15 and having commanded them to go away out of the sanhedrim, they took counsel with one another, 16 saying, 'What shall we do to these men? because that, indeed, a notable sign hath been done through them, to all those dwelling in Jerusalem 'is' manifest, and we are not able to deny 'it'; 17 but that it may spread no further toward the people, let us strictly threaten them no more to speak in this name to any man.' 18 And having called them, they charged them not to speak at all, nor to teach, in the name of Jesus, 19 and Peter and John answering unto them said, 'Whether it is righteous before God to hearken to you rather than to God, judge ye; 20 for we cannot but speak what we did see and hear.' 21 And they having further threatened 'them', let them go, finding nothing how they may punish them, because of the people, because all were glorifying God for that which hath been done, 22 for above forty years of age was the man upon whom had been done this sign of the healing.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 4:15-22
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.