Acts 4:18
And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καλέσαντες
they called
G2564
καλέσαντες
they called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
2 of 16
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
παρήγγειλαν
and commanded
G3853
παρήγγειλαν
and commanded
Strong's:
G3853
Word #:
4 of 16
to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
φθέγγεσθαι
to speak
G5350
φθέγγεσθαι
to speak
Strong's:
G5350
Word #:
9 of 16
to utter a clear sound, i.e., (generally) to proclaim
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματι
the name
G3686
ὀνόματι
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
14 of 16
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Historical Context
This prohibition directly contradicted Christ's Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The council that lacked authority to execute (requiring Roman approval) now claimed authority to restrict religious speech. Their command established precedent for church-state conflict throughout Christian history.
Questions for Reflection
- When does Christian obedience to civil authority end and obligation to God's command begin?
- How do you prepare to face consequences of obeying God rather than human authorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command 'not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus' attempted to silence gospel proclamation completely. The Greek distinguishes 'phtheggesthai' (speak, general utterance) and 'didaskein' (teach, systematic instruction) - the council banned all forms of Jesus-centered communication. This confrontation forced apostles to choose between human authority and divine commission, establishing the principle of civil disobedience when human law contradicts God's command.