saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The rulers aren't wrestling with a theological question, but a political one: "What shall we do?" They acknowledge the undeniable "sign"—a powerful display of God's work—but their real concern is how this public knowledge complicates their ability to suppress the apostles' message.
saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The religious and political leaders have just arrested Peter and John for healing a man and preaching about Jesus. Though they've just witnessed a man, lame from birth, miraculously healed before their eyes and are forced to admit it, they are now conferring in private, trying to figure out how to suppress this movement without causing a public uproar. The core of their dilemma is that the undeniable miracle performed by the apostles makes it impossible for them to simply dismiss the message or punish the messengers without exposing their own fear and opposition to God's power.
The religious leaders were cornered. A man healed right before their eyes, and everyone knew it. What do you do when the undeniable truth clashes with your agenda?
The council, meant to be a place of justice, found themselves in a bind. They couldn't deny the miracle that Peter and John performed. This wasn't just a private event; it was 'evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem.'
Their question, 'What shall we do with these men?', reveals a shift from seeking truth to managing a crisis. They weren't asking 'Is this from God?' but 'How do we handle this situation that's out of our control?' It's a classic case of people trying to suppress truth because it threatens their power and worldview.
This situation highlights a core tension: the objective reality of God's power versus the subjective desires of those who oppose Him. They had the authority, but the undeniable evidence left them legally and morally speechless.
It wasn't just any healing; it was a 'notable sign.' What made this event so powerful, and why was it impossible for the authorities to dismiss?
The Greek word translated as 'notable sign' points to something that reveals or points to a divine reality. This wasn't just a medical recovery; it was an event that unmistakably pointed to God's power at work through Peter and John.
Consider the context: a man lame from birth, a familiar figure to everyone in Jerusalem, suddenly healed and walking. This wasn't a subtle event; it was public, visible, and undeniable. The Scriptures tell us this man had been lame for over 40 years (Acts 3:2). Such a long-standing condition, healed instantly and publicly, left no room for doubt about its miraculous nature.
Ask a follow-up
This 'sign' served as powerful testimony to the apostles' message about Jesus. It was God's stamp of approval on their ministry, confirming the truth they proclaimed and challenging the religious establishment's authority.
Understand the original words
sēmeion · Greek Noun
A miraculous act or event intended to point toward a greater spiritual reality, validate a message, or reveal the power and presence of God. It functions as a 'sign' that authenticates the authority of the message being delivered.
c. AD 30— this verse
Healing of the Lame Man
Peter and John heal a man lame from birth at the temple gate in Jerusalem. This event draws a large crowd and is witnessed by many.
c. AD 30
Arrest and Interrogation
Peter and John are arrested by temple authorities and brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, for preaching about Jesus and the resurrection.
c. AD 30
Council's Dilemma
The Sanhedrin acknowledges the undeniable healing of the man but fears the growing popularity of the apostles and the message of Jesus.
c. AD 30
Threat and Release
The council, unable to deny the miracle, threatens Peter and John to stop preaching in Jesus' name, but eventually releases them due to the public's reaction.
This verse shows the Sanhedrin grappling with the same dilemma: Jesus' signs were so undeniable that they had to decide on a political, rather than a judicial, course of action, much like they do here with Peter and John.
Acts 5:28Peter directly confronts the council about their inability to deny the miracles, echoing the sentiment of this verse and highlighting their willful disobedience despite clear evidence.
Isaiah 43:10God declares His people as His witnesses, implying that His mighty acts, like the healing of the lame man, are meant to be seen and acknowledged as proof of His power.
1 Samuel 12:24Samuel urges the Israelites to consider the great things God has done for them, similar to how the authorities in Acts 4 are forced to acknowledge the undeniable sign performed by Peter and John.
meyerActs 4:16: "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."
Acts 4:16 . The positive thought of the question is: We shall be able to do nothing to these men . What follows contains the reason: for that a notable miracle (a definite proof of divine co-operation) has happened through them, is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we are not in a position to deny it .…
jfbActs 4:16: "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."
- a notable miracle … done by them is manifest to all … in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it—And why should ye wish to deny it, O ye rulers, but that ye hate the light, and will not come to the light lest your deeds should be reproved?
The rulers aren't wrestling with a theological question, but a political one: "What shall we do?" They acknowledge the undeniable "sign"—a powerful display of God's work—but their real concern is how this public knowledge complicates their ability to suppress the apostles' message.
The religious and political leaders have just arrested Peter and John for healing a man and preaching about Jesus. Though they've just witnessed a man, lame from birth, miraculously healed before their eyes and are forced to admit it, they are now conferring in private, trying to figure out how to suppress this movement without causing a public uproar. The core of their dilemma is that the undeniable miracle performed by the apostles makes it impossible for them to simply dismiss the message or punish the messengers without exposing their own fear and opposition to God's power.
The religious and political leaders have just arrested Peter and John for healing a man and preaching about Jesus. Though they've just witnessed a man, lame from birth, miraculously healed before their eyes and are forced to admit it, they are now conferring in private, trying to figure out how to suppress this movement without causing a public uproar. The core of their dilemma is that the undeniable miracle performed by the apostles makes it impossible for them to simply dismiss the message or punish the messengers without exposing their own fear and opposition to God's power.
"saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it." — The rulers aren't wrestling with a theological question, but a political one: "What shall we do?" They acknowledge the undeniable "sign"—a powerful display of God's work—but their real concern is h…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026