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Who (Christ) by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen (national
leaders) rage, and the people imagine (meditate on) vain (empty, futile) things?

Old Testament prophets spoke God’s Word, not their own (2 Peter 1:21). The Minister of the
church now quotes Psalm 2: 1-2, were David prophesied of God’s attitude toward national
governments who try to stop the impact of gospel on society.

TO ATTACK BELIEVERS IS TO ATTACK THE LORD

Act 4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the
Lord, and against his Christ.

Psalm 2:2 calls Christ “his anointed.” The word “Christ” means “anointed one.” Jesus was
anointed when he arose from the dead and was seated at the right hand of the Father
(Hebrews 1:3-9). Throughout history, the leaders of nations and religions have stood against
the Father and against the Lord. They have all fallen, and the congregation knows this situation
will be no different. To attack miracles and the message is to attack the Lord; to attack the
people of the Lord is to attack the Lord Himself (Matthew 25:40; Acts 9:4).

Act 4:27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and
Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

For of a truth against thy holy child (sinless humanity) Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both
Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

THE RESURRECTION: GUARANTEED DELIVERANCE

Act 4:28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

The congregation releases the outcome of the threats of these judges into the hand of God and
out of their own hands. They are taking God at His Word that vengeance belongs to Him
(Romans 12:19). They are also acknowledging they have more important things to do than try
to get even with men who have wrongly accused them. They must spread the gospel and have
churches to build. They will do their part and expect God to do His.

Our guarantee of deliverance is the resurrection of Jesus. The crucifixion, attitudes, and actions
of the people do not take God by surprise. In His foreknowledge, God knew the action of the
people would be against His plan of the cross (2:23). God did not ordain the opposition, but he
did know it would happen and planned the resurrection around it. God knows of our problems
and has a plan for each opposition (1 Corinthians 10:13). God uses the devices and plans of
men to bring glory to Himself and deliverance to us (Romans 8:28).

A PRAYER FOR BOLDNESS

Act 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all
boldness they may speak thy word,