What is the meaning of Acts 4:16?

What shall we do with these men?

• The Sanhedrin is at a crossroads—confronted by undeniable evidence yet unwilling to yield their authority (see John 11:47; Acts 5:24–28).

• Their words reveal fear of losing control rather than a pursuit of truth (Luke 20:19; John 12:42).

• God often uses moments of crisis to expose hearts: obedience to Him or preservation of self (Acts 17:32).

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they asked.

• The deliberation is corporate; the leaders confer among themselves, excluding God from the conversation (Psalm 2:1–3).

• Human councils may scheme, but the Lord’s purpose stands (Proverbs 19:21; Acts 2:23).

• Their question underscores the contrast between earthly authority and the higher authority of Christ delegated to His apostles (Matthew 28:18; Acts 4:19).

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It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem

• The miracle’s publicity makes denial impossible (Acts 3:9–11).

• God ensures His works are seen, confronting the city that crucified His Son with fresh evidence of His power (Acts 2:14, 36; Matthew 27:53).

• Public testimony amplifies accountability; the whole community now bears witness (Luke 24:48; Acts 5:28).

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that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them,

• The healing of the lame man (Acts 3:1–8) is acknowledged even by enemies as “remarkable.”

• “Through them” highlights God’s choice to work via ordinary believers filled with the Spirit (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:26–29).

• Miracles serve as signs pointing to Jesus’ resurrection power and the authenticity of the apostles’ message (Hebrews 2:3–4; Mark 16:20).

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and we cannot deny it.

• The leaders confess the stubborn fact of the miracle, yet remain resistant to its implication: Jesus is Lord (Acts 4:10–12).

• Truth stands firm regardless of human opposition (2 Corinthians 13:8; John 9:25).

• Their admission shows that unbelief is rarely about evidence alone; it is a matter of the will (John 5:39–40; Romans 1:18–20).

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summary

Acts 4:16 captures a pivotal moment where religious authorities, faced with undeniable proof of Christ’s power, wrestle between surrender and self-preservation. They acknowledge the miracle, concede its public impact, yet refuse to embrace its message. The verse underscores God’s ability to make His works evident, the futility of resisting divine truth, and the call for every listener to choose humble submission over hardened unbelief.