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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 4:20 For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/4-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/44_Act_04_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 4:20 - The Name Forbidden" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/4-19.htm" title="Acts 4:19">◄</a> Acts 4:20 <a href="/acts/4-21.htm" title="Acts 4:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/acts/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/acts/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For we are not able to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />for we, on our part, cannot stop telling [people] about what we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />We cannot stop talking about what we've seen and heard."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />For we cannot stop speaking of what we ourselves have seen and heard." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />for we cannot stop talking about what we've seen and heard."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />for it is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />for we cannot help telling the things which we saw and heard."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />As for us, what we have seen and heard we cannot help speaking about."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />for we can’t help telling the things which we saw and heard.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for we cannot but speak what we saw and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For we are not able to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for we cannot but speak what we did see and hear.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For we cannot, the things we have seen and heard, not speak.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For we are unable to refrain from speaking the things that we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For we cannot stop speaking about the things which we have seen and heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“For we are unable not to speak whatever we see and hear.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For we can not but speak the things that we have seen and heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />for we are not able not to speak those things which we have seen and heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For we cannot refrain from speaking the things which we have seen and heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for we cannot avoid publishing what we have seen and heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />As for us, what we have seen and heard we cannot help speaking about."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />for we cannot but speak <i>the things</i> which we have seen and heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/4-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=1061" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/4.htm">The Name Forbidden</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmeis (PPro-N1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">we</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynametha (V-PIM/P-1P) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">cannot</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">stop</a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalein (V-PNA) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">speaking about</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ha (RelPro-ANP) -- Who, which, what, that. ">what</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: eidamen (V-AIA-1P) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">we have seen</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: ēkousamen (V-AIA-1P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">heard.”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">21</span>After further threats they let them go. They could not find a way to punish them, because all the people were glorifying God for what had happened.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/20-9.htm">Jeremiah 20:9</a></span><br />If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-1.htm">1 John 1:1-3</a></span><br />That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands—this is the Word of life. / And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. / We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a></span><br />But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-27.htm">Matthew 10:27</a></span><br />What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-13.htm">2 Corinthians 4:13</a></span><br />And in keeping with what is written, “I believed, therefore I have spoken,” we who have the same spirit of faith also believe and therefore speak,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/71-15.htm">Psalm 71:15-16</a></span><br />My mouth will declare Your righteousness and Your salvation all day long, though I cannot know their full measure. / I will come in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will proclaim Your righteousness—Yours alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/24-48.htm">Luke 24:48</a></span><br />You are witnesses of these things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-27.htm">John 15:27</a></span><br />And you also must testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/62-6.htm">Isaiah 62:6-7</a></span><br />On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves, / nor give Him any rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">1 Corinthians 9:16</a></span><br />Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/40-9.htm">Psalm 40:9-10</a></span><br />I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; behold, I do not seal my lips, as You, O LORD, do know. / I have not covered up Your righteousness in my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and salvation; I have not concealed Your loving devotion and faithfulness from the great assembly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a></span><br />Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/10-14.htm">Romans 10:14-15</a></span><br />How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? / And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/52-7.htm">Isaiah 52:7</a></span><br />How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-8.htm">2 Timothy 1:8</a></span><br />So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.</p><p class="hdg">we cannot.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/2-4.htm">Acts 2:4,32</a></b></br> And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/17-16.htm">Acts 17:16,17</a></b></br> Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/18-5.htm">Acts 18:5</a></b></br> And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews <i>that</i> Jesus <i>was</i> Christ.</p><p class="hdg">the things.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8,22</a></b></br> But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/3-15.htm">Acts 3:15</a></b></br> And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/5-32.htm">Acts 5:32</a></b></br> And we are his witnesses of these things; and <i>so is</i> also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/3-23.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/acts/4-4.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/acts/2-23.htm">Help</a> <a href="/acts/4-16.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/daniel/11-8.htm">Refrain</a> <a href="/acts/4-18.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/acts/4-18.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/acts/4-17.htm">Stop</a> <a href="/acts/2-11.htm">Telling</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/7-2.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/acts/4-24.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/acts/7-24.htm">Help</a> <a href="/acts/8-22.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/acts/5-38.htm">Refrain</a> <a href="/acts/4-29.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/acts/4-31.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/acts/5-39.htm">Stop</a> <a href="/acts/5-42.htm">Telling</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-1.htm">The rulers of the Jews, offended with Peter's sermon,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-3.htm">imprison him and John.