And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

ACTS 4:5KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 4:5 (KJV)

What does Acts 4:5 mean?

Acts 4:5 describes how, on the day after Peter and John were arrested, the Jewish leaders—specifically the rulers, elders, and scribes—gathered together. This verse sets the scene for the formal questioning of the apostles by the highest authorities in Jerusalem.

The verse is part of the story where Peter and John have healed a man and are now facing opposition from the religious establishment. The "rulers" were likely members of the Sanhedrin, the main Jewish council; the "elders" were respected community leaders; and the "scribes" were experts in Jewish law. This gathering shows the seriousness of the situation and the level of official attention the apostles' actions had attracted.

The Greek behind Acts 4:5

  • ἄρχοντες (archontes, "rulers"): This word often refers to those with governing authority, especially members of the Sanhedrin. Its use here highlights that the highest civil and religious leaders were involved.
  • πρεσβύτεροι (presbyteroi, "elders"): This term refers to senior figures in the Jewish community, often with both religious and social influence.
  • γραμματεῖς (grammateis, "scribes"): These were the scholars and interpreters of the Jewish law. Their presence signals that the issue at hand was not just political but also legal and religious.

Why Acts 4:5 matters

  • Acts 4:5 shows that the apostles' actions were significant enough to draw the attention of all major Jewish leadership groups, not just a few individuals.
  • The verse sets up the formal trial-like setting that follows, helping readers understand the gravity of the apostles' situation.
  • By naming these specific groups, Acts 4:5 connects this event to earlier confrontations Jesus had with the same authorities, showing a continuity in the opposition faced by his followers.

Where else these words appear

“morrow” Greek G839 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
  • Luke 13:32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
  • Acts 23:20 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.

“rulers” Greek G758 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Luke 23:13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
  • Acts 4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

“elders” Greek G4245 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
  • Luke 15:25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
  • 1 Timothy 5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

“scribes” Greek G1122 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 26:57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
  • Mark 15:1 And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.