Chapter 5
These notes are taken from the following teachers’ commentaries: John Wesley, Chuck Smith, Craig Keener, Tony Evans, and Stanley Horton. Comments are also taken from The Passion Translation notes. Translations are taken from biblegateway.com. The notes may be helpful to provide background material for personal devotions or sermon preparation.
Verses 1-2.
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
AMP. “But a certain man named Ananias with his wife Sapphira sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge and connivance he kept back and wrongfully appropriated some of the proceeds, bringing only a part and putting it at the feet of the apostles.”
Horton. “But” brings out the contrast that follows. With the example of Barnabas before them, these two set out to get the same kind of attention given him. They were part of the believing community, were filled with the Holy Spirit, listened to the Apostles’ teaching, saw Jesus’ continuing miracles, and were part of the growing church. They, however, were not sold out to the Lord as Barnabas had been. Were they jealous? Ananias “kept back part” of the price. The verb is translated “steal” (NIV) and purloin (KJV) in Ti. 2: 10. The LXX of Josh. 7:1 uses it of Achan’s sin. When Ananias “laid the proceeds at the Apostles’ feet, he gave the impression that he was doing what Barnabas had done.
Womack. Verses 1-2 follow Acts 4:36-37. The chapter and verse division are off. It is one story. When Ananias sold property, brought the proceeds to the Apostles and gave it all to them, he gained him some notoriety, and Ananias and Sapphira wanted the same. They wanted the same credit without the same sacrifice. See 1 Corinthians 13:3.
This is the only mention of Ananias and Sapphira in Scripture. They were Jews living in Jerusalem or the surrounding area. Ananias and Sapphira’s sin were lying about what portion of the sale they offered. They presented the gift as if they had given 100 percent to the church when they kept part for themselves. There wasn’t anything wrong with keeping part of the money. Peter said in Acts 5:4 that the money was theirs to do with as they wished. They could have kept it all. But they were lying to God and to fellow believers so to gain recognition for themselves.
Smith. When a move of God begins and accelerates, satan will try to attack it from without and from within. The church was overcoming the religious opposition, so the internal attack began. Note that this story parallels Barnabas’s story. “But “shows that the motivation will be different. The church has just experienced a victory and breakthrough in that the Holy Spirit had given them power over the secular authority. Church history shows that it has thrived in persecution but that it has sometimes fallen because of internal impurity.
Wesley. But a certain man named Ananias — It is certain, not a believer, for all that believed were of one heart and of one soul: probably not baptized; but intending now to offer himself for baptism. And bringing a certain part — As if it had been the whole: perhaps saying it was so.
Evans. Ananias gave the impression that he was giving all the money to the church.
Verse 3-4.
“But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
AMP. “But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart that you should lie to and attempt to deceive the Holy Spirit, and should, in violation of your promise, withdraw secretly and appropriate to your own use part of the price from the sale of the land? As long as it remained unsold, was it not your own? And even after it was sold, was not the money at your disposal and under your control? Why then, is it that you have proposed and purposed in your heart to do this thing? How could you have the heart to do such a deed? You have not simply lied to men [playing false and showing yourself utterly deceitful] but to God.”
Horton. The Holy Spirit revealed Ananias’ secret and his heart motivation through a Word of Wisdom or Word of Knowledge. I Cor. 12:8. Satan’s activity is behind all the opposition found in Chapters 3-6. “Why” draws attention to the fact that their decision and behavior was voluntary. See Mt. 6: 24; Lu. 16:13; I Tim. 6:10. Don’t let satan fill your heart! The action did not happen overnight (neither had it happened overnight in Judas’s case). Jo. 10:10. Eventually, they became willing agents of satan. They could have submitted to God and resisted satan. James. 4:7; I Peter 5: 8-9. Pride, self, and the love of money possessed them. I tim. 6:10; He. 13:5. When the love of money controls a person, there is no sin that he will not do. Keeping back part of the amount was also a sign of not fully trusting God.
Womack. Satan filled Ananias’ heart to lie. Satan is the father of all lies (John 8:44). Those who lie yield themselves to Satan. Peter walked in such union with the Lord that he discerned lies such as Ananias and Sapphira’s. This was the working of supernatural gifts–the word of knowledge and the discerning of spirits (1 Corinthians 12:8-10).
Ananias and Sapphira’s sin were not keeping part of the money from the land sale. Their gift was voluntary. Their sin was that they agreed to lie about the sale price so that they could appear to have given all when they hadn’t.
This is one of the clearest scriptural references identifying the Holy Ghost as God. In Acts 5:3, Peter said that Ananias had lied to the Holy Ghost; then in this verse, he said Ananias had not lied unto men but unto God, thereby using the names God and Holy Ghost interchangeably.
Smith. Their issue was hypocrisy. They wanted people to believe that their commitment was greater than it was. They wanted to hold back from God but get the applause from men. Jesus was stern with hypocrites. Mt. 6:2, 5, 16. Mt.7: 22-23.
