What is the context?
The high priest confronts the apostles with the council’s earlier prohibition and with the spread of their teaching throughout Jerusalem. He also objects that they are holding the authorities responsible for Jesus’s death.
Peter and the apostles answer that they must obey God rather than men. This is the same conflict seen in the preceding chapter: a command to stop proclaiming Jesus stands against the commission they received from Him.
Their answer becomes another announcement of the gospel. God raised the Jesus who was killed by hanging on a tree and exalted Him as Prince and Savior, bringing repentance and forgiveness to Israel. The apostles identify themselves and the Holy Spirit as witnesses. Their defense continues the message rather than retreating from it.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly understand the apostles as giving God’s command priority when it directly conflicts with the council’s prohibition. Calvin on verse 29 distinguishes that conflict from situations in which authorities are properly carrying out their responsibilities.
Commentators emphasize different aspects of repentance as a gift. Calvin’s note on verse 31 connects it with Christ’s inward renewal through the Spirit. Wesley on verse 31 expressly includes the person’s cooperation in repentance while affirming that God alone forgives sins. These are their explanations of how people respond to the saving work of the exalted Jesus.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
The language of hanging on a tree also appears in Galatians 3:13–14, where Paul explains Christ bearing the law’s curse so that Abraham’s blessing reaches the Gentiles and the promised Spirit is received through faith. Peter’s address here is to Israel’s leaders; the wider New Testament shows the saving work reaching the nations.
The Jesus who was put to death is now proclaimed as Savior, offering repentance and forgiveness even in a setting of hostility. His exaltation serves God’s saving purpose, rather than merely reversing who holds power.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.