the temple guard, and especially the Sadducees regarded the apostles’ ministry as a serious threat. The Sadducees held considerable influence in the Sanhedrin and in the administration of the temple, yet they denied the resurrection, angels, and the future life. Jesus’ resurrection and the apostles’ public witness exposed the error of their doctrine and challenged their authority over the people. Act 5:17 Then the high priest and all his associates,… that they were teaching the people Peter and John were openly instructing the crowds in the temple courts, a place closely associated with the leaders’ religious authority. The healing of the lame man had drawn public attention, and the apostles used that opportunity to direct the people to Christ rather than to themselves. Men whom the rulers later called uneducated had received their authority and message from the risen Lord. Act 5:25 Then someone came in and announced, “Look,… and proclaiming in Jesus Jesus was both the subject and the proof of their proclamation. His resurrection was not presented as an isolated miracle but as God’s decisive confirmation that He is the promised Messiah, crucified for sin and exalted as Lord. The apostles continued the ministry Jesus had entrusted to them, declaring salvation in His name. Act 17:18 Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers debated with him.… the resurrection of the dead. Christ’s bodily resurrection established the certainty of the future resurrection of those who belong to Him. The apostles proclaimed a hope rooted in God’s power and in the fulfillment of Scripture, including Daniel’s promise that those who sleep in the dust will awake. The message confronted the Sadducees’ unbelief while offering the people assurance that death does not have the final word. Act 23:6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees… Persons / Places / Events 1. Peter and JohnApostles of Jesus Christ who were actively preaching and teaching about Jesus and His resurrection. 2. The Sadducees A sect of Jewish leaders who were particularly disturbed by the teaching of the resurrection, as they did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. 3. The Temple The central place of worship in Jerusalem where Peter and John were teaching. 4. The Resurrection of Jesus The central event being proclaimed by the apostles, which was a cornerstone of early Christian preaching. 5. The People The audience in the temple who were receiving the teaching about Jesus and His resurrection. Teaching Points The Centrality of the ResurrectionThe resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event but the foundation of Christian faith. It validates Jesus' divinity and the truth of His teachings. Boldness in Proclamation Like Peter and John, Christians are called to boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel, even in the face of opposition or disbelief. Understanding Opposition Recognize that opposition to the Gospel often stems from deeply held beliefs or traditions, as seen with the Sadducees. Approach such opposition with grace and truth. The Power of the Resurrection The resurrection is a source of hope and power for believers, assuring us of eternal life and victory over sin and death. Engaging with Scripture Study the Scriptures to understand the full implications of the resurrection and how it impacts every aspect of life and faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 4:2?2. How does Acts 4:2 challenge us to boldly proclaim Jesus' resurrection today? 3. Why were the leaders "greatly disturbed" by the apostles' teaching in Acts 4:2? 4. How can Acts 4:2 inspire us to face opposition for our faith? 5. What Old Testament prophecies connect to the resurrection message in Acts 4:2? 6. How can we effectively communicate the resurrection message in our daily interactions? 7. Why were the apostles teaching about Jesus' resurrection in Acts 4:2 so controversial? 8. How does Acts 4:2 challenge the authority of religious leaders of the time? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Acts 4:2? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 4? What Does Acts 4:2 Mean Greatly disturbed- The Sanhedrin’s reaction is not mild irritation but deep agitation. They feel their authority and doctrinal control threatened, just as when Herod was “deeply disturbed” at news of a newborn King (Matthew 2:3). - This disturbance exposes hardened hearts (John 3:20), reminding us that clear evidence of God’s power—like the healing in Acts 3—can still provoke hostility in those committed to self-rule (John 11:47-48). That they were teaching the people - Teaching in the temple courts (Acts 3:11; Luke 19:47) bypassed the religious gatekeepers. Ordinary Israelites were receiving direct instruction, fulfilling Jesus’ commission (Matthew 28:20). - The apostles model public, open proclamation; they do not restrict truth to an elite class (Acts 5:20). - Whenever believers faithfully open Scripture to everyday people, opposition often follows (2 Timothy 3:12). Proclaiming in Jesus - The message centers on a person, not a philosophy. “Salvation is found in no one else” (Acts 4:12). - To preach “in Jesus” means His name, authority, and finished work are the foundation (Colossians 1:28). - This exclusive claim confronted the pluralistic environment of first-century Jerusalem just as it confronts today’s relativism (John 14:6). The resurrection of the dead - The leaders tolerated moral teaching, but resurrection—especially tied to Jesus’ own rising (Acts 2:31-32)—undermined their denial of bodily resurrection (Sadducees, Acts 23:8). - By affirming a future resurrection, the apostles anchored hope in a literal, historic event (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). - Resurrection guarantees accountability (Acts 17:31) and emboldens witness (1 Peter 1:3), explaining why adversaries tried to silence the message. summary Acts 4:2 shows religious authorities deeply unsettled because the apostles openly taught the people, lifted high the exclusive name of Jesus, and declared the sure hope of bodily resurrection. Their agitation highlights the power of gospel truth: it democratizes access to Scripture, centers on Christ alone, and promises life that conquers death. As we teach the same message today, we can expect both resistance and the unstoppable advance of God’s saving work (Romans 1:16). (2) Being grieved.—The verb is one which expresses something like an intensity of trouble and vexation. (Comp. Acts 16:18.)Preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.—Literally, preached in Jesus—i.e., in this as the crucial instance in which the resurrection of the dead had been made manifest. (Comp. the close union of “Jesus and the resurrection” in Acts 17:18.) Verse 2. - Sore 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 especially obnoxious to the Sadducees, "which deny that there is any resurrection" (Luke 20:27). The Sadducees were at this time in power (see Acts 5:17; and comp. Acts 23:6-8); and we learn from Josephus ('Ant. Jud.,'20. 9:1) that the son of this Annas (or Anauus) went over to the sect of the Sadducees, being himself high priest as his father had been.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek greatly disturbedδιαπονούμενοι (diaponoumenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 1278: To be greatly troubled. From dia and a derivative of ponos; to toil through, i.e. be worried. that διὰ (dia) Preposition Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. they αὐτοὺς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: 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 teaching διδάσκειν (didaskein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active Strong's 1321: To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: 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 Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. proclaiming καταγγέλλειν (katangellein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active Strong's 2605: To declare openly, proclaim, preach, laud, celebrate. From kata and the base of aggelos; to proclaim, promulgate. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Jesus Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. resurrection ἀνάστασιν (anastasin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 386: A rising again, resurrection. From anistemi; a standing up again, i.e. a resurrection from death (its author), or a recovery. of ἐκ (ek) Preposition Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. [the] dead. νεκρῶν (nekrōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3498: (a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse. From an apparently primary nekus; dead. Additonal Resources Acts 4:2 Blue Letter BibleActs 4:2 Bible Gateway Acts 4:2 Bible.com Acts 4:2 NIV |
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