Acts 4:13-21
Chapter 4
but, as the man who had been healed stood beside them, they could not respond.
So they told them to leave the council room while they discussed it among themselves.
They asked: “What shall we do with these men? Everyone who lives in Jerusalem knows that a remarkable sign has been given through them, and we cannot deny it.
But to stop this from spreading any further among the people, let us warn them never again to speak to anyone in the name of Jesus.”
So they called them back and told them not to speak, or teach at all, in the name of Jesus.
But Peter and John responded to them:
“Judge for yourselves, whether it is right in God’s eyes for us to obey you rather than God.
We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Then the council threatened them again and released them. They couldn’t find a way to punish them because the people were glorifying God for what had happened.
Commentaries
Peter and John Before the Council.
A new element appears in the community’s life: persecution, which will continue for the witnesses and missionaries of the Gospel throughout the entire book of Acts. What Jesus predicted comes to pass: His disciples will face persecution, but the Holy Spirit will speak through them before their persecutors (cf. Lk 12:4-12; 21:12-19). Usually, humble people bow their heads, ask for forgiveness, and wait for punishment. However, the unexpected happens here: the accused become the accusers. Peter takes the opportunity to testify about Jesus, and this moment is unique. As in his previous speeches, he restates the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection. But this time, he says even more: he firmly declares that “there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (12).