Acts 4:18

KJV

And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they called {G2564} them {G846}, and commanded {G3853} them {G846} not {G3361} to speak {G5350} at all {G2527} nor {G3366} teach {G1321} in {G1909} the name {G3686} of Jesus {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they called them in again and ordered them under no circumstances to speak or teach in the name of Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

American Standard Version

And they called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:18 captures a pivotal moment in the early church's history, as the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious court, attempts to suppress the burgeoning Christian movement. Following the miraculous healing of a lame man and Peter's bold proclamation of Jesus' resurrection, the religious authorities, unable to deny the undeniable miracle, resort to a direct command, forbidding Peter and John from speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus, thereby seeking to halt the spread of the Gospel message and reassert their challenged authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 4:18 is situated immediately after a dramatic series of events. It follows the powerful healing of a man lame from birth by Peter and John at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, as recorded in [Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "Acts 3:1-10 - Healing of the Lame Man"). This miracle served as a powerful testimony, leading Peter to preach a compelling sermon in Solomon's Portico, calling the people to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, whom they had rejected but God had raised from the dead ([Acts 3:11-26](/acts/3-11-26 "Acts 3:11-26 - Peter's Sermon in Solomon's Portico")). The temple guards, along with the Sadducees, were greatly disturbed by the apostles' teaching, particularly their proclamation of the resurrection of the dead through Jesus, leading to the arrest of Peter and John ([Acts 4:1-3](/acts/4-1-3 "Acts 4:1-3 - Arrest of Peter and John")). Brought before the Sanhedrin, including high-ranking officials like Annas and Caiaphas ([Acts 4:5-6](/acts/4-5-6 "Acts 4:5-6 - The Sanhedrin Convenes")), Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly declared that the healing occurred "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth" and asserted that salvation is found in no one else ([Acts 4:8-12](/acts/4-8-12 "Acts 4:8-12 - Peter's Bold Defense")). The Sanhedrin was astonished by their boldness and, recognizing that a notable miracle had occurred which they could not deny ([Acts 4:13-16](/acts/4-13-16 "Acts 4:13-16 - The Sanhedrin's Dilemma")), retreated to deliberate. The command in [Acts 4:18](/acts/4-18 "Acts 4:18 - The Sanhedrin's Command") is the direct outcome of this deliberation, representing their desperate attempt to control a movement they could neither understand nor suppress by logical argument or denial.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sanhedrin was the highest Jewish religious and judicial body in Judea during the Roman period, comprising 71 members, including chief priests (mostly Sadducees), elders, and scribes (mostly Pharisees). It exercised significant authority over Jewish religious and civil life, though ultimate political power rested with the Roman governor. The Sadducees, who dominated the priestly class and the Sanhedrin at this time, did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, a core tenet of Peter and John's message. Their concern was not merely theological; it was also deeply political. A movement proclaiming a crucified man as Messiah and resurrected Lord, attracting thousands ([Acts 4:4](/acts/4-4 "Acts 4:4 - Number of Believers Increases")), threatened the delicate balance of power they maintained with Rome and their own authority over the Jewish populace. The "name of Jesus" was not merely a label but represented His authority, power, and identity as Messiah and Lord. To speak and teach "in His name" was to act as His authorized agent, challenging the Sanhedrin's exclusive claim to religious authority and interpretation of the Law. This command was an official, legal injunction from the highest Jewish court, carrying significant weight and potential consequences for disobedience.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Clash of Authorities**: the established human religious and political power (Sanhedrin) attempting to suppress the divine authority operating through the apostles. This sets the stage for the apostles' unwavering declaration in [Acts 4:19-20](/acts/4-19-20 "Acts 4:19-20 - Peter and John's Response") that they must obey God rather than men, establishing a fundamental principle for Christian obedience. Secondly, it underscores the **Unstoppable Nature of the Gospel Message**. Despite this clear and forceful prohibition, the message of Jesus continued to spread, demonstrating its inherent divine power and resilience against human opposition. The Sanhedrin's attempt to silence the early church ultimately failed, serving as a testament to the Holy Spirit's work in advancing God's kingdom. Lastly, [Acts 4:18](/acts/4-18 "Acts 4:18 - The Sanhedrin's Command") marks one of the **First Instances of Official Persecution** against the nascent Christian community. It foreshadows the pattern of opposition, suffering, and martyrdom that would characterize the church's mission throughout Acts and subsequent history, emphasizing that fidelity to Christ often comes at a cost.