Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

People's New Testament

4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost. They had been promised the Divine help when put on trial (Mt 10:19,20). It was now given. Here was an opportunity to preach Christ to the very body that had sent him to death.

Wesley's Notes

4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost - That moment. God moves his instruments, not when they please, but just when he sees it needful. Ye rulers - He gives them the honour due to their office.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

8. Then, filled with the Holy Ghost, said-(See Mr 13:11; Lu 21:15).

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

4:5-14 Peter being filled with the Holy Ghost, would have all to understand, that the miracle had been wrought by the name, or power, of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, whom they had crucified; and this confirmed their testimony to his resurrection from the dead, which proved him to be the Messiah. These rulers must either be saved by that Jesus whom they had crucified, or they must perish for ever. The name of Jesus is given to men of every age and nation, as that whereby alone believers are saved from the wrath to come. But when covetousness, pride, or any corrupt passion, rules within, men shut their eyes, and close their hearts, in enmity against the light; considering all as ignorant and unlearned, who desire to know nothing in comparison with Christ crucified. And the followers of Christ should act so that all who converse with them, may take knowledge that they have been with Jesus. That makes them holy, heavenly, spiritual, and cheerful, and raises them above this world.