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◄ Acts 4:16►

New International Version
“What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it.

New Living Translation
“What should we do with these men?” they asked each other. “We can’t deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
“What shall we do with these men?” they asked. “It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them, and we cannot deny it.

Berean Literal Bible
saying, "What shall we do to these men? For truly that a noteworthy sign has come to pass through themis evident to all those inhabiting Jerusalem, and we are not able to denyit.

King James Bible
Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by themis manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot denyit.

New King James Version
saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through themis evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot denyit.

New American Standard Bible
saying, “What are we to do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

NASB 1995
saying, “What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

NASB 1977
saying, “What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

Legacy Standard Bible
saying, “What should we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy sign has happened through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

Amplified Bible
saying, “What are we to do with these men? For the fact that an extraordinary miracle has taken place through them is public knowledgeand clearly evident to all the residents of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

Christian Standard Bible
saying, “What should we do with these men? For an obvious sign has been done through them, clear to everyone living in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
saying, “What should we do with these men? For an obvious sign, evident to all who live in Jerusalem, has been done through them, and we cannot deny it!

American Standard Version
saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been wrought through them, is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

Contemporary English Version
"What can we do with these men? Everyone in Jerusalem knows about this miracle, and we cannot say it didn't happen.

English Revised Version
saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been wrought through them, is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They said, "What should we do to these men? Clearly, they've performed a miracle that everyone in Jerusalem knows about. We can't deny that.

Good News Translation
"What shall we do with these men?" they asked. "Everyone in Jerusalem knows that this extraordinary miracle has been performed by them, and we cannot deny it.

International Standard Version
They said, "What should we do with these men? For it's obvious to everybody living in Jerusalem that an unmistakable sign has been done by them, and we cannot deny it.

NET Bible
saying, "What should we do with these men? For it is plain to all who live in Jerusalem that a notable miraculous sign has come about through them, and we cannot deny it.

New Heart English Bible
saying, "What should we do with these men? Because indeed a notable miracle has been done through them, as can be plainly seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
"What are we to do with these men?" they asked one another; for the fact that a remarkable miracle has been performed by them is well known to every one in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
“What shall we do with these men?” they asked. “It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them, and we cannot deny it.

World English Bible
saying, “What shall we do to these men? Because indeed a notable miracle has been done through them, as can be plainly seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can’t deny it.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
saying, “What will we do to these men? Because that, indeed, a notable sign has been done through them [is] apparent to all those dwelling in Jerusalem, and we are not able to deny [it];

Berean Literal Bible
saying, "What shall we do to these men? For truly that a noteworthy sign has come to pass through themis evident to all those inhabiting Jerusalem, and we are not able to denyit.

Young's Literal Translation
saying, 'What shall we do to these men? because that, indeed, a notable sign hath been done through them, to all those dwelling in Jerusalem is manifest, and we are not able to deny it;

Smith's Literal Translation
Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that truly a known sign has been by them, manifest to all them dwelling in Jerusalem: and we cannot deny.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Saying: What shall we do to these men? for indeed a known miracle hath been done by them, to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: it is manifest, and we cannot deny it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
saying: “What shall we do to these men? For certainly a public sign has been done through them, before all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. It is manifest, and we cannot deny it.

New American Bible
“What are we to do with these men? Everyone living in Jerusalem knows that a remarkable sign was done through them, and we cannot deny it.

New Revised Standard Version
They said, “What will we do with them? For it is obvious to all who live in Jerusalem that a notable sign has been done through them; we cannot deny it.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Saying, What shall we do to these men? for behold a miracle has openly been performed by them and it is known to all that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“What shall we do to these men? For behold, a public sign that has occurred by their hands is known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem and we cannot deny it.”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
saying: What shall we do with these men? For that an evident sign has been done by them, is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem, and we can not deny it.

