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ACTS CHAPTER FIVE
OBSERVATION STAGE
The purpose of
the observation stage is to maintain focus on the text at hand within the
normative rules of language, context and logic 
.which largely limits the observer to the
content offered by the books of Luke and Acts. Other passages must have a
relationship with the context at hand, such as a Scriptural quotation or
reference in the passage at hand. This will serve to avoid going on
unnecessary tangents elsewhere; and more importantly, it will provide the
framework for a proper and objective comparison with passages located
elsewhere in Scripture.
Remember that something elsewhere may be true, but in the text at hand it may not be in view.
****** EXCERPT FROM ACTS CHAPTER 4 ******
OR
SKIP TO THE BEGINNING OF CHAPTER 5
(Acts 4:24 NKJV) So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, (Acts 4:25 NKJV) who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: 'Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? (Acts 4:26 NKJV) The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ [His Anointed One].' (Acts 4:27 NASB) For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your Holy Servant Jesus, Whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, (Acts 4:28 NKJV) to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. (Acts 4:29 NKJV) Now, LORD, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, (Acts 4:30 NKJV) by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your Holy Servant Jesus." (Acts 4:31 NKJV) And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they [were speaking] the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:32 NKJV) Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. (Acts 4:33 NKJV) And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all, (Acts 4:34 YLT) for there was not any one among them who did lack, for as many as were possessors of fields, or houses, selling [them], were bringing the prices of the thing sold, (Acts 4:35 NKJV) and [were laying] them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. (Acts 4:36 NKJV) And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, (Acts 4:37 NKJV) having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet." =
The believers' prayer continued: they asked the LORD for God's servants - referring in the third person plural to the apostles - for boldness in speaking the word of God in the face of the threats of those who opposed them. Note that the apostles up to this time were the only ones who were speaking God's Word out to others, especially to people in the temple areas. The word rendered "their," in the phrase "Now, LORD, look on their threats," in verse 29 refers to those who had gathered together against God's Holy Servant Jesus, (vv. 27-28): "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your Holy Servant Jesus, Whom You anointed,.both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done." So the believers prayed for the LORD's hand in granting His servants boldness in speaking out His word - especially relative to Jesus Christ's resurrection and thereby ones resurrection unto eternal life in the Eternal Kingdom of God through a moment of faith in Him; and in stretching out His hand to heal and produce signs and wonders through the name of the LORD's Holy Servant Jesus. These healing, signs and wonders were evidently to establish the veracity of God's word when it was spoken, and to provide further opportunities to speak God's word. Note that the Greek word "hagiou" in the phrase "tou hagiou paidos sou IEsou" rendered "of Your Holy Servant Jesus," refers to Jesus being set apart to God for the work that He was foreordained to do - referring to His atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, being raised from the dead to be exalted in heaven by God, and coming back to earth to become the KING of kings, and LORD of Lords of His Eternal Kingdom of God on earth, (cf. Ps 2:1-12; Acts 4:29-30).
When the believers finished their prayers, the place where they were assembled was shaken - evidently a sign to them that God had answered their prayers; whereupon all the believers were filled in the sense of being voluntary controlled by the directives of the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness - evidently choosing to act as directed by the Holy Spirit, hence under His control. Note that the filling of the Holy Spirit was evidently bestowed sovereignly upon the believers by God, such that they were endowed with boldness and given the word of God. On the other hand, the believers must still choose to be controlled by the directives of God the Holy Spirit Who dwelt within them. Although, up to this time, the apostles were the sole witnesses of Jesus Christ's resurrection and faith in Him unto eternal life in the Eternal Kingdom of God, (cf. Acts 2:38; 3:12-21); it is evident that all believers were being trained by the teaching of the apostles, and as directed by the filling of the Holy Spirit, (Acts 4:31).
Author Luke indicated that the body of believers were of one heart and one soul in the sense of being of one mind and purpose in life - that of proclaiming the gospel and living for that purpose - for Jesus Christ, their LORD and Savior. Author Luke wrote also that the believers were of a mind that their possessions were not viewed as solely their own in the sense that they willingly shared them with others in need, (cf. Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-37), (Acts 4:32).
