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 went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. (Acts 4:21-30 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
Here observe, 1. That notwithstanding this rational plea, which the apostles used, the council added further threatenings and so dismissed them, because of the people, who looked upon the miracle with admiration, and glorified God for working it by the apostles’ hands.
Where note, That it was not the sense of sin, nor any apprehensions of God’s displeasure that influenced the council to set the apostles at liberty; but either the fear or favour of the people. Thus God made the people a restraint to the ruler’s rage.
Observe, 2. That the apostles thus dismissed, went immediately to their own company, (that-is, to the hundred and twenty mentioned, Acts 1:15) and acquainted them both with their danger and deliverance, the better to prepare them for sufferings, and encourage them to hope for the like support under them.
Observe, 3. What use the church makes thereof: they hearing how their enemies lay in wait to persecute and destroy them, apply themselves to God by fervent prayer.
Thence learn, That it is the church’s duty when enemies combine together to do mischief, to give themselves much unto prayer. Thus did the church here, and the like, Acts 12:1-12.
Observe, 4. The prayer itself, which they jointly put up at the throne of grace, with one heart and spirit.
And here note, 1. They began their prayer with invocation, and a reverent compellation, suitable to their present sufferings; adoring God’s omnipotency in creating and governing of the word. Lord ! thou art God, who hast made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that is therein.
Whence learn, That the power and wisdom of God in creating and governing the world, doth afford singular support and comfort under the sense of present of future sufferings. He that made all things by his power, will over-rule all things by his providence for his own glory and his church’s good.
Note, 2. The apostles used scripture-language and expressions in their prayer: they allude to Psalms 2 and acknowledge that all that enraged malice of men and devils against the Messias, which was foretold long ago by the prophet David, was now come to pass: For both the Jewish council and the Roman governors had combined together against Christ, and in opposing him, had opposed the Father that sent him. Of a truth against thy holy child Jesus are they gathered together, to do what thy hand and thy counsel had determined before to be done.
Where we see, 1. That all the sufferings of Christ were fore-ordained and determined by God the Father; God from all eternity decreed that Christ should die a sacrifice for sin.
2. That this decree of God did not necessitate the Jews to sin; but they acted freely and voluntarily, according to the wicked determinations of their own wills. God foresaw and permitted it, but no ways influenced or compelled them to it. He over-ruled those evil instruments to fulfil his holy purposes, while they intended only to fulfil their own wicked counsels.
Observe lastly, They close their prayer with a fervent petition, that God would strengthen them, and glorify his Son.
1. That God would strengthen them against their fears; steel them with courage, and fortify them ith impregnable resolution; Grant that with all boldness we may speak thy word. Boldness to preach the gospel, when unjustly forbidden, is a special gift of God, and a great effect of God’s grace unto his servants.
2. They request that God would magnify, not them, but his Son by them, in giving them power to work miraculous cures in the name of Jesus, for confirming of the gospel, Grant that signs and wonders may be done by the name of the holy child Jesus.
Where note, That the gift of miracles, though promised by Christ, is yet prayed for by the apostles. God will have the performance of his promises to be the answer of our prayers.