Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them [is] manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny [it].
Saying {G3004}, What {G5101} shall we do {G4160} to these {G5125} men {G444}? for {G1063} that {G3754} indeed {G3303} a notable {G1110} miracle {G4592} hath been done {G1096} by {G1223} them {G846} is manifest {G5318} to all them {G3956} that dwell {G2730} in Jerusalem {G2419}; and {G2532} we cannot {G3756}{G1410} deny {G720} it.
“What can we do with these men?” they asked each other. “Why, anyone in Yerushalayim can see that a remarkable miracle has come about through them — we can’t possibly deny that.
“What shall we do with these men?” they asked. “It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them, and we cannot deny it.
saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been wrought through them, is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
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Luke 21:15
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. -
Acts 6:10
And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. -
John 12:18
For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. -
John 11:47
Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. -
John 11:48
If we let him thus alone, all [men] will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. -
Acts 3:7
And he took him by the right hand, and lifted [him] up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. -
Acts 3:10
And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
Acts 4:16 captures a pivotal moment in the early church's history, revealing the Sanhedrin's dilemma concerning the apostles Peter and John. Following the miraculous healing of a lame man at the Temple's Beautiful Gate, the religious authorities were confronted with undeniable evidence of God's power at work through the disciples.
Context
This verse immediately follows the arrest and interrogation of Peter and John by the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin. They had healed a man who had been lame from birth, a well-known figure who sat daily at the Temple asking for alms (Acts 3:2). After the healing, Peter preached a powerful sermon, leading to thousands believing in Christ. The authorities, disturbed by their teaching and the growing movement, brought them before the council. Acts 4:16 records the private consultation of the Sanhedrin members, who were forced to acknowledge the public, undeniable nature of the miracle.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "notable miracle" translates from the Greek gnōston sēmeion (γνωστὸν σημεῖον), which literally means "known sign." The word sēmeion (sign) is significant; it implies not just an amazing feat, but an event intended to convey a specific message or point to a greater reality, in this case, the power and authority of God working through His servants. The term "manifest" comes from phaneron (φανερόν), meaning clear, evident, or publicly known, further emphasizing the undeniable nature of the event.
Practical Application
Acts 4:16 reminds us that God's truth and power often manifest in ways that are undeniable, even to those who oppose it. For believers today, this verse offers encouragement: even when facing opposition or skepticism, the reality of God's work in the world and in individual lives can be a powerful testimony. It also serves as a cautionary tale for those who, like the Sanhedrin, choose to suppress truth out of fear or self-preservation rather than embracing the evidence of God's transformative power. Our call remains to boldly proclaim the truth, trusting that God's work cannot ultimately be denied or defeated.