Bible Dictionary
Senate
The senate in Acts 5:21 refers to the elders of Israel, who formed part of the Jewish ruling council or Sanhedrin.
Definition
The senate in Acts 5:21 refers to the elders of Israel. These elders formed one component of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council.
Biblical Usage
The senate is mentioned as part of the council assembled in the account of the apostles’ appearance before the Jewish authorities.
Historical Background
The term identifies a governing body within the Jewish community rather than a separate Roman institution in this passage.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Acts 5:21), the “elders of Israel” who formed a component part of the Sanhedrin.