And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "gave their testimony" isn't just about speaking, it implies they were rendering a duty, giving back what they had received. This wasn't optional preaching; they felt a profound obligation to share the resurrection, a truth they’d been entrusted with.
And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh from a dramatic encounter with the authorities who tried to silence them, the apostles and early believers are described as being united in heart and purpose, generously sharing their possessions to meet everyone's needs. This incredible communal generosity, rooted in their shared faith, is directly linked to the apostles' bold proclamation of Jesus' resurrection and the powerful grace that enabled them to do so.
What does it mean for the apostles to bear witness 'with great power'? Was it just about loud voices and strong arguments?
The 'great power' mentioned here isn't just about persuasive speaking or even impressive miracles, though those were present. It refers to an inner empowerment from the Holy Spirit that made their testimony about Jesus' resurrection utterly compelling and effective. They weren't just sharing information; they were conveying a truth that had transformed their own lives, and that divine energy was palpable. This power enabled them to stand firm, even in the face of opposition, and speak with an authority that pierced hearts.
Think of it like this: anyone can tell a story, but when that story is backed by the genuine, life-altering force of the Holy Spirit, it carries a weight that cannot be ignored. The apostles' 'power' was the evident work of God validating their message.
The verse mentions 'great grace was upon them all.' What kind of grace was this, and how did it affect the early believers?
The 'great grace' described here is multifaceted, encompassing both God's favor and the tangible results of that favor. It wasn't just about people liking the apostles or the believers; it was a deep, abiding favor from God that manifested in several ways:
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This grace wasn't just for the apostles but 'upon them all' – the entire body of believers, impacting their character, their actions, and their reception by the world.
Understand the original words
dynamis · Greek Noun
The supernatural capacity or divine ability granted by the Spirit to perform works, bear witness, and see the Gospel advance.
martyrion · Greek Noun
Formal witness or evidence given regarding historical facts or spiritual truths; in the NT, it specifically refers to the eye-witness accounts of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
anastasis · Greek Noun
The historical, bodily raising of Jesus from the dead, serving as the cornerstone of Christian faith and the guarantee of the believer's future resurrection.
charis · Greek Noun
God’s unmerited favor, kindness, and enabling power toward humanity; the basis for justification and the primary motivation for Christian living and service.
apostolos · Greek Noun
The divinely appointed envoys of Jesus Christ commissioned to preach the Gospel and establish the foundation of the early church.
This verse captures a pivotal moment where the apostles, filled with divine power after Pentecost, are boldly testifying to Jesus' resurrection. This testimony, coupled with the evident grace and unity within the community, powerfully impacted both believers and onlookers, demonstrating the transformative work of God in the nascent church.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem, an event that marks the culmination of his earthly ministry and the central point of Christian belief.
c. AD 30
Resurrection of Jesus Christ
According to Christian belief, Jesus is resurrected from the dead, appearing to his followers and validating his claims and teachings.
c. AD 30
Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles in Jerusalem, empowering them with boldness and spiritual gifts to preach the gospel.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Early Spread of the Gospel in Jerusalem
The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, begin boldly proclaiming Jesus' resurrection in Jerusalem, leading to rapid growth of the early church.
c. AD 33-36
Persecution and Dispersion of Believers
Facing opposition from Jewish authorities, many believers are forced to flee Jerusalem, spreading the Christian message to new regions.
This passage directly states the core message the apostles were proclaiming: Jesus died for our sins and was raised on the third day, the very essence of their testimony described in Acts 4:33.
John 3:16This verse encapsulates the 'great grace' that motivated the apostles; God's immense love offering salvation through Jesus, which the apostles were empowered to share.
Romans 8:11Just as the Spirit powerfully raised Jesus, this verse promises that the same Spirit powerfully indwells believers, enabling them to live and bear witness, mirroring the apostles' experience.
Acts 1:8This verse is a direct promise from Jesus to the apostles about receiving power from the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses, which is precisely what they were experiencing in Acts 4:33.
1 Peter 4:10-11This passage speaks to how believers should use their God-given gifts with divine power and grace, reflecting the apostles' ministry of testifying about Jesus and ministering to others.
barnesActs 4:33: "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all."
And with great power - See Acts 1:8 . The word "power" here denotes "efficacy," and means that they had "ability" given them to bear witness of the resurrection of the Saviour. it refers, therefore, I rather to their preaching than to their miracles. Gave the apostles witness - The apostles bore testimony to. The resurrection of the Lord Jesus - This was the main…
vincentActs 4:33: "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all."
Gave (ἀπεδίδουν)Lit., gave back (ἀπό); as something which they were in duty bound to give.
The phrase "gave their testimony" isn't just about speaking, it implies they were rendering a duty, giving back what they had received. This wasn't optional preaching; they felt a profound obligation to share the resurrection, a truth they’d been entrusted with.
Fresh from a dramatic encounter with the authorities who tried to silence them, the apostles and early believers are described as being united in heart and purpose, generously sharing their possessions to meet everyone's needs. This incredible communal generosity, rooted in their shared faith, is directly linked to the apostles' bold proclamation of Jesus' resurrection and the powerful grace that enabled them to do so.
Fresh from a dramatic encounter with the authorities who tried to silence them, the apostles and early believers are described as being united in heart and purpose, generously sharing their possessions to meet everyone's needs. This incredible communal generosity, rooted in their shared faith, is directly linked to the apostles' bold proclamation of Jesus' resurrection and the powerful grace that enabled them to do so.
"And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all." — The phrase "gave their testimony" isn't just about speaking, it implies they were rendering a duty, giving back what they had received. This wasn't optional preaching; they felt a profound obligati…
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Last reviewed October 2026