Wesley. To lie to the Holy Ghost — Who is in us. And to keep back — Here was the first instance of it. This was the first attempt to bring propriety of goods into the Christian Church. While it remained, did it not remain thine? — It is true, whosoever among the Christians (not one excepted) had houses or lands, sold them, and laid the price at the feet of the apostles. But it was in his own choice to be a Christian or not: and consequently, either to sell his land, or keep it. And when it was sold, was it not in thy power? — For it does not appear that he professed himself a Christian when he sold it. Why hast thou conceived this thing in thy heart? — So profanely to dissemble on so solemn an occasion? Thou hast not lied to men only, but to God also. Hence the Godhead of the Holy Ghost evidently appears: since lying to him, Acts 5:3, is lying to God.
Verse 5-6
“Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.”
AMP. Upon hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great dread and terror took possession of all who heard of it. And the young men arose and wrapped up the body and carried it out and buried it.
Horton. God brought this judgment to let the church know how He feels about unbelief, greed, seeking after personal fame, and hypocrisy. I Peter. 4:17. God may be more severe at the beginning of a movement. When Aaron’s son offered “strange fire,” the Lord struck them down. Lev. 10: 1-2. When Israel first came into the Promised Land, Achan was made an example. Josh. 7: 24-27. See also David bringing back he Ark in 2 Sam. 6:6-8. And I Chron. 15: 12-15. Remember, Ananias’ lie was premeditated. Great fear, terror, and awe struck the church. Ananias was buried without the normal expressions of mourning.
Womack. Were they born-again believers, or were they some of the “tares” that Jesus spoke of (Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43)? This was God’s judgment upon them. The people greatly feared God as a result of this (Acts 5:11).
How can we reconcile God bringing such punishment on His children who have already had their sins paid for? No one argues that God deals with sin in the lives of believers (Hebrews 12:5-8), but His chastisement is always corrective, not punitive. What happened here?
Is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira were not truly born again? Jesus taught in the parable of the tares that some of Satan’s children were mixed among His true believers. If that were the case, then God’s wrath falling on Ananias and Sapphira would be no different than Old Testament examples of God’s punishment. They didn’t have a covenant with God, so God was completely just in calling their accounts due.
Or is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira could have been true believers who had become reprobate? The first-century church was walking in a revelation of Jesus that would make it very hard for unbelievers to go undetected. Also, the fact that Luke stated repeatedly that all the believers were of one accord (Acts 2:46; 4:24, and 32), plus the fact that there was real persecution against the believers, would lead one to believe that Ananias and his wife were a part of the church.
If Ananias and Sapphira were born-again believers and they renounced their salvation because of greed, that would have removed them from the New Covenant and made them candidates for the wrath of God.
Many people find it hard to believe that God would hold believers accountable to the point of being reprobate for greed and deception. After all, there are Christians today who lie and cheat, and we don’t see them falling over dead.
Hebrews 6:4-6 shows that only mature Christians are capable of rejecting their salvation. Most Christians today aren’t mature, and therefore God passes over their blasphemies even as He did with Saul who became the Apostle Paul. However, Ananias and Sapphira were a part of the early church that was walking in a revelation of Jesus and His love as possibly no other group of believers have ever done. They had experienced much and were therefore accountable for much.
Smith. The Holy Spirit kept the church pure.
Wesley. And Ananias fell down and expired — And this severity was not only just, considering that complication of vain glory, covetousness, fraud, and impiety, which this action contained: but it was also wise and gracious, as it would effectually deter any others from following his example. It was likewise a convincing proof of the upright conduct of the apostles, in managing the sums with which they were entrusted, and in general of their Divine mission. For none can imagine that Peter would have had the assurance to pronounce, and much less the power to execute such a sentence, if he had been guilty himself of a fraud of the same kind; or had been belying the Holy Ghost in the whole of his pretensions to be under his immediate direction. About the space of three hours — How precious a space! The woman had a longer time for repentance.
Evans. Sapphira followed her husband into sin. Our relationship with God takes priority over our marital bonds, obligations, and duties.
Verse 7-8.
“Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much? “She said, “Yes, for so much.”
AMP. “Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not having learned of what had happened. And Peter said to her, tell me, did you sell the land for so much? Yes, she said, for so much.”
Horton. Did Sapphira looking for praise and commendation when she came in? Peter gave her the opportunity to confess the truth, but she lied also.
Womack. The same Holy Spirit power that had healed the lame man (Acts 3:1-8) held these two to holiness. God’s power is a two-edged sword. The greater the anointing, the greater the accountability (Luke 12:48). Death and life are in the power of our tongues (Proverbs 18:20-21). Peter probed Sapphira to see if the deception was her’s also. Her love of money (1 Timothy 6:10) was greater than her love of God. She paid the ultimate price for her greed.
Keener. Ananias and Sapphira want the benefits and blessings of commitment without its full cost. There was a risk that they could infiltrate God’s church with satan’s agenda.
Achan kept some of Jericho’s wealth devoted to God (Josh. 7:1) and so obstructed God’s blessing on the community (7:4-12). The priests died in God’s presence in Lev. 10:1-5. Prophetic revelation of secretly profiting from God’s acts also appears in 2 Kings. 5: 26-27.
The intense presence of God’s Spirit (5:3, 9; 4:31) left no room for nominalism or pretense of commitment. Pleasing God, not impressing humans, just motivate generosity. This was a well-to-do couple whose death was widely reported.
