Acts 5:17 describes the reaction of the high priest and the Sadducees to the growing popularity and power of the apostles. Let's break down the verse:
"But the high priest rose up...": This indicates a formal and deliberate action by the highest religious authority in Jerusalem. He is taking notice of the apostles and their activities.
"...and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees)...": This specifies the group supporting the high priest. The Sadducees were a powerful, aristocratic sect within Judaism. They held significant influence in the temple and Sanhedrin (Jewish ruling council).
"...and they were filled with jealousy...": This reveals the motivation behind their opposition. The Sadducees were envious of the apostles' growing influence and the miraculous signs they were performing. This threatened the Sadducees' authority and status.
Meaning and Context
In the preceding verses of Acts 5, the apostles were performing miracles, healing the sick, and attracting large crowds. This greatly upset the Sadducees for several reasons:
1. Challenge to Authority: The apostles were teaching and acting outside the established religious framework, undermining the Sadducees' authority.
2. Threat to Status: The Sadducees were the religious elite, and the apostles' popularity challenged their position within society.
3. Doctrinal Differences: The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead or angels (see Acts 23:8). The apostles were proclaiming Jesus' resurrection, which directly contradicted Sadducee doctrine.
4. Fear of Roman Repression: The Sadducees were concerned with maintaining peace and order to preserve their power. The growing unrest caused by the apostles could provoke Roman intervention, which they feared.
Therefore, the verse highlights the conflict between the emerging Christian movement and the established religious authorities in Jerusalem, fueled by jealousy, fear, and doctrinal disagreements. It sets the stage for the persecution of the apostles and the subsequent spread of the gospel.
Acts 5:17 describes the reaction of the high priest and the Sadducees to the growing popularity and power of the apostles. Let's break down the verse:
"But the high priest rose up...": This indicates a formal and deliberate action by the highest religious authority in Jerusalem. He is taking notice of the apostles and their activities.
"...and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees)...": This specifies the group supporting the high priest. The Sadducees were a powerful, aristocratic sect within Judaism. They held significant influence in the temple and Sanhedrin (Jewish ruling council).
"...and they were filled with jealousy...": This reveals the motivation behind their opposition. The Sadducees were envious of the apostles' growing influence and the miraculous signs they were performing. This threatened the Sadducees' authority and status.
Meaning and Context
In the preceding verses of Acts 5, the apostles were performing miracles, healing the sick, and attracting large crowds. This greatly upset the Sadducees for several reasons:
1. Challenge to Authority: The apostles were teaching and acting outside the established religious framework, undermining the Sadducees' authority.
2. Threat to Status: The Sadducees were the religious elite, and the apostles' popularity challenged their position within society.
3. Doctrinal Differences: The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead or angels (see Acts 23:8). The apostles were proclaiming Jesus' resurrection, which directly contradicted Sadducee doctrine.
4. Fear of Roman Repression: The Sadducees were concerned with maintaining peace and order to preserve their power. The growing unrest caused by the apostles could provoke Roman intervention, which they feared.
Therefore, the verse highlights the conflict between the emerging Christian movement and the established religious authorities in Jerusalem, fueled by jealousy, fear, and doctrinal disagreements. It sets the stage for the persecution of the apostles and the subsequent spread of the gospel.