Why did the religious leaders try to kill Peter and the eleven in Acts 5?
They were cut to the heart by the apostles’ proclamation of the truth. Because religionists hate the truth and have only one way to handle enemies, these Israelite leaders sought to kill and get rid of them. Even under the Spirit’s conviction, they resorted to violence rather than repentance.
Les explains that Acts 5:33 follows Peter and the eleven on trial before Israel’s religious leaders. When they heard the apostles’ message, they were cut to the heart; the Spirit was working even on these religious leaders. But religionists always hate the truth and have only one way to deal with their enemies: kill them, get rid of them. Les notes that this book never uses the term religion in a good way. Even Paul’s profit in the Jews’ religion was a bad thing. So as soon as these leaders realized the truth Peter and the eleven were proclaiming, their only option was to kill them, and they sought to slay them. Then Gamaliel, the level-headed Pharisee who had taught Paul earlier, stood up and urged caution.
When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.