Acts 4:4 – “But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.”
Extended Explanation
Despite the arrest of Peter and John, the gospel continued to spread. This verse is a powerful reminder that no human effort can stop God’s truth from reaching people’s hearts. While the religious leaders tried to silence the apostles, their message had already taken root. Many of the people who heard Peter’s preaching believed, and the church grew even more.
The phrase “the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand” suggests that this was an incredible movement. In Acts 2:41, after Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, about 3,000 people believed. Now, just a short time later, the number had risen to 5,000. If women and children were included, the total number of believers would have been even greater.
This verse highlights a key truth about the gospel: opposition cannot stop it. In fact, persecution often leads to even more people turning to Jesus. When the message of Christ is boldly preached, hearts are changed, no matter how hard others try to suppress it.
Historical Context
At this time, Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious life. The temple was not just a place of worship—it was the heart of their society. The religious leaders had great influence, and they were deeply troubled by the apostles’ teaching about Jesus’ resurrection.
Peter and John had just healed a crippled man (Acts 3), and this miraculous sign drew a huge crowd. When Peter boldly preached that Jesus was the risen Messiah, many people realized the truth and put their faith in Him. This was a major turning point.
The rapid growth of the church was alarming to the Jewish authorities. The Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, saw this as a direct challenge to their power. However, their control over the people was already slipping. The more they opposed the apostles, the more people came to believe in Jesus.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches an important lesson: salvation comes through hearing and believing the gospel. The people who believed did not do so because of their own efforts but because they heard the message and responded in faith. This aligns with Romans 10:17, which says, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
It also shows that God’s plan cannot be stopped. No amount of opposition can prevent God from drawing people to Himself. The religious leaders thought they could control the message, but God was at work in people’s hearts.
Additionally, this verse reminds us that the church is not built by human power but by the work of the Holy Spirit. The apostles were simply obedient in preaching, and God caused the growth. This same principle is true today. When we share the gospel, it is not our words that change people but the power of God working through them.
Literary Analysis
The verse begins with “But”, which is important. This shows a contrast. Even though Peter and John were arrested, their message still had a powerful effect. The religious leaders wanted to stop the movement, but the opposite happened—more people believed.
The phrase “many who heard the message believed” emphasizes that salvation comes through hearing the gospel. The verb “believed” is in the past tense, showing that their faith was immediate. They heard the truth and responded right away.
The mention of “about five thousand” also adds weight to the narrative. Luke, the author of Acts, is showing how the church was rapidly expanding. This was not just a small group—it was becoming a major movement.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 16:18 – Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
- Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
- Acts 2:41 – At Pentecost, about 3,000 people believed after Peter’s sermon.
- John 6:44 – “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.”
- 2 Timothy 2:9 – “God’s word is not chained.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse should encourage us. Even when there is opposition, God is still working. In today’s world, Christians often face resistance when sharing the gospel. But just as in Acts 4:4, nothing can stop God’s truth from reaching those who are ready to believe.
It also reminds us that we don’t have to rely on our own strength to bring people to faith. Our job is to share the message. God is the one who moves in people’s hearts and brings them to salvation. We may not always see the results immediately, but we can trust that His word never returns empty (Isaiah 55:11).
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals God’s love in a beautiful way. Even though Jesus had been rejected and crucified, God continued to reach out to people. He did not give up on them. Instead, He sent His apostles to preach the message of salvation.
God’s love is persistent. Even when religious leaders opposed the truth, He kept drawing people to Himself. His love is stronger than human opposition. This verse shows that He is always working, even in difficult circumstances, to bring people into His family.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is all about Jesus. The message that people believed was not just a general religious idea—it was the gospel of Jesus Christ. They believed that He had died for their sins and risen again.
Jesus had said in John 12:32, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” His crucifixion and resurrection were the central truths that Peter and John preached, and they were what led thousands to faith.
This verse also connects to Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where He commanded His followers to go and make disciples. Peter and John were obeying that command, and God was blessing their efforts.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage you when you face opposition for your faith?
- What does this passage teach about the power of the gospel?
- How can you be more faithful in sharing the message of Jesus, even when it’s unpopular?
- Do you trust that God is working behind the scenes, even when you don’t see immediate results?
- How does this verse strengthen your confidence in God’s ability to grow His church?
This passage is a reminder that God’s truth cannot be stopped. No matter what challenges come, His word will always reach those who are ready to receive it. We can trust that He is in control and that His gospel will continue to change lives.