The council refuses to acknowledge that they made a mistake and that Jesus is the Christ. To their minds he was just another pretender, someone who threatened the privileged position which they enjoyed in Rome. In prohibiting Peter and John from further speeches, they hope to prevent their message from spreading1 and confusing
others in the Jewish community.2 The council does not want to stop the apostles from doing good (e.g., healing) but they do not want any good works to be connected with the person of Jesus.3
17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.”