Acts 4:18-20

Acts 4:18-20

[18] And  they called  them,  and commanded  them  not  to speak  at all  nor  teach  in  the name  of Jesus.  [19] But  Peter  and  John  answered  and said  unto  them,  Whether  right  in the sight  of God  to hearken  more than  unto God,  judge ye.  [20] For  cannot  but  speak  the things which  and  heard. 

What does Acts 4:18-20 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The Sanhedrin ordered the apostles not to speak or teach at all as Jesus" spokesmen. This order provided a legal basis for further action should that be necessary (cf. Acts 5:28). Peter and John saw the command of the Sanhedrin as contradicting the command that Christ had given them ( Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20). They could not obey both, so they had to obey God (cf. Jeremiah 20:9). This is the only basis for civil disobedience that Scripture permits. In all other matters we must obey those in authority over us ( Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). [1] Speaking what one has seen and heard ( Acts 4:20) is the essence of witnessing ( Acts 1:8). Contempt and threats have silenced many witnesses, but these tactics did not stop the Spirit-filled apostles. [2]