Acts 4:20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 4:15-22

We have here the issue of the trial of Peter and John before the council. They came off now with flying colours, because they must be trained up to sufferings by degrees, and by less trials be prepared for greater. They now but run with the footmen; hereafter we shall have them contending with horses, Jer. 12:5. I. Here is the consultation and resolution of the court about this matter, and their proceeding thereupon. 1. The prisoners were ordered to withdraw (Acts 4:15): They commanded them to... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 4:13-22

4:13-22 When they saw how boldly Peter and John spoke, and when they had grasped the fact that they were men with no special knowledge and no special qualifications, they were amazed; and they recognized them for men who had been in the company of Jesus. So, as they looked at the man who was cured and who was standing with them, they could find no charge to make. They ordered them to leave the Sandhedrin, and they discussed with each other, "What are we to do with these men? For, that,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 4:20

For we cannot but speak ,.... It was not physically, but morally impossible; or it was not lawful, and therefore they would not speak any other, and they could not avoid speaking, say they, the things which we have seen and heard ; as the miracles and doctrines of Christ, his resurrection from the dead, of which they were eye and ear witnesses. This shows their great fidelity and integrity, their inviolable attachment to Christ, and their fearlessness of the displeasure and wrath of men. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 4:20

Verse 20 20.For we cannot Many things which are found out by hearing and seeing may, yea, ought to be concealed, when as the question is concerning the redeeming of peace. For this is a point of discourtesy and of wicked stubbornness to move and raise a tumult about unnecessary matters; but the apostles do not speak generally, when as they say they cannot but speak. For the gospel of Christ is now in hand, wherein consisteth both the glory of God and the salvation of men. It is an unmeet thing,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 4:1-21

Truth from the tribunal. The principles which are illustrated or suggested here are— I. THAT MEN IN THE HIGHEST RELIGIOUS POSITION MAY BE ALL WRONG IN THEIR THEOLOGY . The priests were grieved that the apostles taught the people that which we know to have been God's own truth ( Acts 4:2 ). In every age since then, the teaching of pure doctrine has been a veritable grief to those who have been regarded by many as the religious authorities of the land. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 4:1-22

Christ's servants before the tribunal. I. THEIR APPREHENSION . Its causes. 1. The jealousy of those in ecclesiastical power. Caste, privilege, and established professions are ever jealous of popular influence. It is ill for learning and for religion when they come to be identified with the interests of a class. But neither can be shut up to the few. Light and truth are the common property of all, as there is no function higher than that of the genuine teacher of religion, so... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 4:1-31

The first persecution. On observing the phenomena attending the introduction and spread of Christianity in the world, one which arrests our attention is the persecution which at different times its disciples have met with from the world. The Lord Jesus himself, "the Author and Perfecter of our faith," was rejected of men and crucified. And when, after his glorious resurrection, the apostles preached the faith, and verified the truth of what they preached by such signal miracles as that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 4:4-22

The first trial of Christian preachers in a court of judgment, and their victory. A few words of an historic character lay for us the scene of this trial, put us in possession of the question at issue and of the parties, as between whom, if not really so, it is to be settled. We are, however, justly at liberty to take note of certain silence as well as of certain utterance and preparations for utterance. Those who" laid hands" on Peter and John, "and put them in ward" last night, were... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 4:13-22

The impotence of unbelief. I. In the presence of FACTS . The historical evidence of the gospel must be pressed home on men's consciences. Make them acknowledge, " We cannot deny it." The facts of Christian life and character before their eyes. Hence the power of great movements like those of the evangelical revivals. II. In contrast with the MORAL STRENGTH OF DEEP CONVICTION AND STRAIGHTFORWARD ALLEGIANCE TO TRUTH . The shifting of ground, the sophistry, the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 4:19-20

The simpler and the deeper truth. Here we have— I. A TRUTH WHICH IS PALPABLE TO ALL —that when the Divine and the human are in conflict, the human must yield to the Divine. "Whether it be right … judge ye." The judgment required was one that any man could pronounce; the question may be answered by the humblest understanding. 1. Ordinarily, the commandments of God and of man are in unison; it is, as a rule, our duty to God to obey the human parent, teacher, magistrate,... read more

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