Verse 9-10.
Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out. Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.
AMP. “Then Peter said to her, how could you two have agreed and conspired together to try to deceive the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also. And instantly she fell down at his feet and died; and the young men entering found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.”
Horton. They were trying to see how far they could go in disobedience without provoking God. Ex. 17:2; Num. 15: 30-31; Dt. 6:16; Lu. 4:12.
Womack. Why would Ananias and Sapphira put their lives and eternal destinies at risk for money?
Smith. The Holy Spirit brought fear and purity into the church.
Wesley. The Church — This is the first time it is mentioned: and here is a native specimen of a New Testament Church, which is a company of men, called by the Gospel, grafted into Christ by baptism, animated by love, united by all kind of fellowship, and disciplined by the death of Ananias and Sapphira.
Verse 11.
“So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.”
AMP. “And great fear and awe gripped the whole church, and all who heard about these things.”
TPT. “The entire church was seized with a powerful sense of the fear of God which came over all who heard what had happened.” Or “mega-fear” fell on the church.
Evans. Church discipline is designed to encourage believers to take God seriously with regard to sin.
Horton. The fear was a holy fear which did not split the church or hinder God’s work. The church is always strengthened when it catches a vision of the holiness of God and seeks practical holiness in individual lives.
Smith. Fear of God…leads to…Increased or Total Purity…leads to…Increased Power
Womack. This is the first time the word “church” is used to distinguish the body of believers. Notice the effect these miracles of judgment had on the church and unbelievers alike. They were in great fear.
Horton. Church or congregation The Greek word is ekklesia which was normally used in NT times for an assembly of free citizens. Acts 19:39; Ep. 2:19. Here it is used for all the Jerusalem believers (and believers from the surrounding area. It shows that the believers now considered themselves a distinct Body though they still thought of themselves as Jews. Greek speaking Jews used the same word for the congregation or nation of Israel. Dt. 4:10; 9:10; 18:16 in the LXX.
Verse 12-13.
“And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.”
AMP. “Now by the hands of the apostles (special messengers) numerous and startling signs and wonders were being performed among the people. And by common consent they all met together at the temple in the covered porch or walkway called Solomon’s Porch. And none of those who were not of their number dared to join and associate with them, but the people held them in high regard and praised and made much of them.”
Horton. Acts 4:30 being worked out. Each miracle pointed to the resurrection of Jesus and that He cared about the people and their needs. “Through the hands of the apostles” in the Greek emphasizes that the apostles were secondary agents. The church remained in one accord with singleness of purpose, meeting daily for prayer at the appointed hours in Solomon’s Colonnade and overflowing into the Temple Court beside it. (Jesus ministered here in Jo. 10:23). That no one else would join them may have been unbelievers because of the death of Ananias and Sapphira.
Womack. The signs and wonders aren’t specifically listed. The recorded miracles are typical of the unrecorded miracles.
The 120 disciples went to Solomon’s Porch after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit with the gift of speaking in tongues in Acts 2:1-6. 3,000 were added to the church on that Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41)
Josephus: Solomon’s Portico was a double-columned porch on the east side of the Temple near the court of the Gentiles. It was about 23 feet wide, and the columns were about 40 feet tall. Josephus says they were made of white marble. Crowds could have overflowed into the courtyard.
This is the Lord’s answer to the prayer in Acts 4:29-30. Womack believes that the “them” spoken of refers to the apostles. They were magnified and revered so that no one claimed equal authority, and none rejected their authority. The incident with Ananias and Sapphira caused godly fear that solidified the apostles’ positions in leadership. See Horton’s differing view.
Evans. Evans believes that it was unbelievers who did not associate with the church, but that the unbelievers spoke well of them.
Smith yearns for signs and wonders again in the modern church and sees a direct relationship between purity and power.
Wesley. None of the rest — No formalists or hypocrites, durst join themselves - In an outward show only, like Ananias and Sapphira.
Keener. Only the Temple’s courts could accommodate the massive numbers that gathered to hear the disciples. “Together” in v. 12 suggests the movement’s unity of purpose as in 1:14; 2:46; 4:24; 15:25. Compromising members or those who were not ready to made a full commitment did not join the movement due to Ananias and Sapphira.
Verse 14.
“And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.”
“Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in Jesus and were added to their number.”
Horton. When the people saw how God dealt with sin among believers, they realized that the church as a whole was pleasing God. “More and more” indicates that women had been part of the fellowship all along. Horton believes that the number of believers may have been over 10,000 at this time.
Womack. The supernatural events recorded in Acts caused multitudes to believe in the resurrection of Jesus and become Christians. and convert to it.
The disciples were walking in one accord (with one purpose), and the Holy Spirit worked miracles through them to help others. When believers manifest the power of God’s Word in their lives, multitudes will come to the Lord.
Smith. Church growth seminars may help but they are not the “Acts-way.” Sometimes churches compromise the gospel to draw more people.
Verse 15-16.
“As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might all on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.”
