Acts 4:8

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders,

'FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT'-Jesus had promised the apostles inspiration in the face of their enemies (Matthew 10:17; Mark 13:11; Luke 12:12; Luke 21:14.)

'YE RULERS OF THE PEOPLE, AND ELDERS'-'Christianity demands that we be respectful even to our enemies..' (Boles p. 66) (1 Peter 2:17)

Point to Note:

'Now, when we read the speech of Peter, we must remember...It was spoken to an audience of the wealthiest, the most intellectual and the most powerful in the land, and yet Peter, the Galilean fisherman, stands before them rather as their judge than as their victim.' (Barclay p. 36)

The question posed to Peter and John was intentionally vague, for they hadn't done anything wrong. This vagueness now starts working against the Sanhedrin, for it gives Peter an open forum to preach the Gospel to these men.