We first discussed the arrest of Peter and John, and how Peter’s preaching led to about five thousand men being added to the number of believers. Before that, we examined a sermon I happened to hear today, which revealed a misconception. This pastor, like many others, may not have sufficiently trusted the Scriptures, thereby misleading the congregation. Second, we address the truth that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ, who Himself is the cornerstone. Third, we mention how the Sanhedrin, finding no fault in them and seeing the people’s reaction, released them. Their clear response—that they must obey God rather than men—leads us to revisit a previous discussion, which includes a practical method for accurately interpreting Scripture whenever possible. Fourth, we examining an account of answered prayer. We can see the difference between the indwelling Holy Spirit and being filled with the Holy Spirit, citing New Testament examples of being filled. It emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is one person of the Triune God with absolute sovereignty, and there were people filled with the Holy Spirit before His descent in Pentecost. We also observed how the New Testament uses three distinct Greek terms to describe instances of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Finally, it mentions the Jerusalem church’s practice of sharing all things in common and why Barnabas was called the son of encouragement.
1. The arrest of Peter and John and the number of believers about five thousand in this event
Before delving into this subtopic, let us first discuss a sermon I happened to hear today, which highlighted a misconception. This indicates that the pastor, like many others, may not fully trust the words of Scripture, thereby misleading the congregation. Essentially, the pastor asked the congregation whether the Holy Spirit—one of the three persons of the Godhead—was present at every gathering. This reveals insufficient faith in Scripture, for the Bible clearly states, “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”(Matthew 18:20) We know that “…He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God.”(Hebrews 10:12) And “…in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.”(Ephesians 1:20) Today, Jesus Christ is in heaven and is present with us through the Holy Spirit. Their gatherings are held in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit is certainly present among them.
Another passage makes this truth even clearer: consider the matters concerning the church in Laodicea mentioned in the Book of Revelation (cf. Revelation 3:14-22). We know the Laodicean church shut Jesus out, for Scripture plainly states, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; …”(Revelation 3:20). Yet God is a God of grace and mercy. If only they would repent and open their hearts, He promises, “…if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.”(Revelation 3:20) He does not merely sit at the table; He also promises to work, which is why He says, “He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”(Revelation 3:21) It does not specify when this work will occur, for the Holy Spirit holds absolute sovereignty. He chooses the best time to work, but He will certainly work.
Therefore, what we should teach is to believe the words of Scripture, truly knowing that the Holy Spirit is always present with us in the gathering. There is no need to question whether He is present. Thus, it is not merely a matter of verbal belief, but of faith in action. What we should ask and pray for is that He work every time when He is present. We must believe He will work—it is only a matter of time—and we must act in faith, knowing that sometimes we must indeed wait in faith. This is the correct perspective.
We must also mention the final words spoken to the church in Laodicea: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”(Revelation 3:22). This is a scripture addressed to all seven churches in the Book of Revelation. We know the Holy Spirit speaks sometimes directly, as when Paul was struck by a bright light (see Acts 9:3-7), and sometimes indirectly through others’ words, as when Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke (see Acts 4:8-12). We must have ears to hear.
Now let us return to the beginning of the Book of Acts, chapter 4: “As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them and put them in jail until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the message believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?””(Acts 4:1-7)
Peter and John were arrested because they spoke a truth that was indeed as Jesus had said: “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”(Acts 1:8) After the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost, they gained the power to testify for Jesus, leading to about five thousand believers. The Bible does not record how they knew about five thousand had believed, for some who claimed to believe insisted they could avoid baptism when it was offered, refused to obey the Great Commission, and thus would not even listen to Jesus’ words—they were not truly believers. In contrast, Peter’s previous sermon led to “…those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.”(Acts 2:41) The Bible explicitly states that the addition of about three thousand could be counted by the number baptized.
The apostles plainly stated, “And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.”(Acts 3:16). Why the high priest and others still questioned them is unclear, but perhaps they needed to hear it directly to truly accept it.
