King James Version

What Does Acts 4:18 Mean?

Acts 4:18 in the King James Version says “And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. — study this verse from Acts chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Acts 4:18 · KJV


Context

16

Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

17

But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

18

And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

19

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

20

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command 'not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus' attempted to silence gospel proclamation completely. The Greek distinguishes 'phtheggesthai' (speak, general utterance) and 'didaskein' (teach, systematic instruction) - the council banned all forms of Jesus-centered communication. This confrontation forced apostles to choose between human authority and divine commission, establishing the principle of civil disobedience when human law contradicts God's command.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prohibition directly contradicted Christ's Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The council that lacked authority to execute (requiring Roman approval) now claimed authority to restrict religious speech. Their command established precedent for church-state conflict throughout Christian history.

Reflection Questions

  1. When does Christian obedience to civil authority end and obligation to God's command begin?
  2. How do you prepare to face consequences of obeying God rather than human authorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

καλέσαντες2 of 16

they called

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

αὐτοῖς3 of 16

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

παρήγγειλαν4 of 16

and commanded

G3853

to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin

αὐτοῖς5 of 16

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὸ6 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καθόλου7 of 16

at all

G2527

on the whole, i.e., entirely

μὴ8 of 16

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

φθέγγεσθαι9 of 16

to speak

G5350

to utter a clear sound, i.e., (generally) to proclaim

μηδὲ10 of 16

nor

G3366

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

διδάσκειν11 of 16

teach

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

ἐπὶ12 of 16

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῷ13 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀνόματι14 of 16

the name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

τοῦ15 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦ16 of 16

of Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 4:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 4:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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