Godbey New Testament
saying, What can we do to these men? for that a notable miracle has been wrought by them is indeed manifest to all dwelling at Jerusalem, and we are not able to deny it;

Haweis New Testament
saying, What shall we do with these men? for that an acknowledged miracle hath been wrought by them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

Mace New Testament
saying, what shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

Weymouth New Testament
"What are we to do with these men?" they asked one another; for the fact that a remarkable miracle has been performed by them is well known to every one in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

Worrell New Testament
saying, "What shall we do to these men? for, indeed, that a notable sign has been done through themis manifest to all those dwelling in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it;

Worsley New Testament
and conferred among themselves, saying, What shall we do with these men? for that indeed an evident miracle hath been wrought by them is manifest to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot denyit.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Name Forbidden
…15So they ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin and then conferred together.16“What shall we do with these men?”they asked.“It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them,and we cannot deny it.17But to keep this message from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in this name.”…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

John 11:47-48
Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. / If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”

Matthew 21:25-27
What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ / But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.” / So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

John 12:19
Then the Pharisees said to one another, “You can see that this is doing you no good. Look how the whole world has gone after Him!”

Luke 20:5-7
They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ / But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” / So they answered that they did not know where it was from.

John 9:16
Because of this, some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man perform such signs?” And there was division among them.

John 3:2
He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.”

Matthew 12:23-24
The crowds were astounded and asked, “Could this be the Son of David?” / But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.”

Mark 11:18
When the chief priests and scribes heard this, they looked for a way to kill Him. For they were afraid of Him, because the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching.

John 7:31
Many in the crowd, however, believed in Him and said, “When the Christ comes, will He perform more signs than this man?”

John 11:53
So from that day on they plotted to kill Him.

Matthew 27:64
So give the order that the tomb be secured until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come and steal Him away and tell the people He has risen from the dead. And this last deception would be worse than the first.”

John 5:36
But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.

John 10:38
But if I am doing them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works themselves, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father.”

Exodus 4:14-16
Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well, and he is now on his way to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. / You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth. I will help both of you to speak, and I will teach you what to do. / He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and it will be as if you were God to him.

1 Kings 18:21
Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.

Treasury of Scripture

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

What.

John 11:47,48
Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles…

John 12:18
For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.

a notable.

Acts 3:9,10
And all the people saw him walking and praising God: …

Daniel 8:5,8
And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goathad a notable horn between his eyes…

Matthew 27:16
And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

and we.

Acts 6:10
And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

Luke 6:10,11
And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other…

Luke 21:15
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Jump to Previous

Apparent Clear Deny Dwell Dwelling Evident Fact Important Indeed Inhabit Inhabitants Jerusalem Live Manifest Means Miracle Notable Outstanding Performed Plainly Possible Remarkable Sign

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Apparent Clear Deny Dwell Dwelling Evident Fact Important Indeed Inhabit Inhabitants Jerusalem Live Manifest Means Miracle Notable Outstanding Performed Plainly Possible Remarkable Sign

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.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

“What shall we do with these men?” they asked.
This question is posed by the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, in response to the miraculous healing performed by Peter and John. The Sanhedrin, composed of Pharisees and Sadducees, was responsible for maintaining religious order and authority. Their question reflects their dilemma: they are confronted with undeniable evidence of divine power but are reluctant to accept the implications. This echoes the broader theme of resistance to Jesus' ministry and the early church, as seen in the Gospels and Acts. The question also highlights the tension between human authority and divine intervention, a recurring theme in Scripture.

“It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem”
The miracle performed by Peter and John was not done in secret; it was witnessed by many in Jerusalem, the center of Jewish religious life. Jerusalem holds significant historical and theological importance as the city where God chose to place His name (1 Kings 11:36) and where the temple stood. The public nature of the miracle underscores the transparency and authenticity of the apostles' ministry, contrasting with the secretive and often deceptive practices of the religious leaders. This public acknowledgment also fulfills Jesus' promise that His followers would perform greater works (John 14:12).

