The Place Was Shaken

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31 (KJV)

The verse says, when, not, if, they had prayed. This word “they” (autos) is intriguing in that it does not just speak of a physical person, or group of persons, praying but it speaks of those who are praying out of their spirit (a baffling wind). There is no prayer like that which arises out of one’s spirit man and there is no prayer like the prayer of agreement.

We see believers gathered together, or assembled together (sunago), as was the practice of the early church. This gathering was one to which they were drawn by the Holy Ghost for the purpose of God. The assembling of God’s people always serves a divine purpose.

This kind of gathering and this kind of prayer repeatedly shakes something. The place where they were gathered “was shaken” (saleuo) as though waves, a mighty wind or storm had shaken even what cannot be shaken. This was no small event. It was as though a tsunami had hit the building.

They all were then filled with the characteristics of God and were separated to Him by His Spirit, the third person of the triune God. They were filled (pletho), furnished and fulfilled by Him so that they would be witnesses; “they spake the word of God with boldness” (parrhesia).

This speaking was now with supernatural confidence and cheerful courage and assurance.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 (KJV)

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)