Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard--There is here a wonderful union of sober, respectful appeal to the better reason of their judges, and calm, deep determination to abide the consequences of a constrained testimony, which betokens a power above their own resting upon them, according to promise.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we cannot but speak,.... It was not physically, but morally impossible; or it was not lawful, and therefore they would not speak any other, and they could not avoid speaking, say they, the things which we have seen and heard; as the miracles and doctrines of Christ, his resurrection from the dead, of which they were eye and ear witnesses. This shows their great fidelity and integrity, their inviolable attachment to Christ, and their fearlessness of the displeasure and wrath of men.
The Name Forbidden
19But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.20For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Let Compassion Swallow Your Fear
By Ray Comfort4.1K45:33FearEST 4:16MAT 9:35MAT 10:1LUK 22:39ACT 4:20HEB 13:6In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about injuring his arm while running to the house. Despite the pain, he continued to preach the gospel with his son-in-law outside the local courts for two and a half years. However, their preaching was eventually made illegal, so they moved to Huntington Beach to continue spreading the gospel. The speaker emphasizes the importance of compassion and active evangelism, comparing those who have not truly repented to tears among the wheat or foolish virgins. He also references the story of Jesus sending out his disciples to preach and heal, highlighting the need for laborers in the harvest.
Submission and Piety at Home
By Keith Daniel2.1K1:33:18Godly HomeJER 20:9EZK 3:14ACT 4:20ACT 5:41ROM 10:141CO 9:161TI 4:13In this video, the speaker reflects on an eight-week preaching tour they recently completed, covering 17 different states. They express their gratitude for the opportunity to preach and the support they received from the church and pastor. The speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel, even in the face of opposition or discouragement. They draw inspiration from the biblical example of Jeremiah or Ezekiel, who felt compelled to speak God's word, even when others did not want to hear it. The speaker encourages listeners to never give up on preaching, even if it means facing challenges or persecution.
(Through the Bible) Amos 1-5
By Chuck Smith2.1K1:25:07JER 20:9AMO 4:6AMO 5:5AMO 5:12AMO 5:14ACT 4:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing to meet God, as everyone will ultimately stand before Him in judgment. The preacher describes a vision of all the dead, both small and great, standing before God's judgment throne. He emphasizes that no one can escape this judgment and that it will be an awe-inspiring experience to stand before the Creator of the universe. The preacher also mentions the role of shepherds and prophets in biblical times and how they were hindered from fulfilling their calling. The sermon concludes with a warning of judgment against the surrounding nations of Israel.
Fren-18 Apostolic Foundations - Preaching
By Art Katz1.9K1:25:39PreachingACT 4:202CO 3:62TI 4:22TI 4:52TI 4:8HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker reflects on moments of physical weakness and disorientation while preaching the word of God. Despite the risk of failure and humiliation, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching with authority and confidence, knowing that the words spoken are not their own but from God. The speaker shares a personal experience of delivering a powerful message that caused controversy and offense, but also led to a profound encounter with God. The sermon concludes with the reminder that even in moments of discouragement and weariness, the spoken word holds great reverence and power.
The Call to Leadership
By Stephen Olford1.5K1:00:24LeadershipMAT 4:17MAT 6:33MRK 3:13JHN 17:8JHN 17:14ACT 4:201JN 5:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the message preached at the Keswick convention, which is centered around three key words: victory, purity, and unity. The speaker highlights the importance of living in victory over the flesh, the devil, and temptations. He references Jesus' prayer for his disciples to be kept from the evil one as they are sent out into a hostile world. The sermon also emphasizes the training and example Jesus provided to his disciples, teaching them to trust in the Father and to preach the gospel with boldness and conviction.
Take Stock of Your Life
By Erlo Stegen9821:23:24MAT 6:33LUK 10:38ACT 4:20REV 1:3REV 1:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the number seven as a symbol of completeness. He describes how John saw Jesus Christ among the seven congregations, with a face shining brighter than the sun and eyes like blazing flames of fire. John's encounter with Jesus caused him to fall down in fear. The preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering our calling and promises to God, as many believers struggle to make spiritual progress due to forgetting what God has spoken to them.
