This verse from Acts 5:26 describes a situation where the captain of the temple guard is tasked with re-arresting the apostles. They had been imprisoned previously but were miraculously freed. The Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, is furious and wants them brought back for questioning.

Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:

"Then the captain went with the officers...": This indicates the captain of the temple guard is leading his subordinates. The temple guard was responsible for maintaining order in the temple area and enforcing the authority of the Sanhedrin.

"...and brought them without violence...": The captain arrested the apostles peacefully, without resorting to force. This is significant.

"...for they were afraid that the people might stone them.": This is the key to understanding why the arrest was peaceful. The captain and his officers were afraid of the crowd's reaction if they used violence against the apostles. They were aware that the apostles had gained a considerable following among the people, who likely held them in high regard, perhaps even believing in their message of Jesus.

In essence, the verse suggests:

The apostles had become popular with the people.
The captain feared the crowd's potential for violence if he used force against the apostles. He understood that the people might defend the apostles, even to the point of stoning the authorities.
The Sanhedrin's authority and control were being challenged by the apostles' growing influence. The fear of the crowd highlights this loss of control.
The peaceful arrest, though seemingly straightforward, reveals the underlying tension and potential for conflict between the authorities and the followers of Jesus.

This verse highlights the delicate balance of power and the growing tension between the Jewish authorities and the early Christians. It also shows the impact the apostles were having on the general population, suggesting their message was resonating with many.