{For we cannot but speak} (ou dunametha gar h(886d)eis--m(880a)lalein). Both negatives hold here, "For we (note emphatic
h(886d)eis) 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.