Bible Strands
Acts 4:18
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The council summons Peter and John back into their presence immediately after their initial release, issuing a direct order regarding their recent temple preaching.
The words — παρήγγειλαν (parēngeilan) = they commanded and μὴ (mē) = not establish the binding prohibition, while καθόλου (katholou) = at [all] intensifies the restriction to absolute silence.
The thread — This command to silence repeats in Acts 5:40 after the apostles are flogged, while Acts 5:20 provides the direct divine counter-order to continue speaking. The prohibition also contrasts with the resurrection proclamation outlined in Luke 24:46.
Why it lands — The text presents a direct conflict between human authority and divine mandate, requiring the reader to acknowledge that obedience to God supersedes institutional prohibition. It demands a clear-eyed assessment of where ultimate authority resides when commands contradict.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Cross-references
- Acts 5:40 At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.
- Luke 24:46 And He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,
- Acts 5:20 “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.”
- Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”