Acts 4:24

Lifted up their voice. Upon hearing the apostles’ report the assembled Christians raised their voices in praise and adoration to the God who had intervened so remarkably. Phrases that follow suggest a chant of praise, different from ordinary speech. This was probably a hymn, and may have been uttered by Peter while the others joined in saying “Amen,” or they may have repeated it phrase by phrase after him. It appears doubtful that the Christian community already would have composed and memorized such a hymn as this as part of their liturgy. This passage has the distinction of being the first recorded utterance of corporate worship in Christian history.

Lord. Gr. despotes, a “master,” as contrasted with a servant. This word is used but rarely of the Lord in the NT, appearing with such a reference only six times. It is interesting to note that two of these are in the writings of Peter and John (2 Peter 2:1; Rev. 6:10), the disciples who doubtless led out in the present act of praise and worship.

Art God. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the omission of these words. However, the thought of the passage remains the same. The fact that God is Creator is an eternal basis for the praise and obedience of His creatures (see Isa. 44:23-27; Heb. 1:1-5).

Heaven, and earth, and the sea. As do so many of the psalms, this ascription of praise begins by setting forth the glory of God as Creator.