17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name."
17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name."
17 But so that it doesn't go any further, let's silence them with threats so they won't dare to use Jesus' name ever again with anyone."
17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name."
17 But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus' name again."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 4:17
Commentary on Acts 4:15-22
(Read Acts 4:15-22)
All the care of the rulers is, that the doctrine of Christ spread not among the people, yet they cannot say it is false or dangerous, or of any ill tendency; and they are ashamed to own the true reason; that it testifies against their hypocrisy, wickedness, and tyranny. Those who know how to put a just value upon Christ's promises, know how to put just contempt upon the world's threatenings. The apostles look with concern on perishing souls, and know they cannot escape eternal ruin but by Jesus Christ, therefore they are faithful in warning, and showing the right way. None will enjoy peace of mind, nor act uprightly, till they have learned to guide their conduct by the fixed standard of truth, and not by the shifting opinions and fancies of men. Especially beware of a vain attempt to serve two masters, God and the world; the end will be, you can serve neither fully.