Luke declared that with great power, implying the performing of miracles, the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the LORD Jesus and a moment of faith in Him for one to receive Eternal Resurrected life in the Eternal Kingdom of God. Whereupon, Luke declared that God's grace was upon all of the believers. Note that at this time, it is evident that the apostles were the primary witnesses and channels of the miraculous power of God. This implies that the thousands of believers were still dependent upon the apostles for teaching and doing the work of God in evangelizing the lost. On the other hand, verse 32 does indicate that the grace of God was upon all the believers. And as an example of this grace of God upon all the believers, Luke reported that "There was not any one among them who did lack, for as many as were possessors of fields, or houses, selling [them], were bringing the prices of the thing sold, and [were laying] them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need." Notice that the word rendered "selling [them] is a nominative present participle signifying that over a period of time and as the need arose the believers that owned property were selling a portion of their possessions. The rest of the verse is the imperfect tense corroborating this ongoing action. So the Greek text of Acts 4:34 does not stipulate that the believers sold all of their properties and gave the proceeds to the group as if under a communal or communist living arrangement where nobody owns anything, as some contend. Notice that the task of distributing these funds was left to the apostles, giving them multiple tasks to provide for the needs and the training of thousands of fellow believers, as well as being the sole witnesses of Jesus Christ to unbelievers, (Acts 4:34-35).
Luke then gave an exemplary example of this sharing with fellow believers in Barnabas: "And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated son of encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet." The Greek word "IOsEs" is a Greek form of the name "Joseph," a very common name among the Jews. But the apostles gave him another name, "Barnabas," which means "son of encouragement." This special name described a noteworthy aspect of his character - of being an encourager to others, as exemplified by his response to the needs of fellow believers by his having sold an agricultural field, (Greek: "agrou"), which he owned he brought the money to the apostles to distribute. Although Levites were prohibited from owning property literally "in their land," referring to the Promised Land - Israel, according to Numbers 18:20, 24; the land that Barnabas sold might well have been located in his native land, Cyprus. Nevertheless, Barnabas sold it and gave the proceeds to the apostles for the needy, (Acts 4:36-37).
****** END OF EXCERPT FROM ACTS CHAPTER 4 ******
(Acts 5:1 NKJV) "But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
(Acts 5:2 NKJV) 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.
(Acts 5:3 NKJV) But Peter said, "Ananias, why [did] Satan [fill] your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?
(Acts 5:4 NKJV) 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.
(Acts 5:5 NKJV) Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.
(Acts 5:6 NKJV) And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him
(Acts 5:7 NKJV) Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened
(Acts 5:8 NKJV) And Peter answered her, 'Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?' She said, 'Yes, for so much.'
(Acts 5:9 NKJV) 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.'
(Acts 5:10 NKJV) 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.
(Acts 5:11 YLT) and great fear came upon all the assembly, ["church," NKJV] and upon all who heard these things.
(Acts 5:12 NKJV) 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,
(Acts 5:13 YLT) and of the rest no one was daring to join himself to them, but the people were magnifying them,
(Acts 5:14 YLT) (and the more were believers [were being] added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women),
(Acts 5:15 NKJV) so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.
(Acts 5:16 NKJV) Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all [being] healed.
(Acts 5:17 NKJV) Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation,
(Acts 5:18 NKJV) and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison.
(Acts 5:19 NKJV) But [during the] night an angel of the LORD opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,
(Acts 5:20 NKJV) Go, [and having stood] in the temple speak to the people all the words of this life.
(Acts 5:21 NKJV) And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and [were teaching]. But the high priest and those with him [having come] called the council [lit., the Sanhedrin] together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought [there].
(Acts 5:22 YLT) and the officers having come, did not find them in the prison, and having [returned], they [reported],
(Acts 5:23 YLT) saying -- 'The prison indeed we found [having been shut] in all [security], and the keepers standing without before the doors, and having opened [them] - ...we found no one [inside]!'
(Acts 5:24 HOLMAN) As the commander of the temple police and the chief priests heard these things, they were [perplexed] about them, as to what could come of this.
(Acts 5:25 NKJV) So one [having come] and told them, saying, 'Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!'
(Acts 5:26 YLT) Then the magistrate having gone away with officers, brought them without violence, for they were fearing the people, lest they should be stoned;
(Acts 5:27 YLT) and having brought them, they set [them] in the Sanhedrin, and the chief priest questioned them,
(Acts 5:28 YLT) saying, 'Did not we strictly command you not to teach in this name? and [look], [you] have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and [you] intend to bring upon us the blood of this man.'
(Acts 5:29 YLT) And Peter and the apostles answering, said, 'To obey God [we must], rather than men;
(Acts 5:30 HOLMAN) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, Whom you ... murdered by hanging Him on a tree.
