Note 2 at Acts 4:17: The reason that these rulers wanted Peter and John to quit preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus was totally selfish. They didn't care about all the sick who needed the healing touch of Jesus or all the lost who needed the salvation that only Jesus could bring. They were only thinking of themselves. If all the Jews converted to Christ, these rulers would no longer be leaders. They wanted to retain their power and authority so they fought against the power and authority of Jesus.

This is still the same today. Men use doctrinal issues to disguise the real issue. The truth is that, "Only by pride cometh contention" (Prov. 13:10). People who love to have the preeminence (3 Jn. 9) are usually the instigators of persecution. This is one big reason why Paul commanded the church not to put a novice in a position of authority (1 Tim. 3:6).