Lexical Summary prosapeileó: To threaten further, to add a threat Original Word: προσαπειλέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance threaten further. From pros and apeileo; to menace additionally -- i.e. Threaten further. see GREEK pros see GREEK apeileo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pros and apeileó Definition to threaten further NASB Translation threatened...further (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4324: προσαπειλέωπροσαπειλέω, προσαπείλω: 1 aorist middle participle προσαπειλησαμενος; to add threats, threaten further (cf. πρός, IV. 2): Acts 4:21. (Demosthenes, p. 544, 26.) Topical Lexicon Scope of the WordThe verb appears once in the Greek New Testament and captures the idea of adding or layering threats. It is not merely “to threaten,” but to intensify an already hostile stance. Scripture therefore uses it to depict the culmination of official intimidation when words alone have failed to suppress the testimony of Christ. Narrative Setting: Acts 4:21 “After further threats, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because all the people were glorifying God for what had happened.” (Acts 4:21) Peter and John have healed the lame man at the gate of the temple (Acts 3:1-10) and boldly proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:1-12). The Sanhedrin, frustrated by the apostles’ growing influence yet unable to deny the miracle, first issues a direct command: “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18). When the apostles refuse, the council escalates its hostility—προσαπειλησάμενοι—delivering additional threats before reluctantly releasing them. The scene becomes one of the earliest recorded confrontations between the nascent church and the religious establishment. Historical Backdrop The Sanhedrin was both the supreme religious court and an instrument of civil governance under Roman oversight. It possessed power to inflict beatings, imprisonment, social ostracism, and, with Roman consent, even capital punishment (John 18:31). Threats were a primary tool for maintaining control. That the council “could not decide how to punish them” reveals a momentary paralysis: public acclaim for the miracle checked their authority, and Roman surveillance limited overt brutality. Threats thus became the path of least resistance. Theological Weight 1. Conflict between earthly jurisdiction and divine commission. Peter and John had already stated, “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20). The intensified threats highlight the irreconcilable clash: human rulers seek silence; the apostles, compelled by God, must proclaim. Canonical Parallels to Heightened Threats • Pharaoh’s order to increase Israel’s labor after Moses’ first demand (Exodus 5:6-9). Each instance features authorities amplifying intimidation when confronted with God’s unmistakable power—demonstrating that human threats often signal divine advance. Ministry Significance 1. Encouragement under Persecution Believers facing legal or social hostilities find precedent and comfort: intensified threats cannot restrain gospel proclamation. The apostles’ stance models respectful but resolute obedience to God over men (Acts 5:29). Acts 4 underscores the necessity of corporate prayer when opposition escalates. The narrative teaches that public acknowledgment of Christ, even under duress, validates both message and miracle. Pastoral Reflection Threats often feel final, yet Scripture portrays them as ephemeral barriers to eternal truth. When intimidation intensifies, the church is invited to reinforce prayer, unity, and faithful witness. The lone New Testament use of this verb thus distills a timeless lesson: the opposition may add threats, but the Lord adds grace, boldness, and continued growth to His people. Forms and Transliterations προσαπειλησαμενοι προσαπειλησάμενοι prosapeilesamenoi prosapeilesámenoi prosapeilēsamenoi prosapeilēsámenoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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