Note 5 at Ac 5:24: These rulers were afraid that the news of the apostles' escape would be proclaimed by the people as a miracle, thus furthering the cause of Christ instead of deterring it like they had tried to do. Once again, they were consumed with their own carnal interests. The smart thing to do would have been to repent and join the Christians, but they were too proud to do that (see note 1 at Ac 5:17).