Acts 5:17

Then. Rather, “but,” pointing out the contrast between the multitudes flocking to the disciples for healing and the high priest preparing to subject the disciples to a second persecution.

High priest. Annas (see on ch. 4:6).

They that were with him. Perhaps a more comprehensive expression than that used in ch. 4:6: “as many as were of the kindred of the high priest” (see on ch. 4:6). The opposition had had time to gather larger forces.

Sect. Gr. hairesis, “choice,” hence, “opinion,” by extension, “party,” or “faction.”

The word found its way into English as “heresy,” but did not originally possess the undesirable meaning soon attributed to it by ecclesiastical authorities. In chs. 15:5; 26:5 hairesis is applied, in a nonderogatory way, to the Pharisees. In chs. 24:5; 28:22 it is applied to the Nazarenes (Christians) in derogation of them.

The Sadducees. See on ch. 4:1.

Indignation. Gr. zelos, “zeal,” and in a bad sense, as here, “jealousy,” or “envy.” Either of these meanings could be applied here. Here was an intense outbreak of strong party feeling. There was anxiety as to what the followers of the Nazarene might do. Both Pharisees and Sadducees might experience this feeling. There was resentment because the untutored apostles were presuming to teach the people. Both Pharisees and Sadducees experienced this resentment. But the Sadducees felt a special antagonism because the apostles were teaching that there was a future life — a belief that the Sadducees rejected. The fact that the Pharisees agreed with the apostles on this point did not please the Sadducees (see Vol. V, pp. 51-53).