John Calvin Commentary Acts 4:13

"Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." — Acts 4:13 (ASV)

Here we can see an evil conscience; for lacking right and reason, they break out into open tyranny, the hatred of which they had attempted to escape. Therefore, he first declares that they were convicted, so that it may appear that they warred against God knowingly and willingly like giants.

For they see a clear work of His in the man who was healed, and yet they wickedly set themselves against Him. Since they know that Peter and John were unlearned and ignorant men, they acknowledge that there was something more than human in their boldness; therefore, they are forced to wonder, whether they want to or not.

Yet they break out into such shamelessness that they do not fear to seek some tyrannical means to suppress the truth. When they confess that it is a clear sign, they condemn themselves by this of an evil conscience. When they say that it is known to all men, they declare that, disregarding God, they are concerned only with men.

For they betray their lack of shame by this: that they would not have hesitated to turn their back if there had been any pretext for denial. And when they ask what they should do, they make their obstinate wickedness known to all men. For they would have submitted themselves to God, unless devilish fury had carried them away to some other purpose.

This is the spirit of giddiness and madness with which God makes His enemies drunk. So when they hope soon after that they can by threats ensure that this will go no further, what can be more foolish? For after they have silenced two simple men, will the arm of God be broken?