Page 30 - Acts Student Textbook

Who comprised this team of rulers and elders?

Verse 5 says "their rulers and elders and scribes". This is the Sanhedrin (i.e., the Council, 5:21, from
the Jerusalem area; the Council of the elders, 22:5) was made up of seventy Jewish leaders. It was
the highest political/religious body (which Rome allowed) within Judaism of Jesus' day. The concept
was begun (i.e., Jewish tradition) by Ezra and the "men of the Great Synagogue." It is usually
identified in the NT by the phrase, "the scribes, elders and high priests" (cf. Luke 23:13; Acts 3:17;
4:5, 8; 13:27).

The former high priest was "Annas" (4:6). Here Uttly helps us with background, “His name in Greek is
Hannas; Josephus calls him Hannanos (Jonathan). In the OT the high priesthood was for life and
stayed in the lineage of Aaron. However, the Romans had turned this office into a political plumb,
purchased by a Levitical family. According to Flavius Josephus, Annas was the High Priest from A.D. 6-
14. He was appointed by Quirinius, governor of Syria and removed by Valerius Gratus. His relatives (5
sons and 1 grandson) succeeded him. Caiaphas (A.D. 18-36), his son-in-law (cf. John 18:13), was his
immediate successor. Annas was the real power behind the office. John depicts him as the first
person to whom Jesus is taken (cf. 18:13, 19-22). "Caiaphas” was appointed high priest by Valerius
20
Gratus, procurator of Judea (cf. MS D, ‘Iōnathas, cf. NEB, NJB) from A.D. 18-36.”
The Sanhedrin Express Their Jealousy as Usual

They said, "By what power, or in what name" (4:7). They insinuated that the healing was done by
magical power (cf. 19:13). They tried this same trick on Jesus (cf. Luke 11:14-26; Mark 3:20-30). They
could not deny the miracles so they attempted to impugn the method or source of the power.

Let’s attend a Third Preaching Service!

We will try to break it into important phrases so we can appreciate the richness of theses inspired
writings.

Luke’s Analysis

4:8 "filled with the Holy Spirit" The Spirit was the source of wisdom and boldness for the Apostles (cf.
Luke 12:11-12; 21:12-15). Remember this was the same man who only a few days earlier had denied
the Lord out of fear (cf. 4:13). Notice that Peter was "filled" (cf. 2:4; 4:8, 31). This shows that it was a
repeatable experience (cf. Eph. 5:18).

Peter begins with a conditional Sentence

Peter said "if we are on trial today" This Greek term literally means "examined by a court" (cf. 12:19;
24:8; 28:18; Luke 23:14). It was used of the Berean Jews examining the Scriptures to see if Paul was
accurately interpreting them (cf. 17:11). Peter added, "for a benefit done to a sick man who has been
made well". Peter is asserting the inappropriateness of this official trial with such a hostile
environment concerning a wonderful miracle of healing and mercy. They should be praising God
instead!

20 Uttly, (Acts 4:6).
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