2. Salvation is found in no one else but Jesus Christ
“Then Peter, filled (G4130) with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people, if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by this name this man stands here before you in good health. He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.””(Acts 4:8-12)
You see, it was the Holy Spirit speaking through Peter. This is what Jesus said: “When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.”(Mark 13:11) The Holy Spirit again had Peter speak on their behalf, bearing the same witness that though the Jews rejected Him, He is the cornerstone of salvation: “For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”(1 Corinthians 3:11) And the Gentiles “…are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone.”(Ephesians 2:19-20) Truly, there is no salvation apart from Him: “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”(John 3:18)
Peter also agrees, saying, “And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”(1 Peter 2:4-5) It is precisely because Christ Jesus Himself is the cornerstone that “in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord.”(Ephesians 2:21)
3. The council found no fault in them and released them because of the people
“Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. But when they had ordered them to leave the Council, they began to confer with one another, saying, “What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name.” And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened; for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.”(Acts 4:13-22)
Peter and John were fishermen by trade, naturally uneducated men. Their wisdom and boldness came from having followed Jesus. Seeing the man in his forties, whom God had miraculously healed, standing with them, the officials had no rebuttal—only threats. Apostles’ response was clear: “…Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”(Acts 4:19-20) How could they cease bearing witness? Only by obeying God could they avoid sin. The Bible makes it clear: Jesus “…has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”(Hebrews 4:15) How did He achieve this? By a lifetime of obedience to God, as He Himself declared: “…I do exactly as the Father commanded Me. …”(John 14:31) When Jesus became flesh, He did not act on mere command. Even when exercising the freedom God granted Him to make decisions, His choices aligned with God’s will. This is precisely what Paul meant. We have to “Do not quench the Spirit.”(1 Thessalonians 5:19)
Previously, in “4. Examples of the Holy Spirit leading Bible study,” under “1168 Life and miracles: Indispensability of Holy Spirit’s leading in Bible study and examples,” we mentioned: “But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.””(Acts 4:19-20) It was stated there, “Though I know that I have not yet been conformed to the image of the Lord, sometimes I cannot help but speak, hoping that some may see the necessity of allowing the Holy Spirit to lead Bible study, unhindered by the old self, so that we may read Scripture correctly. The example we have chosen begins from this very point.” It also speaks of an absolutely feasible and biblically promised practical method: “Allowing the Holy Spirit lead your Bible study.” It depends on whether you are willing to walk this path, completely surrendering yourself to God and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you in your Bible study.
Another point worth mentioning is a passage I noticed earlier: “In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s officials from those who guarded the door, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. But the plot became known to Mordecai and he told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name. Now when the plot was investigated and found to be so, they were both hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the Book of the Chronicles in the king’s presence.”(Esther 2:21-23) Then we see that later that one night, “During that night the king could not sleep so he gave an order to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. It was found written what Mordecai had reported concerning Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who were doorkeepers, that they had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. The king said, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” Then the king’s servants who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.””(Esther 6:1-3) Had Mordecai not spoken up, none of what followed would have occurred. Thus, there are indeed matters that simply must be spoken.
Of course, my life has not reached that level. I can only sense the Holy Spirit prompting me to speak of “1168,” though I cannot be one hundred percent certain it is truly a matter that must be spoken. If it is not, I would rather err by speaking than by remaining silent when I should have spoken. For God is a God of mercy and grace. The Bible clearly states, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”(1 John 1:9)
Please note: We recently shared that God is not a God who commands one action after another. Scripture clearly states He grants us freedom to decide certain matters. Thus, “allowing the Holy Spirit to lead Bible study” does not mean repeating everything the Spirit says verbatim—if that were the case, no errors would ever occur. In reality, corrections are sometimes needed when we misinterpret or make wrong decisions within that freedom. When correction is needed, as we mentioned earlier, the Holy Spirit may either speak directly to our minds or use others’ words to bring it to our attention.
4. An account of an answered prayer
“When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is You who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, And the peoples devise futile things? ‘The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord and against His Christ.’ For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.”(Acts 4:23-31)
After Peter and John were released, they and the whole assembly prayed to God with one accord, quoting David’s words in Psalm 2:1-2, thus foretelling this event long ago. The Scripture also says, “to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.”(Acts 4:28) This further demonstrates that foreknowledge and predestination are two sides of the same coin. Their prayer is clearly recorded in Scripture and was answered—unlike the prayer for Matthias (see Acts 1:23-26), where no record of an answer is given. But this time, “And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.”(Acts 4:31)
We understand that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and being filled with the Holy Spirit are entirely distinct concepts. Every Christian has the indwelling Holy Spirit, as Scripture declares: “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, …”(1 Corinthians 6:19) But not everyone is filled with the Holy Spirit; otherwise, there would be no need for “…brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full (G4134) of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this (managing food) task.”(Acts 6:3) We see that even for managing food—a task many might consider minor—one must be filled with the Holy Spirit. Yet being filled with the Holy Spirit necessarily entails having a good reputation among the brothers and being full of wisdom. Why emphasize this point? Perhaps it signifies that being filled with the Holy Spirit will naturally manifest these qualities. Stephen was one of these seven: “…a man full (G4134) of faith and of the Holy Spirit, …”(Acts 6:5) He was “…full (G4134) of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.”(Acts 6:8) Therefore, what we should pursue is a continual state of being filled with the Holy Spirit, not a one-time filling obtained through persistent prayer (cf. Luke 11:5-13).