Book of Acts Series - Part 41 | Accusations
By Jim Cymbala87538:38Book Of ActsMAT 7:1MAT 12:36MAT 18:15ACT 4:201CO 13:1JAS 1:26JAS 3:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others. He highlights the disciples' firsthand experiences of seeing Jesus after His resurrection, witnessing miracles, and hearing His teachings. The speaker compares the disciples' excitement to that of grandparents showing off pictures of their grandchildren, emphasizing the natural urge to share something amazing. He concludes with a prayer for love, unity, and encouragement among believers, acknowledging God's mercy and patience with His followers. The sermon references the story of Paul being protected by the Roman commander and sent to Governor Felix in Caesarea, highlighting the need to take action to ensure Paul's safety.
Easter (1988) - With You Always
By Mariano Di Gangi86837:55EasterMAT 1:23MAT 18:15MAT 28:18ACT 4:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the Great Commission given by Jesus to make disciples of all nations. He highlights the need for believers to actively go out and share the Gospel, crossing geographical and cultural boundaries. The speaker emphasizes that discipleship requires not only preaching and baptizing, but also teaching and obedience to Jesus' commands. The sermon concludes with a reminder that living in defiance of the Great Commission is living in sin, and believers should be committed to fulfilling this mandate until the end of time.
The Complete Transformation - Part 2
By Danny Bond56041:05MAT 12:34JHN 13:34JHN 15:12ACT 4:20ACT 9:20ROM 1:16In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a man named Rolla who was on the verge of killing his family. As he paced around with a gun in his hand, he turned on the TV and came across a sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith. The message about God's love and the offer of a new life resonated with Rolla, and he fell to his knees, experiencing a transformation in his heart. The speaker then encourages the audience to have a fervent and fearless faith that can make a difference in the world, citing the example of missionary Jay Hudson Taylor. The sermon emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of Christ and the impact it can have on others.
Bring Them to Christ
By Chip Brogden2JHN 10:16ACT 4:20ACT 26:161CO 9:24PHP 3:13Chip Brogden emphasizes the importance of Spirit-led ministry, highlighting the need for a clear goal and purpose in bringing people to Christ. He stresses the significance of ministry being first to the Lord before others, focusing on the example of Jesus and the disciples. Chip urges ministers to lead people to Christ, giving Him preeminence and avoiding seeking personal glory. He discusses the roles of teachers, pastors, evangelists, prophets, and apostles in ministry, emphasizing the central theme of bringing people continually back to Christ.
Because of Jesus
By K.P. Yohannan0Personal Relationship with JesusFaith Under PersecutionMAT 16:24LUK 18:22JHN 15:13ACT 4:20ROM 8:35PHP 1:21PHP 3:10HEB 11:27K.P. Yohannan shares the inspiring story of 50 families in India who, after coming to faith in Jesus, faced persecution and were forced to leave their village. Despite the hardships, they chose to walk away from their homes rather than deny Christ, demonstrating a profound commitment to their newfound faith. Yohannan emphasizes that true Christianity is not about doctrines or systems, but about a personal relationship with Jesus, which empowers believers to endure trials and persecution. He highlights the importance of knowing Christ intimately, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul, and encourages believers to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, serving others out of love for Him. The sermon calls for a deep, personal connection with the Lord, urging listeners to run after Him with open hearts.
Talk of God's Wondrous Works
By C.H. Spurgeon0Simplicity in PreachingSharing God's WorksPSA 96:3PSA 145:4MAT 18:3MRK 16:15JHN 3:16ACT 4:20ROM 10:141CO 2:12TI 4:21PE 2:9C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of simply sharing the story of God's wondrous works rather than relying on eloquent rhetoric or intellectual displays in preaching. He argues that true ministry should focus on the plain and unvarnished truth of the Gospel, which is more impactful for the conversion of souls than elaborate sermons. Spurgeon encourages Christians to communicate their faith in a straightforward manner, akin to telling a child, as this approach brings more glory to God and comfort to believers. He critiques the notion of sermons being mere intellectual treats, asserting that the essence of preaching lies in its simplicity and authenticity.