“that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them”
The miracle in question is the healing of a man lame from birth, as described earlier inActs 3. This act of healing serves as a sign of the apostles' authority and the power of the Holy Spirit working through them. Miracles in the New Testament often serve as a validation of the message being preached, pointing to the truth of the Gospel and the presence of God's kingdom. The term "remarkable" emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the event, which could not be explained by natural means and thus pointed to divine intervention.

“and we cannot deny it.”
The Sanhedrin's admission that they cannot deny the miracle highlights the undeniable evidence of God's work through the apostles. Despite their authority and desire to suppress the spread of Christianity, they are confronted with the reality of God's power. This acknowledgment parallels the Pharisees' reaction to Jesus' miracles, where they often could not refute the acts themselves but questioned the source (Matthew 12:24). The inability to deny the miracle serves as a testament to the truth of the apostles' message and the unstoppable nature of God's plan, as prophesied inIsaiah 55:11.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Peter and John
Apostles of Jesus Christ who were performing miracles and preaching the resurrection of Jesus, causing a stir among the Jewish leaders.

2.Sanhedrin
The Jewish ruling council, consisting of chief priests, elders, and scribes, who were responsible for maintaining religious order and were questioning Peter and John.

3.Jerusalem
The central city of Jewish worship and the location where the events ofActs 4 take place. It was the hub of early Christian activity.

4.The Miracle
Refers to the healing of a man lame from birth, which Peter and John performed in the name of Jesus Christ, as recorded inActs 3.

5.The Crowd
The people of Jerusalem who witnessed the miracle and were aware of the apostles' actions, making it impossible for the Sanhedrin to deny the event.

Teaching Points

The Power of Testimony
The undeniable nature of the miracle performed by Peter and John highlights the power of a living testimony. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of Christ in such a way that it cannot be denied by those around us.

Courage in the Face of Opposition
Peter and John stood firm in their faith despite the threat from the Sanhedrin. As believers, we are called to be bold in our witness, even when facing opposition or persecution.

The Inability to Deny Truth
The Sanhedrin's acknowledgment of the miracle, despite their desire to suppress it, reminds us that truth, especially God's truth, is ultimately undeniable. We should trust in the power of God's truth to prevail.

The Role of Miracles in Evangelism
Miracles served as a catalyst for spreading the Gospel in the early church. While we may not always witness physical miracles, the miracle of a changed life is a powerful tool for evangelism.

The Importance of Community Awareness
The widespread knowledge of the miracle among the people of Jerusalem underscores the importance of living out our faith in community, where our actions can have a broader impact.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Acts 4:16?

2.How can we acknowledge God's work like the council in Acts 4:16?

3.What prevents us from denying God's evident miracles in our lives today?

4.How does Acts 4:16 connect with Jesus' miracles in the Gospels?

5.What steps can we take to boldly testify about God's works?

6.How can we overcome fear of opposition when witnessing God's power?

7.How does Acts 4:16 demonstrate the power of miracles in early Christianity?

8.Why were the authorities unable to deny the miracle in Acts 4:16?

9.What does Acts 4:16 reveal about the early church's impact on society?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 4?

11.What is the manifestation of the Spirit?

12.What defines dogma?

13.Acts 21:17-26 - Does Paul's participation in Jewish purification rituals conflict with the New Testament teaching on salvation by faith alone?

14.Why does 1 Chronicles 16 differ from 2 Samuel 6 in describing the Ark's journey and the people's offerings?

What Does Acts 4:16 Mean

What shall we do with these men?

• The Sanhedrin is at a crossroads—confronted by undeniable evidence yet unwilling to yield their authority (seeJohn 11:47;Acts 5:24–28).

• Their words reveal fear of losing control rather than a pursuit of truth (Luke 20:19;John 12:42).

• God often uses moments of crisis to expose hearts: obedience to Him or preservation of self (Acts 17:32).

they asked.

• The deliberation is corporate; the leaders confer among themselves, excluding God from the conversation (Psalm 2:1–3).

