King James Version

What Does Acts 4:5 Mean?

Acts 4:5 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,” — study this verse from Acts chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,”

Acts 4:5 · KJV

Context

3

And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

4

Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

5

And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

6

And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

7

And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Sanhedrin Convenes Against the Apostles: This verse describes the assembly of Jerusalem's religious leadership the day after Peter and John's arrest for preaching Christ's resurrection (Acts 4:1-3). The Greek word for "rulers" (archontas, ἄρχοντας) refers to members of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council with 71 members holding both religious and limited civil authority under Roman occupation. "Elders" (presbuterous, πρεσβυτέρους) were respected community leaders, often heads of prominent families, while "scribes" (grammateis, γραμματεῖς) were professional Torah scholars and legal experts.

The Power Structure Threatened: This gathering represents the same coalition that condemned Jesus just weeks earlier. Luke's careful enumeration of these three groups emphasizes the formidable opposition facing the fledgling church. These weren't merely curious inquirers but hostile authorities whose power, prestige, and theology were threatened by apostolic proclamation of a crucified and risen Messiah. The phrase "on the morrow" (epi tēn aurion, ἐπὶ τὴν αὔριον) indicates this was a formal, planned judicial proceeding, not a spontaneous mob action.

Fulfillment of Christ's Prophecy: Jesus had warned His disciples: "they will deliver you up to councils" (Matthew 10:17). This trial fulfills that prophecy and demonstrates the apostles' courage. The same religious establishment that rejected Christ now opposes His witnesses, revealing the deep spiritual blindness that chooses institutional preservation over divine truth. Yet God's sovereignty shines through—what the Sanhedrin intended for evil, God used to spread the gospel and demonstrate supernatural boldness in His servants (Acts 4:13-20).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Sanhedrin (from Greek synedrion, "sitting together") was Israel's highest religious and judicial body, tracing its origins to Moses' seventy elders (Numbers 11:16-17). During the Second Temple period, it held significant authority over Jewish religious life and, under Roman occupation, limited jurisdiction in civil matters. The Romans reserved capital punishment authority for themselves, which is why the Sanhedrin needed Pilate's cooperation to crucify Jesus.

This scene occurs in approximately AD 30-33, shortly after Pentecost. The rapid growth of the church (Acts 2:41, 4:4 mention thousands of converts) alarmed the Sadducees, who controlled the high priesthood and temple operations. They denied resurrection (Acts 23:8), making the apostles' proclamation of Jesus' resurrection particularly threatening to their theology and authority. The healing of the lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:1-10) provided the pretext for arrest, but the real issue was the message about Jesus.

Archaeological discoveries, including the "House of Caiaphas" in Jerusalem, confirm the historical accuracy of Luke's account. Josephus and other ancient sources describe the Sanhedrin's composition and procedures. The council met in the "Hall of Hewn Stone" on the temple mount, the same location where they had condemned Jesus. This trial scene demonstrates the continuity between opposition to Christ and opposition to His church—a pattern continuing throughout history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the opposition of religious authorities to the gospel in Acts mirror similar opposition today from religious institutions?
  2. What does this passage teach about the inevitable conflict between God's truth and human power structures, even religious ones?
  3. How should believers respond when confronted by authorities who oppose the gospel message?
  4. In what ways does the Sanhedrin's rejection of overwhelming evidence (the healed man standing before them, Acts 4:14) illustrate spiritual blindness?
  5. How does understanding the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies about persecution strengthen our faith during trials?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ἐγένετο1 of 15

“it came to pass”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

δὲ2 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπὶ3 of 15

“on”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν4 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αὔριον5 of 15

“the morrow”

G839

properly, fresh, i.e., (adverb with ellipsis of g2250) to-morrow

συναχθῆναι6 of 15
G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

αὐτῶν7 of 15
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τοὺς8 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄρχοντας9 of 15

“that their rulers”

G758

a first (in rank or power)

καὶ10 of 15

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πρεσβυτέρους11 of 15

“elders”

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

καὶ12 of 15

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γραμματεῖς13 of 15

“scribes”

G1122

a professional writer

εἴς14 of 15
G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἰερουσαλήμ15 of 15
G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 4:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 4:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 4:8Luke 22:66Luke 23:13Micah 2:1Luke 20:1Isaiah 1:10

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Acts 4 →

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