Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. New Living Translation As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. English Standard Version When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. Berean Standard Bible On their release, Peter and John returned to their own people and reported everything that the chief priests and elders had said to them. Berean Literal Bible Now having been let go, they came to their own and reported how much the chief priests and the elders had said to them. King James Bible And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. New King James Version And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. New American Standard Bible When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported everything that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. NASB 1995 When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. NASB 1977 And when they had been released, they went to their own companions, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. Legacy Standard Bible So when they were released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. Amplified Bible After Peter and John were released, they returned to their own [people] and reported everything that the chief priests and elders had said to them. Berean Annotated Bible On their release, Peter and John returned to their own people and reported everything that the chief priests and elders had said to them. Christian Standard Bible After they were released, they went to their own people and reported everything the chief priests and the elders had said to them. Holman Christian Standard Bible After they were released, they went to their own people and reported everything the chief priests and the elders had said to them. American Standard Version And being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said unto them. Contemporary English Version As soon as Peter and John had been set free, they went back and told the others everything the chief priests and the leaders had said to them. English Revised Version And being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said unto them. GOD'S WORD® Translation When Peter and John were released, they went to the other apostles and told them everything the chief priests and leaders had said. Good News Translation As soon as Peter and John were set free, they returned to their group and told them what the chief priests and the elders had said. International Standard Version After they were released, Peter and John went to their fellow believers and told them everything the high priests and the elders had said. NET Bible When they were released, Peter and John went to their fellow believers and reported everything the high priests and the elders had said to them. New Heart English Bible Being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. Webster's Bible Translation And being dismissed, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. Weymouth New Testament After their release the two Apostles went to their friends, and told them all that the High Priests and Elders had said. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOn their release, Peter and John returned to their own people and reported everything that the chief priests and elders had said to them. World English Bible Being let go, they came to their own company and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd being let go, they went to their own friends, and declared whatever the chief priests and the elders said to them, Berean Literal Bible Now having been let go, they came to their own and reported how much the chief priests and the elders had said to them. Young's Literal Translation And being let go, they went unto their own friends, and declared whatever the chief priests and the elders said unto them, Smith's Literal Translation And having been loosed, they came to their own, and announced to them what the chief priests and elders said. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd being let go, they came to their own company, and related all that the chief priests and ancients had said to them. Catholic Public Domain Version Then, having been released, they went to their own, and they reported in full what the leaders of the priests and the elders had said to them. New American Bible After their release they went back to their own people and reported what the chief priests and elders had told them. New Revised Standard Version After they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAfter they were released, they went to their brethren and told them all that the high priests and elders had said. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And when they were dismissed, they came to their brethren, and they related to them everything whatever The Priests and the Elders had said. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd having been released, they went to their own, and told all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. Godbey New Testament And having been released they came to their own people, and proclaimed so many things as the chief priests and elders said to them. Haweis New Testament But they being dismissed, came unto their own friends, and told them all things which the high-priests and elders had said. Mace New Testament As soon as they were discharg'd, they went to their brethren, and reported all that the chief priests and senators had said to them: Weymouth New Testament After their release the two Apostles went to their friends, and told them all that the High Priests and Elders had said. Worrell New Testament And, being released, they went to their own friends, and reported all that the high priests and the elders said to them. Worsley New Testament Being dismissed they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Believers' Prayer22For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. 23 On their release, Peter and John returned to their own people and reported everything that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24When the believers heard this, they lifted up their voices to God with one accord. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “You made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them.… Cross References On their release, Acts 5:40 At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. Acts 16:35 When daylight came, the magistrates sent their officers with the order: “Release those men.” Acts 12:11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.” Peter and John Acts 3:1 One afternoon Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. Acts 8:14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. Luke 22:8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” returned to their own people Acts 1:12-14 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near the city, a Sabbath day’s journey away. / When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. / With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. Luke 24:33 And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, gathered together Acts 2:44-47 All the believers were together and had everything in common. / Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need. / With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, … and reported everything Acts 14:27 When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. Acts 15:4 On their arrival in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and apostles and elders, to whom they reported all that God had done through them. Mark 6:30 Meanwhile, the apostles gathered around Jesus and brought Him news of all they had done and taught. that the chief priests and elders had said to them. Acts 5:28-29 “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. Matthew 21:23-27 When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?” / “I will also ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. / What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ … Luke 20:1-8 One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the gospel, the chief priests and scribes, together with the elders, came up to Him. / “Tell us,” they said, “by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” / “I will also ask you a question,” Jesus replied. “Tell Me: … Acts 12:12 And when he had realized this, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered together and were praying. Treasury of Scripture And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. they. Acts 1:13,14 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James… Acts 2:44-46 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; … Acts 12:11,12 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews… Jump to Previous Account Apostles Authorities Chief Companions Company Declared Dismissed Elders Free Friends High John Peter Priests Release Released Reported WhateverJump to Next Account Apostles Authorities Chief Companions Company Declared Dismissed Elders Free Friends High John Peter Priests Release Released Reported WhateverActs 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. On their release Peter and John had been detained by the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, after healing a man in Jesus' name and preaching about His resurrection. Their release signifies the temporary nature of their detention, highlighting the tension between the early Christian movement and Jewish authorities. This event occurs shortly after Pentecost, a time when the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, empowering them to boldly proclaim the gospel despite opposition. Peter and John returned to their own people and reported everything that the chief priests and elders had said to them Persons / Places / Events 1. Peter and JohnTwo of Jesus' apostles who were instrumental in the early church. They had just been released from custody after being questioned by the Sanhedrin for healing a man and preaching in Jesus' name. 2. Their Own People Refers to the early Christian community or the believers who were gathered together. This community was characterized by unity and shared faith in Jesus Christ. 