Acts 5:17

KJV

¶ 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} the high priest {G749} rose up {G450}, and {G2532} all they {G3956} that were with {G4862} him {G846},(which {G3588} is {G5607} the sect {G139} of the Sadducees {G4523},) and were filled {G4130} with indignation {G2205},

Complete Jewish Bible

But the cohen hagadol and his associates, who were members of the party of the Tz’dukim, were filled with jealousy.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the high priest and all his associates, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They went out

American Standard Version

But the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 5:17 marks a pivotal moment where the escalating success of the early Christian movement in Jerusalem directly provokes a forceful, institutional response from the established Jewish religious authorities. Following a period of significant growth and miraculous works by the apostles, the high priest, alongside the influential Sadducean sect, rises up in a state of profound indignation, signaling an intensified phase of opposition and persecution against the nascent church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a vibrant description of the apostles' ministry in the temple courts, specifically Solomon's Porch, where they performed "many signs and wonders among the people" ([Acts 5:12](/acts/5-12 "Acts 5:12 - Apostles' Miracles and Unity")). Their powerful ministry led to a remarkable increase in believers, with "multitudes of both men and women" being added to the Lord ([Acts 5:14](/acts/5-14 "Acts 5:14 - Believers Added to the Lord")). The sick were even brought out into the streets, hoping that Peter's shadow might fall on them and heal them, and indeed, "they were healed every one" ([Acts 5:15-16](/acts/5-15-16 "Acts 5:15-16 - Healing Miracles")). This widespread public affirmation and the undeniable display of divine power directly precede the high priest's indignant reaction, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "high priest" at this time was likely Caiaphas, who had previously presided over the trial of Jesus ([John 18:24](/john/18-24 "John 18:24 - Caiaphas Interrogates Jesus")) and had also been involved in the earlier arrest and questioning of Peter and John after the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate ([Acts 4:6](/acts/4-6 "Acts 4:6 - Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin")). The crucial detail in this verse is the identification of their primary allies as "the sect of the Sadducees." The Sadducees were a powerful, aristocratic Jewish sect, largely composed of the priestly class and wealthy elite, who held significant political and religious influence, often collaborating with the Roman authorities to maintain their status quo. Unlike the Pharisees, they adhered strictly to the written Torah and rejected the oral tradition, and, most significantly for this narrative, they did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, angels, or spirits ([Acts 23:8](/acts/23-8 "Acts 23:8 - Sadducees Deny Resurrection")). Their vested interests in the temple system and their theological opposition to the resurrection of the dead made them particularly hostile to the apostles' message.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several significant themes. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Religious Opposition**, demonstrating the deep-seated antagonism of the established religious elite towards the burgeoning Christian movement. Their "indignation" was not merely theological disagreement but a strong, hostile reaction rooted in fear and resentment. Secondly, it underscores the **Threat to Authority** perceived by the Sadducees, who saw the apostles' growing popularity and their claims of Jesus' resurrection as a direct challenge to their spiritual, political, and economic authority. The people were being drawn away from their leadership and influence, threatening their power base. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **The Centrality of the Resurrection** in the apostolic proclamation; the apostles' consistent witness to Jesus' resurrection directly contradicted a core Sadducean doctrine, fueling their anger and desire to silence the apostles. Finally, the phrase "filled with indignation" carries strong connotations of **Jealousy and Envy**, suggesting that the apostles' success and the undeniable spiritual power they demonstrated provoked a profound sense of rivalry among those who felt their own status and prestige were being diminished by the new movement. This emotional response is a recurring motif in the face of God's work, as seen in other instances of opposition to God's chosen ones throughout biblical history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **High Priest (Greek, _archiereús'_):** From *archē* (rule) and *hiereús* (priest), this term refers to the chief religious official in Judaism, holding the highest position in the Sanhedrin and responsible for the temple cult. In Acts 5:17, the high priest's "rising up" signifies an active, authoritative, and official move to confront the apostles, indicating that the opposition is not merely popular but institutional and sanctioned by the highest religious office.
