CHAPTER 4
Acts 4:1-4a While they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed because they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. They laid hands on them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who heard the message believed.
See how matters are managed. First they were all mocked together. Then, after they became respected in the public speeches and afterward wrought a great marvel, therefore indeed thereafter, having grown bold, God permitting, they enter into dangers, and undertake the contests. See the progress of the Jews to boldness, since seeking the one who will deliver up Christ, now they lay hands themselves, having become bolder after the cross. For they even had the commander, so that they might again cast a public charge upon those who had been, and not avenge as private persons, which they everywhere endeavor to do. Before the multitude they bound the apostles, that seeing them they might work with greater cowardice. But the opposite happened. For many of those who heard the message believed . Do you see a visible divine operation? And indeed even those who had already believed became weaker. But Peter’s speech, being formed by the divine Spirit, touched their very souls. Privately they examine them, so that the hearers might not profit from their boldness.
Acts 4:4b-7a And the number of men came to about five thousand. And it came to pass on the next day that they assembled their rulers and elders and scribes in Jerusalem; and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the priestly kindred. And having set them in the midst, they inquired.
" Five thousand ." For this reason he was speaking beforehand, about the five thousand: "You give them something to eat." (Matt. 14:16, Mark 6:37, Luke 9:13) That is, you will first satisfy the five thousand with faith and then you yourselves afterwards.
Acts 4:7b By what authority, or in what name, did you do this?
And indeed they knew; for distressed, when declaring in Jesus the resurrection, it had seized them. But they question them, awaiting them, thinking that, the court and the crowd being afraid, they would deny, and that everything would thereby be brought about. See how maliciously they question. For they wished the apostles’ deed to be confessed as theirs rather than the power of Christ. See also how they would not even name the healing of the lame man; for they do not say what, but, “ do this .” They, however, called them with honor, saying: “Rulers of the people.” And when they came to the matter, they do not depart from the proper rebuke. For they say that above all we ought to be crowned as benefactors; since we are judged, let it be made known to all the people; for this troubles them the more.
Acts 4:8-14 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: Rulers of the people, and elders of Israel: if we are examined today concerning a support to a sick man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in this one this man stands before you healthy. This is the stone that was rejected by you the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Now when they observed the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and common men, they marveled and recognized them that they had been with Jesus; and seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in opposition.
" Rulers of the people ," according to the position of the rough crowd.
" elders of Israel ," according to the teaching and solid authority of the people raised toward greater sanctity. For he divided the assembly of hearers into two, so that those of them who are not equally capable of understanding what is said, some only casually hearing the words, others receiving the announced matter more effectively and more deeply into the soul, might be addressed suitably. Since therefore, as you have taken upon yourselves the care of the order to which you were preferred, you chose to examine us today, the men who have ministered in kindness to a person’s weakness, and not to distribute to that work itself with wonder and reverence the honor due to it, by which name such a good has been conversed, for I say, since you have fallen into such great error, what else remains to be done here than that we awaken you from this deep sleep, saying both to you and to the people that by this name we have accomplished it? The name in this place means the reputation that is held about him and the glory. As the Psalmist also says when he speaks: “How wonderful is your name in all the earth!” (Ps. 8:1) Such a reputation has been poured out among you, that not only it is not honored in glory, but even he who bears such a name you have subjected to the death of evildoers.
And he calls him a Nazarene from the place from which the reputation arose, dwelling here among the humblest about Christ, so that he might make clear that not even the human lowliness dishonors the true glory, if only the discerning observer sees in what way.
Therefore, to their shame concerning those to whom the word is directed, he immediately adds the, “ You crucified ,” together with the, He “ raised from the dead .” Who raised him? God . For since, being envied by you, it seemed to render worthless to the death of evildoers the glory arising from the miracles of him (wherefore they also said, “What shall we do? For this man works many signs”), (Jn. 11:47-48) to the cross he set against you the resurrection. Who? God raised him. For the resurrection is ascribed to the Father, since every godly work is common, except for the hypostatic properties of the life-giving Trinity 1 , and in order to show them as opposing from that source. For there was not yet an opportunity of time for him to proclaim plainly that he had risen by his own power, especially among men who were striving to establish things by their own means, and therefore were not subject to the righteousness of God. (see Rom. 10:3)
" that in the name ," Peter says, " this man stands before you healed." By the word " stands " he indicated the sense "has been made upright."
