ACC ~ Acts 4 v1 - 4

OVERVIEW:

The first twenty-two verses of Acts 4 recount a further incident in the life of the early community, and these verses are followed by a series of incidents narrated by Luke in order to give an intuitive understanding of how the risen Lord, the prophet like and transcending Moses, continues his work among Israel. Not only is he resurrected, but also the faithful through him (CHRYSOSTOM). The five thousand instructed in the wilderness by Jesus and the same number by apostles designate the people of the nations who would spiritually follow the mysteries of the same law (BEDE).

4:2 | Proclaiming the Resurrection

THE POWER OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION. CHRYSOSTOM: They were annoyed, not only because the apostles were teaching, but because they declared that not only was Jesus Christ himself risen from the dead but that through him we too rise again. … So powerful was his resurrection that he is the cause of resurrection for others as well. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 10.

4:3 | The Apostles Arrested

SHAMELESSNESS BORN OF SIN. CHRYSOSTOM:

Consider how in the case of Christ they sought out a traitor, but now arrest the apostles with their own hands, having grown more audacious and more impudent since the crucifixion. For sin, while it is yet struggling to the birth, is attended with some sense of shame, but once fully formed, it makes those who practice it more shameless. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 10.

4:4 | Many Who Heard Believed

FIVE THOUSAND. BEDE: If we take the five thousand men fed by the Lord in the wilderness as [standing for] the people established under the law, but created anew by Christ’s favor, they and this five thousand, who were instructed by the teaching of the apostles, can designate the people of the nations who would spiritually follow the mysteries of the same law. Also it was well done that both [groups of five thousand] were granted their heavenly favor in the evening, for when “the fullness of time came God sent his Son.” COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 4.4.