Acts 4:16-22
16 saying, “What are we to do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
17 But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let’s warn them not to speak any longer to any person in this name.”
18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, make your own judgment;
20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
21 When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened;
22 for the man on whom this miracle of healing had been performed was more than forty years old.
The Sanhedrin’s Ruling (2)
Private deliberation
The members of the Sanhedrin sent Peter and John out of the assembly and began their private deliberation. “What are we to do with these men?… Let’s warn them not to speak any longer to any person in this name.” (1) There are undeniable facts: (a) A miracle was performed by Peter and John. (b) All the residents of Jerusalem are aware of it. (c) Denying it would bring criticism upon themselves. (d) The best course of action is not to issue a verdict but to suppress it. (2) They ordered them, “Not to speak any longer to any person in this name.” “This name” and “this man” are euphemisms. They refuse to utter the name “Jesus.” (3) Translations of “Let’s warn them” vary. ASV renders it as “Let us threaten them.” Essentially, they threatened punishment. (4) The Sanhedrin underestimated the boldness of the two men. They assumed that intimidation would silence them. (5) The Sanhedrin prohibited two things: (a) They must not talk about Jesus in private conversations. (b) They must not teach about Jesus through public messages.
Peter and John’s answer
“Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, make your own judgment; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (1) The uneducated challenged the wise leaders of Israel. (a) Is it right before God to obey humans rather than God? (b) This statement effectively reversed the positions. (c) If the leaders were honest, they would have acknowledged what the two men were saying. (2) Peter and John prioritized their obedience to God. (a) They had lived with Jesus. (b) They had witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion. (c) They had seen Jesus’ burial, resurrection, and ascension. (d) As eyewitnesses, they could not refrain from testifying. (3) The Sanhedrin’s weakness was that they could not punish Peter and John. (a) The miracle had indeed occurred. (b) Because of this miracle, everyone was praising God. (c) The healed man was well-known and over forty years old. So, after they threatened them further, they let them go. Those who ignore the testimony of the eyewitness disciples are foolish. We are those who believe and receive life.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, please help me become one who believes and accepts the truth, rather than turning away from it. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.