And the phrase, " This is the stone ," does not refer to the lame man, but to Jesus Christ, in whose name the lame man was healed. This stone, though rejected by you who were appointed for the building, has become for the house the chief cornerstone of faith, joining together both walls, the people from the Jews and those from the Gentiles, into agreement of one faith.
Observe also that the psalmist saying, " there is salvation in no one else ," is purely clear: "This came from the Lord" is as it were the logic and the salvific bond, by which every person is not saved by any other than by the one cornerstone .
For " There is no other name, ” that is, no venerable glory, unless this one faith centered on Christ the cornerstone alone favors and accepts the other faiths, as if the saving grace were given only in it.
Concerning unbelieving high priests, who command that it is not proper to speak boldly in the name of Christ, and the renewal of the apostles: on the Church's giving of thanks for the steadfastness of the apostles in the faith, On the unanimity and universal communion of believers. In which is also contained the story of Ananias and Sapphira and their bitter death.
Acts 4:15-23 Having commanded them to go outside the council, they presented with one another, saying, "What shall we do to these men? For indeed a notable sign has been performed by them, revealing to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it; but in case it spread any further among the people, let us threaten them that they no longer speak at all to any man in this name." And having called them, they charged them not to speak nor teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answering them said, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you judge. For we can only speak the things which we have seen and heard." And when they had threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people; for all glorified God for that which had happened. For the man on whom this miracle of healing was done was more than forty years old.
While the apostles had not yet recovered from their previous afflictions, they fell into other ones by a certain providential way. For at first they were all mocked as drunk, suspected of the operation of languages unknown to them. Secondly, they enter into dangers. And not successively these things, but first, having been approved in public speeches, and as it were having been trained for boldness through the miracle of the lame man, especially God having granted it, they from that time take up the challenges. Consider for me from that time the ill-deeds of the Jews. For concerning Christ they sought the one who would betray him, whereas here they themselves lay hands on them, becoming more brazen and daring from now after the cross. From which also they used the chief of the temple for daring, converting what had happened into a public accusation and not a private one, as is their custom. They did not, however, immediately make use of the assembly against the apostles, alleging that it occurred in the evening. And to the Jews it was possible to make use of the truce for wrongdoing, by putting them into terror through imprisonment, and therefore to soften them by intriguing beforehand. But the delay toward the apostles was contrived in order that they might become bolder. Indeed the ploy was to bind them before the multitude, but examine them secretly: for they feared those who were bound in the sight of the crowd, and examined them supposedly before a court as lawbreakers; privately, however, that the audience might choose the better course not by their bluntness, and by the wonder of those being examined. But they nevertheless question them with authority, though knowing (for how could they have been ignorant, who had arrested them because they proclaimed Christ's resurrection?), thinking that they would deny it out of fear of the tribunal: and as if, by questioning them, the whole matter would be resolved. “You did it,” they say, namely, “By what authority did you do it?” as if it had been carried out by their own authority, not by the authority of Christ. But they did not say “the lame man” by name: for they were so distressed by this that they did not even want to mention the healing. Therefore Peter answered: “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead.” (Acts 4:10) We preach, he says, humility, boasting on account of the excellent resurrection. But when he had urged them with these words, he also adds what is from Scripture, saying "the stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner," (Ps. 118:22) and whatever formerly on this matter was treated by us. Consider also that where it is fitting to teach, they even bring forward prophecies, as in the earlier sermon: but when they speak freely alone, they express an opinion: "For there is no other name given," he says. (Acts 4:12) And what this is has already been said. Yet they do not lead the apostles before Pilate as they did Christ, but they themselves judge: first indeed affected by shame and modesty, then fearing for fear that they too be accused by these concerning him.
Acts 4:23-25a And they reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. Those who heard, with one accord lifted up their voices to God and said, (not recounting out of ambition, but showing the proofs of Christ's grace): "Sovereign Lord, you who made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the mouth of your servant David said.
See how complete is this prayer and how fitting to the occasions of the times. For when they said, “You, Lord, knower of all hearts,” (Acts 1:24) there was indeed a need of foreknowledge. But here, since it was necessary to stop the mouths of adversaries, they cry out, “Lord.” And, as if demanding the fidelity of a covenant from him, they put forward prophecy; at the same time consoling themselves that their enemies were striving against them without cause and in vain. Consider also their modesty: for they do not desire to tear apart or to destroy, but, they say, “look upon their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness,” (Acts 4:29) by stretching out your hand, that is, prizing us with your invincible power. For here “hand” signifies that. For it wishes to signify invincible power, just as when he says, “Your hand destroyed the nations.” (Ps. 44:2) In the earlier words, however, “Your hand and your counsel had long before decreed.” (Ps. 38:3) “Hand” signifies that all things be ordered by God decently and with reason, since the combination and rational nature alone, which is none other than man, is for the most part accustomed to accomplish by the hand those things which are most useful. [CHRYSOSTOM]
Acts 4:25b-27a Why did the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rose up and the rulers gathered together against the Lord and against his Christ. For truly they assembled against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, Herod and Pontius Pilate.
