Acts 4:6 – “Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family.”
Extended Explanation
This verse lists the key figures present at Peter and John’s trial before the Jewish ruling council. These were not ordinary men; they were some of the most powerful religious leaders in Israel.
The mention of “Annas the high priest” is significant. Although Annas was no longer the official high priest, he still held great influence. His son-in-law, Caiaphas, was the acting high priest, but many Jews still saw Annas as the real authority. This shows that power in Jerusalem’s religious system was often passed down through family connections.
The presence of Caiaphas, John, and Alexander (who were likely relatives of Annas) suggests that the high priest’s family controlled much of the religious leadership. These men were not gathering to seek truth; they had already rejected Jesus and were determined to stop His followers from spreading His message.
This verse sets the stage for what is about to happen. Peter and John, two fishermen from Galilee, were standing before the most powerful religious figures in the land. The odds seemed completely stacked against them. But as we see later, the power of the Holy Spirit gave them courage to speak boldly, proving that God’s authority is far greater than human authority.
Historical Context
The high priest held immense power in Jewish society. Although the Romans ruled Israel politically, they allowed the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council) to oversee religious matters. The high priest was the most influential figure in this system.
Annas served as high priest from A.D. 6 to 15, but even after he was removed from office by the Romans, he continued to wield power behind the scenes. His family kept control of the high priesthood—five of his sons and his son-in-law, Caiaphas, served in this role.
Caiaphas was the high priest from A.D. 18 to 36 and played a major role in Jesus’ trial. He was the one who had said in John 11:50, “It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” He had already led the charge against Jesus, and now he was trying to silence His followers.
The Sanhedrin, which these men were a part of, had great authority. They could not impose the death penalty without Roman approval (which is why they had to involve Pilate in Jesus’ crucifixion), but they could arrest and punish people for religious offenses.
This setting makes Peter and John’s boldness even more remarkable. They were standing before men who had successfully condemned Jesus to death, yet they were unafraid to proclaim the same message that got Him crucified.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the difference between human power and God’s power. The religious leaders had all the outward authority—they controlled the temple, enforced religious laws, and had the support of the Roman government. But they were powerless against the truth of Jesus Christ.
Their opposition to Peter and John also shows how hard human hearts can become. These men had seen Jesus’ miracles, heard His teachings, and even witnessed His resurrection being proclaimed. Yet, instead of repenting, they doubled down on their rejection of Him.
However, this verse also shows that God’s plan cannot be stopped. The same leaders who tried to eliminate Jesus were now facing His unstoppable message. No matter how much they resisted, the gospel continued to spread. This is a reminder that human opposition, no matter how powerful, cannot overcome God’s truth.
Literary Analysis
Luke, the author of Acts, carefully lists the names of these religious leaders to emphasize their authority. This is not just any meeting—it is a high-level gathering of Israel’s most powerful men. The way he presents this scene builds tension, showing that Peter and John are standing before a formidable group.
The phrase “the high priest’s family” suggests nepotism and corruption. The priesthood was supposed to be about serving God, but it had become more about maintaining power and influence. This sets up a stark contrast between the religious leaders, who were clinging to their authority, and Peter and John, who were simply speaking the truth.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 18:12-14 – Annas and Caiaphas were involved in Jesus’ trial, showing that they were already opposed to Him.
- Matthew 26:57-68 – Caiaphas leads the false trial against Jesus, accusing Him of blasphemy.
- Luke 22:66-71 – The Sanhedrin officially condemns Jesus, showing that this council was already set against Him.
- Acts 5:27-29 – Later, Peter and John stand before the Sanhedrin again and declare, “We must obey God rather than human beings!”
- Psalm 2:2-4 – “The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed… The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.” This perfectly describes what is happening in Acts 4.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a reminder that standing for Jesus will often mean standing against powerful opposition. The world’s authorities—whether religious, political, or cultural—often resist the message of Christ. But just like Peter and John, we are called to be faithful, regardless of the consequences.
It also warns us about the danger of religious pride. The high priest and his family were supposed to represent God, but they had become more focused on maintaining their power. This is a cautionary lesson: religious leadership should always be about serving God, not protecting one’s own position.
Finally, this verse encourages us to trust God in difficult situations. Peter and John could have been intimidated by these powerful men, but they stood firm. This reminds us that no matter who opposes us, God’s truth will always prevail.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He gives people opportunities to repent, even when they resist Him. Annas, Caiaphas, and the other leaders had already rejected Jesus, yet God still allowed them to hear the gospel through Peter and John.
This shows that God’s love is patient. He does not immediately bring judgment but gives people time to turn back to Him. Even those who are deeply opposed to the gospel are not beyond His grace.
At the same time, this verse reminds us that God’s love does not mean avoiding conflict. Sometimes, standing for truth means facing opposition. But God does not leave us alone in those moments—He gives us the strength to stand firm.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly connects to Jesus because it involves the same leaders who condemned Him to death. Now, they were trying to stop His followers, but they could not silence the truth.
Jesus had warned that His disciples would face persecution, saying in John 15:18-20, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” Peter and John were experiencing exactly what Jesus had predicted.
This also shows how Jesus’ victory over death changed everything. When He stood before these same leaders, He was silent and allowed Himself to be condemned (Matthew 26:63). But now, His followers were boldly proclaiming His name, proving that His resurrection had given them courage and power.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to stand firm in your faith, even when facing opposition?
- What does this passage teach about the difference between human power and God’s power?
- How can we avoid becoming like the religious leaders, who were more focused on control than on following God?
- Why do you think powerful people often resist the message of Jesus?
- How does knowing that Jesus Himself faced opposition encourage you in your faith?
This passage reminds us that no human power can stand against God’s truth. Even when opposition comes, we can trust that His purposes will always prevail.