Acts 4:3 - They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was now evening.
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What does "Acts 4:3" mean?
This verse from Acts 4:3 describes the immediate aftermath of Peter and John's bold proclamation of the Gospel and healing of a lame man in the temple. Let's break it down:
"They laid hands on them...": This refers to the temple authorities, specifically the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees (as mentioned in the previous verse). "Laying hands" here means arresting or seizing Peter and John. It's an act of force and legal authority.
"...and put them in custody until the next day...": This indicates that Peter and John were taken into official detention or jail. The authorities didn't immediately decide what to do with them but held them for further investigation and potential trial.
"...for it was now evening.": This is a practical detail. It was late in the day, likely too late to convene any kind of formal hearing or council. Decisions were often postponed until the morning in ancient times, and also, the evening probably was the close of business and it was not desirable to conduct such a hearing at that time.
In summary, the verse means that the religious authorities were angered by Peter and John's actions and teachings, so they arrested them and held them overnight in jail because it was already evening and too late to deal with the situation properly at that time.
Significance:
Opposition to the Gospel: This verse highlights the opposition that the early Christians faced right from the beginning. Their message challenged the established religious order, leading to persecution.
Temporary Delay: The delay until the next day might have seemed like a setback, but it also allowed time for the message to spread further and for God to work in the hearts of the people.
Preparation for Testimony: It sets the stage for the events of the next day (Acts 4:5-22), where Peter and John are questioned by the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish ruling council, giving them an opportunity to boldly proclaim the name of Jesus.
Acts 4:3 - They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was now evening.
What does "Acts 4:3" mean?
This verse from Acts 4:3 describes the immediate aftermath of Peter and John's bold proclamation of the Gospel and healing of a lame man in the temple. Let's break it down:
"They laid hands on them...": This refers to the temple authorities, specifically the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees (as mentioned in the previous verse). "Laying hands" here means arresting or seizing Peter and John. It's an act of force and legal authority.
"...and put them in custody until the next day...": This indicates that Peter and John were taken into official detention or jail. The authorities didn't immediately decide what to do with them but held them for further investigation and potential trial.
"...for it was now evening.": This is a practical detail. It was late in the day, likely too late to convene any kind of formal hearing or council. Decisions were often postponed until the morning in ancient times, and also, the evening probably was the close of business and it was not desirable to conduct such a hearing at that time.
In summary, the verse means that the religious authorities were angered by Peter and John's actions and teachings, so they arrested them and held them overnight in jail because it was already evening and too late to deal with the situation properly at that time.
Significance:
Opposition to the Gospel: This verse highlights the opposition that the early Christians faced right from the beginning. Their message challenged the established religious order, leading to persecution.
Temporary Delay: The delay until the next day might have seemed like a setback, but it also allowed time for the message to spread further and for God to work in the hearts of the people.
Preparation for Testimony: It sets the stage for the events of the next day (Acts 4:5-22), where Peter and John are questioned by the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish ruling council, giving them an opportunity to boldly proclaim the name of Jesus.