People brought the sick to the apostles, knowing that if even Peter’s shadow covered their loved ones, they would be healed. (See Paul’s use of sweat aprons in 19:11-12; Mt. 9:20). Soon word spread to the surrounding towns (fulfilling 1:8), and people brought there sick and friends who were demon oppressed also. The bible says that “all of them were healed.” The issue is not the method, but ministry and the love of God.
Womack. So many miracles happened that the people laid the sick in the streets so the shadow of Peter might overshadow them. And Acts 5:16 implies that everyone who had Peter’s shadow overshadow them was healed. What a powerful manifestation of God’s power.
Peter didn’t have anything that believers today don’t have. We have like precious faith (2 Peter 1:1). We can do the same works (John 14:12) if we believe like Peter did. This wasn’t just an apostolic gift. It was faith in the name of Jesus that made the lame man, at the temple, and all these men and women, whole (Acts 3:16).
The people who brought the sick to be healed had faith also. The recipient too.
There was no power in the shadow. The power resides in Jesus. It was released through the faith. Faith can be activated and released through different physical means (ex. a rod, Exodus 4:17; a tree, Exodus 15:25; a brazen serpent, Numbers 21:9; salt, 2 Kings 2:19-22; meal, 2 Kings 4:41; a stick, 2 Kings 6:4-7; figs, 2 Kings 20:7; clothes, Mark 5:28-29 and 34; clay, John 9:6-7; and handkerchiefs and aprons, Acts 19:11-12). However, if a person’s attention moves from God to the instrument used, then it becomes idolatry (see the example of Moses’ brazen serpent, Numbers 21:9 and 2 Kings 18:4).
Evans. This is the fulfillment of Jesus words in Jo. 14:12.
Smith. If the shadow of Peter fell on a person, he or she was healed. Most of us possess a passive faith. We believe that God can heal, but it’s different to believe that God will heal. The second is active faith. Scripture shows us instances where believers went from passive to active faith. The woman with the issue of blood in Mt. 9: 20-21. The lame man who responded to Jesus in Jo. 5:9. The Centurion had active faith that Jesus could heal his servant in Mt. 8: 5-13. It takes active faith to follow James 5:14-15.
As people in the countryside heard of the miracles, they came too. My note. It was not wrong in Acts 5 for miracles to publicize the meeting so that people come. We need it, but 1) would we corrupted by the power? 2) the apostles had set their priority as the Word of God and Prayer. Today our schedules won’t allow for that. 3) We have too many distractions.
Verse 17-18.
“Then the High Priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy and resentment. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.”
Horton. KJV say indignation. The Greek word “zeloo” can mean the worst kind of jealousy. It implies a factional spirit and a zeal for their Sadducean teachings against the resurrection. They hated to see the crowds gathered around the apostles. They were also jealous because Jesus’ name, and not theirs was being proclaimed. Jealous indignation caused the Sadducees to act. They arrested all 12 apostles. “Public” is actually an adverb meaning “publicly.” So, they arrested the apostles with the public looking on. This was a further step for them. Before, they were afraid to act due to the crowd’s approval of what the apostles did.
Evans. The leaders cared nothing for God’s glory; only their own.
Smith. Opposition to God’s miraculous work often comes from religious people, rather than secular people. They were the spiritual liberals of that day who did not believe in spirits, angels, or the resurrection from the dead. They were indignant at the reports of demonic deliverance and physical healings. See Mk. 9: 38-40. Churches are not in competition and should work together.
Wesley. The high priest — and the sect of the Sadducees - A goodly company for the priest! He, and these deniers of any angel or resurrection, were filled with zeal - Angry, bitter, persecuting zeal.
Womack. The Greek word translated “indignation” is “ZELOS” and it is used seventeen times in the New Testament. It is translated “zeal” six times; “envy,” “envying,” or “envying’s” six times; “emulations” once; “fervent mind” once; “jealousy” once; and “indignation” twice. This word differs from the other Greek words translated “indignation” in the New Testament in that it “grieves, not because another has the good, but that one does not have it and seeks to supply such deficiencies in himself” (“The Complete Word Study: New Testament” by Dr. Spiros Zodhiates). Therefore, this indignation of the Sadducees was rooted in envy and jealousy. Proverbs 13:10 says, “Only by pride comes contention.” Self-centeredness is always at the bottom of all strife and persecution. The Sadducees were jealous of the crowds that followed the apostles. They wanted the peoples’ recognition and prestige and that was being threatened. They couldn’t compete with the apostles’ spiritual power, so they resorted to physical force. Persecution is our opponent’s compliment. We should rejoice that we are “counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” (Acts 5:41).
Keener. The disciples encounter harsher persecution in response to bold preaching and healings, demonic deliverances, and miracles. The word highlights emboldened preaching despite persecution.
Verse 19-20.
“But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. Go, stand in the Temple Courts, he said, and tell the people the full message of this new life.”
Horton. The Sadducees believed that all history is the result of human decision. Here an angel opened the jail door and took the apostles past the guards without the guards knowing it. The Sadducees did not believe in angels. The angel told the apostles to go back to the Temple and continue to teach and preach the full gospel message – the words that are life-giving to those who believe. Jo. 6:68. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the gospel gives life.
