Acts 4:30
as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus."
as You stretch out Your hand
This phrase evokes the imagery of God's direct intervention in the world. The "hand" of God is a powerful biblical metaphor for His action and authority. In the Old Testament, the hand of God is often associated with deliverance and power, as seen in Exodus 15:6, "Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power." The Greek word for "stretch out" (ἐκτείνω, ekteino) implies an active, deliberate action, suggesting that God is not passive but actively involved in the affairs of humanity. This phrase reassures believers of God's willingness to intervene in their lives, providing healing and deliverance.

to heal
Healing is a central theme in the ministry of Jesus and the early church. The Greek word for "heal" (ἰάομαι, iaomai) encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration. In the context of Acts, healing serves as a sign of the in-breaking Kingdom of God, demonstrating God's compassion and power. The early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, continues Jesus' healing ministry, affirming that God cares for the whole person. This phrase encourages believers to seek God's healing in all aspects of life, trusting in His ability to restore and renew.

and perform signs and wonders
"Signs and wonders" are miraculous events that point to the divine authority and presence of God. The Greek words σημεῖα (semeia) and τέρατα (terata) are often used together in the New Testament to describe miracles that authenticate the message of the Gospel. These acts are not mere displays of power but serve a greater purpose: to draw people to faith in Jesus Christ. In the historical context of Acts, signs and wonders were crucial for the spread of Christianity, confirming the apostles' message and demonstrating the reality of the risen Christ. This phrase inspires believers to expect and recognize God's miraculous work in the world today.

through the name
The "name" in biblical terms represents the character and authority of a person. In the New Testament, the name of Jesus is synonymous with His power and presence. The Greek word for "name" (ὄνομα, onoma) signifies more than just a label; it embodies the essence of who Jesus is. Praying and acting "through the name" of Jesus implies reliance on His authority and acknowledgment of His lordship. This phrase encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus' name grants them access to the Father and His resources.

of Your holy servant Jesus
The designation "holy servant" highlights Jesus' unique role and mission. The Greek word for "servant" (παῖς, pais) can also mean "child" or "son," emphasizing Jesus' relationship with the Father. The term "holy" (ἅγιος, hagios) underscores His purity and divine nature. In the context of Acts, this title affirms Jesus as the Messiah, the anointed one who fulfills God's redemptive plan. Historically, the early church faced opposition for proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah, yet they boldly declared His identity and mission. This phrase calls believers to recognize Jesus' holiness and servanthood, inspiring them to follow His example of humility and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter and John
Apostles of Jesus who were speaking to the people and performing miracles in His name.

2. The Early Church
The community of believers who were gathered in prayer and unity, seeking boldness to proclaim the gospel.

3. The Sanhedrin
The Jewish council that opposed the apostles and threatened them to stop preaching in Jesus' name.

4. Jerusalem
The city where these events took place, serving as the center of early Christian activity.

5. The Holy Spirit
Empowering the apostles to perform miracles and speak with boldness.
Teaching Points
The Power of Prayer
The early church's response to opposition was to pray for boldness and divine intervention. We should also turn to prayer in times of challenge.

God's Sovereignty in Miracles
The apostles recognized that it was God who stretched out His hand to heal. We must acknowledge God's sovereignty in all miraculous works.

The Role of Faith
The apostles' prayer was rooted in faith that God would act. Our faith should be active, trusting God to work in and through us.

The Name of Jesus
Miracles were performed through the name of Jesus, highlighting the power and authority vested in His name. We should always act in His name and for His glory.

Unity in the Body of Christ
The early church was united in prayer and purpose. Unity is essential for the church today to effectively witness and serve.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the early church's response to persecution in Acts 4:30 inspire us to handle opposition in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we actively seek God's hand to be stretched out in our communities today?

3. How does understanding the power of Jesus' name change the way we pray and minister to others?

4. What are some modern-day "signs and wonders" that can testify to God's presence and power in the world?

5. How can we foster unity within our church communities to better reflect the early church's example in Acts 4?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 2:22
This verse speaks of Jesus being accredited by God through miracles, wonders, and signs, similar to the request in Acts 4:30 for God to perform signs and wonders.

Mark 16:17-18
Jesus promises that signs will accompany those who believe, which aligns with the apostles' prayer for signs and wonders.

Exodus 7:3
God promises to perform signs and wonders through Moses, showing a pattern of God using signs to validate His messengers.

John 14:12-14
Jesus assures His followers that they will do greater works, which is echoed in the apostles' prayer for boldness and miracles.

