Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 4:21

"And they, when they had further threatened them, let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people; for all men glorified God for that which was done." — Acts 4:21 (ASV)

Finding nothing, etc. That is, not being able to devise any way to punish them without causing an uproar among the people and endangering their own authority. The Sanhedrin was frequently influenced by this fear; and it shows that their own authority was much dependent on the caprice of the multitude. .

All men. That is, the great mass or body of the people.

Glorified God. Praised God for the miracle. This implies:

1. that they believed that the miracle was genuine.
2. that they were grateful to God for such a notable mercy in conferring health and comfort on a man who had been long afflicted.

We may add further, that here is the highest evidence of the reality of the miracle. Even the Sanhedrin, with all their prejudice and opposition, did not call it in question. And the common people, who had doubtless been acquainted with this man for years, were convinced that it was real. It would have been impossible to impose on keen-sighted and jealous adversaries in this manner, if this had been an imposture.