Womack. The angel freed the apostles at night. It could have been done in broad daylight for everyone to see, but it wasn’t. The Lord does miracles and no man one an excuse to reject Him, but His dealings with us are in ways noticed only by those who already believe. Faith pleases the Lord (Hebrews 11:6), not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
This is the first time in Scripture that an angel delivered anyone from prison. Joseph and Jeremiah were imprisoned without the Lord providing them with a miraculous escape. Instead, they were vindicated and released. Later in Acts (Acts 12:1-19), Peter was released in a similarly miraculous fashion as here. However, the Apostle Paul spent years in prison (Acts 21:28). As Paul said in Philippians 1:12-14, his imprisonment gave him an all-expense paid trip to Rome to witness to Caesar. The Jewish leaders locked the apostles up for witnessing about Jesus (Acts 5:18). Their witness and obedience put them in direct conflict with the authorities. Today most ministers would cave to pressure and not put themselves in danger. But the angel told them to do so, and they were obedient.
Smith. The angel told the apostles to go right back to the place where they were arrested and preach again. So, early in the morning, they returned to the same place and began to preach and teach the people again. See Jo. 10:10. This is the first instance of three in Acts in which God miraculously delivered out of prison. God worked slightly differently each time. He is not bound to any pattern. In some in Scripture, the apostles were not delivered. God has a purpose for the times when we stay in prison.
Evans. A locked cell can’t stop the supernatural. The instructions were to return to the Temple and preach – not go into hiding.
Wesley. The words of this — That is, these words of life: words which show the way to life everlasting.
Verse 21.
“And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.”
“When they heard this, they went into the temple courtyards about daybreak and began teaching. Now when the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court), even all the council of elders of the sons of Israel and sent word to the prison for the apostles to be brought before them.
Horton. The apostles went to the Temple to teach the people at daybreak. They were full of boldness pursuant to 4:29. It must have astonished the people who saw them arrested the night before. The people must have been able to see that God was with the apostles.
Later that morning, the Sanhedrin gathered (the full assembly could mean that all 70 gathered). That 70 were present in this meeting implies that on the previous occasion when Peter and John were arrested (and some other occasions like the trial of Jesus) only those who were under the control of the Sadducees were called. This constituted a quorum. They brought the entire Sanhedrin together to bring the full authority of the government behind their decision.
Verse 22-24.
“But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be.”
Horton. The officers here are not high officers, but rather servants. The report of an empty jail caused the high priest and his associates to be puzzled, in doubt, and troubled. “Come” here translates a form of a Greek word for “become” or “happen.” They were worried about what would happen next.
Smith. Now the Sanhedrin are faced with another problem. If word of the disappearance was known to the people, what would the outcome be? What would they do? Would the Sanhedrin lose authority?
Wesley. We found the prison shut — The angel probably had shut the doors again. They doubted what this should be — They were even at their wits’ end. The world, in persecuting the children of God, entangle themselves in numberless difficulties.
Womack. The officers and the high priest’s reactions are not recorded. But they must have been shocked that their prisoners were gone. They must have sensed that the apostles’ absence was a miraculous manifestation of God’s power. Yet they pressed on in their unbelief and rejection of the disciples’ preaching. The religious leaders weren’t innocent or deceived in this matter. They knowingly hardened their hearts toward God.
Acts 4 & 5 emphasize the miracles wrought by the apostles’ hands. The Lord confirms His Word with signs and wonders (Mark 16:20).
Verse 25-26.
“So, one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people! Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.”
Horton. The commander of the Temple Guard went to get the apostles without violence. They did not want to deal with a mob. The apostles could have manipulated the crowd to shield themselves from the Temple guard, but they did not.
Womack. Not only did the apostles escape the high priest’s imprisonment, but also their actions showed they were totally unfazed by the high priest’s threats. The apostles were in control, not the high priest. This must have angered and scared him at the same time.
Verse 27-28.
“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”
AMP. “So, they brought them and presented them before the Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court). The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this Man’s blood on us by accusing us as His murderers.”
The reason the Council members refused to refer to Jesus by name is unclear, but may indicate contempt, guilt, or perhaps fear.
Horton. The high priest did not ask the apostles how they got out of prison. They knew that whatever the escape method was, it was supernatural. He did not want to hear about angels. “This name” is a derogatory way of referring to Jesus. The High Priest reminded the apostles that he had given “strict orders” not to teach in His name. Did the High Priest feel guilty for what happened to Jesus? His statement that the apostles wanted to bring vengeance for the death of Jesus on the Sanhedrin was slander.
Womack. The apostles didn’t have to come to the Sanhedrin. The officers wouldn’t have taken them by force for fear of the people (Acts 5:26). So, the apostles were in control here.
The council and high priest didn’t mention their miraculous prison deliverance. That didn’t serve their purpose.
Without knowing it, the rulers gave the apostles a compliment. They had filled Jerusalem with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, the rulers were wrong in saying that the apostles’ motive was to incriminate them in the sight of the people for the blood of Jesus. They were simply telling the truth so that the people could believe. They were not against the religious rulers.
Evans. The men who put Jesus to death had the authority to put the apostles to death.
