MPV Commentary

1-12. The captain of the temple and the Sadducees were annoyed at the disturbance caused by Peter and John.

The captain was in charge of the Levitical guard that maintained order within the temple precincts. The Sadducees, who denied the resurrection (Acts 23:8), were irritated because the apostles were preaching about Jesus and the resurrection from the dead. This directly challenged their doctrine.

4. There were approximately five thousand men present, a significant number in Jerusalem where people could easily verify or disprove any claims.

5. The Sanhedrin, comprising the high priest Annas, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other leaders, convened to address the situation.

6. Peter and John stood before them, accused of performing a miracle through Jesus' name.

7. By what power or in whose name have you done this? They acknowledged the reality of the miracle but were unable to deny it (Acts 4:16).

8. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter began his defense.

10. Be it known to all of you and to the entire nation of Israel that through Jesus' name this man stands before you whole.

11. This is the stone that was rejected by you builders, but has become the cornerstone (Psalm 118:22). The Lord had previously applied this verse to Himself when some of these same leaders rejected Him (Matthew 21:42).

12. There is no salvation in anyone else; there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.

13-17. The Sanhedrin perceived that Peter and John were uneducated, ordinary men who had been with Jesus.

They recognized the apostles as having been in Jesus' company, possibly remembering seeing them with Him or perceiving their connection to Him through their bearing.

16. A notable miracle performed by them is evident to everyone in Jerusalem; we cannot deny it.

17. But let us strictly threaten that they speak henceforth to no one in this name. This was an impotent attempt, as the apostles were driven by a deeper power.

18-22. Whether it is right to obey you rather than God, judge for yourselves.

20. We cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard. The apostles' determination to testify about Jesus was rooted in their experience and conviction.

21. Finding no way to punish them because of the people's opposition, they were at a loss.

22.