We know that this time filling with the Holy Spirit was for the purpose of speaking the word of God, and the same was true at the first Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection when the Holy Spirit descended which uses the word (G4130) (cf. Acts 2:1-11). Some may ask, does every filling with the Holy Spirit necessarily involve speaking the word of God? Beyond what has already been stated, let us examine how the New Testament describes each instance of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
First, we must emphasize that the Holy Spirit is one of the three Persons of the Trinity, possessing absolute sovereignty. Even before His coming, people were filled with the Holy Spirit. Let us examine the following scriptures. The text states, “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled (G4130) with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”(Luke 1:41-42) She was speaking of the affairs of God’s kingdom, and the arrangement of salvation brought forth Mary’s words magnifying the Lord (cf. Luke 1:43-56). Similarly, “And his father Zacharias was filled (G4130) with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:”(Luke 1:67) This too was praise to God, speaking of salvation (cf. Luke 1:68-80). Then, “Jesus, full (G4134) of the Holy Spirit, …”(Luke 4:1).
We note that the original text uses two distinct words, G4130 and G4134. The former appears 27 times, while the latter occurs 17 times. Examining all the verses and their contexts confirms that “filled with the Holy Spirit” is the accurate translation in Chinese Union Version. Context is crucial, as some passages do not refer to being filled with the Holy Spirit. For example: “But they themselves were filled (G4130) with rage, and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.”(Luke 6:11) The verse we just shared uses G4130 though: “Then Peter, filled (G4130) with the Holy Spirit, …”(Acts 4:8)
Now let’s examine some verses not mentioned earlier, starting with those related to the word used for being filled (G4130) with the Holy Spirit in this instance. After Paul saw the great light, “So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled (G4130) with the Holy Spirit.””(Acts 9:17) We also see, “But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled (G4130) with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him (Elima).”(Acts 13:9) This instance relates to evangelism, causing Elima to be temporarily blinded (cf. Acts 13:10-12).
Consider another instance of G4134 in Scripture: “But being full (G4134) of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”(Acts 7:55) Here, he beheld the glory of God, demonstrating a distinct reaction to being filled with the Holy Spirit and reaffirming the Spirit’s absolute sovereignty. Regarding Barnabas, Scripture states: “…a good man, and full (G4134) of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.”(Acts 11:24). This relates to the kingdom of God, demonstrating the effectiveness of preaching. Preaching is essential because “…faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”(Romans 10:17)
Regarding being filled with the Holy Spirit—as some say “full of the Holy Spirit”—Paul makes it clear: “…do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled (G4137, root G4134) with the Spirit.”(Ephesians 5:18) Here we encounter a new word, G4137, which derives from G4134. This word appears 95 times—far too many for me to examine every instance. In the sampled passages, “filled with the Holy Spirit” proves an excellent translation. For example, another instance in this passage: “And the disciples (Paul and Barnabas) were continually filled (G4137) with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”(Acts 13:52) It appears four times in the Book of Ephesians, and its meaning is also evident in this verse: “…the church, which is His body, the fullness (G4138, root G4137) of Him who fills (G4137) all in all.”(Ephesians 1:22-23) We have discussed three distinct original Greek words, and the Chinese Union Version renders them all well.
5. The Jerusalem Church shared all things in common and son of encouragement Barnabas
“And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”(Acts 4:32-37)
We previously discussed the practice of sharing all things in “1170 Descent of Holy Spirit, Peter’s leading to 3,000 baptisms, and sharing all – Acts 21-47,” specifically in section “4. The Jerusalem Church shared all things in common and broke bread in their homes,” where Barnabas was cited as an example.
“When he (Saul, Paul) came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.”(Acts 9:26-27) “And he (Barnabas) left for Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”(Acts 11:25-26) Barnabas was indeed the son of encouragement.
Please note: This article is based on the Sunday (12/14/25) topicwise Bible study. Unless otherwise specified, verses refer to those in NASB95. Past articles referenced can be found on our website, ‘https://a-christian-voice.com/‘, under ‘On spiritual understanding about life.’
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