Acts 4:15 - But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

Generated Verse: Acts 4:15

What does "Acts 4:15" mean?


Acts 4:15 describes a moment of strategic consultation among the Jewish leaders after Peter and John had been brought before them for questioning about the healing of the lame man. Let's break down the meaning:

"But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council..." This indicates that the Jewish leaders (the Sanhedrin) ordered Peter and John to leave the room where the council was meeting. This was a common practice when the council wanted to deliberate privately without the presence of the accused.

"...they conferred among themselves..." This means that the members of the Sanhedrin began to discuss and debate the situation in private. They were exchanging ideas, weighing options, and trying to determine how to respond to the apostles' boldness and the undeniable miracle that had occurred.

In essence, the verse highlights:

Privacy and Deliberation: The leaders needed to talk freely and openly without the pressure of the apostles being present.
Decision-Making: They were trying to figure out how to handle a challenging situation that threatened their authority and challenged the established religious order.
Strategic Planning: They were attempting to formulate a plan of action regarding Peter and John, their preaching, and the growing popularity they were gaining among the people.

The verse sets the stage for the next verses, where we learn what the council decided to do. It shows that they recognized the significance of the events and the need to respond, even if they were unsure of the best course of action.