ScriptureDepth's study of Acts 4
“There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!”
Acts 4:12
Peter addresses the rulers and elders, declaring that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ, which asserts his authority in healing a crippled man.
What Acts 4 is about
Peter and John spoke to the people. The priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees arrested them for teaching about Jesus and the resurrection (vv. 1-4). The next day, they were brought before the Sanhedrin. The rulers asked Peter and John by what power they healed a crippled man (vv. 5-12). Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, answered that the healing was done in the name of Jesus, whom they had crucified (vv. 8-10). The leaders were amazed at their boldness and decided to threaten them not to speak in Jesus' name (vv. 13-22). Peter and John chose to obey God rather than men (vv. 19-20). They returned to their group and prayed for boldness to speak God's word (vv. 23-31). The believers shared everything and supported each other (vv. 32-37).
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (v. 12).
Acts 4 at a glance
- Acts 4:1–4Arrest of Peter and John
- Acts 4:5–12Trial Before the Sanhedrin
- Acts 4:13–22Reaction of the Religious Leaders
- Acts 4:23–31Prayer for Boldness
- Acts 4:32–37Unity and Generosity in the Church
Key verse: Acts 4:12
One thing to notice
Peter and John are arrested by the priests and the captain of the temple in vv. 1-3. They are brought before the Sanhedrin for questioning in vv. 5-12. The trial focuses on the apostles' teachings about Jesus and the leaders' response to their message.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Acts 4 (WEB)
Arrest of Peter and John Acts 4:1–4
1Verse 1. As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them, 2Verse 2. being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3Verse 3. They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was now evening. 4Verse 4. But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
Trial Before the Sanhedrin Acts 4:5–12
5Verse 5. In the morning, their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem. 6Verse 6. Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest. 7Verse 7. When they had stood Peter and John in the middle of them, they inquired, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” 8Verse 8. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9Verse 9. if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10Verse 10. be it known to you all, 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 him does this man stand here before you whole.
11Verse 11. He is ‘the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’ 12Verse 12. There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!”
Reaction of the Religious Leaders Acts 4:13–22
13Verse 13. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14Verse 14. Seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15Verse 15. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16Verse 16. saying, “What shall we do to these men? Because indeed a notable miracle has been done through them, as can be plainly seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can’t deny it. 17Verse 17. But so that this spreads no further among the people, let’s threaten them, that from now on they don’t speak to anyone in this name.”
18Verse 18. They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19Verse 19. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves, 20Verse 20. for we can’t help telling the things which we saw and heard.” 21Verse 21. When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done. 22Verse 22. For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old.
Prayer for Boldness Acts 4:23–31
23Verse 23. Being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24Verse 24. When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, “O Lord, you are God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them; 25Verse 25. who by the mouth of your servant, David, said, ‘Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing? 26Verse 26. The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take council together, against the Lord, and against his Christ.’
27Verse 27. “For truly, in this city against your holy servant, Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28Verse 28. to do whatever your hand and your council foreordained to happen. 29Verse 29. Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, 30Verse 30. while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus.” 31Verse 31. When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
Unity and Generosity in the Church Acts 4:32–37
32Verse 32. The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33Verse 33. With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was on them all. 34Verse 34. For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35Verse 35. and laid them at the apostles’ feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need.
36Verse 36. Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, 37Verse 37. having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Acts 4
Bold Witness
Peter and John boldly declare the healing of a crippled man in the name of Jesus Christ during their trial before the Sanhedrin (vv. 10-12). Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaims that ‘there is salvation in none other’ than Jesus. Their boldness is noted by the observant religious leaders, who recognize that they had been with Jesus (v. 13). This bold witness is a key element of the early church's proclamation.
The Power of the Spirit
In Acts 4, the role of the Holy Spirit is crucial for the apostles’ testimony. Peter speaks boldly because he is ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’ (v. 8). After the apostles pray for boldness, ‘the place was shaken’ and they are again filled with the Holy Spirit, going on to speak the word of God with boldness (v. 31). This indicates that the Spirit empowers the early church in their mission.
