Acts 4:31

After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The Jerusalem believers gather in a designated location immediately after praying for boldness and divine signs through Jesus. They are the recipients of a physical tremor and a direct infusion of the Holy Spirit.

The words — ἐσαλεύθη (esaleuthē) = was shaken; τὸν τόπον (topos) = place. The text records a literal physical tremor at the specific location where the group gathered.

The thread — The sequence of petition and divine response appears in Matthew 21:22, Acts 2:4, and Isaiah 65:24. These passages establish a consistent biblical pattern where God's action follows faithful prayer.

Why it lands — The text demands recognition that bold proclamation and spiritual authority originate from divine intervention rather than human preparation. It requires the reader to align expectations with the biblical sequence of prayer, physical or spiritual manifestation, and empowered speech.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Matthew 21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Isaiah 65:24 Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear.
Acts 2:2 Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
John 14:12 Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
John 15:7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
John 16:23 In that day you will no longer ask Me anything. Truly, truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.
Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness,