Acts 5:17

“Then the high priest rose up, etc.] Annas, or rather Caiaphas; (See Gill on “<440406>Acts 4:6”) he having heard what miracles were wrought by the apostles, and what additions were made to them, rose up from his seat and went out of the sanhedrim, in great haste, and in much wrath and passion: and all they that were with him; in council, that were of his kindred or his party, as John and Alexander, and others, (<440406>Acts 4:6) which is the sect of the Sadducees; who denied the resurrection of the dead; which doctrine the apostles preached; and this made the high priest and his party very uneasy; whence it seems that the then high priest was a Sadducee, and also the sanhedrim at that time,…”

“sect of the Sadducees--See on Act 4:1 for the reason why this is specified.”

“Then the high priest - Probably “Caiaphas.” Compare John 11:49. It seems from this place that he belonged to the sect of the Sadducees. It is certain that he had signalized himself by opposition to the Lord Jesus and to his cause constantly. Rose up - This expression is sometimes “redundant,” and at others it means simply to “begin” to do a thing, or to resolve to do it. Compare Luke 15:18. And all they that were with him - That is, all they that coincided with him in doctrine or opinion; or, in other words, that portion of the Sanhedrin that was composed of “Sadducees.” There was a strong party of Sadducees in the Sanhedrin; and perhaps at this time it was so strong a majority as to be able…”

“The high priest - and the sect of the Sadducees - A goodly company for the priest! He, and these deniers of any angel or resurrection, were filled with zeal - Angry, bitter, persecuting zeal. Acts 5:20”

“5:17-40 The success of the apostles’ ministry again aroused strong opposition (cp. 4:1-3). The wealthy and powerful Sadducees controlled the Temple establishment and had a Temple police force at their disposal. They opposed belief in the resurrection and were determined not to allow the apostles to proclaim their message about the resurrection of Jesus unchallenged. They also sensed that their hold on the Jewish people was loosening, so, filled with jealousy, they attacked the apostles.”

“the high: Act 4:26; Psa 2:1-3; Joh 11:47-49, Joh 12:10, Joh 12:19 all: Act 4:1, Act 4:2, Act 4:6, Act 23:6-8 indignation: or, envy, Act 7:9, Act 13:45, Act 17:5; Sa1 18:12-16; Job 5:2; Pro 14:30, Pro 27:4; Ecc 4:4; Mat 27:18; Gal 5:21; Jam 3:14-16, Jam 4:5; Pe1 2:1 Acts 5:18”