SEV Biblia, Chapter 4:20
porque no podemos dejar de decir lo que hemos visto y oído.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 20. For we cannot but speak , etc.] 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.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 15-22 - All the care of the rulers is, that the doctrine of Christ spread not among the people, yet they cannot say it is false or dangerous, or of any ill tendency; and they are ashamed to own the true reason; that is testifies against their hypocrisy, wickedness, and tyranny. Those wh know how to put a just value upon Christ's promises, know how to pu just contempt upon the world's threatenings. The apostles look with concern on perishing souls, and know they cannot escape eternal rui but by Jesus Christ, therefore they are faithful in warning, an showing the right way. None will enjoy peace of mind, nor ac uprightly, till they have learned to guide their conduct by the fixe standard of truth, and not by the shifting opinions and fancies of men Especially beware of a vain attempt to serve two masters, God and the world; the end will be, you can serve neither fully.
Greek Textus Receptus
ου 3756 PRT-N δυναμεθα 1410 5736 V-PNI-1P γαρ 1063 CONJ ημεις 2249 P-1NP α 3739 R-APN ειδομεν 1492 5627 V-2AAI-1P και 2532 CONJ ηκουσαμεν 191 5656 V-AAI-1P μη 3361 PRT-N λαλειν 2980 5721 V-PAN
Robertson's NT Word Studies
4:20 {For we cannot but speak} (ou dunameqa gar hemeis--me lalein). Both negatives hold here, "For we (note emphatic hemeis) are not able not to speak" (what we saw and heard). this is defiance of the civil and ecclesiastical authorities that was justified, for the temple authorities stepped in between the conscience and God. Peter and John were willing to pay the price of this defiance with their lives. this is the courage of martyrs through all the ages.
