Understanding Acts 4:29

Acts 4:29 reads:

"And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word."

Verse Meaning Summary

This verse is part of a prayer made by the early apostles following their encounter with persecution. They seek God's help to continue preaching with boldness despite the threats they face. The significance of their request highlights the importance of divine assistance in the mission of the church.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the community aspect of their prayer, where believers united in seeking God's courage to spread the Gospel. He notes that the apostles were under pressure but remained steadfast in their conviction to preach despite fears.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes highlights the spiritual power needed by the apostles to confront their fears. He interprets "boldness" not just as courage but as a deep conviction that drives them to declare God's word regardless of potential repercussions.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke remarks on the significance of divine intervention in their mission. He points out that the disciples recognized their limitations and thus sought prayerful support, indicating the Church's reliance on God's empowerment to fulfill its mission.

Cross-References

Acts 4:29 can be cross-referenced with the following verses, which echo similar themes of boldness, prayer, and reliance on God:

• Acts 1:8: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses..." - This verse discusses the empowerment of believers for witness.
• Philippians 1:14: "And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear." - This verse conveys the confidence and boldness inspired by witnessing the actions and faith of others.
• 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." - It emphasizes God's provision of strength over fear, similar to the boldness prayed for in Acts 4:29.
• Matthew 10:19-20: "But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak." - Jesus assures believers of divine speaking assistance when facing adversities.
• John 14:13-14: "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." - Highlights the power of prayer in the name of Jesus to achieve God's work.
• 1 John 5:14: "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us:" - Encourages believers that God listens to prayers made in accordance with His will.
• Ephesians 6:19: "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel," - Paul asks for boldness in preaching, which resonates with the prayer of the apostles in Acts.

Thematic Connections

In analyzing Acts 4:29, we find thematic connections that underscore the early church’s challenges and responses:

• Prayer as a Response to Persecution:

  The apostles turn to prayer in the face of threats, showcasing the power of communal prayer and dependence on God in difficult situations.

• Boldness in Proclamation:

  The consistent appeal for boldness demonstrates the necessity of courage in sharing faith openly in a hostile environment.

• The Role of the Holy Spirit:

  Emphasized throughout Acts, the Holy Spirit enables believers to speak and act boldly, linking back to the empowerment mentioned in Acts 1:8.

Conclusion

Acts 4:29 serves as a potent reminder of the early church's nature and the challenges they faced. By seeking divine assistance for boldness in their preaching, they lay a foundational example for contemporary believers facing spiritual opposition. These insights from various commentaries collectively enhance our understanding of this powerful verse, reinforcing core themes of reliance on God through prayer, the call for bold witness, and communal support among believers.