And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

ACTS 4:23KJV
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Acts 4:23 (KJV)

What does Acts 4:23 mean?

Acts 4:23 describes how, after being released by the authorities, Peter and John returned to their fellow believers and shared everything that the chief priests and elders had told them. The verse highlights the apostles’ immediate choice to seek out their own community and report what had happened.

Peter and John had just been questioned and threatened by the religious leaders for preaching about Jesus. Once freed, they went straight to "their own company"—meaning the group of believers they belonged to—and gave a full account of the warnings and instructions they had received. This sets the stage for the believers’ united response in the following verses.

The Greek behind Acts 4:23

  • The word "company" is translated from the Greek ἴδιος (idios), which means "one’s own" or "belonging to oneself." Here, it emphasizes the close-knit nature of the early Christian community, showing that Peter and John returned to their own people, not just any group.
  • The verb "reported" comes from the Greek ἀπαγγέλλω (apangellō), which means "to announce" or "to report back." This word suggests a careful recounting of events, not just casual conversation, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the need for the group to be fully informed.

Why Acts 4:23 matters

  • Acts 4:23 clarifies that the early Christian movement was deeply communal; the apostles did not act alone but immediately involved their community in significant events.
  • The verse shows the transparency and trust among the believers, as Peter and John shared everything that had been said to them by the authorities, reinforcing the group's unity.
  • This moment sets up the collective prayer and boldness that follows in the passage, showing how the early church responded together to external threats.

Where else these words appear

“reported” Greek G518 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 8:20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
  • Acts 12:14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

“go” Greek G630 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Mark 8:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
  • Luke 23:20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.

“elders” Greek G4245 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
  • Luke 15:25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
  • 1 Timothy 5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

“all” Greek G3745 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
  • Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
  • Romans 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.