This verse is transitional as is indicated by the particles that Luke uses to begin it. Although it is thought by some that the subject of the verb went back should include Philip, most commentators understand the subject to be only Peter and John.

The phrase had given their testimony may require a goal in certain languages, for example, “said what they knew concerning Jesus Christ” or “had shared with people what they knew about Jesus.” The term of “knowing” should imply personal experience. The Lord’s message may be understood as “the message which the Lord had spoken” or “the message about the Lord.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .