The high priest and his associates were jealous of the response to and reception of the apostles’ message.¹ The various healings which the apostles performed would have been daily news in Jerusalem.² By contrast the Jewish leaders wanted to be well-known, have a name among the people, and be held in high regard by them.³ They are also conscious of the fact that their authority is being challenged seeing as the apostles are ignoring their previous prohibition (see Acts 4:17).⁴ Their filling with jealousy testifies to their failure to spiritually lead Israel to the true Messiah or recognize their own need for forgiveness in Jesus’ name.