Acts 4:23-31

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on Acts 4:23-31

23On 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.
25You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David:
‘Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
26The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the Lord
and against His Anointed One.’
27In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed.
28They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen.
29And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness,
30as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”
31After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
— Acts 4:23-31

Related Resources from Heartlight

Speaking Boldly
Illustration of Acts 4:29-31 NIV

Illustration of Acts 4:29-31 NIV -- [The disciples praying after Peter and John were released from jail:] "Now, Lord, ... enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

After they prayed, the place where they...
Illustration of Acts 4:31

Illustration of Acts 4:31 -- After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Decided beforehand...
Illustration of Acts 4:28

Inspirational illustration of Acts 4:28 -- They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.

Fearless Confidence
Illustration of Acts 4:31 MESSAGE

Illustration of Acts 4:31 MESSAGE -- [Luke wrote about the disciples in Jerusalem after Peter and John were threatened and then released from prison:]  While they were praying, the place where they were meeting trembled and shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God's Word with fearless confidence.

Look at what prayer can do!
Illustration of Acts 4:31

Inspirational illustration of Acts 4:31 -- After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

They did what your power and will had...
Illustration of Acts 4:28

Illustration of Acts 4:28 -- They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.

Cross References for Acts 4:23-31

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a modern, clear, and faithful translation based on the best available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ideal for reading, study, and sharing, it entered the public domain in 2023. For more information, visit berean.bible.