1. Acts 4:20 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why do Peter and John say they cannot but speak of what they have seen and heard?

Acts 4:20 (ESV)

20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

Peter and John (along with the other apostles) were given a command from Jesus to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria (Acts 1:8). This is a task which they have been given by their Lord and one which they will obey even if there is opposition. The good news of the arrival of God’s saving power in Jesus’ name and by his Spirit is a message that must be shared. God’s clear command trumps every human instruction which would contradict it.1