Acts 4:20
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἃ
the things which
G3739
ἃ
the things which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
5 of 10
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
εἴδομεν
we have seen
G1492
εἴδομεν
we have seen
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 10
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 22:15For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.Jeremiah 20:9Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.Acts 5:32And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.Ezekiel 3:11And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.Acts 2:32This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.Acts 3:15And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.Acts 18:5And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.Jeremiah 4:19My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.Numbers 23:20Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.Numbers 22:38And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.
Historical Context
Spoken to the Sanhedrin after being commanded to cease preaching in Jesus' name. This confrontation occurred within weeks of Christ's resurrection, when the ruling authorities sought to suppress the explosive growth of the early church. The apostles' defiance of religious authorities who held power over life and death demonstrated unprecedented courage.
Questions for Reflection
- What truths about Christ have you seen and heard that compel you to speak, despite potential opposition?
- How do you balance submission to governmental authority with the higher allegiance owed to God's commands?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Greek construction 'ou dynameth laleiv' (cannot but speak) expresses moral compulsion, not mere inability. The apostles declare they are witnesses (martyres) who must testify to what they have 'seen and heard' - emphasizing the eyewitness nature of apostolic authority. This echoes Old Testament prophets who could not remain silent when God spoke (Jeremiah 20:9, Amos 3:8). Their response embodies the principle that obedience to God supersedes human commands when they conflict (Acts 5:29), establishing a foundation for Christian civil disobedience rooted in allegiance to Christ above all earthly powers.