Acts 4:20

20 non enim possumus quae vidimus et audivimus non loqui

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 et vocantes eos denuntiaverunt ne omnino loquerentur neque docerent in nomine Iesu
19 Petrus vero et Iohannes respondentes dixerunt ad eos si iustum est in conspectu Dei vos potius audire quam Deum iudicate
20 non enim possumus quae vidimus et audivimus non loqui
21 at illi comminantes dimiserunt eos non invenientes quomodo punirent eos propter populum quia omnes clarificabant Deum in eo quod acciderat
22 annorum enim erat amplius quadraginta homo in quo factum erat signum istud sanitatis
The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.