4:17a

But: There is contrast between the leaders not being able to deny the miracle (4:16c) and warning Peter and John to stop speaking about Jesus (4:17b).

Some languages would not see that connection as contrast. If that is true in your language, omit this conjunction or use a natural connection here.

to keep this message from spreading any further among the people: This phrase in Greek is literally “in order that it may not be spread further.”

The Greek clause is passive. Some languages must translate it as an active clause. For example:

in order that it may spread no further (Revised Standard Version)

Here “it” refers to the gospel of Jesus or people becoming believers in Jesus (both are possible from what the leaders said in 4:17b), as the Berean Standard Bible makes explicit.

4:17b

we must warn them not to speak to anyone in this name: This clause indicates that the Jewish leaders planned to tell the apostles that they would punish them, if they continued to speak to people about Jesus. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

let us warn them to speak no more to any one in this name (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
we must warn them not to speak to anyone in that name again

to speak…in this name: These words mean here “to speak as those authorized by Jesus or as those representing him.” For example:

to speak as spokesmen for that man
-or-
to be an advocate/messenger for that person

Scholars think that the Jewish leaders belittled Jesus, when they referred to him by this name and avoided saying the name “Jesus.” See the above examples.

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