3. Chief Priests and Elders Jewish religious leaders who were part of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council in Jerusalem. They were opposed to the apostles' teaching about Jesus. 4. The Sanhedrin The supreme religious body in Israel at the time, which had authority over Jewish religious matters. They were responsible for questioning Peter and John. 5. The Release The event of Peter and John being freed from custody after being warned not to speak in the name of Jesus. This release was a pivotal moment for the early church, as it demonstrated God's protection and the apostles' commitment to their mission. Teaching Points The Importance of CommunityThe early church was a close-knit community that supported each other in times of trial. Believers today should seek to build and maintain strong, supportive Christian communities. Boldness in Witnessing Peter and John's courage in the face of opposition is a model for Christians to boldly proclaim their faith, trusting in God's protection and guidance. Prayer as a Response to Persecution The early church's immediate response to persecution was prayer. Christians should prioritize prayer, especially when facing challenges or opposition. Obedience to God Over Man The apostles' decision to continue preaching despite the Sanhedrin's warnings highlights the principle of obeying God rather than human authorities when the two are in conflict. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit empowered Peter and John to speak boldly. Believers today should rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance in their witness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 4:23?2. How can Acts 4:23 inspire us to seek fellowship during trials today? 3. What role does prayer play in Acts 4:23 and in our lives? 4. How does Acts 4:23 connect with Matthew 18:20 on gathering together? 5. Why is unity important for believers as demonstrated in Acts 4:23? 6. How can we apply the apostles' example of sharing burdens in Acts 4:23? 7. What does Acts 4:23 reveal about the early Christian community's response to persecution? 8. How does Acts 4:23 demonstrate the importance of prayer in the early church? 9. What historical context surrounds the events described in Acts 4:23? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 4? 11. Who is the author of 1 Peter? 12. Should prayer be permitted in public schools? 13. Is martyrdom the seed of the church's growth? 14. What defines a toxic cult? What Does Acts 4:23 Mean On their release“On their release” (Acts 4:23) marks the moment when God’s sovereignty overrules human opposition. • The Sanhedrin could hold them only as long as the Lord allowed (Acts 4:21). • Similar divine interventions appear when an angel frees the apostles later (Acts 5:19 – 20) and when Peter walks out of prison in Acts 12:7 – 10. • Scripture repeatedly shows that no chain can bind a servant whom God intends to keep proclaiming His word (2 Timothy 2:9). • The release underscores Jesus’ promise: “You will be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8). Even after intimidation, the gospel moves forward. Peter and John The named apostles remind us that God uses real people with distinct histories. • They had already partnered in ministry (Acts 3:1 – 8). • John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 20:2), and Peter, the outspoken leader (Matthew 16:16 – 18), illustrate differing personalities united by the Spirit’s power. • Their shared boldness fulfills Christ’s prediction that His followers would “stand before governors and kings” (Mark 13:9). returned to their own people The first instinct after persecution is to seek fellowship. • “Their own people” refers to the believing community cultivated since Pentecost (Acts 2:42 – 47). • Gathering together models Hebrews 10:24 – 25: believers encourage one another, especially under pressure. • The church is not a loose association; it is a family where members “had everything in common” (Acts 4:32). and reported everything Open testimony fuels collective faith. • Luke stresses completeness: they hid nothing. • Earlier they declared, “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). • Reporting God’s works and the opposition they faced lets the entire body participate in the mission (Luke 24:9 – 10). • Transparent storytelling becomes a springboard for united prayer (Acts 4:24) and later for renewed boldness (Acts 4:31). that the chief priests and elders had said to them The content of the report matters: threats from the highest religious authorities. • These leaders had already opposed Jesus (Matthew 26:3 – 4) and now target His messengers (Acts 4:18). • Naming the source of hostility clarifies the spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12) and keeps the church alert but unafraid. • The apostles do not exaggerate or embellish; they simply relay facts, trusting God to handle the consequences (1 Peter 4:19). summary Acts 4:23 shows faithful servants released by God, immediately reconnecting with their faith family, and honestly sharing the opposition they faced. Their example teaches us to trust divine deliverance, value Christian fellowship, and keep the whole church informed so that together we can pray, encourage, and advance the gospel, confident that no earthly authority can silence the word of God. (23) They went to their own company.--Literally, their own people. The statement implies a recognised place of meeting, where the members of the new society met at fixed times.All that the chief priests.--The word is probably used in its more extended meaning, as including, not only Annas and Caiaphas, but the heads of the four-and-twenty courses (see Note on Matthew 2:4), and others who were members of the Sanhedrin. Verse 23. - Came 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 priest," in ver. 6 (where see note).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek On their release,Ἀπολυθέντες (Apolythentes) Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 630: From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce. [Peter and John] returned ἦλθον (ēlthon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2064: To come, go. to πρὸς (pros) Preposition Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. [their] τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. own people ἰδίους (idious) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 2398: Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. reported ἀπήγγειλαν (apēngeilan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 518: To report (from one place to another), bring a report, announce, declare. From apo and the base of aggelos; to announce. everything that ὅσα (hosa) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3745: How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. chief priests ἀρχιερεῖς (archiereis) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 749: High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. elders πρεσβύτεροι (presbyteroi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 4245: Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'. had said εἶπαν (eipan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. to πρὸς (pros) Preposition Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. them. 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. Links Acts 4:23 NIVActs 4:23 NLT Acts 4:23 ESV Acts 4:23 NASB Acts 4:23 KJV Acts 4:23 BibleApps.com Acts 4:23 Biblia Paralela Acts 4:23 Chinese Bible Acts 4:23 French Bible Acts 4:23 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 4:23 Being let go they came to their (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
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