Acts 4:5 - In the morning, their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem.

Generated Verse: Acts 4:5

What does "Acts 4:5" mean?


Acts 4:5, "In the morning, their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem," sets the scene for the interrogation of Peter and John after they healed a lame man in the name of Jesus at the temple gate called Beautiful. Let's break down what this verse means:

"In the morning...": This indicates the immediacy and urgency with which the Jewish authorities acted. They didn't delay; they convened first thing in the morning to deal with the situation.

"their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together...": This phrase identifies the specific groups of Jewish leaders who formed the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish council. Each group had a distinct role:

Rulers: These were likely members of the aristocratic class, often from priestly families (like the Sadducees). They held positions of authority and influence within the Jewish community.
Elders: These were respected older men known for their wisdom and experience. They represented the lay aristocracy and were often heads of prominent families.
Scribes: These were experts in Jewish law and tradition. They interpreted the scriptures, copied documents, and served as legal advisors.

"...in Jerusalem.": This specifies the location of the meeting, emphasizing the center of Jewish religious and political power. Jerusalem was the seat of the Sanhedrin and the location of the temple.

In summary, this verse describes a formal assembly of the most powerful Jewish leaders, convened in Jerusalem, to address a matter they considered important enough to deal with urgently. This sets the stage for the confrontation between the Sanhedrin and the apostles, highlighting the tension between the established religious authority and the growing Christian movement. It suggests that the healing of the lame man, and the subsequent preaching about Jesus, was perceived as a threat to their authority and control.

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