Community and Generosity
The chapter depicts the early church as a unified community, where believers share their possessions and no one lacks anything (vv. 32-34). Members sold lands or houses and brought the proceeds to the apostles’ feet for distribution according to need (vv. 34-35). The example of Barnabas, who sold a field and laid the money at the apostles’ feet (v. 37), illustrates the commitment to communal support and generosity.
Opposition and Persecution
Acts 4 portrays the reality of opposition faced by Peter and John as they are arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin (vv. 1-4). The religious leaders question their authority, upset by their teaching about Jesus' resurrection (vv. 2-3). Despite the threats to remain silent about Jesus (v. 18), they remain resolute, responding that they cannot help but speak of what they have seen and heard (v. 20). This highlights the tension between the early Christians and the established religious authorities.
Chapter outline
How Acts 4 unfolds
Acts 4:1–4 Arrest of Peter and John
As Peter and John speak to the people, they are arrested by the priests and Sadducees for teaching about Jesus and the resurrection (vv. 1-2). Despite this, many people believe, raising the number of believers to about five thousand (v. 4).
Acts 4:5–12 Trial Before the Sanhedrin
The Sanhedrin interrogates Peter and John, asking, 'By what power, or in what name, have you done this?' (v. 7). Peter boldly proclaims healing in 'the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth' (v. 10) and asserts there is no other name for salvation (v. 12).
Acts 4:13–22 Reaction of the Religious Leaders
The religious leaders are astonished by Peter and John's boldness despite their lack of formal education (v. 13). They decide to threaten them to prevent further teaching in Jesus' name, showing their intent to suppress the message (vv. 17-18).
Acts 4:23–31 Prayer for Boldness
Upon their release, Peter and John report to the other believers, who pray for boldness to continue speaking God's word (vv. 23-24). They acknowledge God's sovereignty over past events and ask for signs and wonders through Jesus (vv. 29-30).
Acts 4:32–37 Unity and Generosity in the Church
The believers experience unity and shared resources, with everything held in common (vv. 32-33). Those who own property sell it to support others, exemplifying generosity and communal care within the early church (vv. 34-37).
Key verses
Acts 4:12Peter addresses the rulers and elders, declaring that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ, which asserts his authority in healing a crippled man.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Acts 4
- observeIn v4, what was the result of the people hearing the word?
- observeWhat do the rulers ask Peter and John in v7 regarding their healing?
- interpretPeter's response in vv. 10-12: how does he frame the healing in relation to Jesus?
- interpretIn v29, what does the prayer ask for in light of the threats?
- applyWhen have you felt compelled to speak boldly about your faith like Peter in v20?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Acts 4
- John 14Acts 4:12 and John 14:6Both speak of salvation: Acts 4:12 states there is none other name, while John 14:6 declares Jesus as the way.
- Acts 2Acts 4:31 and Acts 2:4Both describe being filled with the Holy Spirit: Acts 4:31 shows bold speech, while Acts 2:4 details speaking in other languages.
- Acts 5Acts 4:19 and Acts 5:29Both address obedience to God: Acts 4:19 questions human authority's right, while Acts 5:29 affirms the need to obey God.
- 1 Corinthians 3Acts 4:12 and 1 Corinthians 3:11Both emphasize Jesus as the foundation: Acts 4:12 states there is no other name, while 1 Corinthians 3:11 affirms Jesus as the only foundation.
- Acts 1Acts 4:33 and Acts 1:8Both speak of power given to witnesses: Acts 4:33 states the apostles testified with power, while Acts 1:8 promises power from the Holy Spirit.
- John 3Acts 4:12 and John 3:36Both emphasize belief in the Son: Acts 4:12 states salvation only in Him, while John 3:36 describes eternal life for believers.
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