Acts 4:15-17 ¹⁵But after they ordered them to go outside the Sanhedrin, they conferred with one another, ¹⁶saying, “What will we do with these men? For that a remarkable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we are unable to deny it. ¹⁷But in order that it may not spread further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

Peter, John, and the now healed man were ordered to leave as the council deliberated what to do about the situation. The evidence spoke for itself and was irrefutable. Either these leaders were numb to such huge miracles or so hardened in their thinking against Jesus that they refused to humble themselves and believe. They were more concerned about their power and position than about accepting the claims about Jesus. This concern is evident in verse 16 with their question about what to do with Peter and John. The healing was so obvious that everyone in Jerusalem would know about it. Then there would be real trouble for the Sanhedrin because the name of Jesus would spread like wildfire.

The miracle is called a sign because it spoke about something greater. The Sanhedrin’s fear was that the name of Jesus would spread. Interestingly, they did not mention the specific name “Jesus” in their deliberation. Although obviously the story was recorded by Luke who got his information from somebody somehow, but the absence of Jesus’ name in their deliberation may not be an oversight but intentionally indicating their fear of Jesus. They may have had a sense that something greater was happening, and it was outside of their control. A lot was at stake for these leaders at this point. They could have humbled themselves in faith, like so many others, or they could harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, and thus committing the unpardonable sin of rebellion and rejection of God’s voice.

The council tried to walk a middle line. They could not deny the miracle but needed to keep control, so they resorted to only a strong warning. They thought their power and authority would be a strong enough threat to stop Peter and John. The reader is left wondering at this point if this threat will be enough to stop Peter and John. Would they listen? Many people would be intimidated to go before the leaders of a nation and be told to stop what they are doing. Few people in history have had to face something like this, but most believers experience peer pressure to deny or compromise their faith. How willing are we to live out our faith in Jesus with courage?

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