Acts 4:27

Authorized King James Version

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,

Word-by-Word Analysis

συνήχθησαν

G4863

were gathered together

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐπὶ

G1909

against

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ἀληθείας

G225

a truth

truth

ἐπὶ

G1909

against

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸν

G3588

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

ἅγιον

G40

holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

παῖδά

G3816

child

a boy (as often beaten with impunity), or (by analogy), a girl, and (genitive case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#10

Ἰησοῦν

G2424

Jesus

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

#11

ὃν

G3739

whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#12

ἔχρισας

G5548

thou hast anointed

to smear or rub with oil, i.e., (by implication) to consecrate to an office or religious service

#13

Ἡρῴδης

G2264

Herod

heroic; herod, the name of four jewish kings

#14

τε

G5037

both

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#16

Πόντιος

G4194

Pontius

apparently bridged; pontius, a roman

#17

Πιλᾶτος

G4091

Pilate

close-pressed, i.e., firm; pilatus, a roman

#18

σὺν

G4862

with

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

#19

ἔθνεσιν

G1484

the Gentiles

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

#20

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#21

λαοῖς

G2992

the people

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

#22

Ἰσραήλ

G2474

of Israel

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of truth connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about truth, 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 truth in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding truth in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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