But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge,
19. Whether it be right. Let us remember to whom they make this answer. For this council did undoubtedly represent the Church; but because they do abuse their authority, the apostles say flatly that they are not to be obeyed. And (as men use to do in an evident matter) they refer over the judgment unto their adversaries for a reproach unto them.
The council ordered Peter and John out so they would not hear what follows, eager to hide their shame. But their private schemes are recorded here for all time. If these rulers had bowed to the power of truth, they would have made the apostles their teachers; instead, men who refuse conviction will always find themselves at a loss what to do.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 4:15-22
But Peter and John answered and said unto them,.... With great boldness and courage, and without any fear of man, but in the true fear of God whether it be right in the sight of God; who is omniscient, and sees, and knows all things, all the actions of men, and the springs of them; who is holy, just, and true, and sits and judges...