for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
20. For we cannot Many things which are found out by hearing and seeing may, yea, ought to be concealed, when as the question is concerning the redeeming of peace. For this is a point of discourtesy and of wicked stubbornness to move and raise a tumult about unnecessary matters; but the apostles do not speak generally, when as they say they cannot but speak.
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
For we cannot but speak,.... It was not physically, but morally impossible; or it was not lawful, and therefore they would not speak any other, and they could not avoid speaking, say they, the things which we have seen and heard; as the miracles and doctrines of Christ, his resurrection from the dead, of which they were eye and ear witnesses.