Which nations rose up against Christ ? The nations of the Jews, namely. For although they were all Jews, nevertheless they came from various nations among which they were scattered. "Do whatever your hand and your will have ordained" (Acts 4:28): that is, they could not do it themselves, but you are the one who permitted and brought the whole matter to completion, namely prudent and wise. Indeed they had come together as enemies with savage intent, but they were doing what you wished.
Acts 4:27b With nations and the peoples of Israel.
In Jerusalem the Hebrews with Caiaphas and Anna, the people with Pilate.
Acts 4:28 Do whatever your hand and your will have ordained to come to pass.
The same intention remains evident. For there is no need for counsel where power is present. Therefore whatever things you ordained from the beginning were done by the Apostles, and so the prayer was not to repel troubles, but for the success of evangelical prayer; for they did not say, Free them, but, “grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness.” (Acts 4:29)
Acts 4:29-31 And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and to make signs and wonders to be done through the name of your holy Child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
The sign that the prayer had been heard was an earthquake: sometimes, however, it happens that the sign is of anger. To be filled with the Holy Spirit signifies to be wholly devoted to the given operation of the divine Spirit and little turned away by fleshly things: or that they were inflamed, and the gift was burning in them, on account of which they spoke with freedom, disregard bodily dangers, from which gift also was the heart and soul, as it were the source of spiritual actions. For "heart" now signifies that, as it were, the first subsistence of the animal, which also sustains vital functions.
It was, then, that which contributes to the pleasing of God. For the control of the intellect is to disregard dangers. But the characteristic of the vital principle is that the management of bodily affairs be determined, that the few things necessary for living, and how much is needed to live, be supplied to the possessor, while all that is lacking for life bears fruit. Also concerning the place shaken , one must understand this: the earthquake occurred to terrify the unbelieving and those who were conspiring, and to lead the apostles into boldness . For the purpose and necessity of such signs was that they themselves be strengthened.
Acts 4:32 The whole group of those who believed had one heart and one soul. And not one of the possessions of any of them was called his own, but they had everything in common.
Brotherly love, and as a pledge given them by the teacher Christ, by which he said, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” (Jn. 13:35) Therefore each, regarding the neighbor as himself, possessed nothing among his belongings kept back for himself, but added them to common use. Where he also says that great grace had come to them from mutual love: for because they claimed nothing for themselves, none among them was in need, which was an imitation of that saying of David: “You open your hand and satisfy every living thing.” (Ps. 145:16)
Acts 4:33-34 And with great power the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. For none among them was in need. For those who were owners of fields or houses, selling them brought the earnings of the things being sold.
They replied, saying, as if something had been entrusted to them, and this they speak as if concerning a debt. For by divine signs they were showing divine power of Him who had risen from the dead.
Acts 4:35 And they placed them at the feet of the apostles. And it was distributed to each as anyone had need.
Placing honors at the feet of the apostles , but not on their hands, shows the great honor and reverence of those who brought them. The fact that they did not dare to give them to the hands indicates that they made them stewards and dispensers, as if consuming from common funds, and not as personal gifts through their hands. Moreover, what was placed at the feet constituted honor toward them and removed the reproach of the poverty of those supported. And they gave as if from common funds being administered.
Acts 4:36-37 But Joseph, who was called Barnabas by the apostles (which means son of consolation), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, and who owned a field, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
First, he recalls the one who had succeeded, namely Joseph , as a greater rebuke to Ananias, because with so many persons doing these things, and so many signs, and so great a grace, none of them was instructed by him. But the calling of Joseph was confirmed by the Apostles as testimony of compassionate virtue. And he was a Levite who conducted affairs in Cyprus , since the law was already relaxed, and people were migrating from Judea wherever one wished. And Barnabas , being of Judean tongue and being brought into Greece, he presents himself as a son of consolation , a sort of encouragement and mercy. This is the preparation for the destructive narrative concerning Ananias and Sapphira. For he too imitated Joseph in giving up his idleness, not using properly the office and the end, and so he escaped notice while bringing destruction upon himself.