But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The council members dismiss Peter and John not to let them hear their private deliberations, but also because they couldn't deny the obvious miracle that had just occurred. This forced consultation reveals their desperation, as they are left to confer amongst themselves rather than directly confront the apostles with their undeniable truth.
But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having just witnessed Peter and John heal a man born lame, the religious council is stunned by their boldness and the undeniable miracle. They pull the apostles aside to privately debate how to handle this inconvenient truth that contradicts their authority and is already known to everyone in Jerusalem.
The religious leaders just witnessed a man, lame for decades, leap to his feet and praise God. Yet, their response isn't awe, but calculation. What's going on here?
A Two-Act Play of Power
The council, composed of the highest religious authorities, faces a crisis they can't easily dismiss. A powerful miracle has just occurred, undeniable and public.
The council marvels at Peter and John's boldness, calling them 'unlearned and ignorant.' Yet, something about them unsettles the leaders. What did these 'simple men' possess?
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The Power Beyond Education
The council members, described as learned and authoritative, are perplexed. They recognize Peter and John as ordinary fishermen, uneducated in their rabbinic traditions. Yet, these men speak with an authority and conviction that rivals their own.
Understand the original words
synedrion · Greek Noun
The highest judicial and religious body in Judea, composed of elders, chief priests, and scribes, holding authority over Jewish religious life and practice.
This event takes place during a pivotal moment for the early church, as the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court, grapples with the undeniable miracle and the apostles' fearless testimony, revealing their internal conflict between acknowledging God's power and maintaining their authority.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified in Jerusalem, but His followers believe He rose from the dead, a core event sparking the early Christian movement.
c. AD 30-33
Early Spread of the Gospel
The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, begin preaching Jesus' message and performing miracles, drawing crowds in Jerusalem.
c. AD 33
Healing of the Lame Man
Peter and John heal a man lame from birth at the temple gate, an event witnessed by many and a clear demonstration of apostolic power.
c. AD 33— this verse
Arrest and Trial of Apostles
Peter and John are arrested by the religious authorities (Sanhedrin) for preaching about Jesus, particularly after the healing miracle.
c. AD 33
Sanhedrin Deliberation
The Sanhedrin, Jerusalem's high court, convenes to discuss the apostles' actions and decide how to handle their bold preaching.
c. AD 33
Threat and Release
After a private consultation, the Sanhedrin threatens Peter and John, ordering them not to speak or teach in Jesus' name, before releasing them.
This passage from Psalms directly foretells the very thing happening here: rulers taking counsel together against the Lord and His anointed (Jesus). It shows this opposition isn't new but part of an ancient, ongoing conflict.
Matthew 26:59This verse describes the chief priests and elders seeking false testimony against Jesus during His trial. It highlights the same pattern of religious leaders using their authority to silence truth, even resorting to fabrication.
Luke 2:19This verse, describing Mary pondering events in her heart, relates to the 'conferred' action here. The leaders are wrestling with the undeniable reality of Jesus' power, just as Mary pondered the events surrounding His birth.
John 11:47This verse shows the chief priests and Pharisees consulting about what to do with Jesus, fearing His growing influence. It's a powerful parallel to the Sanhedrin's own fearful consultation here as they grapple with the unstoppable spread of Jesus' message.
Romans 1:18Paul speaks of people suppressing the truth in unrighteousness. This connects to the leaders' deliberate choice to ignore the miracle and silence the apostles, demonstrating a willful suppression of divine truth out of self-interest.
vincentActs 4:15: "But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,"
Conferred (συνέβαλον)See on pondered, Luke 2:19.
calvinActs 4:13-18: "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."
- And when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and considered that they were men unlearned and ignorant, they wondered; and they knew them, that they had been with Jesus. 14. And when they saw the man that had been healed standing with them, they could not say against it. 15. But when the…
The council members dismiss Peter and John not to let them hear their private deliberations, but also because they couldn't deny the obvious miracle that had just occurred. This forced consultation reveals their desperation, as they are left to confer amongst themselves rather than directly confront the apostles with their undeniable truth.
Having just witnessed Peter and John heal a man born lame, the religious council is stunned by their boldness and the undeniable miracle. They pull the apostles aside to privately debate how to handle this inconvenient truth that contradicts their authority and is already known to everyone in Jerusalem.
Having just witnessed Peter and John heal a man born lame, the religious council is stunned by their boldness and the undeniable miracle. They pull the apostles aside to privately debate how to handle this inconvenient truth that contradicts their authority and is already known to everyone in Jerusalem.
"But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another," — The council members dismiss Peter and John not to let them hear their private deliberations, but also because they couldn't deny the obvious miracle that had just occurred. This forced consultation r…
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Last reviewed October 2026