Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Acts - Chapter 4 - Verse 20

4:20
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Meaning

This verse, found in the book of Acts, highlights the importance of sharing one's personal experiences and witnessing the works of God with others. The speaker in this verse is expressing a sense of obligation to speak about the things they have seen and heard, implying that the magnitude of these experiences compels them to share it with others. In a broader context, this verse can be seen as a call to testify to our faith and share the good news of God's work in our lives. It serves as a reminder to believers to boldly proclaim their beliefs and experiences, regardless of any potential opposition or challenges they may face. By sharing our personal encounters with God and his transformative power, we can inspire and encourage others to seek a relationship with Him as well. Ultimately, this verse emphasizes the importance of bearing witness to God's works in our lives and testifying to His greatness.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of the verse "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" emphasizes the importance of sharing one's personal experiences and encounters with God. This verse highlights the apostles' firm belief in the power and truth of their witness to Jesus Christ. It reflects their unwavering commitment to proclaiming the Gospel message despite facing opposition or persecution. The phrase "cannot but speak" underscores the apostles' sense of compelled duty to spread the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

In terms of word studies, the phrase "speak the things" implies verbal communication as the primary mode of sharing their testimony. The word "seen" suggests a direct experience or encounter with something significant, in this case, referring to the apostles witnessing the works and person of Jesus. The word "heard" indicates that their testimony was based not only on what they saw but also on what they heard from Jesus himself. Overall, this verse signifies the apostles' determination to faithfully communicate their firsthand experiences of Jesus' ministry and teachings to others, irrespective of any challenges they may face.

American Standard Version

for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard.
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