Acts 4:5

KJV

¶ And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096} on {G1909} the morrow {G839}, that their {G846} rulers {G758}, and {G2532} elders {G4245}, and {G2532} scribes {G1122},

Complete Jewish Bible

The next day, the people’s rulers, elders and Torah-teachers assembled in Yerushalayim,

Berean Standard Bible

The next day the rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem,

American Standard Version

And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:5 sets the stage for a critical confrontation between the burgeoning Christian movement and the established Jewish religious authorities in Jerusalem. Following the miraculous healing of a lame man and Peter's bold proclamation of Jesus' resurrection, the verse details the swift and deliberate assembly of the Sanhedrin – the supreme Jewish council – to interrogate Peter and John, highlighting the immediate and institutional opposition the early church faced.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a series of significant events in the nascent church. Peter and John had just performed a highly public and undeniable miracle: the healing of a man lame from birth at the Temple's Beautiful Gate, a man known to all ([Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "The Healing of the Lame Man at the Beautiful Gate")). This miracle served as a powerful sign, prompting Peter to deliver a compelling sermon in Solomon's Portico, calling the people to repentance and faith in Jesus as the Messiah whom God had raised from the dead ([Acts 3:11-26](/acts/3-11-26 "Peter's Second Sermon and Call to Repentance")). The message of resurrection, particularly through Jesus, deeply disturbed the Sadducees, who did not believe in a resurrection ([Acts 4:1-2](/acts/4-1-2 "The Arrest of Peter and John")). Consequently, Peter and John were arrested by the temple guard and priests. Acts 4:4 notes that despite the arrest, the number of believers swelled to about five thousand men, underscoring the unstoppable momentum of the Gospel. Verse 5 then describes the formal convocation of the highest Jewish court to address this perceived threat, setting the scene for the apostles' defense.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem shortly after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The "rulers, and elders, and scribes" collectively represent the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and legislative body. This council, comprising 70 or 71 members, held significant religious and civil authority under Roman occupation, especially concerning internal Jewish affairs. It was the same body that had condemned Jesus to death. The Sadducees, primarily from the priestly aristocracy, controlled the Temple and were deeply disturbed by the apostles' teaching on the resurrection, as it contradicted their theological stance. The Pharisees, often represented among the scribes, believed in the resurrection but were often at odds with the Sadducees and suspicious of new movements. The assembly "on the morrow" indicates the urgency and seriousness with which the Sanhedrin viewed the apostles' actions and teachings, suggesting a deliberate and formal legal proceeding to address what they considered a disruption of religious order and a challenge to their authority.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 4:5 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **confrontation between divine authority and human authority**. The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, preach a message that directly challenges the established religious and political power structures. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **persecution and opposition** faced by those who proclaim the Gospel. Just as Jesus Himself was opposed and ultimately condemned by this very council ([Luke 22:66-71](/luke/22-66-71 "Jesus Before the Sanhedrin")), His followers now experience similar resistance, demonstrating a continuity of conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. Thirdly, the verse subtly emphasizes the **centrality of the resurrection** in the early Christian message, as it was the teaching of resurrection through Jesus that primarily provoked the Sadducees' ire ([Acts 4:2](/acts/4-2 "The Sadducees' Opposition to the Resurrection")). This confrontation forces the apostles to articulate their faith boldly before the highest religious court, setting a precedent for future defenses of the Gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rulers (Greek, _árchōn'_):** This term refers to a "first (in rank or power)," signifying a chief ruler, magistrate, or prince. In the context of the Sanhedrin, these were typically the high priestly families and other leading figures, often Sadducees, who held significant political and religious sway. Their presence indicates the highest level of authority being brought to bear.
* **elders (Greek, _presbýteros'_):** Literally meaning "older" or "senior," this term denotes respected heads of families or communities, representing the lay aristocracy within the Jewish society. These were often influential members of the community, not necessarily priests, but men of standing and experience who formed a significant part of the Sanhedrin's composition.
* **scribes (Greek, _grammateús'_):** Derived from the word for "a letter" or "a writing," a scribe was professionally a writer, secretary, or, most significantly in this context, an expert in the Mosaic Law. Scribes were responsible for interpreting and applying Jewish law, often associated with the Pharisees. Their inclusion signifies the involvement of legal and theological experts in the proceedings against Peter and John.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass on the morrow,"**: This introductory phrase, common in biblical narrative, signals a new development following the preceding events. "On the morrow" emphasizes the immediate and urgent nature of the authorities' response to Peter and John's activities, indicating that the matter was deemed serious enough to warrant a swift formal hearing the very next day after their arrest.
* **"that their rulers,"**: This refers to the leading members of the Jewish council, specifically those holding positions of highest authority, often from the priestly class. Their presence signifies the official and authoritative nature of the assembly.
* **"and elders,"**: These were the respected community leaders and heads of prominent families, representing the non-priestly, but still influential, segment of the Sanhedrin. Their inclusion demonstrates the broad representation of Jewish leadership involved in the proceedings.
* **"and scribes,"**: These were the legal experts and interpreters of the Mosaic Law, often associated with the Pharisaic party. Their presence indicates that the apostles' actions and teachings would be scrutinized not only for their political implications but also for their adherence to or deviation from established Jewish law and tradition.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 4:5 effectively employs several literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident as the convocation of the Sanhedrin signals the beginning of sustained institutional opposition against the early church, mirroring the persecution Jesus Himself endured. This creates a sense of impending conflict that will characterize the spread of the Gospel. Furthermore, the phrase "rulers, and elders, and scribes" functions as a **merism** (a specific type of **synecdoche**), where distinct parts are listed to represent the whole – in this case, the entire Sanhedrin. This emphasizes the comprehensive and unified nature of the authority arrayed against the apostles. The immediate "on the morrow" also creates a sense of **narrative urgency**, highlighting the perceived threat posed by the apostles' message and the authorities' swift, decisive reaction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 4:5 underscores the profound theological truth that the proclamation of God's truth often elicits strong opposition from human systems and powers. The assembly of the Sanhedrin, the very body that condemned Jesus, signifies a continuity of resistance against God's redemptive plan. Yet, this opposition inadvertently serves God's purposes, providing a platform for His servants to boldly declare the Gospel, demonstrating that divine authority ultimately transcends human decrees. It highlights the clash between the kingdom of God, advancing through the Spirit-empowered witness of believers, and the earthly kingdoms that seek to maintain control through tradition and power.