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **commanded (Greek, _parangéllō'_):** This verb signifies to "transmit a message" or, by implication, "to enjoin" or "give a command." It suggests a formal, authoritative directive, not merely a suggestion. The Sanhedrin is issuing an official, binding order, reflecting their perceived right to control religious discourse and practice within their jurisdiction.
* **speak (Greek, _phthéngomai'_):** This word means "to utter a clear sound" or "to proclaim." It implies public, audible declaration. The prohibition was not merely against private conversation but against any form of public utterance or proclamation concerning Jesus, indicating the Sanhedrin's fear of the public impact of the apostles' message.
* **teach (Greek, _didáskō'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to learn," _didáskō_ means "to teach" in a broad application. This refers to systematic instruction, explaining doctrine, and imparting knowledge. The Sanhedrin was concerned not only with spontaneous proclamation but also with the formal dissemination of Christian beliefs, which directly challenged their theological authority and interpretations of the Law and Prophets.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they called them":** This refers to the Sanhedrin, who had previously sent Peter and John out while they deliberated. Now, they summon the apostles back into their presence to deliver their verdict and command. This act emphasizes the formal and authoritative nature of the proceedings.
* **"and commanded them":** This phrase directly states the Sanhedrin's authoritative action. The command is a direct, unequivocal order, reflecting their position as the supreme religious court. It underscores their attempt to exert control over the apostles' actions and message.
* **"not to speak at all":** The Greek phrase _mē phthéngomai kathólou_ (not to proclaim entirely) emphasizes a complete and absolute prohibition. It's not just "don't speak much" or "don't speak certain things," but "do not utter a sound at all" concerning Jesus. This reveals the depth of the Sanhedrin's fear and their desire for total suppression.
* **"nor teach":** This adds to the prohibition, specifying that not only public proclamation but also systematic instruction about Jesus was forbidden. This indicates the Sanhedrin's awareness that the apostles were not merely performing miracles but were also establishing a new theological framework that challenged the existing order.
* **"in the name of Jesus":** This is the crucial phrase. It signifies acting by Jesus' authority, representing His character, and invoking His power and presence. For Peter and John, speaking and teaching "in the name of Jesus" meant they were acting as His authorized agents, drawing upon His divine power for healing and His divine truth for their message. This was precisely what the Sanhedrin found so threatening, as it challenged their own established religious authority and implied a higher, divine sanction for the apostles' actions.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Antithesis**, juxtaposing the Sanhedrin's human authority and their command against the divine authority and message of Jesus that Peter and John represent. This creates a dramatic tension that will be resolved in the following verses by the apostles' declaration of obedience to God. There is also an element of **Irony** at play; the very act of forbidding the apostles to speak "in the name of Jesus" inadvertently highlights the power and significance of that name. The Sanhedrin's attempt to suppress the message only serves to draw attention to its irresistible force and the profound threat it poses to their established order. Furthermore, this command serves as **Foreshadowing**, signaling the beginning of official persecution against the early church, a theme that will recur throughout Acts and become a defining characteristic of Christian experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 4:18 serves as a foundational text for understanding the nature of divine authority versus human authority, the inherent power of the Gospel, and the inevitability of persecution for those who faithfully proclaim Christ. The Sanhedrin's command is a direct challenge to the sovereignty of God and the commission given by Jesus to His disciples to be His witnesses. The apostles' refusal to comply, as seen in the subsequent verses, establishes a critical theological principle: when human laws or commands directly contradict God's revealed will, believers are obligated to obey God above all else. This highlights the supremacy of God's Word and the divine mandate to share the good news, regardless of earthly opposition.

