Acts Chapter 4 · Verse 8
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 15
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
2 of 15
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
πλησθεὶς
filled
G4130
πλησθεὶς
filled
Strong's:
G4130
Word #:
3 of 15
to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)
πνεύματος
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματος
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
4 of 15
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 #:
5 of 15
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 15
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 15
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
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαοῦ
of the people
G2992
λαοῦ
of the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
11 of 15
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρεσβύτεροι
elders
G4245
πρεσβύτεροι
elders
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
13 of 15
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
Cross References
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 4:31And 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.Acts 7:55But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,Luke 23:13And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
Historical Context
This same Peter who denied Christ before a servant girl (Luke 22:57) now boldly confronts the Sanhedrin, demonstrating Pentecost's transforming power. The council members 'perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men' (v. 13), yet couldn't resist Spirit-given wisdom, fulfilling Luke 21:15.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Spirit-filling for witness differ from Spirit-baptism at conversion?
- What does Peter's transformation from denier to defender teach about the Spirit's sanctifying work?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter, 'filled with the Holy Ghost,' demonstrates fulfillment of Christ's promise (Luke 12:11-12) that the Spirit would provide words when facing tribunals. This filling differs from Pentecost's - not conversion but empowerment for specific witness. The address 'Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel' shows respect for office while preparing to deliver devastating accusation. Spirit-filling produces boldness, not recklessness; wisdom, not foolishness.