Acts 4:1-4

Proceedings before the Sanhedrin.

Acts 4:1. Peter's speech seems to have reached its conclusion, but Acts 4:1 says it was interrupted by the arrival of persons representing the Sanhedrin and exercising its summary powers. The captain of the Temple is mentioned only by Lk. (Mt. and Mk. speak of the high priests and elders); he has to maintain order in the Temple, and ranks next to the high priest in the Sanhedrin. The presence of the Sadducees (pp. 624, 637) is set down to their antipathy to the doctrine of the Resurrection (Mark 12:18), of which Jesus is preached as an eminent example. The speakers are at once arrested; as it is evening, their trial cannot take place that day. The second speech of Peter is as effective as the first; many professing their belief, and the number of male adherents rising to about 5000.