Apeilēō means to threaten, to warn through intimidation, or to speak threatening words. In Acts 4, the Sanhedrin threatened Peter and John after healing the lame man, demanding silence. Peter's refusal models the proper response to human threats when they conflict with divine commands.
The early church's response to threats (apeilēō) is a model for all believers under pressure. When the Sanhedrin threatened them, Peter and John did not comply or retaliate — they prayed. The prayer in Acts 4:24-31 asks not for protection from suffering but for boldness to continue speaking. Threats from earthly authorities cannot silence those whose commission comes from God.