This verse from Acts 5:27 describes a pivotal moment of confrontation between the apostles and the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem. Let's break it down:
"When they had brought them...": This refers to the apostles, who had been miraculously freed from prison earlier in the chapter. The "they" are the temple guards, acting under the orders of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council). The guards were sent to re-arrest the apostles after finding the prison empty and learning they were back in the Temple teaching the people.
"...they set them before the council.": The apostles are now physically present before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court. This council consisted of influential priests, elders, and scribes, led by the High Priest.
"The high priest questioned them...": The High Priest, likely Caiaphas (or possibly his successor), takes the lead in interrogating the apostles. This questioning would likely be aimed at finding out why they disobeyed the council's earlier orders to stop preaching about Jesus, and to determine what further action should be taken against them.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for a formal hearing where the apostles are accused of defying the religious authorities and spreading what the council considered a dangerous and heretical message about Jesus. It highlights the growing conflict between the early Christians and the Jewish leadership, and the council's attempt to suppress the spread of Christianity.
This verse from Acts 5:27 describes a pivotal moment of confrontation between the apostles and the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem. Let's break it down:
"When they had brought them...": This refers to the apostles, who had been miraculously freed from prison earlier in the chapter. The "they" are the temple guards, acting under the orders of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council). The guards were sent to re-arrest the apostles after finding the prison empty and learning they were back in the Temple teaching the people.
"...they set them before the council.": The apostles are now physically present before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court. This council consisted of influential priests, elders, and scribes, led by the High Priest.
"The high priest questioned them...": The High Priest, likely Caiaphas (or possibly his successor), takes the lead in interrogating the apostles. This questioning would likely be aimed at finding out why they disobeyed the council's earlier orders to stop preaching about Jesus, and to determine what further action should be taken against them.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for a formal hearing where the apostles are accused of defying the religious authorities and spreading what the council considered a dangerous and heretical message about Jesus. It highlights the growing conflict between the early Christians and the Jewish leadership, and the council's attempt to suppress the spread of Christianity.