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The Council releases Peter and John with a strong threat that their message go no further, yet
the message will soon go worldwide. (Religion fears the name of Jesus because of it’s power.)
Peter and John have broken no laws. In fact, they have healed a person, which should bring
praise from the city leaders. Law is supposed to protect people from the evil ones not threaten
the innocent.

Act 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name
of Jesus.

Again, it is the name which has so much power that threatens the Sadducees.

PETER AND JOHN RESPOND

Act 4:19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of
God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

Peter tells the council to make the decision for themselves. They are judges over natural men.
Now they can be judges over God’s will.

Act 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Peter and John in essence say, “We are nothing more than errand boys.” They tell the
Sanhedrin they can only say and do what they saw Jesus say and do.

PETER AND JOHN RELEASED

Act 4:21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how
they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was
done.

The Council tells Peter and John they will not beat them, but threatened to do so if they refused
to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. The religious leaders do not beat Peter and John
immediately because they are heroes in the eyes of the people because of the healing of the
crippled man.

Act 4:22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

For the man was above 40 years old, on whom this miracle (semeion: sign) of healing was
shown.

This man who is healed had been laid at the gate since he was young. He had been laid at that
same gate for over 30 years and so was recognized and well-known by everyone in the city.

Act 4:23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief
priests and elders had said unto them.

“Their own companions” is the church which began in chapter 2. It is the “household of God”
(Ephesians 2:19), the local church or expression of His universal church. Persecution did not