Acts 4:16 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The council privately admits that a notable miracle, evident to all Jerusalem, has been done, and that they cannot deny it.
What Does Acts 4:16 Mean?
In private the court concedes everything: a notable miracle, manifest to all who dwell in Jerusalem, undeniable. The facts are settled. Their problem is not evidence but willingness.
Here is one of the most sobering sentences in Acts: we cannot deny it — and they will not yield to it. Conviction of the mind without surrender of the will hardens rather than heals; the same court had faced the same trap over Lazarus (John 11:47-48). A miracle acknowledged but resisted leaves a heart less reachable than before.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 4:16
What does Acts 4:16 mean?
The council privately admits that a notable miracle, evident to all Jerusalem, has been done, and that they cannot deny it.