Acts 4:31
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῶν
when they
G846
αὐτῶν
when they
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 23
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
ἐσαλεύθη
was shaken
G4531
ἐσαλεύθη
was shaken
Strong's:
G4531
Word #:
4 of 23
to waver, i.e., agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τόπος
the place
G5117
τόπος
the place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
6 of 23
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
ᾧ
G3739
ᾧ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
συνηγμένοι
assembled together
G4863
συνηγμένοι
assembled together
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
10 of 23
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπλήσθησαν
filled
G4130
ἐπλήσθησαν
filled
Strong's:
G4130
Word #:
12 of 23
to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)
πνεύματος
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματος
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
14 of 23
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ἁγίου
with the Holy
G40
ἁγίου
with the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
15 of 23
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
19 of 23
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
21 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
Matthew 21:22And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.Isaiah 65:24And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.Acts 2:4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.Acts 2:2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.Acts 4:29And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,John 15:7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.John 14:12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.James 1:5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.Philippians 1:14And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.John 15:16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Historical Context
Followed the apostles' release from Sanhedrin imprisonment with orders to stop preaching (v.18). Instead of retreating, the church prayed for greater boldness (v.29). This pattern repeats throughout Acts: persecution intensifies witness. The prayer quoted Psalm 2, interpreting opposition as fulfilling prophecy about nations raging against God's Anointed.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did the church pray for boldness rather than safety from persecution?
- What circumstances in your life require a fresh filling of the Spirit for bold witness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken—Physical shaking authenticated God's presence, recalling Sinai (Exodus 19:18) and Isaiah 6:4. The church's response to persecution was corporate prayer for boldness (v.29), not safety—God answered with tangible confirmation. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost (ἐπλήσθησαν ἅπαντες πνεύματος ἁγίου)—a subsequent filling beyond Pentecost, showing believers need repeated Spirit-empowering for ministry challenges. They spake the word of God with boldness (παρρησίᾳ) fulfilled their prayer request—'parrēsia' denotes fearless, public speech despite opposition. The Spirit's filling produced proclamation, not ecstasy.