ARREST OF THE APOSTLES

Sadducees were a group of wealthy Jews who believed there was no resurrection after death. The Sadducees were angry at the apostles. The apostles had preached that Jesus had risen from the dead. The Sadducees saw that by Jesus' death and resurrection other dead people could be raised from their graves. The Sadducees felt that their favorite teaching was in danger. The Sadducees felt that their influence would soon be lost. The captain of the temple and some temple leaders were Sadducees. Some Sadducees helped the captain arrest Peter and John. Peter and John were put in prison because it was too late that day for them to go to trial.SRme 1.1132

The next day Annas and Caiaphas came for the trial of Peter and John. Other temple leaders also came. Peter and John were brought before these leaders. Peter had been in the same room with the same men before. At that time Peter had shamefully said he did not know Jesus. Now Peter remembered what he had done. Now Peter could show this he was sorry for his wicked words, and that he was not as weak as he had been.SRme 1.1133

The people were watching Peter. The people remembered how Peter had acted at the trial of Jesus. The people smiled, thinking how easily they would frighten Peter with threats of prison and death. But Peter had changed. Now he was a different man. Peter was no longer a proud boaster. He did not trust himself. The Holy Spirit had filled Peter. The Holy Spirit made Peter strong in his faith. Peter was full of courage in talking about Jesus. Peter was ready to change his words that denied he knew Jesus. He was ready to honor Jesus.SRme 1.1134