Acts 4:8
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
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.