Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
Peter and John, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly defended their faith before the Sanhedrin, facing opposition for healing a lame man in the name of Jesus.
Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
Acts
5:18-42
18. And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
19. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
20. Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
21. And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought.
22. But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,
23. Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
24. Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.
25. Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
26. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
27. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
28. Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
29. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
30. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
33. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
34. Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
35. And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
36. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
37. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
38. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
39. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
40. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Sermons Related to this Bible Chapter - Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
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NOTE: The images reflect the following descriptions related to the theme : Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
- A macro closeup of Peter's determined face, sweat beading on his brow as he stands before the stern faces of the Sanhedrin, his hands clasped, showing the tension of the moment. A single tear rolls down his cheek.
- Macro closeup on John's hand resting on a worn wooden table in front of the Sanhedrin, his fingers intertwined, showing the nervous energy and the weight of the accusations against them, light reflecting off a simple silver ring.
- Bright morning sunlight illuminates Peter and John standing before the Sanhedrin, casting long shadows. Olive trees surround the courtyard, representing peace and resilience. The sky is a vibrant orange and yellow.
- Golden morning light bathes a lone olive branch in the courtyard of the Sanhedrin; a symbol of peace and hope amidst the accusations against Peter and John. A single dew drop clings to a leaf, reflecting the light.
- Evening light casts long shadows across a desolate landscape, mirroring the uncertainty facing Peter and John. A lone figure walks away from the Sanhedrin building, into the setting sun, symbolizing their uncertain future.
- The setting sun paints the sky in hues of deep orange and purple, as Peter and John walk away from the Sanhedrin, silhouetted against the vibrant colors, symbolizing the lingering after-effects of the trial and their continued faith.
- A group of people huddled together in the cool morning light before the Sanhedrin building. Their anxious faces reflect worry and concern for Peter and John's fate, showing solidarity and support for their faith.
- A small group of believers pray fervently at dawn, their faces illuminated by the rising sun, while nearby, the imposing silhouette of the Sanhedrin building stands in the background symbolizing the opposition they face.
- A night scene depicting the Sanhedrin building’s shadowed interior, focusing on the empty seats and dimly lit table where Peter and John stood, emphasizing the solemnity and gravity of the situation. A single candle flickers.
- The dark, starlit night sky above the Sanhedrin building, symbolic of uncertainty and the unknown future facing Peter and John after their trial, a few distant flickering lights represent the ongoing debate within the Sanhedrin.
- A detailed depiction of the Sanhedrin’s stone courtyard at dawn, empty but with the clear signs of a recent gathering, focusing on scattered papers and a single overturned chair.
- A close-up on a worn, cracked stone slab in the Sanhedrin courtyard at twilight, showing etched Hebrew letters almost worn away by time; a subtle reference to the ancient law they were accused of violating.
General themes for this chapter of the Bible: Ananias and Sapphira; Apostles Arrested; Gamaliel's Advice
A link to this resource is much appreciated to let others know about this free christian resource. The AB Church in LAusanne-Renens is happy to make the image collection available for free.
Other Galleries for this theme / Bible book
Ananias and Sapphira: A Lie Detected


Ananias and Sapphira: A Lie Detected
Appointment of the Seven Deacons
Ascension of Jesus and the Choosing of Matthias
Conversion of Saul: A Blinding Light on the Road to Damascus
Healing of the Lame Man: Peter's Powerful Proclamation
James' Martyrdom and Peter's Escape
Jerusalem Council: A Gathering of Believers
Paul and Barnabas' Ministry and Persecution
Paul's Journey: From Corinth to Antioch
Paul's Missionary Journeys: Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens
Paul's First Missionary Journey: Spreading the Gospel
Paul's Journey: From Jerusalem to Rome
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus: Transforming Lives
Paul's Second Missionary Journey: Conversions in Philippi
Pentecost: Peter's Sermon and the Gift of the Holy Spirit
Peter and Cornelius: A Godly Vision
Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
Peter Defends Gentile Inclusion
Philip's Ministry in Samaria and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Stephen's Martyrdom and the Early Church
Related Pages: thematic Bible Images (French Version)

