Acts 4:15

What does Acts 4:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 4:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 4:15 means

Finding themselves in an unresolvable predicament due to the undeniable miracle, the Sanhedrin commanded Peter and John to withdraw from the council chambers. This allowed the Jewish leaders to deliberate privately among themselves, free from the apostles' presence and the gaze of the healed man. This private conference underscored their struggle to find a way to deal with the situation without appearing to condone the apostles' message or admitting their own error.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when they had given them orders to go out of the Sanhedrin, they had a discussion among themselves,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having commanded them to go away out of the sanhedrim, they took counsel with one another,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But they commanded them to go aside out of the council: and they conferred among themselves,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but having commanded them to go out of the council they conferred with one another,

Context

This verse marks a procedural pause in the trial, shifting from the public interrogation to the Sanhedrin's private deliberation. It immediately follows their inability to contradict the miracle, setting the stage for their strategic response. This private discussion reveals the council's internal struggle and pragmatic concerns over popular opinion, distinct from any theological conviction.

v.14And seeing the man that was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

v.15This passage

v.16saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been wrought through them, is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 26:30

    And the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

  • Matthew 5:22

    but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire.

  • Acts 5:34

    But there stood up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in honor of all the people, and commanded to put the men forth a little while.

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