The verse Acts 4:31 (KJV):

> “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.”

...is a verse full of spiritual power, portraying the direct and intense presence of the Holy Spirit after prayer. From a philosophical perspective, several layers of depth can be drawn as follows:

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1. The “shaken place” – A symbol of transcendence

From a phenomenological point of view, such as that of Rudolf Otto in The Idea of the Holy, the physical shaking symbolizes the mysterium tremendum — a transcendent power that evokes awe and reverence, both fearsome and attractive. It signifies an encounter with a reality beyond rational comprehension — a moment that touches the Absolute.

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2. Prayer and inner transformation – Existential anthropology

Existential philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Gabriel Marcel view prayer not merely as a religious act, but as an existential one — a direct meeting between the self and the Absolute. In this verse, the act of prayer leads to being "filled with the Holy Spirit", which can be interpreted not just theologically but existentially — a transformation of being, from fear into courage — something highly valued in existential thought.

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3. Speaking “the word of God with boldness” – Freedom and truth

Philosopher Michel Foucault, through his concept of “parrhesia” — the courageous and truthful speech despite danger — emphasized that truth-telling demands ethical bravery. In this context, the disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, spoke “the word of God with boldness”, embodying parrhesia — a moral act of liberation, where truth is spoken without being distorted by fear or power.

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4. Community and transcendent energy – Intersubjectivity

From Martin Buber’s perspective (I and Thou), the act of gathering — praying — and being filled with the Spirit is a powerful example of “I–Thou” dialogue, where individuals not only relate to one another but open themselves to the Divine. It is in such encounters that the sacred is revealed, and the community becomes not just a collection of people, but a living body of truth and soul.

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In summary:

> From a philosophical lens, Acts 4:31 captures a moment of:

The divine transcendent touching the physical world (the place was shaken),

Inner transformation through prayer (filled with the Holy Spirit),

The courageous enactment of truth (parrhesia),

And communal harmony in the Spirit.

It is a profound symbol of the human encounter with the Absolute, revealing the power of faith when lived with authenticity and courage.

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