The Jewish leaders have heard the claims of Peter and they understand what he is saying. Because he is challenging their past actions and decisions, forcing them to recognize Jesus as God’s Messiah, they become very angry and upset. They refuse to repent for what they have done and want to have the truth silenced by putting the apostles to death. Whether or not they had the power to pronounce a death sentence is doubtful, given the fact that they were living under Roman occupation.1
33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.