“And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.”
They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail - the 'public jail' (phylakē dēmosia) was public humiliation as well as imprisonment. The move is bold and escalating; in Acts 4, they arrested Peter and John and released them; now they arrest 'the apostles' collectively, suggesting a move toward systematic suppression.
Church Fathers on Acts 5:18
Having risen up, that is, being roused, being excited at the things taking place, the high-priest and they which were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees) were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the Apostles: they now assault them more vigorously: and put them in the common prison; but did not immediately bring them to trial, because they expected them again to be softened down.
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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