Smith. See Acts 3: 13-17; 4: 8-11; Mt. 27: 22-25.
Wesley. Did not we strictly command you, not to teach? — See the poor cunning of the enemies of the Gospel. They make laws and interdicts at their pleasure, which those who obey God cannot but break; and then take occasion thereby to censure and punish the innocent, as guilty. Ye would bring the blood of this man upon us — An artful and invidious word. The apostles did not desire to accuse any man. They simply declared the naked truth.
Verse 29.
“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than men (people).’”
Horton. Peter and the apostles did not apologize or back down. “Obey” envisions obedience to one in authority. Earlier in 4:19, the apostles had said “you judge.” Earlier, the Sanhedrin did not judge that the apostles were under Divine necessity to preach the gospel. The apostles had to be stronger.
Smith. See I Peter. 2: 13-15; Ro. 13: 1-7; Titus 3:1. See also Daniel praying with his widows open after Darius’ decree and Dan. 6, 13 for the three Hebrew boys. Now laws seek to keep us from speaking out against certain sins, homosexuality.
Wesley. Then Peter — In the name of all the apostles, said - He does not now give them the titles of honor, which he did before, Acts 4:8; but enters directly upon the subject, and justifies what he had done. This is, as it were, a continuation of that discourse, but with an increase of severity.
Womack. Peter and John generally repeated to these same leaders what they said in Acts 4:19, but there, it was phrased as a question. They asked the leaders to make the decision on whether they should obey God or man. Here, the apostles presented this truth as a statement of fact.
The council and the high priest were offended and convicted (Acts 5:28). Most Christians think we should never offend anyone with the Gospel, but that wasn’t Peter’s and the other apostles’ response. They didn’t apologize or try to smooth things over. They said that what they were saying and doing was of God and they owed a higher allegiance to God than to these Jewish leaders. People who reject God will always be offended by those who love God. We don’t need to let a misplaced compassion for the lost stop us from speaking the truth.
Peter was the one who wrote, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake” (1 Peter 2:13), yet we see him disobeying the Jewish leaders here. What’s the deal? But submission and obedience are not the same thing. “Obey” means “to carry out the command,” while “submit” means “to yield or surrender (oneself) to the will or authority of another.” People can be submitted to others without obeying them, just as much as they can obey others without submitting to them. In the military, subordinate officers do not have authority to issue commands that contradict their commanding officers’ orders. They disobey orders from officers who are above them if they are certain that their commands are in direct opposition to their superiors. God never wants us to obey any law of man that contradicts His laws, but He does not want us to be rebellious about it. We should act as these apostles acted. They didn’t obey the rulers’ command, because it contradicted God’s command, but they submitted to their authority. They were beaten as punishment (Acts 5:40), yet they didn’t plot a revolt or criticize the rulers who beat them. They had a submissive attitude, even though they obeyed the higher law of God.
Verse 30-31.
“The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead - whom you murdered by hanging Him on a tree. God has exalted to Jesus to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, that He might give the opportunity for repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.”
Horton. Peter told the Jewish leaders again that “the God of their Fathers, the Covenant Keeping God,” raised Jesus the Messiah from the dead. They contrasted how God treated Jesus (exalting Him to His right hand, the place of honor and authority) as opposed to the Jewish leaders “who hung Him on a tree, trying to put Him under God’s curse (Dt. 21:23; Gal. 3:13; I Pe. 2:24). Contrary to their fears, it was not God’s or the apostle’s purpose to punish them for this. God raised Jesus up from the dead to be Prince (archegon- author, founder, leader, chief) and a savior – a title used for God in Is. 45:21; Lu. 1:47 in order to give the opportunity for repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. Their guilt would be cancelled if they would repent.
Smith. The Greek word for tree is xylon which means something made from wood such as a beam or a cross from which one is suspended. The Romans sometimes crucified people on a X shaped cross. They also crucified people on a cross where the top crossbar as at the very top. What’s important? “I believe that He died on the tree to atone for my sins and through my faith in His death for me, God has given me eternal life. Peter was addressing people who, in the main, did not believe in the resurrection. Peter did not shrink from saying “You murdered Him.”
Repent. The Greek word for repent is “metaoia.” “Meta” means “after” with the idea of change or shift. “Noia” translates to mind. Biblically, “we decide as a matter of the will on a change of mind, heart, and action by turning away from sin and self and returning to God.” Before one can repent, he/she must identify in his/her mind and heart that he/she has done wrong before a Loving, Holy Father. They must be willing to ask forgiveness for that wrongdoing and be willing to turn. God will provide the sacrifice at that point for forgiveness of sins.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace, the Prince of Princes, the Prince of Life, and the Savior (The Lord is Salvation) (Is. 9:6, Dan. 8:25, Acts 3, Lu. 13:3). “As the savior, He brings Israel to repentance in order that they might receive the forgiveness of sins. Jesus said “Unless you repent (and live in repentance), you will perish. Lu. 13:3. His first words were “repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Mt. 4:17. Jesus came to bring people to repentance from sin. When repenting, one receives forgiveness for their sins because their sins are paid for. Repentance and belief activate the receipt of the benefit of what Jesus did on the cross for us.
