15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”
4:15
But when they [the council] had commanded them [Peter and John] to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
The Sanhedrin council conferred privately about the healing of the lame man through Peter and John.
4:16
saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle [miraculous sign] has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
The council could not deny the healing of the man lame from birth. It was evident to all. It was also apparent that the sign-miracle was an act of God to point to the authenticity of the apostles.
4:17
But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”
The council decided to issue a warning to Peter and John that they were never to speak to anyone about the “name” of Christ. Their concern was that the message of the apostles might spread.
PRINCIPLE:
When God is at work, no one can deny what is happening.
APPLICATION:
There is no compromise when God is obviously at work.
