Acts 4:13-18

Commanded To Speak No More Under Jesus' Authority

It was obvious to those in the council that Peter and John had not been trained by the rabbis or with the scribes, yet they dared to interpret scripture with great boldness. Either because of their boldness, their use of scripture, their general demeanor, or some other factor, the council noted "they had been with Jesus." All Christians ought to strive to live so that a similar observation can be made about them. Also, and perhaps most damaging of all, the council could not refute the miracle because the formerly lame man stood before them healed!

The apostles were asked to step outside while the council conferred. They could not deny a miracle had been worked because reports of the healing were wide spread. Neither were they able to refute Peter's arguments for the resurrection of Jesus, but they needed to stop the preaching of Jesus before more of the people turned to follow him. So, they called the apostles back in, threatened them and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:13-18). Boles says, "The original conveys the idea that they were not to let the name of Jesus pass their lips again. They severely threatened them and charged them that they were not to use 'the name of Jesus' at all."