Sounds like bringing the people in before a judge, which was just as the Sadducees intended. They were jealous. The apostles had mysteriously escaped from prison. The officer went looking for them and brought them back.
In the days following the resurrection, believers were still being healed and shown many signs of wonder. Some of the powers that be thought they’d gotten rid of that troublemaker Jesus, but the same things were happening again. The apostles were questioned.
Peter was bold. He stated that Jesus had been raised from the dead and that they had witnessed these happenings. They’d been told to keep up the work Jesus began and were being obedient to Jesus, if not to the government of the day. It would be like asking them, “Whom do you serve?” The apostles were very clear about that.
A respected member of the council recounted what had happened to some so-called disciples. He said that if their actions were of human origin, they would disappear, “but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.” (verses 39) Let them alone, he advised.
Whom do you follow?
Dear God, help us to discern the messages we receive and where they come from. Inspire us to follow you, even when the going is difficult. Amen. — CRW