Acts 4:18
New International Version
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

New Living Translation
So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.

English Standard Version
So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

Berean Standard Bible
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

Berean Literal Bible
And having called them, they commanded them not to speak nor to teach at all in the name of Jesus.

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

New King James Version
So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

New American Standard Bible
And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

NASB 1995
And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

NASB 1977
And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

Legacy Standard Bible
And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

Amplified Bible
So they sent for them, and commanded them not to speak [as His representatives] or teach at all in the name of Jesus [using Him as their authority].

Christian Standard Bible
So they called for them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So they called for them and ordered them not to preach or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

American Standard Version
And they called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Contemporary English Version
So they called the two apostles back in and told them they must never, for any reason, teach anything about the name of Jesus.

English Revised Version
And they called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They called Peter and John and ordered them never to teach about Jesus or even mention his name.

Good News Translation
So they called them back in and told them that under no condition were they to speak or to teach in the name of Jesus.

International Standard Version
So they called Peter and John back in and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

Majority Standard Bible
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

NET Bible
And they called them in and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

New Heart English Bible
They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

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

Weymouth New Testament
So they recalled the Apostles, and ordered them altogether to give up speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus.

World English Bible
They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And having called them, they charged them not to speak at all, nor to teach, in the Name of Jesus,

Berean Literal Bible
And having called them, they commanded them not to speak nor to teach at all in the name of Jesus.

Young's Literal Translation
And having called them, they charged them not to speak at all, nor to teach, in the name of Jesus,

Smith's Literal Translation
And having called them, they enjoined them universally not to utter neither to teach in the name of Jesus.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And calling them, they charged them not to speak at all, nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And calling them in, they warned them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

New American Bible
So they called them back and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

New Revised Standard Version
So they called them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they called them and ordered them that they should not speak at all neither teach in the name of Yeshua.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And they called them in, and commanded them to speak no more at all, nor to teach, in the name of Jesus.

Godbey New Testament
And having called them, they command them, not at all to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.

Haweis New Testament
So calling them in, they charged them not to speak in any manner, nor to teach, in the name of Jesus.

Mace New Testament
so they called them in, and commanded them not to speak or teach upon any account, in the name of Jesus.

Weymouth New Testament
So they recalled the Apostles, and ordered them altogether to give up speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus.

Worrell New Testament
And, having called them they charged them not to speak at all, nor teach, in the name of Jesus.

Worsley New Testament
So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all, nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Name Forbidden
17But to keep this message from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in this name.” 18Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.…

Cross References
Matthew 10:17-20
But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. / On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. / But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. ...

Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

John 15:18-21
If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. ...

John 16:2-3
They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. / They will do these things because they have not known the Father or Me.

1 Peter 3:14-17
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.” / But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, / keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ. ...

1 Peter 4:14-16
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. / Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler. / But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.

Luke 21:12-15
But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors. / This will be your opportunity to serve as witnesses. / So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves. ...

Mark 13:9-11
So be on your guard. You will be delivered over to the councils and beaten in the synagogues. On My account you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. / And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all the nations. / But when they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand what to say. Instead, speak whatever you are given at that time, for it will not be you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Acts 5:27-29
They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them. / “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.” / But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

Acts 5:40-42
At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. / The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. / Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Isaiah 8:11-13
For this is what the LORD has spoken to me with a strong hand, instructing me not to walk in the way of this people: / “Do not call conspiracy everything these people regard as conspiracy. Do not fear what they fear; do not live in dread. / The LORD of Hosts is the One you shall regard as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be dreaded.

Jeremiah 1:17-19
Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them. / Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. / They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 20:1-2
When Pashhur the priest, the son of Immer and the chief official in the house of the LORD, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things, / he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.

Daniel 3:16-18
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. / If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. / But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”


Treasury of Scripture

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

And they.

Acts 5:40
And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

not to speak.

Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 5:20
Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

Luke 24:46-48
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: …

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Acts 4
1. The rulers of the Jews, offended with Peter's sermon,
3. imprison him and John.
5. After, upon examination
8. Peter boldly avouching the lame man to be healed by the name of Jesus,
11. and that only by the same Jesus we must be eternally saved,
13. they threaten him and John to preach no more in that name,
23. whereupon the church flees to prayer.
31. And God, by moving the place where they were assembled, testifies that he heard their prayer;
34. confirming the church with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and with mutual love and charity.














Then they called them in again
This phrase indicates a repeated action, suggesting persistence and determination on the part of the authorities. The Greek word for "called" (προσκαλέω, proskaleō) implies a summoning with authority. Historically, this reflects the Sanhedrin's role as the Jewish ruling council, which held significant power over religious and civil matters. The apostles, Peter and John, were brought before this council, highlighting the tension between the early Christian movement and established Jewish authority.

and commanded them
The Greek word for "commanded" (παραγγέλλω, parangellō) conveys a strong directive, often used in military contexts. This underscores the authoritative and forceful nature of the Sanhedrin's order. The historical context reveals the Sanhedrin's concern over the growing influence of the apostles and their teachings, which they perceived as a threat to their religious authority and the status quo.

not to speak or teach
The prohibition against "speak or teach" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the command. The Greek words for "speak" (λαλέω, laleō) and "teach" (διδάσκω, didaskō) cover both informal conversation and formal instruction. This reflects the Sanhedrin's attempt to suppress the spread of the Gospel by any means. Theologically, this highlights the early church's commitment to evangelism and the inevitable conflict with worldly powers that oppose the message of Christ.

at all
The phrase "at all" (μηδέ, mēde) intensifies the prohibition, indicating a total ban without exception. This reflects the Sanhedrin's desperation to halt the apostles' influence. From a scriptural perspective, this absolute prohibition contrasts with the apostles' divine mandate to spread the Gospel, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

in the name of Jesus
The "name of Jesus" signifies authority and identity. In Jewish culture, a name carried deep significance, often reflecting character and mission. The Sanhedrin's specific prohibition against speaking in Jesus' name highlights their recognition of the power and authority associated with Jesus. Historically, this reflects the early church's central focus on Jesus as the Messiah and the source of salvation. Theologically, it underscores the transformative power of Jesus' name, which the apostles were compelled to proclaim despite opposition.

(18) Not to speak at all.--The Greek is even more forcible: absolutely not to utter . . . The very name of Jesus was not to pass their lips.

Verse 18. - Charged for commanded, A.V.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Then
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

they called
καλέσαντες (kalesantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2564: (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.

them in [again]
αὐτοὺς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

and commanded [them]
παρήγγειλαν (parēngeilan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3853: To notify, command, charge, entreat solemnly. From para and the base of aggelos; to transmit a message, i.e. to enjoin.

not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

to speak
φθέγγεσθαι (phthengesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 5350: To speak aloud, utter. Probably akin to pheggos and thus to phemi; to utter a clear sound, i.e. to proclaim.

[or]
μηδὲ (mēde)
Conjunction
Strong's 3366: And not, not even, neither…nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.

teach
διδάσκειν (didaskein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1321: To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach.

at all
καθόλου (katholou)
Adverb
Strong's 2527: One the whole, in general, altogether. From kata and holos; on the whole, i.e. Entirely.

in
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

name
ὀνόματι (onomati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.

of Jesus.
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.


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NT Apostles: Acts 4:18 They called them and commanded them not (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 4:17
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