Acts 4:33
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μεγάλη
great
G3173
μεγάλη
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
2 of 20
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
δυνάμει
power
G1411
δυνάμει
power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
3 of 20
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
ἀπεδίδουν
gave
G591
ἀπεδίδουν
gave
Strong's:
G591
Word #:
4 of 20
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μαρτύριον
witness
G3142
μαρτύριον
witness
Strong's:
G3142
Word #:
6 of 20
something evidential, i.e., (genitive case) evidence given or (specially), the decalogue (in the sacred tabernacle)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπόστολοι
the apostles
G652
ἀπόστολοι
the apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
8 of 20
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀναστάσεως
of the resurrection
G386
ἀναστάσεως
of the resurrection
Strong's:
G386
Word #:
10 of 20
a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 20
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
13 of 20
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
χάρις
grace
G5485
χάρις
grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
14 of 20
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
μεγάλη
great
G3173
μεγάλη
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
16 of 20
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
Cross References
John 1:16And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.Acts 1:8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.Acts 1:22Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.Acts 4:30By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.Acts 2:47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.Mark 16:20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.1 Thessalonians 1:5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.Luke 2:52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.Hebrews 2:4God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
Historical Context
Despite threats from the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:18-21), the apostles continued public testimony in Jerusalem. Their message's emphasis on resurrection directly challenged Sadducean theology and explained Jesus' empty tomb to curious crowds.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is the resurrection central to Christian witness rather than merely Jesus' teachings?
- How does God's grace empower bold testimony in hostile environments?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Apostolic witness to resurrection formed Christianity's core message, demonstrating that early preaching centered on historical event, not mere ethical teaching. 'Great power' (Greek 'dunamis') indicates Spirit-enabled boldness and authenticating miracles. 'Great grace upon them all' shows divine favor enabling their mission and attracting converts.