And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

ACTS 4:29KJV
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Acts 4:29 (KJV)

What does Acts 4:29 mean?

Acts 4:29 is a prayer asking God to notice the threats made against Jesus’ followers and to give them courage to keep speaking God’s message openly. The verse shows the early Christians asking for boldness, not for safety or revenge, but for strength to keep sharing their faith despite opposition.

In this scene, Peter and John have returned to the other believers after being warned by religious leaders not to speak about Jesus. The group prays together, addressing God as "Lord," and asks Him to pay attention to the threats they face. Instead of asking for the threats to end, they request the ability to speak God’s word with "all boldness," showing their desire to continue their mission no matter the danger.

The Greek behind Acts 4:29

  • κύριε (kurie, "Lord"): This word is a respectful title for God, emphasizing His authority and control, which is important as the believers appeal to God’s power over the situation.
  • παρρησία (parrēsia, "boldness"): This Greek word often means openness, confidence, or freedom in speaking. The believers are not just asking for courage, but for the ability to speak plainly and fearlessly, even when threatened.
  • ἀπειλή (apeilē, "threatenings"): This word refers to hostile warnings or threats. The believers specifically mention the danger they face, showing they are fully aware of the risks involved in their mission.

Why Acts 4:29 matters

  • Acts 4:29 clarifies that the early Christians did not pray for their enemies to be punished or for the threats to disappear, but for the strength to keep doing what they believed was right.
  • The verse highlights the central role of boldness in sharing the Christian message, especially when facing opposition or danger.
  • This prayer connects to the larger story in Acts, where the spread of the message about Jesus often meets resistance, yet the believers repeatedly seek God’s help to continue their work without fear.

Where else these words appear

“behold” Greek G1896 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 1:25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

“threatenings” Greek G547 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 4:17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
  • Acts 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
  • Ephesians 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

“now” Greek G3569 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 5:38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
  • Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
  • Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

“boldness” Greek G3954 · used in 31 verses

  • Mark 8:32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
  • Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
  • 1 Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.