Acts 4:20

20 For we must needs speak those things, that we have seen and heard. [Forsooth we may not not speak 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, and commanded to them [And they calling them announced to them], that on no manner they should speak, neither teach [nor teach], in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered, and said to them, If it be rightful in the sight of God to hear you rather than God, deem ye.

20 For we must needs speak those things, that we have seen and heard. [Forsooth we may not not speak the things that we have seen and heard.]

21 And they menaced them, and let them go, and found not how they should punish them, for the people; for all men clarified that thing that was done in that that was befallen. [+And they menacing left them, not finding how they should punish them, for the people; for all men clarified that thing that was done in that that befell.]

22 For the man was more than forty years old, in whom this sign of healing was made [in whom this sign of health was made].