Acts 5:27
What does Acts 5:27 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 5:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 5:27 means
The apostles are set before the council, and the high priest begins questioning. The formal setting underscores the gravity of the issue and the determination of the authorities to reassert control. This is not a discussion among equals but a tribunal. Yet the apostles stand as witnesses commissioned by God, not as criminals. The setup anticipates a direct clash between human prohibition and divine mandate. The hearing will soon center on the name of Jesus and the apostles’ message, rather than on accusations of civil unrest, keeping attention on the central theological offense: preaching Christ crucified and risen.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they took them into the Sanhedrin, and the high priest said to them,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and having brought them, they set <FI>them<Fi> in the sanhedrim, and the chief priest questioned them,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they bring them and set them in the council. And the high priest asked them,
Context
Having secured the apostles without violence, the authorities now proceed with formal interrogation. The council scene recalls earlier chapters in Acts and brings back the central conflict: the message about Jesus. The next verse records the high priest’s charge—that the apostles have defied orders and intend to bring Jesus’ blood upon them. This paves the way for Peter’s reply asserting obedience to God first, and his succinct gospel announcement. The stage is set for a bold confession that will cut to the heart of the council members.
v.26Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them, but without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.
v.27This passage
v.28saying, We strictly charged you not to teach in this name: and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 4:7
And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, By what power, or in what name, have ye done this?
- Acts 6:12
And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and seized him, and brought him into the council,
- Matthew 5:22
but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire.
- Acts 22:30
But on the morrow, desiring to know the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him, and commanded the chief priests and all the council to come together, and brought Paul down and set him before them.
- Luke 22:66
And as soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes; and they led him away into their council, saying,
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