* [Daniel 3:16-18](/daniel/3-16-18 "Daniel 3:16-18 - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's Refusal")
* [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, Not Man")
* [Philippians 1:27-30](/philippians/1-27-30 "Philippians 1:27-30 - Suffering for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 4:18 resonates deeply with believers today, serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring tension between the world's systems and the kingdom of God. While overt legal prohibitions against speaking in Jesus' name may be less common in some contexts, believers often face more subtle, yet equally potent, pressures to silence their faith. These pressures can manifest as social ostracism, professional repercussions, or cultural disdain for Christian values. This verse challenges us to examine the depth of our conviction and our willingness to prioritize obedience to God over comfort, acceptance, or worldly success. Like Peter and John, we are called to be bold and unashamed witnesses to the truth of Jesus Christ, recognizing that the power of the Gospel does not depend on human permission but on divine authority. Our fidelity in proclaiming His name, even when it is unpopular or costly, reflects our allegiance to the One who holds all authority in heaven and on earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I feel pressure to "not speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus"?**
* **How does my commitment to Christ's authority compare to the apostles' resolve in the face of direct prohibition?**
* **What practical steps can I take to be a bolder witness for Jesus in my daily life, even amidst subtle opposition?**
* **How does the unstoppable nature of the Gospel in Acts 4 encourage me when facing challenges in sharing my faith?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Sanhedrin so threatened by Peter and John speaking "in the name of Jesus"?**

Answer: The Sanhedrin, as the supreme Jewish religious and judicial body, saw Peter and John's actions and message as a direct challenge to their authority on multiple fronts. First, the apostles were performing miracles and teaching with an authority that did not come from the Sanhedrin's traditional channels or interpretations of the Law. Second, their message centered on Jesus of Nazareth, whom the Sanhedrin had condemned and handed over for crucifixion. Proclaiming Him as the resurrected Messiah and the source of salvation directly undermined the Sanhedrin's past judgment and current religious standing. Third, the phrase "in the name of Jesus" implied that Peter and John were acting as authorized agents of Jesus, invoking His power and character. This was a claim of divine authority that superseded the Sanhedrin's own, threatening their control over the Jewish populace and their delicate political relationship with Rome. They feared a popular uprising or Roman intervention if this new movement gained too much traction, as seen in [Acts 4:16-17](/acts/4-16-17 "Acts 4:16-17 - The Sanhedrin's Fear").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 4:18, though a command from human authorities, ultimately highlights the uncontainable power and supreme authority of Jesus Christ. The Sanhedrin's desperate attempt to silence the apostles from speaking "in the name of Jesus" serves as an unwitting testimony to the profound significance of that name. It is "the name" above every name, through which salvation is found ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")), and by which all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The very prohibition underscores that the essence of the Christian message, the source of its power, and the object of its proclamation is Jesus Himself. Peter and John's subsequent refusal to obey the Sanhedrin's command, declaring they must obey God rather than men ([Acts 4:19-20](/acts/4-19-20 "Acts 4:19-20 - Peter and John's Unwavering Resolve")), is a direct affirmation of Christ's sovereignty over all earthly powers. This passage thus points to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through the resurrected Christ, whose name alone brings healing, salvation, and the unstoppable spread of His kingdom, even in the face of fierce opposition. The Sanhedrin's command, intended to suppress Christ's influence, inadvertently magnified the power inherent in His name and the divine commission of His followers to declare Him to the world ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 5:40

And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten [them], they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

Luke 24:46

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

Luke 24:48

And ye are witnesses of these things.

Acts 5:20

Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.