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THE COUNCIL

Act 4:6 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.

Annas was a ringleader in extortion. He headed up a political group that took money from the
bandits in the Negev, along the shores of Galilee. This is one area Herod cleaned up. He caught
and confiscated the money of many of the bandits who hid in the caves along the shore.

Annas also accumulated money by selling sacrificial animals at inflated prices in the temple.
Jesus displayed His disdain for this practice in Matthew 21: 12-13 when He overturned the
tables of the moneychangers.

Caiaphas was the son-in-law of Annas. They worked together (Luke 3:2; John 18:13, 24). John
and Alexander were probably two of Annas’s sons. Much of the remaining ruling body of the
Sanhedrin was compromised of relatives of Annas and Caiaphas. This ruling body could be
labeled a “kangaroo court.” It was considered the supreme Jewish court of the land.

There were three parts of the Sanhedrin:

1. The rulers (24): chief priests
2. The elders (24): political leaders
3. The scribes (22): theologians

Act 4:7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what
name, have ye done this?

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

Their question is concerning the group with which Peter and John are affiliated. The Sanhedrin
is looking for a political or religious group Peter and John represent, much like people today
would question the denomination backing a particular minister.

PETER ADDRESSES THE COUNCIL

Act 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and
elders of Israel,

Apparently Peter has been praying in tongues during his night in prison, so he has a ready
answer. Here Peter demonstrates the importance of staying filled with the Spirit (Ephesians
5:18). It is the fulfillment of Matthew 10: 18-20.

THE ISSUE OF THE HEALED MAN

Act 4:9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means
he is made whole;