Acts 4:21
What does Acts 4:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 4:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 4:21 means
Despite their inability to silence Peter and John's conviction, the Sanhedrin reiterated their threats. However, they ultimately released the apostles because they could find no legal basis for further punishment and feared a backlash from the populace. The people were glorifying God for the miraculous healing, making any punitive action against Peter and John politically unfeasible for the council at that time.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they, when they had further threatened them, let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people; for all men glorified God for that which was done.
KJV
King James Version · 1611So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they, when they had further threatened them, let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people; for all men glorified God for that which was done.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when they had said more sharp words to them, they let them go, not seeing what punishment they might give them, because of the people; for all men were giving praise to God for what had taken place.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And they having further threatened <FI>them<Fi> , 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,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But they, threatening, sent them away, not finding how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified what had been done, in that which had come to pass.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But they, having further threatened them, let them go, finding no way how they might punish them, on account of the people, because all glorifiedGod for what had taken place;
Context
This verse describes the resolution of the Sanhedrin's proceedings, with the apostles' release due to public opinion and lack of legal grounds. It follows directly after Peter and John's refusal to be silenced, highlighting the council's ultimate impotence in the face of divine power and popular support. This outcome sets the stage for the apostles' return to their company and their subsequent prayer of thanksgiving and renewed petition.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 4:17
But that it spread no further among the people, let us threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
- Acts 5:26
Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them, but without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.
- Luke 13:17
And as he said these things, all his adversaries were put to shame: and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
- Luke 19:47
And he was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people sought to destroy him:
- Luke 22:2
And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death; for they feared the people.
- Matthew 15:31
insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing: and they glorified the God of Israel.
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