Hebrews 2:4
God testifies to the message of salvation through signs, wonders, and various miracles, reinforcing the purpose of such acts.
A Reluctant ReleaseW. Hudson.Acts 4:18-31
Apostolic HeroismW. Hudson.Acts 4:18-31
BoldnessS. S. TimesActs 4:18-31
Christian CourageMonday Club SermonsActs 4:18-31
Christian CourageChristian AgeActs 4:18-31
Christian CourageW. E. Knox, D. D.Acts 4:18-31
Christian TestimonyActs 4:18-31
Constrained to Speak About JesusActs 4:18-31
Duty to God FirstR. Tuck, B. A.Acts 4:18-31
Duty to God the Supreme LawM. Luther.Acts 4:18-31
God Before ManActs 4:18-31
God to be Obeyed At All CostsM. Luther.Acts 4:18-31
Honest Christian SpeechS. Martin.Acts 4:18-31
Making Christ Known to OthersJ. S. Balmer.Acts 4:18-31
Moral HeroismH. O. Mackey.Acts 4:18-31
Not Man's, But God's Voice to be HeardR. Eden, M. A.Acts 4:18-31
Not to Cease Because DespisedH. W. Beecher.Acts 4:18-31
Obedience to GodActs 4:18-31
Obeying God Rather than MenSouthey's Life of Wesley.Acts 4:18-31
ProtestantismJ. A. Froude.Acts 4:18-31
Speaking God's WordD. L. Moody.Acts 4:18-31
Testimony not to be StifledW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 4:18-31
The Apostles' Confidence in GodD. J. Burrell, D. D.Acts 4:18-31
The Apostles' Confidence in GodJohn D. Pickles.Acts 4:18-31
The Connection Between Believing the Gospel and Making it KnownW. Lucy.Acts 4:18-31
The Gospel Cannot be ConcealedC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 4:18-31
The One Question in ConductBp. Huntington.Acts 4:18-31
Praise for Safety and Prayer for PowerR. Tuck Acts 4:23-31
The Grateful, Emboldened, and Prayerful Church, and the Spirit's WitnessP.C. Barker Acts 4:23-31
The Joy of Faith ConfirmedE. Johnson Acts 4:23-31
Being Let GoJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 4:23-37
Being Let GoJ. McNeill.Acts 4:23-37
Christian SocialismD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 4:23-37
CompanyW. M. Taylor, D. D.Acts 4:23-37
Every Creature After its KindW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 4:23-37
Every Man to His Own PlaceG. F. Humphreys.Acts 4:23-37
Features of the Apostolic ChurchR. Hall, M. A.Acts 4:23-37
Happy Only in Our Own CompanyJohn Currie.Acts 4:23-37
Men Will Go At Last. Where They are Fit to GoJ. L. Nye.Acts 4:23-37
Our Own CompanyA. Raleigh, D. D.Acts 4:23-37
Prayer and the Promises are Doubly Dear in ExtremitiesH. G. Salter.Acts 4:23-37
Primitive WorshipDean Vaughan.Acts 4:23-37
Resource in TroubleWayland Hoyt, D. D.Acts 4:23-37
The Apostles At LibertyJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 4:23-37
The Burnt Offering of a True Church PrayerK. Gerok.Acts 4:23-37
The Prayer of the Church At Jerusalem Under PersecutionThomas Jackson.Acts 4:23-37
The Prayer of the Primitive ChurchW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 4:23-37
The Resource of the Devout, EtcW. Clarkson Acts 4:23-37
Their Own CompanyHomiletic ReviewActs 4:23-37
The Two Kingdoms in Array Against One AnotherR.A. Redford Acts 4:28-31
Boldness in PreachingEdward Irving.Acts 4:29-30
God's Holy ServantJ. W. Burn.Acts 4:29-30
How a Christian Ought to Pray for His EnemiesK. Gerok.Acts 4:29-30
The Eternal ChildD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 4:29-30
The Gospel of PentecostF. W. Brown.Acts 4:29-30
The Holy Child JesusC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 4:29-30
The Prayer of Christ's WitnessesW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 4:29-30
The Servant and the SlavesA. Maclaren, D. DActs 4:29-30
People
Alexander, Annas, Barnabas, Caiaphas, David, Herod, John, Joseph, Joses, Peter, Pilate
Places
Cyprus, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Solomon's Colonnade
Topics
Arm, Child, Cure, Extend, Forth, Heal, Healing, Holy, Marvels, Mercy, Miraculous, Pass, Perform, Performed, Servant, Signs, Stretch, Stretched, Stretchest, Stretching, Whilst, Wonders, Works
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 4:30

     2012   Christ, authority
     2030   Christ, holiness
     5042   name of God, significance
     5285   cures
     5333   healing
     7942   ministry

