Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Acts 4:7

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?" And yet they knew it well; for it was because they were "grieved that they preached through Jesus the resurrection" that they arrested them. Then for what purpose do they question them? They expected the numbers present would make them recant, and thought by this means to have put all right again.

Homily on Acts 10 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Besides other injustices toward the apostles, they (the rulers, elders, scribes, and chief priests of the Jews) did not even observe the requirements of the law. Pay attention at least to the multitude of chief priests, whereas according to the law there should be one, as long as he lives. And on this occasion too they gave the matter the form of a trial, in order to summon the apostles to answer before an unrighteous court. …

Commentary on Acts ↗

Oecumenius

And indeed they knew; for distressed, when declaring in Jesus the resurrection, it had seized them. But they question them, awaiting them, thinking that, the court and the crowd being afraid, they would deny, and that everything would thereby be brought about. See how maliciously they question. For they wished the apostles' deed to be confessed as theirs rather than the power of Christ. …

Commentary on Acts ↗