On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While this verse simply states that the religious leaders gathered, it highlights their immediate and organized response. This wasn't a casual meeting; the "rulers, elders, and scribes" represent the highest religious and legal authority of Judaism, the Sanhedrin, rushing to action the very next day. This demonstrates how profoundly Peter and John's healing of the lame man had disrupted their established order and threatened their control.
On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Peter and John healed a man in Jesus' name and preached boldly about Him, the temple authorities arrested them. The next day, the highest religious leaders of the Jewish people, including the high priest and members of the Sanhedrin, convened in Jerusalem to determine how to deal with these apostles and the growing movement they represented.
Why does Luke specify who was gathered? This verse names the key players in Jewish leadership, revealing the gravity of the situation.
The verse points to the Sanhedrin, the supreme council of Jewish leaders, comprised of the highest priests, elders, and scribes. These were the religious and political authorities responsible for maintaining order and interpreting the Law in Jerusalem.
This assembly wasn't just any group; it was the very body that held the power to make life-and-death decisions. Their convening signifies the serious threat the apostles' message was perceived to be.
The Sanhedrin's immediate assembly shows they weren't just annoyed; they were threatened. What was so disruptive about the apostles' message?
The previous chapter (Acts 3) details Peter and John healing a man lame from birth in Jesus' name. This miracle, and Peter's bold preaching that followed, directly challenged the religious establishment.
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This wasn't just about a healed man; it was about the resurrection of Jesus and the exclusive power of His name, which undermined the entire religious system the Sanhedrin upheld.
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.
archiereus · Greek Noun
The chief religious official of the Jewish nation, responsible for the oversight of the Temple and presiding over the Sanhedrin. Under the Law of Moses, the role was hereditary and lifelong, though political appointees often held the office during the Roman occupation.
This verse captures the immediate reaction of the established religious and political powers to the burgeoning Christian movement, just days after the crucifixion of Jesus. The assembly of the Sanhedrin shows their intent to quickly suppress teachings and actions they deemed a threat to their authority and the established religious order.
c. AD 30
Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth, who had performed miracles and claimed divine authority, was tried and crucified by Jewish religious leaders and Roman authorities.
c. AD 30
Healing of the Lame Man
Peter and John healed a man who had been lame from birth in the name of Jesus Christ, drawing a large crowd and causing a stir.
c. AD 30
Arrest of Peter and John
Following the healing miracle, Peter and John were arrested by the temple authorities and imprisoned overnight.
c. AD 30— this verse
Sanhedrin Convenes
The Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court composed of rulers, elders, and scribes, convened in Jerusalem to interrogate Peter and John.
This passage names the same key groups—chief priests, scribes, and elders—indicating the continuity of the Jewish ruling council (the Sanhedrin) and their involvement in matters of religious authority.
John 11:47This verse shows the Sanhedrin, including chief priests and Pharisees, deliberating on Jesus' growing influence, mirroring the same council's concern and action against the apostles in Acts.
Acts 5:21This verse describes the council (apostles' 'rulers,' 'elders,' and 'scribes') again assembling, showing the ongoing opposition the early church faced from the same established religious authorities.
Luke 22:66This verse records the Sanhedrin convening at daybreak, similar to the timing in Acts 4:5, highlighting their procedural response to a perceived threat to their authority.
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…
While this verse simply states that the religious leaders gathered, it highlights their immediate and organized response. This wasn't a casual meeting; the "rulers, elders, and scribes" represent the highest religious and legal authority of Judaism, the Sanhedrin, rushing to action the very next day. This demonstrates how profoundly Peter and John's healing of the lame man had disrupted their established order and threatened their control.
After Peter and John healed a man in Jesus' name and preached boldly about Him, the temple authorities arrested them. The next day, the highest religious leaders of the Jewish people, including the high priest and members of the Sanhedrin, convened in Jerusalem to determine how to deal with these apostles and the growing movement they represented.
After Peter and John healed a man in Jesus' name and preached boldly about Him, the temple authorities arrested them. The next day, the highest religious leaders of the Jewish people, including the high priest and members of the Sanhedrin, convened in Jerusalem to determine how to deal with these apostles and the growing movement they represented.
"On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family." — While this verse simply states that the religious leaders gathered, it highlights their immediate and organized response. This wasn't a casual meeting; the "rulers, elders, and scribes" represent the…
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Last reviewed October 2026