Acts 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the Name of Jesus.
Peter and John were commanded to never teach or preach in the Name of Jesus again. This is all the Council could do given the fact that they had committed no crime.
However, Peter and John were not intimidated by the high court and their response was powerful. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the Sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:19-20)
In effect, Peter and John were telling the Council that they were not God and their allegiance was to God and the Gospel of Christ, not them.
This is our example to follow when we are told we cannot speak the Name of Jesus. I read a commentary on this verse that says, "There are two groups of Christians, those who “cannot speak” and those who “cannot but speak.”
Which group do you fall into? If you live in America, you have freedom of speech. Speak the Name of Jesus. Teach the Name of Jesus. Post the Name of Jesus. E V E R Y W H E R E ! Commit yourself to the group who cannot but speak.
Speaking the Name of Jesus will……....turn the tide
I cannot but speak, Doreen
