And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

ACTS 4:6KJV
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Acts 4:6 (KJV)

What does Acts 4:6 mean?

Acts 4:6 lists the high priest Annas, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other members of the high priest’s family who gathered together in Jerusalem. This verse sets the scene by naming the influential Jewish leaders present at an important meeting.

Acts 4:6 describes a gathering of the top religious authorities in Jerusalem after Peter and John were arrested for preaching about Jesus. These leaders, including Annas and Caiaphas (who also appear in the Gospels during Jesus’ trial), are preparing to question the apostles. The verse highlights the seriousness of the situation by showing that the highest-ranking officials are involved.

Why Acts 4:6 matters

  • Acts 4:6 shows that the apostles are facing not just any group, but the most powerful religious leaders in Jerusalem, emphasizing the risk and tension of the moment.
  • By naming Annas and Caiaphas, Acts connects this event to the trial of Jesus, reminding readers that these same leaders opposed Jesus and now oppose his followers.
  • The verse helps set up the contrast between the authority of the religious council and the boldness of the apostles in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“Annas” Greek G452 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 3:2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
  • John 18:13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
  • John 18:24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

“Alexander” Greek G223 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 15:21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.
  • Acts 19:33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.
  • 1 Timothy 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

“Caiaphas” Greek G2533 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 26:3 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
  • Luke 3:2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
  • John 18:14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

“kindred” Greek G1085 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
  • Acts 7:19 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.