(Back to Smith). Paul was probably part of this Sanhedrin meeting and perhaps also when Jesus stood before the Sanhedrin. Did Paul’s heart begin to open at this point?
Womack. These Jewish leaders crucified Jesus. They could have the Romans crucify the disciples also. The disciples knew this but were fearless. They spoke and placed the blame where it belonged. They had cowed once before in the face of persecution (Matthew 26:56 and Mark 14:50), but not here. The difference was the baptism of the Holy Spirit and obedience. Peter minced no words. God raised Jesus from the dead by His power (infused new life into Jesus’s dead soul). Jesus now reigns as Prince and Savior over Israel and all mankind. Everyone has to repent to Him and receive forgiveness of sins through Him. All other methods to achieve salvation are rendered void. This made the high priest useless.
Evans. Peter’s chief authority is not merely a king, but the King. See 5:30, 32; 2:32; 3:15.
Keener. Here, Peter omits the polite address that he used earlier (4:8). In Greek, Peter’s speech begins (5:29) and ends (5:32) with “obeying God.”
Wesley. Him hath God exalted — From the grave to heaven; to give repentance - Whereby Jesus is received as a Prince; and forgiveness of sins - Whereby he is received as a Savior. Hence some infer that repentance and faith are as mere gifts as remission of sins. Not so: for man co-operates in the former, but not in the latter. God alone forgives sins.
Verse 32.
We are His witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
Horton. The apostles are Jesus’ witnesses to “these things” or “these words” (v. 20) which “the words of this life.” Peter adds that the Holy Spirit also witnesses (I Pe. 1:11; 2 Pe. 1:21). He enables them to witness (Mt. 10:20, Jo. 14:26).
Smith. The apostles, and the Holy Spirit, bear witness to the resurrection of Jesus. Jo. 15: 26; 16:8).
Womack. Peter was an eyewitness to the resurrection of Jesus. The miracles performed by Jesus and in His name through the Holy Spirit by faith gave further evidence that Jesus was resurrected from the dead (Mark 16:20). The Holy Spirit indwelt the apostles, so they got to participate in the miracles. The Holy Spirit is and was the actor.
In Acts 5:31 Peter stated that Jesus was the One who forgives sins. Those who want their sins forgiven have to approach God through Jesus. Here Peter and the other apostles are the true witnesses of the Lord. Peter stripped the high priest of his priestly role and all claims to be God’s representative.
Verse 33.
“When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.” (Horton: “wanted to put them to death.”
“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and infuriated and wanted to kill the disciples.”
Horton. Peter told, and the Sanhedrin accepted his words to say and mean, that they were guilty of Christ’s murder and also guilty of not accepting God’s authority and thus to obey him. Instead of repenting, they were furious, “sawn through” and so cut to the heart with anger, indignation and jealousy. They started proceedings to kill the apostles (the same word for “put to death” is used of killing Jesus in Acts 2:23).
Womack. In Acts 2:37 on the Day of Pentecost, the people were pricked in their hearts. In Acts 7:54, the Jews were cut to the heart through the ministry of Stephen. The Holy Spirit sent conviction deep into their hearts. On the Day of Pentecost, 3,000 people responded to Peter’s message and were born again (Acts 2:41). In Acts 7:54-60, the Jews rejected the Holy Spirit’s conviction and killed Stephen. It was the same Holy Spirit conviction but opposite reactions from the people. When God touches a person at the heart level, he/she will respond in one of these two ways.
Some Christians believe that we should be kind and gentle so that no one will be offended by the gospel. It wasn’t the apostles who were offensive with their witness. It was the Jewish people’s hearts that took offense. It’s error to back off of the truth because people don’t like it.
Smith. He. 4:12 says that the Word is living, powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword…” Here the word spoken through Peter cut straight to their hearts.
Keener. When preached under the anointing, hearers who hear the Word may repent (2:37) or they may be enraged enough to kill (5:33; 7:54; Lu. 4:28).
Verse 34.
“Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while.”
“But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men (the apostles) be put outside for a little while.”
Horton. As before, the Sanhedrin took the lead in persecution of the church, but this time the entire council was together which included Pharisees. (Gamaliel was given the title of “Rabban” (our master). Only five others were even given this title. Paul had been trained by Gamaliel and was one of his most prominent students. Gamaliel was the leading Pharisee in the Sanhedrin and acted almost as co-chair with the high priest).
Womack. Gamaliel is mentioned twice in Scripture (here and Acts 22:3). He was a very respected doctor of the Law. Gamaliel’s counsel to the Jewish leaders, that they should not oppose the Christians, was not initially accepted by his most renowned pupil, Saul (later Paul).
Wesley. But a certain Pharisee — And as such believing the resurrection of the dead; a doctor, or teacher of the law - That is, a scribe, and indeed one of the highest ranks; had in honor by all the people - Except the Sadducees; rising up in the council - So God can raise defenders of his servants, whensoever and wheresoever he pleases.
Verse 35-37.
“And he said to them: Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.”
