The apostles set an example of unresisting acquiescence, even though with the tide of feeling evidently in their favor they might easily have raised a popular tumult. The miracles recently wrought through them, and their ideal communal life, had helped to win favor for the new faith. In their attitude of nonresistance they followed the example of their Master. In coming peacefully before the Sanhedrin they had the best opportunity to proclaim the gospel to ears that otherwise might never have heard the saving message.
Feared the people.
Compare on Matt. 21:26, 46. There was abundant evidence of the favor in which the people held the believers at this time.