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-5.htm">After, upon examination </a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-8.htm">Peter boldly avouching the lame man to be healed by the name of Jesus, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-11.htm">and that only by the same Jesus we must be eternally saved,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-13.htm">they threaten him and John to preach no more in that name,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-23.htm">whereupon the church flees to prayer.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-31.htm">And God, by moving the place where they were assembled, testifies that he heard their prayer; </a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/4-34.htm">confirming the church with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and with mutual love and charity.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For we cannot stop speaking</b><br>This phrase reflects the apostles' unwavering commitment to proclaim the gospel despite opposition. The context is Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, where they are commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus. Their response highlights the divine compulsion to witness, echoing the prophetic tradition where God's messengers cannot remain silent (<a href="/jeremiah/20-9.htm">Jeremiah 20:9</a>). This also aligns with the Great Commission (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>), where Jesus commands His followers to spread His teachings to all nations.<p><b>about what we have seen</b><br>The apostles were eyewitnesses to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This firsthand experience is crucial, as it provides the foundation for their testimony. The emphasis on "seen" underscores the tangible reality of Jesus' resurrection, countering any claims that it was merely a spiritual or metaphorical event. This aligns with 1 <a href="/john/1.htm">John 1:1</a>, where the apostle John emphasizes the physical reality of Jesus, whom they have "seen with our eyes."<p><b>and heard.”</b><br>The apostles not only witnessed Jesus' actions but also heard His teachings. This dual aspect of seeing and hearing is significant in Jewish tradition, where a matter is established by the testimony of two or three witnesses (<a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>). The apostles' testimony is thus both visual and auditory, providing a comprehensive witness to the truth of the gospel. This phrase also connects to <a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a>, where faith comes from hearing the message of Christ, emphasizing the importance of proclaiming the gospel so others may hear and believe.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/peter_and_john.htm">Peter and John</a></b><br>Apostles of Jesus Christ who were filled with the Holy Spirit and boldly proclaimed the gospel despite opposition.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/sanhedrin.htm">Sanhedrin</a></b><br>The Jewish ruling council that arrested Peter and John for preaching about Jesus and performing miracles in His name.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where these events took place, a central location for early Christian activity and the spread of the gospel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/h/healing_of_the_lame_man.htm">Healing of the Lame Man</a></b><br>The miraculous healing performed by Peter and John at the temple gate, which led to their arrest and trial before the Sanhedrin.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/h/holy_spirit.htm">Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The divine presence empowering the apostles to speak boldly and perform miracles, fulfilling Jesus' promise to send a Helper.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/b/boldness_in_witnessing.htm">Boldness in Witnessing</a></b><br>Like Peter and John, believers are called to speak boldly about their faith, regardless of opposition or persecution.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/empowerment_by_the_holy_spirit.htm">Empowerment by the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The Holy Spirit empowers believers to testify about Jesus, providing courage and the right words to say.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god_over_man.htm">Obedience to God Over Man</a></b><br>When faced with conflicting demands, Christians must prioritize obedience to God, as the apostles did when they refused to stop speaking about Jesus.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_personal_testimony.htm">The Power of Personal Testimony</a></b><br>Sharing personal experiences of what God has done in our lives can be a powerful tool for evangelism and encouragement.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_faith.htm">Perseverance in Faith</a></b><br>Despite challenges, believers are encouraged to persevere in their faith and witness, trusting in God's presence and power.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_experientialism_in_philosophy.htm">What defines experientialism as a philosophical concept?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'a_time_to_mourn_and_dance'.htm">What does the Bible say about censorship?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_we_speak_that_we_know.htm">What do we speak that we know?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_courage.htm">What does the Bible teach about courage?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">We cannot but speak . . .</span>--The pronoun is emphatic: "we, for our part" . . . The question at issue was one of bearing witness, and that witness they had received a special command to bear (<a href="/acts/1-8.htm" title="But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come on you: and you shall be witnesses to me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth.">Acts 1:8</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> <span class="accented">- Saw and heard</span> for <span class="accented">have seen and heard</span>, A.V. <span class="cmt_word">We cannot but speak</span>, etc. We have here another instance of Peter's boldness of speech under the influence of the Holy Ghost. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/4-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμεῖς</span> <span class="translit">(hēmeis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">cannot</span><br /><span class="grk">δυνάμεθα</span> <span class="translit">(dynametha)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stop</span><br /><span class="grk">μὴ</span> <span class="translit">(mē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">speaking about</span><br /><span class="grk">λαλεῖν</span> <span class="translit">(lalein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="grk">ἃ</span> <span class="translit">(ha)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">we have seen</span><br /><span class="grk">εἴδαμεν</span> <span class="translit">(eidamen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> </span><span class="str2">Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">heard.”</span><br /><span class="grk">ἠκούσαμεν</span> <span class="translit">(ēkousamen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/4-20.htm">Acts 4:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/4-20.htm">Acts 4:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/4-20.htm">Acts 4:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/4-20.htm">Acts 4:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/4-20.htm">Acts 4:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/4-20.htm">Acts 4:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/4-20.htm">Acts 4:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/4-20.htm">Acts 4:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/4-20.htm">Acts 4:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/4-20.htm">Acts 4:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/4-20.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 4:20 For we can't help telling the things (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/4-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 4:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 4:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/4-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 4:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 4:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>