Horton. Gamaliel warned the Sanhedrin “to consider carefully or be cautious or given careful attention to” what they intended to do. Gamaliel suggests that with Jesus crucified, his followers will also come to nothing. Theudas was killed but some of his followers became “zealots.” Gamaliel may suggest that since the Sanhedrin did not fight the Zealots neither should they fight these men.
Smith. Theudas and Judas held themselves out as messiahs also.
Keener. Gamaliel is a prophet in the sense that ‘if the movement is of God, nothing can stand in its way.
Womack. Gamaliel was Paul’s mentor (Acts 22:3), and Saul was the church’s greatest persecutor before his conversion. Yet Gamaliel exhibited wisdom and restraint here that seems in opposition to the way Saul may have felt.
Gamaliel made the point that insurrections had come and gone before. If this movement was not of God, it would not last. That’s wise counsel. And if it was of God, then the Jews should not fight it. So, the prudent course would be to do nothing (Acts 5:38-39).
Wesley. Before these days — He prudently mentions the facts first, and then makes the inference.
Verse 38-39.
“And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
“Therefore, in the present case I advise you; Leave these men alone! Let them go! For it their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Womack. Gamaliel’s counsel was true and worked to the apostles’ advantage, but it is not a truth that is applicable in all situations. In direct opposition to Gamaliel’s advice, the Lord gave commands to His ministers to counter errors in His church (Titus 1:11; Revelation 2:14-15, and 20). Second, not every cause of God succeeds. Ultimately, God’s desire will prevail, but at the present, many things are happening outside of God’s will. It is not God’s will that anyone should perish (2 Peter 3:9), but people are perishing since God has given us the freedom of choice (Deuteronomy 30:19). It is God’s will for people to be healed (Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 8:17, 1 Peter 2:24, and 3 John 2), but not everyone gets healed. God hates the murdering of children, yet millions of unborn children are being killed every year. We cannot adopt the attitude that Gamaliel put forth here to simply be passive and believe that those things that are not of God will fail. We have to stand up for what is right and oppose what is wrong.
Horton. Contrast Gamaliel’s advice with that of Caiaphas (Jo. 11: 49-53). Gamaliel was a leading Pharisee. In a sense, Gamaliel was a hypocrite because he did not accept Jesus as Lord nor admit that the signs and wonders performed by the Holy Spirit through the apostles distinguished them from the former rebels.
Smith. What God has said, God will do. It’s unwise to fight against God’s purposes. See Is. 45:9. Jer. 29:11. A fight against God is a fight against your own good.
Keener. Gamaliel had an opinion about the Jesus Movement. Luke likens the apostolic movement to OT prophetic movements while Gamaliel likens it to political rebels.
Verse 40.
“And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus and let them go.”
“His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go.”
Horton. The apostles were flogged with whips that took skin off their backs. Thus, the Sanhedrin took their anger, indignation, and spite on the apostles probably by the usual 39 stripes (Dt. 25: 3; 2 Cor. 11:24). See Mk. 13:9. Jesus had warned them that this would happen. They ordered them not to speak “in the name of Jesus.” Without the centrality of “the name of Jesus,” the new movement would peter out.
Womack. They didn’t take Gamaliel’s counsel completely. Gamaliel counseled them to leave the apostles alone. Instead, they beat them and commanded them not to minister in the name of Jesus.
Evans. The Sanhedrin flogged the apostles, commanded them not to preach or teach in the name of Jesus, and set them free.
Verse 41.
“So, they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.”
Horton. “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name.”
See Mt. 5: 11-12; I Peter 1: 6-9; 4: 13-16. They suffered for the sake of all that “the name” stood for and represented: Christ’s character and nature, His messiahship, His deity, His saviorhood, His Lordship. See Phil. 2: 9-10.
Womack. The disciples had so completely lost themselves in God that they didn’t think about personal suffering. Instead, they rejoiced that they were effective enough in their witness to suffer the same shame Jesus had suffered at these men’s hands. What a great honor to suffer shame for being associated with Jesus! Jesus died for us. The least we can do is live for Him, regardless of the costs.
Smith. If we suffer the same way, God will give us grace at that time. Lu. 12: 11-12. God doesn’t give you that kind of grace until you need it. See Mt. 5: 11-12.
Keener. Whereas the authorities care for their honor (5:28), the disciples count it honorable to suffer flogging (physical pain) for His name. Whereas Gamaliel is respected, the apostles suffer dishonor. The exalted will be humbled with the reverse also true. The Pharisee ideal for flogging was to strike the offender’s back 26 times and front 13 times with a whip of calf leather.
Wesley. Rejoicing — to suffer shame - This is a sure mark of the truth, joy in affliction, such is true, deep, pure.
Verse 42.
“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”
“Day after day, in the Temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped preaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”
Horton. The phrase “from house to house” indicates what will be an increasing use of house churches as the basic social organization through which the gospel advances from Palestine to Rome. Acts 20:20.
This is the last time that Acts mentions ministry in the Temple.
Evans. Suffering for Jesus is far better than living at ease without Him. He won’t forget what you do for His name. See I Peter 4:13; 2:18-21; 3:17.
Womack. The first-century church met daily in homes. Today we have beautiful, air-conditioned church buildings to meet in. But we typically use them only once or twice a week.