Acts 4:20

20 For we canot but speake that which we have sene and hearde.

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 and comaunded them that in no wyse they shuld speake or teache in the name of Iesu.

19 But Peter and Iohn answered vnto them and sayde: whether it be right in the syght of God to obeye you moare then God iudge ye.

20 For we canot but speake that which we have sene and hearde.

21 So threatened they them and let them goo and founde no thinge how to punysshe them because of the people. For all me lauded God for the myracle which was done:

22 for the man was above fourty yeare olde on whom this myracle of healinge was shewed.