Acts 4:28
For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
Original Language Analysis
ποιῆσαι
For to do
G4160
ποιῆσαι
For to do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
1 of 11
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χείρ
hand
G5495
χείρ
hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
4 of 11
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βουλή
counsel
G1012
βουλή
counsel
Strong's:
G1012
Word #:
8 of 11
volition, i.e., (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose
Cross References
Acts 2:23Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:Isaiah 46:10Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:Genesis 50:20But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.Matthew 26:24The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
Historical Context
This theological affirmation echoed Peter's Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:23) - Christ's death was simultaneously murder (human guilt) and sacrifice (divine plan). Early church's ability to hold these truths in tension prevented both fatalism (denying human responsibility) and anxiety (doubting God's control).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you hold together God's sovereignty over evil events with human moral accountability?
- What comfort does God's predetermined plan provide when facing apparently chaotic persecution?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The prayer acknowledges God's sovereignty: 'to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.' The Greek 'proorisen' (determined) indicates predestination - God's eternal decree includes evil actions (crucifixion, persecution) without causing moral guilt. This paradox - God's sovereign control and human responsibility coexisting - distinguishes Reformed theology. The phrase 'thy hand' (power) and 'thy counsel' (plan) emphasizes both capability and intention.