Acts 5:21

And when they heard [that], they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

And {G1161} when they heard {G191} that, they entered {G1525} into {G1519} the temple {G2411} early in the morning {G5259}{G3722}, and {G2532} taught {G1321}. But {G1161} the high priest {G749} came {G3854}, and {G2532} they that were with {G4862} him {G846}, and called {G4779} the council {G4892} together {G4779}, and {G2532} all {G3956} the senate {G1087} of the children {G5207} of Israel {G2474}, and {G2532} sent {G649} to {G1519} the prison {G1201} to have {G71} them {G846} brought {G71}.

After hearing that, they entered the Temple area about dawn and began to teach.

Now the cohen hagadol and his associates came and called a meeting of the Sanhedrin (that is, of Isra’el’s whole assembly of elders) and sent to the jail to have them brought.

At daybreak the apostles entered the temple courts as they had been told and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles.

And when they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison-house to have them brought.

Context of Acts 5:21

Acts 5:21 is a pivotal moment in the early church's history, immediately following the miraculous release of the apostles from prison by an angel of the Lord. The angel had instructed them to "Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life" (Acts 5:20). This verse highlights the apostles' immediate and bold obedience to that divine command, despite having been arrested by the very authorities they were now defying. The "high priest" and "council" (the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and administrative body) represent the established religious and political power structure in Jerusalem, determined to suppress the burgeoning Christian movement.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Mandate and Obedience: The apostles' actions exemplify unwavering obedience to God's command over human authority. Their prompt return to the temple demonstrates a profound trust in God's protection and the conviction that their message was divinely ordained. This theme of obeying God rather than men becomes a cornerstone of their ministry.
  • Boldness in Proclamation: Despite recent imprisonment and the clear opposition of the Jewish leadership, the apostles continued to teach openly and publicly. This boldness is a hallmark of the early believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel without fear.
  • Persistence of the Gospel: No amount of human opposition, including arrest and threats, could stop the spread of the "words of this life." The narrative underscores the unstoppable nature of God's plan and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
  • Confrontation with Authority: This verse sets the stage for a direct confrontation between the divinely empowered apostles and the entrenched religious establishment. It highlights the tension between new spiritual truth and traditional human systems.

Linguistic Insights

The term "council" (Greek: synedrion) and "senate of the children of Israel" both refer to the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court, comprised of chief priests, elders, and scribes. The KJV's use of "senate" emphasizes the formal, authoritative nature of this body. The phrase "early in the morning" (Greek: orthros bathys) suggests the very first light of dawn, indicating their immediate and earnest commitment to fulfilling the angel's instruction.

Practical Application

Acts 5:21 challenges believers today to consider their own levels of obedience and boldness in sharing their faith. Are we willing to prioritize God's commands even when it means facing opposition or discomfort? The apostles' example encourages us to:

  • Trust in Divine Guidance: When God gives a clear direction, even if it seems risky, we are called to obey.
  • Be Unwavering in Witness: Our commitment to sharing the truth of the Gospel should not be deterred by fear of human disapproval or consequences.
  • Recognize God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, God's purposes will prevail, and no human power can thwart His will for His church.

This verse reminds us that true faith is active and resilient, driven by a conviction that God is greater than any earthly authority.

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.

  • John 8:2

    And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

  • Acts 5:41

    And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

  • Acts 22:15

    For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

  • Luke 21:37

    And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called [the mount] of Olives.

  • Luke 21:38

    And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.

  • Acts 5:27

    And when they had brought them, they set [them] before the council: and the high priest asked them,

  • Psalms 105:22

    To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.
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