Acts 4:1

Authorized King James Version

And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Λαλούντων
as they spake
to talk, i.e., utter words
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
αὐτοῖς
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#4
πρὸς
unto
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#5
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
λαὸν
the people
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
#7
ἐπέστησαν
came upon
to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)
#8
αὐτοῖς
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#9
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἱερεῖς
the priests
a priest (literally or figuratively)
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
στρατηγὸς
the captain
a general, i.e., (by implication or analogy) a (military) governor (praetor), the chief (praefect) of the (levitical) temple-wardens
#14
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ἱεροῦ
of the temple
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
#16
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
Σαδδουκαῖοι
the Sadducees
a sadducaean (i.e., tsadokian), or follower of a certain heretical israelite

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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