* **Sect (Greek, _haíresis'_):** Derived from *haireomai* (to choose), this word properly denotes a choice, and by extension, a distinct party, school of thought, or faction. Here, it specifically identifies the Sadducees as a particular religious and political group within Judaism, highlighting their distinct theological and ideological leanings that set them apart from other groups like the Pharisees. The term underscores the partisan nature of the opposition.
* **Indignation (Greek, _zēlos'_)::** From *zeō* (to boil), this word literally means "heat" and figuratively signifies "zeal." While *zēlos* can denote positive ardor or fervent passion (e.g., zeal for God), in this context, it carries a negative connotation of jealousy, envy, or hostile rivalry. The Sadducees were "filled" with this emotion, indicating an overwhelming, consuming anger that was rooted not just in theological disagreement but in a resentful competitive spirit, seeing the apostles' influence as a direct threat to their own power and prestige.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the high priest rose up":** This clause indicates an active, decisive, and authoritative initiation of action. The high priest, as the head of the Sanhedrin, is taking the lead in confronting the apostles, signifying an official and institutional response to the burgeoning Christian movement. His "rising up" suggests a posture of authority and readiness for confrontation.
* **"and all they that were with him":** This phrase emphasizes the collective nature of the opposition. It indicates that the high priest was not acting alone but had the full support and participation of his immediate associates, likely members of the priestly aristocracy who shared his theological and political leanings. This highlights the unified front of the established religious power structure against the apostles.
* **"(which is the sect of the Sadducees,)":** This parenthetical clarification is crucial, identifying the specific faction driving the opposition. It informs the reader about the theological and political motivations behind their actions, particularly their rejection of the resurrection, which was central to the apostles' message. This detail frames the conflict as a clash of fundamental beliefs and power dynamics.
* **"and were filled with indignation,":** This final clause describes the overwhelming emotional state of the high priest and his Sadducean allies. The phrase "filled with" denotes a complete saturation, indicating that their anger, jealousy, and hostile zeal were not superficial but deeply ingrained and consuming. This intense emotion serves as the primary driver for their subsequent actions against the apostles.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices in this verse to heighten the dramatic tension and illuminate the spiritual conflict. The phrase "the high priest rose up" uses **Metonymy**, where the individual stands for the entire institution he represents, signifying that the official Jewish religious establishment is now mobilizing against the apostles. The description of them being "filled with indignation" is a vivid **Metaphor** for their overwhelming and consuming anger, jealousy, and hostility, portraying their emotional state as a vessel completely inundated. There is also a strong sense of **Antithesis** at play: the divine power manifested through the apostles' healing and growth (described in the preceding verses) is directly contrasted with the human, institutional opposition driven by envy and a desire for control. This sets up a dramatic conflict between God's advancing kingdom and the resistance of earthly powers, foreshadowing the continued persecution the early church would face.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 5:17 profoundly illustrates the inherent conflict between the advancing Kingdom of God and the established human systems that resist divine truth and power. The indignation of the Sadducees stems from a combination of theological disagreement (their denial of the resurrection) and a perceived threat to their authority and status. This resistance to God's work, often rooted in pride, fear, and self-interest, is a recurring theme throughout biblical history, from the prophets of the Old Testament to Jesus Himself. The early church's experience here serves as a template for believers facing opposition for their faith, demonstrating that spiritual growth and divine blessing can often provoke intense human hostility. It underscores that the Gospel, by its very nature, challenges existing power structures and false doctrines, leading to inevitable confrontation.

