Acts 4:25

In the first part of this verse there is some confusion in the Greek text. The most authoritative reading may be translated who by the Holy Ghost[through] the mouth of our father David thy servant hast said. From the Rec. Textthere has been omitted "the Holy Ghost," and perhaps the preposition bywas repeated before "the mouth." But the order in which the Greek words stand makes it difficult to see what has happened, for even in the best MSS. their arrangement is much involved.

The Apostle now proceeds to apply the words of the second Psalm, which has been admitted by the Jews themselves to be Messianic, to the circumstances under which Christ was put to death.

Why did the heathen rage Better, the nations, or the Gentiles, as it is rendered Acts 4:27.

The Psalm in its first application probably referred to some revolt against the king of Israel. We have such a revolt mentioned in David's reign (2 Samuel 8), where the Syrians, Moabites, Ammonites and other nations were conquered by David, after being in vain rebellion.

The words of the Psalm are quoted from the Septuagint.