18 And having called them, they charged them not to speak at all, nor to teach, in the name of Jesus, 19 and Peter and John answering unto them said, 'Whether it is righteous before God to hearken to you rather than to God, judge ye; 20 for we cannot but speak what we did see and hear.' 21 And they having further threatened 'them', let them go, finding nothing how they may punish them, because of the people, because all were glorifying God for that which hath been done,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 4:18-21
Commentary on Acts 4:15-22
(Read Acts 4:15-22)
All the care of the rulers is, that the doctrine of Christ spread not among the people, yet they cannot say it is false or dangerous, or of any ill tendency; and they are ashamed to own the true reason; that it testifies against their hypocrisy, wickedness, and tyranny. Those who know how to put a just value upon Christ's promises, know how to put just contempt upon the world's threatenings. The apostles look with concern on perishing souls, and know they cannot escape eternal ruin but by Jesus Christ, therefore they are faithful in warning, and showing the right way. None will enjoy peace of mind, nor act uprightly, till they have learned to guide their conduct by the fixed standard of truth, and not by the shifting opinions and fancies of men. Especially beware of a vain attempt to serve two masters, God and the world; the end will be, you can serve neither fully.