“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,”
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: 'Rulers and elders of the people! — Peter's filling with the Spirit (pimplammai, filled, fully supplied, satiated) immediately precedes bold speech (parrēsia, boldness, frank speech, freedom of speech). The address to 'rulers and elders of the people' (archontes kai presbyteroi tou laou) respects their office while preparing to challenge their authority. The Spirit enables courage in the face of institutional power.
Church Fathers on Acts 4:8
And by what name have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them. Acts 4:8 And now, I pray you, call to mind Christ's saying; When they deliver you up unto the synagogues, take ye no thought how or what thing you shall speak; for it is the Spirit of your Father which speaks in you. Luke 12:11-14 So that it was a mighty Power they enjoyed. What then says Peter? You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel. Mark the Christian wisdom of the man; how…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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