4:6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the {d} kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
(d) From whom the high Priests were usually chosen and made. At this time the former high Priest was stepping down, and a new high Priest was being appointed.
4:6 Annas the high priest. Still so called, though deposed ten years before by the Romans. The Jews held him still as high priest by right.
Caiaphas. Son-in-law of Annas, and the high priest now in office by Roman appointment.
John, and Alexander. No doubt great men at the time, but we know nothing of them.
Kindred of the high priest. Of the family of Annas, all of priestly rank, and many of them holding high offices. The Sanhedrin usually met in a hall of the temple.
4:6 Annas, who had been the high priest, and Caiaphas, who was so then.
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.
