Commentaries:
Barnes' Notes
And when they had prayed - The event which followed was regarded by them as an evidence that God heard their prayer.
The place was shaken - The word which is translated "was shaken" commonly denotes "violent agitation," as the raging of the sea, the convulsion of an earthquake, or trees shaken by the wind, Matthew 11:7; Acts 16:26; Hebrews 12:26. The language here is suited to express the idea of an earthquake. Whether the motion was confined to the house where they were is not said. They probably regarded this as an answer to their prayer, or as an evidence that God would be with them:
(1)Because it was sudden and violent, and was not produced by any natural causes;
(2)Because it occurred immediately, while they were seeking divine direction;
(3)Because it was an exhibition of great power, and was an evidence that God could protect them; and,
(4)Because a convulsion so great, sudden, and mighty was suited at that time to awe them with a proof of the presence and power of God. A similar instance of an answer to prayer by an earthquake is recorded in Acts 16:25-26. Compare Acts 2:1-2. It may be added, that among the Jews an earthquake was very properly regarded as a striking and impressive proof of the presence of Yahweh, Isaiah 29:6; Psalms 68:8, "The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God; even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel." See also the sublime description in Hab. 3, particularly Acts 4:6-11. Compare Matthew 27:54. Among the pagan, an earthquake was regarded as proof of the presence and favor of the Deity. (See Virgil, Aeneid, 3:89.)
They were all filled ... - See the notes on Acts 2:4. Their being filled with the Holy Spirit here rather denotes their being inspired with confidence or boldness than being endowed with new powers, as in Acts 2:4.
Other Barnes' Notes entries containing Acts 4:31:
Micah 3:8
Acts 16:26
Ephesians 3:12
2 Thessalonians 2:2
Revelation 1:2
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