Peter and John and Sanhedrin 2 (Acts 5:27-32)
This second appearance of Peter and John before the Sanhedrin is a direct result of the apostles' failure to comply with the order from the previous hearing (5:28). This short message made some in the Council want to kill Peter and John, but the wise Gamaliel persuaded them to let them be (5:38-40). Persuaded but still displeased with what happened, the Council had Peter and John flogged and released with another order to be silent (5:40).
 
Text Observations
AC 5:27 And when they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. And the high priest questioned them, [28] saying, "We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us."  Interestingly, the apostolic proclamation that the Sanhedrin wanted to silence is summarized by them as "bringing this man's blood upon us."
AC 5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered and said, "We must obey God rather than men. [30] "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. [31] "He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. [32] "And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him." Peter, meaning no disrespect to their authority, simply cites a higher authority that must be obeyed (ref. 4:19). 

Peter summarizes the gospel again: You had Jesus put to death on the cross, but God raised him up. Jesus is the one exalted to the right hand of God as Prince and Savior, and grantor of repentance and forgiveness of sins. 

Peter and the rest are simply witnesses of this, as is the Holy Spirit. 

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Comments Copyright © 2002 John Engler. All rights reserved.