Acts 4:17
But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
Acts 4:17 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse comes from the book of Acts in the New Testament, and it reflects the response of the religious leaders of the time to the preaching of the disciples of Jesus. The verse highlights the fear and opposition faced by early Christians as they spread the message of Jesus Christ. The leaders are seeking to suppress the spread of Christianity by threatening the disciples to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. This verse serves as a reminder of the challenges and persecution faced by the early Christians in sharing their faith. It also emphasizes the power of the message of Jesus and the threat it posed to the existing religious authorities. Despite the threats, the disciples continued to boldly proclaim the message of Jesus, eventually leading to the growth and spread of Christianity. This verse serves as a testament to the courage and faith of the early Christians in the face of opposition and persecution.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name," it is important to consider the context in which it is situated. The verse comes from the Book of Acts in the New Testament, specifically in a passage where the apostles Peter and John are preaching about Jesus Christ despite facing persecution and threats from religious leaders. Here, the religious leaders are trying to prevent the spread of the message of Jesus by threatening the apostles. This verse highlights the early Christian's commitment to spreading the gospel, even in the face of adversity. It also demonstrates the power struggle between the religious authorities and the followers of Jesus, showing the clash between religious tradition and the message of salvation through Christ. The theological significance lies in the apostles' boldness and determination to continue proclaiming the name of Jesus, despite the risks involved.
Acts 4:17 in other translations
American Standard Version
But that it spread no further among the people, let us threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
World English Bible
But so that this spreads no further among the people, let’s threaten them, that from now on they don’t speak to anyone in this name.”
Douay-Rheims
But that it may be no farther spread among the people, let us threaten them that they speak no more in this name to any man.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But that it be noysed no farther among the people, let vs threaten and charge them, that they speake hencefoorth to no man in this Name.