Acts 5 17

Acts 5:17 kjv

Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

Acts 5:17 nkjv

Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation,

Acts 5:17 niv

Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.

Acts 5:17 esv

But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy

Acts 5:17 nlt

The high priest and his officials, who were Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.

Acts 5 verses

Acts 5 17 Meaning

Acts 5:17 describes the immediate hostile reaction of the Jewish religious leadership, specifically the Sadducees, to the rapidly growing influence and miraculous works of the apostles. It signifies a pivotal moment where the established authorities move from caution to direct, forceful opposition against the burgeoning Christian movement, driven by envy and a perceived threat to their power and theological beliefs. This verse sets the stage for the second major persecution of the apostles, orchestrated by those who held political and religious authority within Jerusalem.

Acts 5 17 Context

Acts 5:17 takes place in Jerusalem following a period of remarkable growth and spiritual intensity within the early church. Immediately prior to this verse, the text describes the miraculous power of God at work through the apostles, including numerous healings and signs performed publicly (Acts 5:12-16). Large numbers were added to the Lord, even by Peter's shadow (Acts 5:14-15). This widespread influence and the demonstrable divine power through the apostles posed a significant challenge to the authority and theological stance of the established Jewish religious leaders. The Sadducees, in particular, were heavily invested in the Temple system and fiercely denied the resurrection of the dead – a central tenet of the apostles' message (Acts 4:2, Acts 23:8). The high priest, who presided over the Sanhedrin, was typically a Sadducee. Their reaction in this verse signifies a determined effort to suppress what they perceived as a dangerous, religiously unorthodox, and politically destabilizing movement. This verse foreshadows the apostles' second arrest and trial before the Sanhedrin.

Acts 5 17 Word analysis

• Then (δὲ - de): This particle marks a transition or continuation, often indicating a shift in focus or a consequence. Here, it signifies the direct response and initiation of action by the high priest and his party in light of the apostles' activities described immediately before. It connects the flourishing of the church with the immediate opposition.
• the high priest (ἀρχιερεὺς - archiereus): Refers to the current presiding high priest, at this time likely Caiaphas, as he was previously mentioned (Acts 4:6). The high priest was the head of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and religious council. This signifies the highest religious authority taking direct action.
• rose up (ἀναστὰς - anastas): From the verb ἀνίστημι (anistemi), meaning "to stand up," "to arise," or "to appear." Here, it denotes an active, deliberate movement of opposition. It implies initiative and a unified decision to confront the apostles rather than a passive observation.
• and all they that were with him: This refers to the inner circle and associates of the high priest within the Sanhedrin, emphasizing the collective nature of the opposition. It was not merely the high priest acting alone but a group, indicating consensus among those in power.
• (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) (ἡ οὖσα αἵρεσις τῶν Σαδδουκαίων - hē ousa hairesis tōn Saddoukaiōn): This parenthetical explanation is crucial.
  • sect (αἵρεσις - hairesis): While sometimes translated "heresy," in this context, it simply means a "chosen opinion" or a distinct religious or philosophical party/school. It identifies the dominant faction within the Sanhedrin at this time.
  • Sadducees (Σαδδουκαίων - Saddoukaiōn): A major Jewish party, primarily from the aristocratic and priestly families, who controlled the Temple. Unlike the Pharisees, they accepted only the written Torah (Pentateuch) as authoritative, rejected oral tradition, and vehemently denied the doctrines of the resurrection, angels, and spirits (Matt 22:23, Acts 23:8). Their opposition stemmed fundamentally from the apostles' core message of Jesus' resurrection.
• and were filled (ἐπλήσθησαν - eplēsthēsan): From the verb πίμπλημι (pimplēmi), meaning "to fill." The use of the passive voice suggests that this state of being "filled" came upon them intensely and completely, indicating a profound and pervasive emotional state.
• with indignation (ζήλου - zēlou): This key Greek word, ζῆλος (zēlos), can carry various meanings from positive "zeal" or "ardor" to negative "envy," "jealousy," or "indignation." Given the context of the Sadducees' motivations—the apostles' growing popularity, miraculous signs, and preaching of the resurrection which directly contradicted Sadducee doctrine—the translation of "indignation," "envy," or "jealousy" is most fitting here. It denotes a strong, bitter emotion of displeasure or resentment at the apostles' success and divine favor. Their indignation likely stemmed from losing control and influence over the Jewish people and the threat to their theological stance.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him,": This highlights the immediate, organized, and authoritative nature of the opposition. It wasn't a spontaneous reaction by the crowd, but a deliberate move by the ruling religious establishment to assert their control and challenge the apostolic movement. Their "rising up" indicates a call to action.
• "(which is the sect of the Sadducees,)": This vital parenthetical clarification specifies who among the Sanhedrin was primarily responsible and why. It points to the core theological conflict: the Sadducees' denial of resurrection versus the apostles' unwavering proclamation of Jesus' resurrection. Their pragmatic focus on political stability within Roman rule also made them wary of popular movements.
• "and were filled with indignation": This phrase illuminates the deep-seated emotional and psychological state driving their action. It was not merely a judicial decision but a response born from profound jealousy and resentment. The widespread success of the apostles threatened their prestige, power, and religious authority, evoking a strong emotional backlash that moved them to persecute.

Acts 5 17 Bonus section

The strong sense of "indignation" or "jealousy" (zelos) within the Sadducees speaks to a profound loss of control. Their influence over the people was primarily through the Temple system and their official positions. The apostles, operating with God's power and not under Sadducean authority, were drawing crowds, healing the sick, and teaching doctrines (especially resurrection) that directly undermined the Sadducees' theological base. This was a direct assault on their religious credibility and popular sway. The term zelos in this context goes beyond mere personal annoyance; it denotes an aggressive, burning resentment arising from perceived rivalry, loss of privilege, or challenge to status. This is not simply doctrinal disagreement but a reaction of intense hostility stemming from their identity as the religious gatekeepers and interpreters of truth being challenged by a power they did not possess or understand.

Acts 5 17 Commentary

Acts 5:17 succinctly encapsulates the dynamic conflict between the burgeoning power of the Holy Spirit at work through the apostles and the entrenched religious establishment. The Sadducees, as the dominant priestly class tied to the Temple and holding key positions in the Sanhedrin, found their authority, popular standing, and theological doctrines directly challenged by the apostles' ministry. Their "indignation" or "jealousy" was multifaceted: theological (apostles preached resurrection, which Sadducees denied), personal (apostles were gaining greater favor with the people), and political (fear of Roman reprisal if a popular movement led to unrest). Their response was a decisive, unified action to suppress a movement they perceived as a threat to their entire socio-religious order. This verse highlights that genuine divine power and truth, though manifesting good, often provoke hostility from those whose vested interests or worldviews are challenged. Despite their efforts, divine intervention ensured their plans were thwarted, proving God's power would overcome human opposition.

• Example 1: Like a medical establishment fearing a new, powerful healing method not approved by them.
• Example 2: Established political parties reacting with animosity to an emerging popular movement challenging their control.