V.1-12 The religious leaders hated the name of Jesus, and did all in their power to stop the preaching of the death and resurrection of Christ. Notice what they did to innocent men. In their religious activity, they show themselves to be the enemies of God, because they are acting according to their own will. Think this over carefully. When Jesus was here on earth, they rejected Him in His humiliation, now they reject Him in His glory in heaven.
V.11 The builders were the religious leaders. What a contrast to the builders of the tabernacle in Exodus 37. Israel had refused their Messiah, and the kingdom was therefore deferred. But heavenly citizens are instead being gathered into a new, eternal, and heavenly body of people, called the church. God has become a Father to each one who believes. From here on we are going to read of the growth of the church, the assembly, is the proper word, and also of the violent opposition Satan raised up against it. Had the disciples not been opposed by the leaders of the Jews, they would not have had the opportunity to preach the gospel in their council meeting.
V.13-22 They could not deny the miracles (v. 16), but they rejected the Word from God. They command them to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. Peter and John give a powerful answer.
V.23-30 Here we notice that the assembly was becoming seen as one group.
V.31-37 What a demonstration of the power of God. Great power and great grace, in one verse!