* [John 15:18](/john/15-18 "John 15:18 - The World Hates Believers")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")
* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Hated for Christ's Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 5:17 serves as a powerful reminder that following Christ and proclaiming His truth often invites opposition, particularly from those whose established beliefs, power, or traditions are challenged by the Gospel. The indignation of the Sadducees was not merely intellectual disagreement but a visceral, emotional response rooted in fear of losing control and resentment of God's manifest power through the apostles. For contemporary believers, this verse encourages us to anticipate and understand that resistance to the Gospel is not new; it is a consistent pattern in redemptive history. It calls us to examine our own hearts: are we ever indignant when God works in ways that challenge our comfort zones, traditions, or perceived authority? It also strengthens our resolve to persevere, knowing that God's purposes will prevail despite human opposition. We are reminded that true spiritual authority comes from God, not from human institutions or positions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the success of God's work today provoke "indignation" or resistance from unexpected sources?**
* **How can we discern whether our own "zeal" is for God's glory or for maintaining personal control and status?**
* **What core truths of the Gospel, like the resurrection, might still be controversial or challenging to established worldviews today?**
* **How does the apostles' response to this opposition (as seen in subsequent verses) inform our approach to persecution or criticism?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary reason for the Sadducees' indignation towards the apostles?**

Answer: The Sadducees' indignation stemmed from a combination of factors. The most significant theological reason was their rejection of the resurrection of the dead, a core doctrine that the apostles were boldly proclaiming as fulfilled in Jesus Christ ([Acts 4:2](/acts/4-2 "Acts 4:2 - Preaching the Resurrection")). This directly contradicted a fundamental Sadducean belief. Additionally, the apostles' growing popularity and miraculous works were drawing large crowds away from the temple authorities, threatening the Sadducees' political and religious influence, their control over the people, and their privileged relationship with the Roman authorities. Their indignation was thus a mix of theological opposition, jealousy over lost prestige, and fear of social unrest that might jeopardize their position.

**How did the Sadducees differ from the Pharisees, and why is this distinction important in Acts 5:17?**

Answer: The Sadducees and Pharisees were two prominent Jewish sects with significant differences. The Sadducees were primarily the aristocratic, priestly class who held political power and adhered strictly to the written Torah, rejecting oral traditions. Crucially, they did not believe in the resurrection, angels, or spirits ([Acts 23:8](/acts/23-8 "Acts 23:8 - Sadducees Deny Resurrection")). The Pharisees, on the other hand, were more popular among the common people, accepted oral tradition, and believed in the resurrection, angels, and a more robust afterlife. This distinction is vital in Acts 5:17 because the Sadducees' specific theological opposition to the resurrection directly fueled their intense indignation against the apostles, who centered their message on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Their actions were not just general religious opposition but a targeted response to a doctrinal challenge.

**What happened immediately after this event described in Acts 5:17?**

Answer: Immediately following their indignation, the high priest and the Sadducees took action. Acts 5:18 states that "they laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison." However, their efforts to suppress the movement were thwarted by divine intervention. An angel of the Lord miraculously opened the prison doors during the night and commanded the apostles to return to the temple and continue preaching the "words of this life" ([Acts 5:19-20](/acts/5-19-20 "Acts 5:19-20 - Angel Frees Apostles")). This miraculous release further demonstrated God's endorsement of the apostles' ministry and His sovereignty over human authority, leading to another confrontation before the Sanhedrin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 5:17, with its depiction of the high priest and Sadducees rising up in indignation against the apostles, powerfully foreshadows and participates in the ongoing conflict between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, a conflict supremely embodied in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Just as the religious elite were filled with envy and hostility towards the apostles, so too were their predecessors filled with animosity towards Jesus, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. The Sadducees' rejection of the resurrection directly parallels their rejection of the resurrected Christ, the very truth the apostles proclaimed. This verse reminds us that the world's opposition to Christ's followers is not merely personal but a continuation of its opposition to Christ Himself, as Jesus warned, "If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you" ([John 15:20](/john/15-20 "John 15:20 - The World Hates Believers")). Yet, in this very opposition, Christ's victory is affirmed. The indignation of human authorities, though seemingly powerful, ultimately serves God's sovereign plan, propelling the Gospel further, just as Christ's death and resurrection, though orchestrated by human malice, brought about the greatest triumph for humanity and the establishment of His eternal Kingdom ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). The apostles' suffering, mirroring Christ's, becomes a testament to His enduring power and the unstoppable advance of His truth.

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 13:45

But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

Acts 7:9

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

Acts 17:5

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

1 Peter 2:1

¶ Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

John 11:47

Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

John 11:49

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

Job 5:2

For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.