Charles Spurgeon Commentary Acts 4:16-20

"saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been wrought through them, is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye: for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard." — Acts 4:16-20 (ASV)

Like the vessel full of new wine, which must have a vent or burst, so is the man who is filled with the knowledge of Jesus. He must speak. He must:

"To sinners around,
What a dear Saviour he has found."

It is no matter of choice with him, for, as Paul says, Woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel. As the old prophet says, The word of the Lord was as fire in my bones, and if it is the true word of God, it will soon burn its way out.