* [Matthew 10:18](/matthew/10-18 "Jesus Foretells Disciples Before Rulers")
* [John 15:20](/john/15-20 "Jesus Warns of Persecution for His Name's Sake")
* [Luke 22:66](/luke/22-66 "Jesus' Trial Before the Sanhedrin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 4:5 serves as a powerful reminder that following Christ and proclaiming His truth may lead to confrontation with established authorities, whether religious, political, or societal. The apostles were not deterred by the formidable power of the Sanhedrin; instead, their arrest became an opportunity for a greater witness. For believers today, this verse encourages us to anticipate and prepare for moments when our faith and actions might be scrutinized or challenged. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of boldness, trusting that God will provide the necessary wisdom and courage to speak His truth, even when facing intimidation or opposition. Our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, and like the apostles, we are to obey God rather than men ([Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Obeying God Rather Than Men")). This passage strengthens our resolve to stand firm in our convictions, knowing that God is sovereign over all human institutions and can use even adverse circumstances to advance His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond when your Christian convictions are challenged or scrutinized by those in authority?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to exhibit greater boldness in speaking or living out your faith, even if it brings discomfort or opposition?**
* **What lessons can you draw from the apostles' readiness to face the highest human court, and how can you apply these to your own witness?**

### FAQ
**Who were "their rulers, and elders, and scribes" mentioned in Acts 4:5?**

Answer: These three groups collectively refer to the members of the Sanhedrin, which was the supreme Jewish judicial and legislative council in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus and the early church. The "rulers" (Greek: _archontes_) were typically the high priestly families and other leading figures, many of whom were Sadducees, who controlled the Temple and its affairs. The "elders" (Greek: _presbyteroi_) were respected heads of families, prominent laymen, and community leaders. The "scribes" (Greek: _grammateis_) were experts in the Mosaic Law, often associated with the Pharisees, responsible for interpreting and applying Jewish law. Their assembly represented the full weight of Jewish religious and civil authority converging on Peter and John, similar to how they had previously convened to judge Jesus Christ ([Matthew 26:57-59](/matthew/26-57-59 "Jesus Before the Sanhedrin")).

**Why did they assemble "on the morrow" to question Peter and John?**

Answer: The phrase "on the morrow" (Greek: _aurion_) indicates that the Sanhedrin convened the very next day after Peter and John's arrest. This swift action highlights the urgency and perceived severity of the situation from the authorities' perspective. The apostles had not only performed a public miracle but had also preached a sermon boldly proclaiming Jesus' resurrection, a doctrine vehemently opposed by the Sadducees who dominated the Sanhedrin ([Acts 4:1-2](/acts/4-1-2 "The Sadducees' Opposition")). The rapid growth of believers, reaching about five thousand men ([Acts 4:4](/acts/4-4 "Growth of the Early Church")), further intensified their concern. The immediate assembly suggests a deliberate and formal legal process to address what they viewed as a significant challenge to their religious authority and social order, aiming to quickly suppress this new movement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 4:5, detailing the assembly of the Sanhedrin against Peter and John, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. The very council that now convenes to silence the apostles is the same body that condemned Jesus to death, making this confrontation a direct echo and continuation of Christ's own suffering and vindication. Jesus consistently faced the opposition of these religious leaders throughout His ministry, culminating in His trial before them ([Matthew 26:57-68](/matthew/26-57-68 "Jesus' Trial Before the Sanhedrin")). His willingness to endure their false accusations and unjust condemnation, ultimately leading to His crucifixion, paved the way for His resurrection and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The boldness and power with which Peter and John now stand before the Sanhedrin are not their own, but are a direct fulfillment of Jesus' promise that His followers would be given words and wisdom that no adversary could resist ([Luke 21:15](/luke/21-15 "Jesus' Promise of Wisdom in Persecution")). Thus, the apostles' trial is a powerful demonstration of Christ's victory over the powers of this world, as His Spirit empowers His witnesses to continue His mission, even in the face of the same opposition He faced, testifying to the ultimate authority of the resurrected Lord over all earthly rulers and institutions ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "The Great Commission and Christ's Authority")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 4:8

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

Acts 6:12

And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon [him], and caught him, and brought [him] to the council,

Acts 5:34

Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

Mark 15:1

¶ And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried [him] away, and delivered [him] to Pilate.

Isaiah 1:10

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

Luke 23:13

¶ And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,

Micah 2:1

¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.