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Acts 5 The Apostles Heal and Persecuted

1 Ananias and Sapphira
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.

2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?

4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”

5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened.

6 Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.

8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”
“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”

9 Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

12 The Apostles Heal Many
The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade.

13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.

14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.

15 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 fall on some of them as he passed by.

16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.

17 The Apostles Persecuted
Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.

18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.

19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.

20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people the full message of this new life.”

21 At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.
When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles.

22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported,

23 “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”

24 On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this.

25 Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.”

26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.

27 Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest.

28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men!

30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.

31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.

32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.

34 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 be put outside for a little while.

35 Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.

36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.

37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.

38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.

39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

40 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.

41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

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Analysis of Acts Chapter 5

The fifth chapter of the Book of Acts offers a significant and profound glimpse into the dynamics, challenges, and growth of the early Christian community. This chapter is pivotal as it discusses internal challenges, divine interventions, and the unshakable resolve of the apostles. It spans various themes, including the severity of divine judgment, communal living, and the unstoppable nature of the Gospel message. This analysis aims to provide a thorough and insightful interpretation of Acts 5, verse by verse.

Verses 1-11: The Sin of Ananias and Sapphira

The chapter opens with a dramatic and sobering narrative concerning a married couple, Ananias and Sapphira. This story unfolds as a solemn warning about deceit and hypocrisy within the Christian community.

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?” (Acts 5:1-3, ESV)

Ananias and Sapphira’s act of deceit is not merely concerning money; it is a direct affront to the Holy Spirit and an attempt to deceive the entire Christian community. Peter, filled with discernment from the Holy Spirit, confronts Ananias. This passage highlights several critical aspects:

  • The Gravity of Sin: The passage underscores that sin, particularly deceit, is a serious offense against God. The immediate ramifications of their deceit — death — signifies the severity of trying to deceive God.
  • Divine Discernment: Peter’s awareness of the deceit suggests a divine empowerment and guidance that ensures the purity of the early church.
  • Community Integrity: The early church was built on mutual trust and genuine transparency. Ananias and Sapphira’s actions threatened this integrity, warranting swift and severe divine judgment.

“When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it.” (Acts 5:5, ESV)

Both Ananias and his wife Sapphira face immediate divine judgment for their actions. Their deaths serve as both a judgment and a deterrent, instilling a sense of awe and reverence among the believers and those who heard of these events.

This narrative is a stark reminder of God’s holiness and the necessity of integrity within the community of believers. The early church was to be characterized by truth and genuine commitment, reflecting God’s righteous nature.

Verses 12-16: The Apostles Perform Miracles

Following the sobering account of Ananias and Sapphira, the text shifts to describe the miraculous deeds performed by the apostles:

“Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico.” (Acts 5:12, ESV)

The apostles’ miraculous acts served multiple purposes:

  • Authentication of the Message: These signs and wonders authenticated the apostles’ message, confirming that their teachings were divinely inspired.
  • Divine Presence: The miracles were a testament to God’s active presence among His people, reinforcing the reality of the risen Christ’s continued work through His apostles.
  • Growth of the Church: The miracles drew many to the faith, as evidenced by the increasing number of believers.

“And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them.” (Acts 5:14-15, ESV)

The apostles’ influence grew, attracting multitudes who sought healing and deliverance. The fact that people hoped Peter’s shadow might fall on them indicates the high regard and expectation people had for the apostles’ divine authority. This era represents a time of vibrant growth and miraculous activity in the early church.

Verses 17-26: Apostles Arrested and Miraculously Freed

The narrative then transitions to the increasing opposition from the religious authorities:

“But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.” (Acts 5:17-18, ESV)

The success and influence of the apostles sparked jealousy and fear among the religious leaders, leading to their imprisonment. However, this opposition could not thwart God’s plans:

“But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.'” (Acts 5:19-20, ESV)

The divine intervention of the angel signifies several key points:

  • Divine Protection: God actively intervenes to protect His messengers, underscoring His sovereignty over human authorities.
  • Unstoppable Mission: The apostles’ mission to spread the Gospel cannot be impeded by human opposition. The angel’s command to return and preach signifies that their mission is divinely ordained and unstoppable.
  • Public Testimony: The apostles’ return to the public arena (the temple) after being miraculously freed serves as a powerful testimony to God’s power and the truth of their message.

“Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, ‘We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.'” (Acts 5:21-23, ESV)

The bewilderment of the religious leaders and the miraculous nature of the apostles’ escape further accentuate the divine backing of the apostles’ mission. The empty prison and the apostles’ unhindered return to the temple vividly portray the futility of human attempts to stifle God’s work.

Verses 27-42: The Apostles Before the Sanhedrin

The final section of the chapter recounts the apostles’ confrontation with the Sanhedrin and the wise counsel of Gamaliel.

“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.'” (Acts 5:27-28, ESV)

The high priest’s accusations highlight the tension between the religious leaders’ authority and the apostles’ obedience to divine command. The apostles’ response is a profound declaration of their commitment:

“But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.'” (Acts 5:29-32, ESV)

This response encapsulates several key theological and missiological points:

  • Divine Allegiance: The apostles unequivocally declare their allegiance to God over human authority, underscoring the primacy of divine command in their mission.
  • The Centrality of the Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is presented as the pivotal event, affirming Jesus’ divine authority and the validation of the apostles’ message.
  • Offer of Repentance and Forgiveness: Despite the leaders’ opposition and culpability in Jesus’ death, the message of repentance and forgiveness remains central, highlighting God’s redemptive purpose for Israel.
  • The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit’s testimony and empowerment are emphasized, affirming the divine origin and backing of the apostolic mission.

The reaction of the council is one of anger and hostility, yet Gamaliel’s wise counsel provides a crucial turning point:

“But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. And he said to them, ‘Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men… if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!'” (Acts 5:34-39, ESV)

Gamaliel’s counsel presents a theologically profound and pragmatic perspective:

  • Divine Sovereignty: Gamaliel acknowledges the possibility that the apostolic movement could be of divine origin, thereby implying that human efforts against it would be futile.
  • Historical Precedent: He references past movements that fizzled, suggesting that if the apostolic movement were merely human, it would meet a similar end.
  • Prudent Restraint: His advice for caution and restraint demonstrates wisdom, contrasting with the impulsive hostility of the council.

Following Gamaliel’s counsel, the apostles are beaten and charged again not to speak in Jesus’ name. Remarkably, their response is one of joy and continued commitment:

“Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” (Acts 5:41-42, ESV)

This conclusion highlights several crucial aspects:

  • Joy in Suffering: The apostles’ joy in suffering emphasizes their deep identification with Christ and recognition of suffering as a mark of their faithful witness.
  • Unwavering Commitment: Despite opposition and physical punishment, the apostles remain undeterred in their mission to proclaim Jesus as the Christ, reflecting their unwavering commitment and divine empowerment.

Conclusion

Acts Chapter 5 presents a dynamic and multifaceted picture of the early Christian community, emphasizing the interplay of divine power, human opposition, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel. The chapter underscores the necessity of integrity, the reality of divine intervention, and the unstoppable nature of God’s mission. Through the dramatic narrative of Ananias and Sapphira, the miraculous signs and wonders performed by the apostles, their divine deliverance from prison, and their unwavering testimony before the Sanhedrin, the chapter conveys the profound truth that God’s purposes and plans transcend human effort and opposition. The unwavering joy and commitment of the apostles, even in the face of suffering, offer a timeless testimony to the power and reality of the risen Christ working through His followers. This chapter stands as a powerful testament to the foundational values and divine empowerment that characterized the early church and continue to inspire believers today.