Acts 4:8
New International Version
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!

New Living Translation
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people,

English Standard Version
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders,

Berean Standard Bible
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people!

Berean Literal Bible
Then Peter, having been filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders,

King James Bible
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

New King James Version
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:

New American Standard Bible
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people,

NASB 1995
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people,

NASB 1977
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people,

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people,

Amplified Bible
Then Peter, filled with [the power of] the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people [members of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish High Court],

Christian Standard Bible
Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders:

American Standard Version
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders,

Contemporary English Version
Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and told the nation's leaders and the elders:

English Revised Version
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Peter, because he was filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers and leaders of the people,

Good News Translation
Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, answered them, "Leaders of the people and elders:

International Standard Version
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, told them, "Rulers and elders of the people!

Majority Standard Bible
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people of Israel!

NET Bible
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, replied, "Rulers of the people and elders,

New Heart English Bible
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people, and elders,

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

Weymouth New Testament
Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he replied, "Rulers and Elders of the people,

World English Bible
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You rulers of the people and elders of Israel,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Then Peter, having been filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

Berean Literal Bible
Then Peter, having been filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders,

Young's Literal Translation
Then Peter, having been filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them: 'Rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

Smith's Literal Translation
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them: Ye princes of the people, and ancients, hear:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Leaders of the people and elders, listen.

New American Bible
Then Peter, filled with the holy Spirit, answered them, “Leaders of the people and elders:

New Revised Standard Version
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Simon Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, Leaders of the people and elders of the house of Israel, listen.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Then Shimeon Kaypha was filled by The Spirit of Holiness, and he said to them, “Rulers of the people and Elders of the house of Israel, listen.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: Rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

Godbey New Testament
Then Peter being full of the Holy Spirit said to them, Ye rulers of the people and elders,

Haweis New Testament
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

Mace New Testament
then Peter filled with the holy spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people, and senators of Israel,

Weymouth New Testament
Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he replied, "Rulers and Elders of the people,

Worrell New Testament
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders,

Worsley New Testament
Then Peter filled with the holy Spirit said unto them, Ye rulers of the people,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Peter and John Before the Council
7They had Peter and John brought in and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people! 9If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed,…

Cross References
Luke 12:11-12
When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. / For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.”

Matthew 10:19-20
But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

John 14:26
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.

John 16:13
However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 6:10
but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

Acts 7:55
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

Acts 13:9
Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked directly at Elymas

1 Corinthians 2:4
My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,

1 Corinthians 2:13
And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Exodus 4:12
Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”

Numbers 11:25
Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and He took some of the Spirit that was on Moses and placed that Spirit on the seventy elders. As the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but they never did so again.

Deuteronomy 31:6-8
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” / Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. / The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”


Treasury of Scripture

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them, You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

filled.

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.

Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 7:55
But 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,

Jump to Previous
Authority Elders Filled Full Ghost Holy Israel Peter Rulers Spirit
Jump to Next
Authority Elders Filled Full Ghost Holy Israel Peter Rulers Spirit
Acts 4
1. The rulers of the Jews, offended with Peter's sermon,
3. imprison him and John.
5. After, upon examination
8. Peter boldly avouching the lame man to be healed by the name of Jesus,
11. and that only by the same Jesus we must be eternally saved,
13. they threaten him and John to preach no more in that name,
23. whereupon the church flees to prayer.
31. And God, by moving the place where they were assembled, testifies that he heard their prayer;
34. confirming the church with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and with mutual love and charity.














Then Peter
The name "Peter" is derived from the Greek "Petros," meaning "rock" or "stone." This name was given to Simon by Jesus, signifying his foundational role in the early Church. Peter's leadership is evident here as he steps forward to address the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Historically, Peter's transformation from a fisherman to a bold apostle underscores the transformative power of Christ's calling.

filled with the Holy Spirit
The phrase "filled with the Holy Spirit" indicates a special empowerment and guidance by the third person of the Trinity. In Greek, "filled" is "plērēs," suggesting a completeness or fullness. This filling is not a one-time event but a continual process for believers. The Holy Spirit's presence equips Peter with wisdom and courage, fulfilling Jesus' promise in Acts 1:8 that the disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them.

said to them
The act of speaking here is significant. In the Greek, "said" is "eipen," which implies a declaration or proclamation. Peter's speech is not just a defense but a bold proclamation of the Gospel. This moment is pivotal as it demonstrates the apostles' transition from fear to fearless witnesses of Christ, fulfilling the Great Commission.

Rulers and elders of the people
This phrase addresses the Sanhedrin, composed of Jewish leaders and elders. The term "rulers" in Greek is "archontes," referring to those in positions of authority. "Elders" is "presbyteroi," indicating respected leaders within the community. By addressing them directly, Peter acknowledges their authority but also sets the stage for a powerful testimony about Jesus. This encounter reflects the early Church's interactions with Jewish authorities and highlights the tension between the new Christian movement and established religious structures.

(8) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost.--The tense implies an immediate sudden inspiration, giving the wisdom and courage and words which were needed at the time. The promises of Matthew 10:19-20, Luke 21:14-15, were abundantly fulfilled. The coincidence of names in the juxtaposition of the representatives of the new and the older Israel is striking. On each side there was a John; on each a Cephas, or Caiaphas, the two names possibly coming from the same root, or, at any rate, closely alike in sound. A few weeks back Peter had quailed before the soldiers and servants in the high priest's palace. Now he stands before the Sanhedrin and speaks, in the language of respect, it is true, but also in that of unflinching boldness. We may, perhaps, trace a greater deference in the language of the Galilean fisherman, "Ye rulers of the people," than in the "Men and brethren" of St. Paul (Acts 23:1; Acts 23:6), who was more familiar with the members of the court, and stood in less awe of them.

Verse 8. - Elders for elders of Israel, A.V. and T.R. Filled with the Holy Ghost; in direct fulfillment of the promise (Mark 13:11; Luke 12:12; Luke 21:14, 15; comp. Acts 7:55). St. Peter addresses them with all respect (see Matthew 23:2).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Then
Τότε (Tote)
Adverb
Strong's 5119: Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.

Peter,
Πέτρος (Petros)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074: Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.

filled
πλησθεὶς (plēstheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4130: To fill, fulfill, complete. A prolonged form of a primary pleo to 'fill' (imbue, influence, supply); specially, to fulfil.

with [the] Holy
Ἁγίου (Hagiou)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

Spirit,
Πνεύματος (Pneumatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

said
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

them,
αὐτούς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

“Rulers
Ἄρχοντες (Archontes)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 758: Present participle of archo; a first.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

elders
πρεσβύτεροι (presbyteroi)
Adjective - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4245: Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

people!
λαοῦ (laou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people.


Links
Acts 4:8 NIV
Acts 4:8 NLT
Acts 4:8 ESV
Acts 4:8 NASB
Acts 4:8 KJV

Acts 4:8 BibleApps.com
Acts 4:8 Biblia Paralela
Acts 4:8 Chinese Bible
Acts 4:8 French Bible
Acts 4:8 Catholic Bible

NT Apostles: Acts 4:8 Then Peter filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 4:7
Top of Page
Top of Page