• Human councils may scheme, but the Lord’s purpose stands (Proverbs 19:21;Acts 2:23).

• Their question underscores the contrast between earthly authority and the higher authority of Christ delegated to His apostles (Matthew 28:18;Acts 4:19).

It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem

• The miracle’s publicity makes denial impossible (Acts 3:9–11).

• God ensures His works are seen, confronting the city that crucified His Son with fresh evidence of His power (Acts 2:14, 36;Matthew 27:53).

• Public testimony amplifies accountability; the whole community now bears witness (Luke 24:48;Acts 5:28).

that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them,

• The healing of the lame man (Acts 3:1–8) is acknowledged even by enemies as “remarkable.”

• “Through them” highlights God’s choice to work via ordinary believers filled with the Spirit (Acts 1:8;1 Corinthians 1:26–29).

• Miracles serve as signs pointing to Jesus’ resurrection power and the authenticity of the apostles’ message (Hebrews 2:3–4;Mark 16:20).

and we cannot deny it.

• The leaders confess the stubborn fact of the miracle, yet remain resistant to its implication: Jesus is Lord (Acts 4:10–12).

• Truth stands firm regardless of human opposition (2 Corinthians 13:8;John 9:25).

• Their admission shows that unbelief is rarely about evidence alone; it is a matter of the will (John 5:39–40;Romans 1:18–20).

summary

Acts 4:16 captures a pivotal moment where religious authorities, faced with undeniable proof of Christ’s power, wrestle between surrender and self-preservation. They acknowledge the miracle, concede its public impact, yet refuse to embrace its message. The verse underscores God’s ability to make His works evident, the futility of resisting divine truth, and the call for every listener to choose humble submission over hardened unbelief.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16)What shall we do to these men?--The question now debated was clearly one that never ought to have been even asked. They were sitting as a Court of Justice, and should have given their verdict for or against the accused according to the evidence. They abandon that office, and begin discussing what policy was most expedient. It was, we may add, characteristic of Caiaphas to do so (John 11:49-50).

A notable miracle.--Literally,sign.

We cannot deny it.--The very form of the sentence betrays the will, though there is not the power.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16.- Wrought through them fordone by them, A.V.;to all for toall them, A.V. Only here and at ver. 22 and inLuke 23:8 hasmiracle been retained in the R.V. as the rendering ofσημεῖα: everywhere else it issign.Wrought through them; more literally,hath come to pass through them.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

“What
Τί(Ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

shall we do
ποιήσωμεν(poiēsōmen)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

with
τοῖς(tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

these
τούτοις(toutois)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.

men?”
ἀνθρώποις(anthrōpois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

they asked.
λέγοντες(legontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“[It] is clear
φανερόν(phaneron)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5318:Apparent, clear, visible, manifest; adv: clearly. From phaino; shining, i.e. Apparent; neuter publicly, externally.

to everyone
πᾶσιν(pasin)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

living
κατοικοῦσιν(katoikousin)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2730:To dwell in, settle in, be established in (permanently), inhabit. From kata and oikeo; to house permanently, i.e. Reside.

[in] Jerusalem
Ἰερουσαλὴμ(Ierousalēm)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2419:Of Hebrew origin; Hierusalem, the capitol of Palestine.

that
ὅτι(hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

a remarkable
γνωστὸν(gnōston)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1110:Known, an acquaintance. From ginosko; well-known.

miracle
σημεῖον(sēmeion)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4592:Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.

has occurred
γέγονεν(gegonen)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

through
δι’(di’)
Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

them,
αὐτῶν(autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 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
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.

we cannot
δυνάμεθα(dynametha)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1410:(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

deny [it].
ἀρνεῖσθαι(arneisthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 720:Perhaps from a and the middle voice of rheo; to contradict, i.e. Disavow, reject, abnegate.

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NT Apostles: Acts 4:16 Saying What shall we do to these (Acts of the Apostles Ac)