But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

ACTS 4:15KJV
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Acts 4:15 (KJV)

What does Acts 4:15 mean?

Acts 4:15 describes how the Jewish council, after questioning Peter and John, ordered them to leave the room so the council members could discuss the situation privately. The verse shows the council wanting to deliberate without the apostles present.

The setting is Jerusalem, shortly after Peter and John healed a man and preached about Jesus. The council (Sanhedrin) is made up of Jewish leaders who feel threatened by the apostles’ message. By sending Peter and John outside, the council signals both the seriousness of the situation and their uncertainty about how to respond to the apostles’ actions.

The Greek behind Acts 4:15

  • συνέβαλον (synébalon, "conferred"): This Greek word often means to discuss or deliberate together, suggesting a careful, possibly anxious conversation among the council members. It highlights that the leaders did not have an immediate answer and needed to weigh their options.
  • συνέδριον (synedrion, "council"): This term refers specifically to the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin, giving historical context to the setting and the authority of those involved.

Why Acts 4:15 matters

  • Acts 4:15 shows the apostles’ boldness had put the council in a difficult position, forcing the leaders to pause and consult privately rather than act immediately.
  • The verse sets up the tension in the story, showing the council’s uncertainty and hinting at the impact Peter and John’s testimony was having.
  • This moment connects to the larger narrative of Acts, where the early church’s message repeatedly challenges established authorities and prompts careful, sometimes fearful, responses.

Where else these words appear

“conferred” Greek G4820 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
  • Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
  • Acts 18:27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

“council” Greek G4892 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
  • John 11:47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
  • Acts 22:30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.

“commanded” Greek G2753 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 8:18 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.
  • Luke 18:40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,
  • Acts 23:3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

“of” Greek G1854 · used in 64 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 8:54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
  • Acts 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.