Acts 4:20

20 For we are not able to refrain from speaking about [the things] that we have seen and heard."

Acts 4:20 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 4:20

For we cannot but speak
It was not physically, but morally impossible; or it was not lawful, and therefore they would not speak any other, and they could not avoid speaking, say they, the things which we have seen and heard;
as the miracles and doctrines of Christ, his resurrection from the dead, of which they were eye and ear witnesses. This shows their great fidelity and integrity, their inviolable attachment to Christ, and their fearlessness of the displeasure and wrath of men.

Acts 4:20 In-Context

18 And they called them [back] [and] commanded [them] not to speak or to 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 God, you decide!
20 For we are not able to refrain from speaking about [the things] that we have seen and heard."
21 So [after] threatening [them] further, they released them, finding no way to punish them on account of the people, because they were all praising God for what had happened.
22 For the man on whom this sign of healing had been performed was more [than] forty years [old].
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.