Acts 4:18-31

     5960   success

Acts 4:23-31

     5454   power, God's saving
     8618   prayerfulness

Acts 4:24-31

     7028   church, life of
     8610   prayer, asking God

Acts 4:27-30

     6708   predestination

Acts 4:29-30

     8833   threats

Acts 4:29-31

     5819   cowardice
     8349   spiritual growth, means of

Acts 4:30-31

     1415   miracles

Library
Courage
Chester Cathedral, 1871. Acts iv. 13, 18-20. "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. . . . And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

February 16 Morning
Thy name is as ointment poured forth.--SONG 1:3. Christ . . . hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.--Unto you therefore which believe he is precious.--God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.--In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. If ye love me, keep my commandments.--The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

With and Like Christ
'Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.' --ACTS iv. 13. Two young Galilean fishermen, before the same formidable tribunal which a few weeks before had condemned their Master, might well have quailed. And evidently 'Annas, the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest,' were very much astonished
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Impossible Silence
'We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.' --ACTS iv. 20. The context tells us that the Jewish Council were surprised, as they well might be, at the boldness of Peter and John, and traced it to their having been with Jesus. But do you remember that they were by no means bold when they were with Jesus, and that the bravery came after what, in ordinary circumstances, would have destroyed any of it in a man? A leader's execution is not a usual recipe for heartening his followers,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Wheat and the Tares
'And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.' --ACTS iv. 32. 'And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.'--ACTS v. 11. Once more Luke pauses and gives a general survey of the Church's condition. It comes in appropriately at the end of the account of the triumph over the first assault of civil authority, which assault
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The First Blast of Tempest
'And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2. Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now even-tide. 4. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. 5. And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Obedient Disobedience
'But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 21. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. 22. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. 23. And being let go they
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Servant and the Slaves
'Thy servant David...'; 'Thy Holy Servant Jesus...'; 'Thy servants...'--ACTS iv. 26, 27, 29. I do not often take fragments of Scripture for texts; but though these are fragments, their juxtaposition results in by no means fragmentary thoughts. There is obvious intention in the recurrence of the expression so frequently in so few verses, and to the elucidation of that intention my remarks will be directed. The words are parts of the Church's prayer on the occasion of its first collision with the civil
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Scriptural Christianity
"Whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head." Ezek. 33:4. "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost." Acts 4:31. 1. The same expression occurs in the second chapter, where we read, "When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all" (the Apostles, with the women, and the mother of Jesus, and his brethren) "with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Christ's People --Imitators of Him
First, then, this morning, I will tell you what a Christian should be; secondly, I will tell you when he should be so; thirdly, why he should be so; and then fourthly how he can be so. I. As God may help us then, first of all, we will speak of WHAT A BELIEVER SHOULD BE. A Christian should be a striking likeness of Jesus Christ. You have read lives of Christ, beautifully and eloquently written, and you have admired the talent of the persons who could write so well; but the best life of Christ is his
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

The Way of Salvation
What a great word that word "salvation" is! It includes the cleansing of our conscience from all past guilt, the delivery of our soul from all those propensities to evil which now so strongly predominate in us; it takes in, in fact, the undoing of all that Adam did. Salvation is the total restoration of man from his fallen estate; and yet it is something more than that, for God's salvation fixes our standing more secure than it was before we fell. It finds us broken in pieces by the sin of our first
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

A Manifestation of God in Answer to Prayer
A MANIFESTATION OF GOD IN ANSWER TO PRAYER ". . . When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." -- Acts 4:31. This remarkable manifestation of God reveals the effectiveness of prevailing prayer. It vividly discloses the fact that prayer can accomplish much. It is apparent that neither the apostles, nor the assembled company of devout believers were astonished at the marvelous
T. M. Anderson—Prayer Availeth Much

Against the Modern Free-Thinkers.
Sir, THERE arrived in this neighbourhood, two days ago, one of your gay gentlemen of the town, who being attended at his entry with a servant of his own, besides a countryman he had taken up for a guide, excited the curiosity of the village to learn whence and what he might be. The countryman (to whom they applied as most easy of access) knew little more than that the gentleman came from London to travel and see fashions, and was, as he heard say, a Free-thinker; what religion that might be he could
Joseph Addison—The Evidences of the Christian Religion, with Additional Discourses

The Church of God.
More than one hundred times the words church and churches are used in the New Testament. It is always translated from ekklesia. Most translators agree that a more correct translation of this Greek word would have been congregation. "The church of God" would then have read, "Congregation of God." "The church of the first-born" would have read, "The congregation of the first-born." The church that was at Antioch would have read, "The congregation that was at Antioch," etc. What Is The Church Or
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

