Acts 4:13

Authorized King James Version

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Θεωροῦντες

G2334

when they saw

to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Πέτρου

G4074

of Peter

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

παῤῥησίαν

G3954

the boldness

all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἰωάννου

G2491

John

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

καταλαβόμενοι

G2638

perceived

to take eagerly, i.e., seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively)

#11

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#12

ἄνθρωποι

G444

men

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#13

ἀγράμματοί

G62

unlearned

unlettered, i.e., illiterate

#14

εἰσιν

G1526

they were

they are

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

ἰδιῶται

G2399

ignorant

a private person, i.e., (by implication) an ignoramus (compare "idiot")

#17

ἐθαύμαζον

G2296

they marvelled

to wonder; by implication, to admire

#18

ἐπεγίνωσκόν

G1921

they took knowledge

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

#19

τε

G5037

and

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#20

αὐτοὺς

G846

of 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

#21

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#22

σὺν

G4862

with

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

#23

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#25

ἦσαν

G2258

they had been

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Peter
Paul