4:5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their {c} rulers, and elders, and scribes,
(c) These were those who were members of the Sanhedrin, who were all from the tribe of Judah, until Herod came to power.
4:5 Their rulers, and elders, and scribes. A meeting of the Sanhedrin, the great council of seventy, is meant. These classes, with the priests named in Ac 4:6, constituted it. The members of the Sanhedrin were usually called rulers; the elders were old men, selected for the place on account of wisdom; the scribes were the lawyers, or theologians.
4:5 Rulers, and elders, and scribes - Who were eminent for power, for wisdom, and for learning.
4:5-14 Peter being filled with the Holy Ghost, would have all to understand, that the miracle had been wrought by the name, or power, of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, whom they had crucified; and this confirmed their testimony to his resurrection from the dead, which proved him to be the Messiah. These rulers must either be saved by that Jesus whom they had crucified, or they must perish for ever. The name of Jesus is given to men of every age and nation, as that whereby alone believers are saved from the wrath to come. But when covetousness, pride, or any corrupt passion, rules within, men shut their eyes, and close their hearts, in enmity against the light; considering all as ignorant and unlearned, who desire to know nothing in comparison with Christ crucified. And the followers of Christ should act so that all who converse with them, may take knowledge that they have been with Jesus. That makes them holy, heavenly, spiritual, and cheerful, and raises them above this world.
