Who was the ruling body of Jews that voted what to do with believers?
The Sanhedrin was the ruling body of Jews that voted on what to do with believers. The chief priests and religious leaders of Jerusalem comprised this council, and they had authority over believers, including putting them in prison and death. The Sanhedrin was the authoritative body deciding such matters.
Les explains that the Sanhedrin was the ruling body of Jews that would have been voting what to do with these believers. The context describes how the chief priests and religious leaders of Jerusalem gave authority to arrest believers, and when they were put to death, the speaker gave his voice against them. Les maintains that the man was married, because under the Jewish Old Testament economy, a member of the Sanhedrin could not serve unless married and having children. The purpose was that one cannot judge in family relationships without experience. Les connects this same premise to I Timothy chapter 3, where Paul carries it into church leadership, asking how leaders can lead intelligently and from experience if they have never been a husband and father. Les then challenges people about the reasons for their church government or organization, regardless of denomination or their view of Paul.