Acts 4:6

And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

And {G2532} Annas {G452} the high priest {G749}, and {G2532} Caiaphas {G2533}, and {G2532} John {G2491}, and {G2532} Alexander {G223}, and {G2532} as many as {G3745} were {G2258} of {G1537} the kindred {G1085} of the high priest {G748}, were gathered together {G4863} at {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}.

along with ‘Anan the cohen hagadol, Kayafa, Yochanan, Alexander and the other men from the family of the cohen hagadol.

along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and many others from the high priest’s family.

and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest.

Context of Acts 4:6

Acts 4:6 introduces the powerful figures who comprised the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and religious council, before whom the apostles Peter and John were brought for questioning. This gathering occurred immediately after Peter and John had miraculously healed a man lame from birth at the Temple gate and subsequently preached the gospel of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His resurrection (Acts 3:15-16). The Jewish authorities, particularly the Sadducees, were greatly disturbed by the apostles' teaching, especially the doctrine of the resurrection from the dead, which challenged their theological beliefs and their established control over the people.

Key Figures and Their Significance

  • Annas the high priest: Although no longer officially the high priest, Annas held immense influence and power, having served in the position from A.D. 6-15. He was still recognized by many as the legitimate high priest and was the patriarch of a prominent priestly family. His wealth and connections made him a formidable figure.
  • Caiaphas: Annas's son-in-law, Caiaphas was the current high priest (A.D. 18-36), appointed by the Roman prefect Valerius Gratus. He had also presided over the trial of Jesus (John 18:13-14). The mention of both Annas and Caiaphas underscores the deep-rooted familial and political power structure of the priestly aristocracy.
  • John and Alexander: These were likely other prominent members of the high priestly families or leading Sadducees. Their inclusion highlights the broad representation of the Jewish elite present at this critical interrogation.
  • "as many as were of the kindred of the high priest": This phrase emphasizes that the assembly was dominated by members of the aristocratic priestly families, who were often Sadducees. They had a vested interest in maintaining the status quo and preventing any movement that might destabilize their authority or attract unwanted Roman attention.

Key Themes and Messages

This verse sets the stage for a significant confrontation between the burgeoning Christian movement and the established religious authority in Jerusalem. Several key themes emerge:

  • Opposition to the Gospel: The gathering of these powerful figures demonstrates the immediate and strong opposition the early church faced from those in power. The message of Jesus' resurrection was seen as a threat to their religious and political control.
  • Clash of Authorities: It highlights a direct conflict between the divine authority manifested through the apostles' miraculous healing and bold preaching, and the earthly, institutional authority of the Sanhedrin.
  • Fear of Change: The leaders' actions stemmed from a fear that the apostles' activities and growing influence would lead to unrest, challenging their position and potentially provoking the Roman authorities.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "kindred of the high priest" (Greek: tou archiereōs to genos) specifically refers to the lineage or family of the high priest, indicating a closed, hereditary class that held significant power and privilege. This wasn't merely a general assembly but a specific convocation of the most influential and aristocratic families associated with the Temple and its administration.

Practical Application

Acts 4:6 reminds us that the proclamation of the gospel often encounters resistance, particularly from those whose power or worldview is challenged by its truth. Just as Peter and John faced scrutiny from formidable religious leaders, believers today may encounter opposition when sharing their faith. This verse encourages us to understand the nature of such opposition and to rely on divine strength, as the apostles later demonstrated remarkable boldness in the face of their interrogators.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 3:2

    Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

  • Matthew 26:3

    Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,

  • John 18:24

    Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

  • John 11:49

    And one of them, [named] Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,

  • John 18:13

    ¶ And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

  • John 18:14

    Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

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