What does Acts 5:31 mean?
During Jesus' ministry, He specifically told the Twelve that men would drag them before courts and flog them, but they were to teach their oppressors about Him anyway. This is exactly what is happening here. Jesus also told them to not worry what they will say; the Holy Spirit will give them the right words (Matthew 10:16–20).The words Peter is using go far beyond the Sanhedrin's initial concern about resurrection and popularity. "Leader" is from the Greek root word archēgos and can be translated as "prince," or "captain," or even "pioneer" or "founder." Some translations use "author" to translate this word in Hebrews 12:2. Peter is directly accusing the Sanhedrin of executing the One who originated the Jewish people and promised to save them—not only killing Him but defiling Him by hanging Him from a tree (Acts 5:30; Deuteronomy 21:22–23; Galatians 3:13–14).
With that accusation, it's no wonder the council can't hear Peter's call for repentance. God raised Jesus from the dead, and His death and resurrection provide the means by which they can repent of their sins and receive forgiveness from God. Before too long, some of the priests will repent and follow Jesus (Acts 6:7). Right now, they can't get over the audacious claim that the heretic they had crucified is sitting in a place of honor at God's side.
