On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text emphasizes that it was "on the morrow," highlighting the immediate and organized response of the religious establishment. This wasn't a spontaneous reaction, but a convened assembly of their highest authorities—rulers, elders, and scribes—indicating a swift, high-level decision to address the apostles' actions.
On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh off Peter and John healing a man and boldly preaching in Jesus' name, the Jewish religious and political leaders, including the High Priest and scribes, immediately convened a formal assembly. This powerful council, the Sanhedrin, gathered to decide how to deal with these disruptive apostles and the growing movement they represented, which directly challenged their authority and the established religious order.
Peter and John healed a man in Jesus' name, and the authorities weren't happy. The very next day, an assembly is called. Who exactly showed up?
The verse immediately introduces the key players in the opposition to the early church: 'their rulers, and elders, and scribes.' This wasn't just a random mob; it was a formal gathering of the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin. This council represented the highest religious and judicial authority in Jerusalem.
This formidable group, all gathered in Jerusalem, represents the united front of religious and political power against the burgeoning message of Christ.
The healing happened, the apostles were arrested. Why wait until 'the next day' for this powerful council to convene?
The phrase 'on the morrow' is more than just a time marker; it signifies a deliberate pause. The healing of the lame man and the boldness of Peter and John weren't a surprise the council was immediately ready for. They needed time to process, consult, and strategize.
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This delay allowed for:
This wasn't a spontaneous outburst, but a calculated response from the highest echelons of Jewish authority.
Understand the original words
archontes · Greek Noun
Leaders or magistrates with authority over the people, typically referring to members of the Sanhedrin. They held administrative and judicial power in the Jewish community.
presbyteroi · Greek Noun
Men recognized for their age, experience, and wisdom, who served as members of the Jewish council or governing body (Sanhedrin). They played a critical role in the religious and social leadership of Israel.
grammateis · Greek Noun
Experts in the interpretation and application of the Mosaic Law. They were highly respected teachers who studied, taught, and preserved the Hebrew Scriptures for the community.
This verse captures the immediate aftermath of a powerful display of faith by the apostles, bringing them face-to-face with the highest religious authorities of Jerusalem. The Sanhedrin, comprised of the 'rulers, elders, and scribes,' convened specifically because of the apostles' actions, showing the significant threat they perceived to their established order.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified and resurrected, an event that deeply impacts the religious and political landscape of Judea.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Healing of the Lame Man
Peter and John heal a man lame from birth in Jesus' name, drawing a large crowd and attracting the attention of religious authorities.
c. AD 30-33
Arrest of Peter and John
The apostles Peter and John are arrested by temple guards after the healing incident, due to the disturbance and opposition from religious leaders.
c. AD 30-33
Convocation of the Sanhedrin
The Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin, convenes in Jerusalem to investigate and determine how to handle the apostles and their message.
This passage also describes the gathering of the chief priests, elders, and scribes, highlighting their collective opposition to Jesus and the early church.
Luke 22:66This verse shows the Sanhedrin, composed of elders, chief priests, and scribes, convening to deliberate on their actions against Jesus, mirroring the official assembly in Acts.
Acts 5:27This verse depicts the same council bringing Peter and John before them, demonstrating the continuous scrutiny and opposition faced by the apostles from this ruling body.
John 11:47This verse shows the chief priests and Pharisees, key members of the Sanhedrin, plotting against Jesus due to His popularity, revealing the underlying motivation for their later actions against the apostles.
clarkeActs 4:5: "And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,"
Their rulers, and elders, and scribes - Those with the high priest Annas formed the Sanhedrin, or grand council of the Jews.
barnesActs 4:5: "And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,"
Their rulers - The rulers of the Jews; doubtless the members of the Sanhedrin, or Great Council of the nation. Compare Acts 4:15 . See the notes on Matthew 2:4 ; Matthew 5:22 . The expression their rulers looks as if this book was written for the Gentiles, or Luke would have said our rulers. Elders - Presbyters, or those who were chosen from among the people to sit in the Sanhedrin. It is probable that th…
The text emphasizes that it was "on the morrow," highlighting the immediate and organized response of the religious establishment. This wasn't a spontaneous reaction, but a convened assembly of their highest authorities—rulers, elders, and scribes—indicating a swift, high-level decision to address the apostles' actions.
Fresh off Peter and John healing a man and boldly preaching in Jesus' name, the Jewish religious and political leaders, including the High Priest and scribes, immediately convened a formal assembly. This powerful council, the Sanhedrin, gathered to decide how to deal with these disruptive apostles and the growing movement they represented, which directly challenged their authority and the established religious order.
Fresh off Peter and John healing a man and boldly preaching in Jesus' name, the Jewish religious and political leaders, including the High Priest and scribes, immediately convened a formal assembly. This powerful council, the Sanhedrin, gathered to decide how to deal with these disruptive apostles and the growing movement they represented, which directly challenged their authority and the established religious order.
"On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem," — The text emphasizes that it was "on the morrow," highlighting the immediate and organized response of the religious establishment. This wasn't a spontaneous reaction, but a convened assembly of their…
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Last reviewed October 2026