And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The high priest, in his questioning, isn't just seeking information; he's trying to establish guilt and control by reminding the apostles of their disobedience to the council's command. He also betrays a deep anxiety, not about doctrine, but about the public perception of their own complicity in Jesus' death, revealing how much their reputation matters more than truth.
And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them,
English Standard Version (ESV)
After being apprehended, the apostles are brought before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish council, who had previously commanded them to stop preaching about Jesus. The high priest, acting as the council's spokesperson, immediately questions them, laying out the accusation that they have defied the council's explicit orders and are now filling Jerusalem with their teachings. This sets the stage for a tense confrontation where the apostles will have to defend their obedience to God over human authority.
Imagine standing before the highest court in the land, accused of defying their authority. How do you prepare for such a moment?
The apostles, having been arrested, are brought before the Sanhedrin, the supreme religious council. This isn't their first encounter; just days before, they were questioned and threatened by the same group. Yet, here they stand again, not cowering, but ready.
A Public Stand
Their willingness to be brought before the council, and to stand there, shows a profound trust in God's plan, even in the face of danger.
Why did the high priest immediately start questioning the apostles? Was it a genuine search for truth, or something else?
The high priest steps forward to question the apostles. While it appears to be a standard judicial procedure, the underlying motive is far more complex. He's not just seeking information; he's confronting the undeniable impact of the apostles' ministry.
The Accusation Beneath the Question
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This questioning isn't about justice; it's about self-preservation and a desperate attempt to silence a message that exposes their own guilt and challenges their authority.
Understand the original words
synedrion · Greek Noun
The high governing body of the Jewish people in Jerusalem, composed of chief priests, elders, and scribes, holding both religious and some civil authority.
archiereus · Greek Noun
The chief religious leader of the Jewish nation, serving as the president of the Sanhedrin and the only one permitted to enter the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement.
c. AD 30
Jesus Crucified and Resurrected
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified in Jerusalem, but his followers believe he was resurrected three days later, a pivotal event that launched the early Christian movement.
c. AD 30-33
Pentecost and Early Church Growth
The Holy Spirit empowers the apostles, leading to thousands of conversions in Jerusalem. The apostles begin performing miracles and preaching boldly.
c. AD 33-35
Apostles Arrested and Freed
The apostles Peter and John are arrested by the Sanhedrin for preaching Jesus' resurrection but are miraculously freed from prison by an angel.
c. AD 35— this verse
Second Arrest of the Apostles
The apostles are arrested again by temple guards for continuing to preach and heal, and are brought before the Sanhedrin.
c. AD 35
Gamaliel's Counsel
During the trial, the respected Pharisee Gamaliel advises the council to let the apostles go, warning them not to fight against God.
c. AD 35
Apostles Beaten and Released
The council, though swayed by Gamaliel, has the apostles beaten before releasing them, forbidding them to speak in Jesus' name.
Jesus told His disciples that whoever rejects them rejects Him, a principle the High Priest is likely invoking when confronting the apostles for defying the council's commands.
Matthew 10:17This verse directly parallels Jesus' warning to His disciples that they would be 'dragged before kings and governors' and brought 'before councils,' just as the apostles are in Acts 5:27.
Acts 4:7The High Priest also questioned Peter and John in Acts 4:7, setting up a clear pattern of the religious authorities trying to silence the apostles' message.
John 18:22The high priest's questioning here echoes the treatment of Jesus Himself, who was also brought before the high priest and questioned, highlighting the continuity of opposition.
Acts 5:28The High Priest's immediate accusation, 'Did we not strictly charge you not to teach in this name?' shows the direct challenge and the specific offense the council perceived, setting the stage for the apostles' bold response.
bengelActs 5:27: "And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,"
Acts 5:27 . Ἐπηρώτησεν , asked ) expostulating with them.
henryActs 5:26-33: "Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned."
5:26-33 Many will do an evil thing with daring, yet cannot bear to hear of it afterward, or to have it charged upon them. We cannot expect to be redeemed and healed by Christ, unless we give up ourselves to be ruled by him. Faith takes the Saviour in all his offices, who came, not to save us in our sins, but to save us from our sins. Had Chri…
The high priest, in his questioning, isn't just seeking information; he's trying to establish guilt and control by reminding the apostles of their disobedience to the council's command. He also betrays a deep anxiety, not about doctrine, but about the public perception of their own complicity in Jesus' death, revealing how much their reputation matters more than truth.
After being apprehended, the apostles are brought before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish council, who had previously commanded them to stop preaching about Jesus. The high priest, acting as the council's spokesperson, immediately questions them, laying out the accusation that they have defied the council's explicit orders and are now filling Jerusalem with their teachings. This sets the stage for a tense confrontation where the apostles will have to defend their obedience to God over human authority.
After being apprehended, the apostles are brought before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish council, who had previously commanded them to stop preaching about Jesus. The high priest, acting as the council's spokesperson, immediately questions them, laying out the accusation that they have defied the council's explicit orders and are now filling Jerusalem with their teachings. This sets the stage for a tense confrontation where the apostles will have to defend their obedience to God over human authority.
"And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them," — The high priest, in his questioning, isn't just seeking information; he's trying to establish guilt and control by reminding the apostles of their disobedience to the council's command. He also betra…
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Last reviewed October 2026