But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights that the opposition wasn't just general religious anger; it was specifically the Sadducees, whose core belief system was directly challenged by the apostles' message of resurrection. Their "indignation" was a fervent jealousy, fueled by the threat the apostles posed to their theological foundation and likely their political influence as well.
But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy
English Standard Version (ESV)
The apostles' continued healing and preaching have stirred up a powerful opposition from the religious elite. The high priest, likely a Sadducee, along with his allies from that sect, feel threatened by the apostles' message, particularly their emphasis on the resurrection, which directly contradicts Sadducean beliefs. This jealousy and indignation lead them to organize and take action against the apostles.
The Sadducees were a powerful force in Jerusalem, but their influence stemmed from what they rejected, not what they affirmed. What was their core opposition to the early church?
The Sadducees held a distinct theological position, primarily characterized by their rejection of key doctrines that were central to the burgeoning Christian faith and even to other Jewish sects like the Pharisees.
Key Denials:
This denial meant that the apostles' message, which centered on the resurrected Christ, was not just an inconvenience but a direct theological assault on the Sadducees' entire belief system.
The text says the Sadducees were 'filled with jealousy.' This wasn't just disagreement; it was a consuming emotion that fueled their actions. What were they jealous ?
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The word used here for 'indignation' or 'jealousy' (in the original Greek, 'zelos') captures a potent mix of emotions. It points to a fierce, burning fervor that can manifest as envy, zeal, or wrath.
Sources of Their Jealousy:
This 'jealousy' was a destructive force, born from a desire to protect their own status and ideology, and it drove them to oppose the apostles with all their might.
Understand the original words
archiereus · Greek Noun
The supreme religious authority in Israel, responsible for the temple service and the oversight of the priesthood. They acted as the primary intermediary between God and the nation under the Mosaic covenant.
zēlos · Greek Noun
A powerful emotion often born of pride or self-interest, characterized by deep resentment toward others' success or influence. In a biblical context, it frequently describes the hostile response of unbelieving religious leaders to the gospel.
Saddoukaios · Greek Noun
A Jewish religious sect in the first century known for rejecting the resurrection, angels, and the oral tradition, while holding significant political power in the Sanhedrin.
The Sadducees' fierce opposition stemmed from their denial of the resurrection, a core tenet of the apostles' message. This theological conflict, combined with political jealousy over the apostles' growing influence, fueled their determined efforts to silence the early church.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus' teachings and claims, especially concerning his resurrection, directly challenged the Sadducees' core beliefs. His crucifixion by Roman authorities, orchestrated by the Jewish high priestly family, set a precedent for opposition.
c. AD 30-33
Early Church Growth and Evangelism
Following Jesus' resurrection and ascension, his apostles began preaching boldly in Jerusalem, attracting large crowds and performing miracles, which quickly gained attention.
c. AD 33
Apostles Imprisoned and Released
The apostles Peter and John were arrested for teaching about Jesus' resurrection, but were miraculously freed from prison by an angel. They immediately returned to preaching in the Temple.
c. AD 33— this verse
High Priest and Sadducees React
The high priest, likely allied with the powerful Sadducee party in the Sanhedrin, rose up with his followers, driven by jealousy and a desire to suppress the apostles' message, especially their emphasis on the resurrection.
c. AD 33
Apostles Arrested Again
The apostles were arrested for defying the Sanhedrin's earlier command not to preach. They were imprisoned but again miraculously delivered.
c. AD 33
Bold Defense Before the Sanhedrin
Summoned once more, the apostles stood before the Sanhedrin and declared they must obey God rather than men, continuing to boldly proclaim Jesus and the resurrection.
c. AD 33
Gamaliel's Counsel and Release
A respected Pharisee named Gamaliel advised caution, suggesting that if the apostles' movement was human, it would fail on its own, leading to the apostles being flogged and released.
This passage immediately precedes the one in question and shows the initial arrest of Peter and John by the priests and the captain of the temple guard, setting the stage for the Sadducees' growing opposition.
John 11:47-50This describes the high priestly council, including Caiaphas, plotting against Jesus because His growing influence threatened their position and the nation's stability, highlighting the Sadducees' established motive for silencing perceived threats.
Matthew 22:23-33This passage details the Sadducees directly confronting Jesus with a question about the resurrection, demonstrating their core doctrinal opposition and their attempts to trap Him on this very issue.
Acts 23:6-10This shows a later instance where a similar division arises in the Sanhedrin between Pharisees and Sadducees, illustrating that their theological disagreements, particularly regarding the resurrection, were a recurring point of contention.
Romans 10:2-3Paul speaks about his own intense zeal for God, which, before his conversion, was misdirected and led him to persecute the early church, paralleling the 'indignation' or 'zeal' the Sadducees felt, albeit with a far more destructive and misguided purpose.
ellicottActs 5:17: "Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,"
(17) Then the high priest rose up. . . . Probably, as before, Annas or Caiaphas. Which is the sect of the Sadducees.—The fact, of which this is the only distinct record, is of immense importance as throwing light on the course of action taken by the upper class of priests, both during our Lord’s ministry and in the history of this book. From the tim…
barnesActs 5:17: "Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,"
Then the high priest - Probably "Caiaphas." Compare John 11:49 . It seems from this place that he belonged to the sect of the Sadducees. It is certain that he had signalized himself by opposition to the Lord Jesus and to his cause constantly. Rose up - This expression is sometimes "redundant," and at others it means simply to "begin" to do a thing,…
The text highlights that the opposition wasn't just general religious anger; it was specifically the Sadducees, whose core belief system was directly challenged by the apostles' message of resurrection. Their "indignation" was a fervent jealousy, fueled by the threat the apostles posed to their theological foundation and likely their political influence as well.
The apostles' continued healing and preaching have stirred up a powerful opposition from the religious elite. The high priest, likely a Sadducee, along with his allies from that sect, feel threatened by the apostles' message, particularly their emphasis on the resurrection, which directly contradicts Sadducean beliefs. This jealousy and indignation lead them to organize and take action against the apostles.
The apostles' continued healing and preaching have stirred up a powerful opposition from the religious elite. The high priest, likely a Sadducee, along with his allies from that sect, feel threatened by the apostles' message, particularly their emphasis on the resurrection, which directly contradicts Sadducean beliefs. This jealousy and indignation lead them to organize and take action against the apostles.
"But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy" — The text highlights that the opposition wasn't just general religious anger; it was specifically the Sadducees, whose core belief system was directly challenged by the apostles' message of resurrecti…
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Last reviewed October 2026