A Witnessing Church
By Seth Rees0MAT 10:32ACT 1:8ACT 4:201CO 2:4REV 12:11Seth Rees emphasizes the importance of active and spontaneous witnessing as a vital aspect of a thriving church, highlighting how testimony is essential for reaching the unsaved and maintaining a powerful spiritual center. He contrasts the ineffectiveness of increased religious activities or intellectual debates with the compelling force of genuine, experiential testimonies that stem from a life filled with the Holy Ghost. Rees recounts historical examples of persecution against public witnessing, illustrating the unwavering commitment of martyrs and the enduring need for bold testimonies in the face of opposition. He stresses that true spirituality in the church is evidenced by a fervent desire to testify to God's work, even in the midst of adversity and threats.
Tongues of Men and Angels
By Dick Brogden0ACT 4:20Dick Brogden emphasizes that the filling of the Spirit always impacts our speech, urging believers to speak from love and boldly share about Jesus. Our silence can indicate a lack of love for Jesus, as true love for Him naturally overflows in words. Throughout the book of Acts, filled believers couldn't help but speak of what they had experienced. When the Holy Spirit fills us, we become His witnesses, speaking boldly and magnifying Jesus, as seen in various instances in the Bible.
Preaching of Barnabas
By Clement of Rome0LUK 24:48JHN 1:14ACT 1:8ACT 4:201JN 1:1Clement of Rome recounts his encounter with Barnabas, a Hebrew disciple of Jesus, who shared firsthand accounts of witnessing the miracles and teachings of the Son of God. Barnabas spoke with authenticity and simplicity, drawing many witnesses from the crowd to attest to the truth of his experiences with Jesus.
To Declare Myself a Friend of Christ
By C.H. Spurgeon0Testimony for ChristBoldness in FaithMAT 5:16MAT 10:32MRK 8:38LUK 12:8JHN 15:15ACT 4:20ROM 1:16PHP 1:202TI 1:81PE 3:15C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of boldly declaring oneself as a friend of Christ, urging Christians to stand firm in their faith even when faced with challenging questions or scrutiny. He reflects on the example of a man who, despite being questioned by the Pharisees, confidently affirmed his relationship with Jesus without hesitation. Spurgeon encourages believers to be unashamed in owning their faith and to respond promptly when challenged about their allegiance to Christ. He calls for a clear and distinct testimony from every Christian, reinforcing the idea that Jesus should be acknowledged as our Savior and Friend.
"He Could Not Be Hidden"
By Chip Brogden0DAN 3:17MAT 5:14MAT 10:27MRK 7:24JHN 3:30JHN 4:23JHN 14:6ACT 4:201CO 3:16REV 22:20Chip Brogden emphasizes the eternal purpose of God to increase Christ and decrease everything else, as seen in John the Baptist's words 'He must increase, but I must decrease.' This principle reveals that everything God does is to magnify Jesus and diminish what is not of Him, a spiritual law that is constantly at work. Jesus, indwelling believers, cannot be hidden and is continually expanding within them, challenging the illusion of a manageable deity and the fear of man. Brogden urges listeners to cooperate with God's increasing work, like Daniel, rather than resist it out of fear, emphasizing the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth.
Preach It Boldly and Fearlessly Without Compromise
By Arthur Vess0ACT 4:20ACT 4:312TI 4:22TI 4:5Arthur Vess passionately preaches about the importance of boldly and fearlessly proclaiming the Word of God without compromise, condemning all that is unholy and defending all that is holy. He emphasizes the need for holy boldness, which sacrifices self for God and others, contrasting it with carnal boldness that sacrifices God and others for self. Vess warns against cowardice in the pulpit, as it leads to hypocrisy in the pew, urging preachers to speak the truth even when it is unpopular or challenging.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard--There is here a wonderful union of sober, respectful appeal to the better reason of their judges, and calm, deep determination to abide the consequences of a constrained testimony, which betokens a power above their own resting upon them, according to promise.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we cannot but speak,.... It was not physically, but morally impossible; or it was not lawful, and therefore they would not speak any other, and they could not avoid speaking, say they, the things which we have seen and heard; as the miracles and doctrines of Christ, his resurrection from the dead, of which they were eye and ear witnesses. This shows their great fidelity and integrity, their inviolable attachment to Christ, and their fearlessness of the displeasure and wrath of men.