Paul at Sea. Acts xxvii. 22-25.
"There's no hope," said the captain, "the ship cannot live in such a storm." "There's no hope," said the military officer, "we shall never see Rome." "There's no hope," said the prisoners, "we shall die at sea instead of on the scaffold." One prisoner, however, had hope, and in the long run made all his companions to hope. Paul cried out, "BE OF GOOD CHEER, FOR THERE STOOD BY ME THIS NIGHT THE ANGEL OF GOD, WHOSE I AM, AND WHOM I SERVE, SAYING, FEAR NOT, PAUL, THOU MUST BE BROUGHT BEFORE CAESAR,
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

"And all that Believed were Together. " Acts 4:44.
"And all that believed were together." Acts 4:44. 1 Restore, O Father! to our times restore The peace which filled thine infant church of yore; Ere lust of power had sown the seeds of strife, And quenched the new-born charities of life. 2 O never more may differing judgments part From kindly sympathy a brother's heart; But linked in one, believing thousands kneel, And share with each the sacred joy they feel. 3 From soul to soul, quick as the sunbeam's ray, Let concord spread one universal
J.G. Adams—Hymns for Christian Devotion

Ananias and Sapphira
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. One of the most striking features of the early Christian Church was what we have come to know as Christian Communism, or as the historian describes it in Acts iv, 32: "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common." It is a bright and a pleasing picture that is thus presented. Nor is it difficult to understand how such a spirit
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Whether Explicit Belief in the Mystery of the Incarnation of Christ is Necessary for the Salvation of Everybody
Whether Explicit Belief in the Mystery of the Incarnation of Christ is Necessary for the Salvation of Everybody We proceed to the seventh article thus: 1. It seems that explicit belief in the mystery of the incarnation of Christ is not necessary for the salvation of everybody. A man is not required to have explicit belief in matters of which angels are ignorant, since the faith is made explicit by divine revelation, which reaches men through the medium of angels, as was said in the preceding article.
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

St. Cyprian.
PART I (AD 200-253) About the same time with Origen lived St Cyprian, bishop of Carthage. He was born about the year 200, and had been long famous as a professor of heathen learning, when he was converted at the age of forty-five. He then gave up his calling as a teacher, and, like the first Christians at Jerusalem (Acts iv. 34f), he sold a fine house and gardens, which he had near the town, and gave the price, with a large part of his other money, to the poor. He became one of the clergy of Carthage,
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Whether There is but one Divine Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that there is but one Divine law. Because, where there is one king in one kingdom there is but one law. Now the whole of mankind is compared to God as to one king, according to Ps. 46:8: "God is the King of all the earth." Therefore there is but one Divine law. Objection 2: Further, every law is directed to the end which the lawgiver intends for those for whom he makes the law. But God intends one and the same thing for all men; since according to 1 Tim. 2:4: "He will have
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is Necessary for the Salvation of All, that they Should Believe Explicitly in the Mystery of Christ?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is not necessary for the salvation of all that they should believe explicitly in the mystery of Christ. For man is not bound to believe explicitly what the angels are ignorant about: since the unfolding of faith is the result of Divine revelation, which reaches man by means of the angels, as stated above [2287](A[6]; [2288]FP, Q[111], A[1]). Now even the angels were in ignorance of the mystery of the Incarnation: hence, according to the commentary of Dionysius (Coel.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether all are Bound to Receive Baptism?
Objection 1: It seems that not all are bound to receive Baptism. For Christ did not narrow man's road to salvation. But before Christ's coming men could be saved without Baptism: therefore also after Christ's coming. Objection 2: Further, Baptism seems to have been instituted principally as a remedy for original sin. Now, since a man who is baptized is without original sin, it seems that he cannot transmit it to his children. Therefore it seems that the children of those who have been baptized, should
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ Worked Miracles Fittingly on Men?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ worked miracles unfittingly on men. For in man the soul is of more import than the body. Now Christ worked many miracles on bodies, but we do not read of His working any miracles on souls: for neither did He convert any unbelievers to the faith mightily, but by persuading and convincing them with outward miracles, nor is it related of Him that He made wise men out of fools. Therefore it seems that He worked miracles on men in an unfitting manner. Objection 2:
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ Suffered in a Suitable Place?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ did not suffer in a suitable place. For Christ suffered according to His human nature, which was conceived in Nazareth and born in Bethlehem. Consequently it seems that He ought not to have suffered in Jerusalem, but in Nazareth or Bethlehem. Objection 2: Further, the reality ought to correspond with the figure. But Christ's Passion was prefigured by the sacrifices of the Old Law, and these were offered up in the Temple. Therefore it seems that Christ ought
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

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