Acts 4:20

20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Acts 4:20 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
English Standard Version (ESV)
20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."
New Living Translation (NLT)
20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”
The Message Bible (MSG)
20 As for us, there's no question - we can't keep quiet about what we've seen and heard."
American Standard Version (ASV)
20 for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
20 We cannot stop talking about what we've seen and heard."
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
20 for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
20 There's nothing else we can do. We have to speak about the things we've 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 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!
20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.
22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Job 32:18; Jeremiah 20:9; Amos 3:8
  • 2. S Luke 24:48
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