Act 4:13 | Burkitt | STEP | Observe here, 1. How convincing the boldness of the apostles was, together with the undeniable evidence of the miracle wrought by them: When the council observed both, they marvelled, the apostles being unlearned men, yet now able to speak all languages, and the cripple born lame, now able to leap and walk. These men were convinced, but not converted; silence, but not satisfied; they marvelled, but not believed: they were full of admiration, but far from faith. The evidence of the fact, with the courage of the apostles, stopped their mouths at present, but did not cure their hard hearts. Observe, 2. At what a nonplus the council was, to know what to do with the apostles; they confess the miracle, but consult upon ways and means how to conceal it; and at last conclude upon threatening them, That for the time to come they speak no more in the name of Jesus; that is, not to preach in his name, nor work miracles by a power and authority derived pretendedly from him. Bt the apostles soon let them understand, that they esteemed not the threatenings of the counsel, nor looked upon them as any excuse for the forebearing of their duty; as appeareth by the next words.

‏ Acts 4:13

Observe here, 1. How convincing the boldness of the apostles was, together with the undeniable evidence of the miracle wrought by them: When the council observed both, they marvelled, the apostles being unlearned men, yet now able to speak all languages, and the cripple born lame, now able to leap and walk. These men were convinced, but not converted; silence, but not satisfied; they marvelled, but not believed: they were full of admiration, but far from faith. The evidence of the fact, with the courage of the apostles, stopped their mouths at present, but did not cure their hard hearts.

Observe, 2. At what a nonplus the council was, to know what to do with the apostles; they confess the miracle, but consult upon ways and means how to conceal it; and at last conclude upon threatening them, That for the time to come they speak no more in the name of Jesus; that is, not to preach in his name, nor work miracles by a power and authority derived pretendedly from him. Bt the apostles soon let them understand, that they esteemed not the threatenings of the counsel, nor looked upon them as any excuse for the forebearing of their duty; as appeareth by the next words.