(Acts 5:31 NKJV) Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
(Acts 5:32 NKJV) And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit Whom God has given to those who obey Him.
(Acts 5:33 NKJV) When [having] heard this, they were furious and plotted [lit., resolved] to kill them.
(Acts 5:34 NKJV) 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.
(Acts 5:35 NKJV) And he said to them: 'Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.
(Acts 5:36 NKJV) 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.
(Acts 5:37 NKJV) 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.
(Acts 5:38 NKJV) 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;
(Acts 5:39 NKJV) but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it-lest you even be found to fight against God.'
(Acts 5:40 NKJV) 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.
(Acts 5:41 NKJV) So they [were departing] from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
(Acts 5:42 NKJV) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching [the gospel] - Jesus as the Christ.
(Acts 5:1 NKJV) "But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. (Acts 5:2 NKJV) 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. (Acts 5:3 NKJV) But Peter said, "Ananias, why [did] Satan [fill] your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? (Acts 5:4 NKJV) 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. (Acts 5:5 NKJV) Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. (Acts 5:6 NKJV) And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him (Acts 5:7 NKJV) Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened (Acts 5:8 NKJV) And Peter answered her, 'Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?' She said, 'Yes, for so much.' (Acts 5:9 NKJV) 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.' (Acts 5:10 NKJV) 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. (Acts 5:11 YLT) and great fear came upon all the assembly, ["church," NKJV] and upon all who heard these things." =
After writing of Barnabas' generosity at the end of chapter 4 - one of the examples of the activities of God's new assembly of believers - the context since 4:31; author Luke wrote at the beginning of chapter 5 of a man named Ananias and his wife, Sapphira who also sold a possession but, unlike Barnabas, kept part of the proceeds and laid only a portion of it at the apostles' feet, attempting to have others believe they gave the entire amount. Peter indicated to Ananias that he (Ananias) had permitted Satan to fill (i.e., control) his heart (i.e., his mind), (instead of the Holy Spirit); that he held back some of the proceeds of the sale of his property, (making it appear that he had given the entire proceeds to the apostles for helping the needy), and lied to the Holy Spirit about what he did. Peter confronted Ananias with four questions which centered around Ananias' lying to the Holy Spirit: "Ananias, why [did] Satan [fill] your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?" Notice that the words rendered "why" and the Greek verb "eplErOsen," (second person singular), rendered "did... fill" in verse 3 has the idea of a voluntary submission by Ananias to be controlled by Satan. The same verb in the third person plural, (eplEsthEsan, "they were filled") is used Acts 4:31 in the phrase rendered "they were filled with the Holy Spirit," in the sense of being controlled by the Holy Spirit, (Acts 5:1-3).
Peter went on to ask Ananias, "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?" In view of Peter's stipulation of the freedom to do with ones property as one will, this implies that the assembly of believers was not a communal arrangement of Christian socialism, as some contend. Peter made it clear that Ananias was acting according to his own will, albeit he chose to be directed by Satan. For Peter indicated to Ananias that the property belonged to him to do with as he willed. The issue was that Ananias made it appear to the assembly of believers that, like the others such as Barnabas, that he had given all of the proceeds to help the needy; and he lied to the Holy Spirit - to God about it. Ananias evidently thought that he could hide what he did from God. In essence he was denying the sovereignty, the omniscience, and the deity of the Holy Spirit - of God. The passage indicated that Peter knew that Ananias had allowed himself to be controlled by Satan, had kept a part of the proceeds for himself and had lied to the Holy Spirit - to God about it - information evidently revealed to Peter by God. When Peter declared to Ananias, "You have not lied to men but to God," implying that the chief offence was to God, Ananias fell down and died. According to the context, Ananias' and Sapphira's deaths were directly attributable to God's supernatural intervention, and not to the psychological shock of his and / or his wife's hypocrisy being exposed, as some contend.
Author Luke then wrote, "So great fear came upon all those who heard these things, [i.e., about Ananias' death]. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him." The burial of Ananias was immediate - evidently without ceremony, even without his wife present. No further explanation is offered for the reason for such haste, lack of ceremony, not informing Ananias' wife of her husband's death and his burial without her presence. After that the assembly of believers, and others who had heard of Ananias' death, became fearful in the face of what was evidently the temporal judgment of God upon this man, as Peter implied, (Acts 5:3-4; cf. Acts 5:7). It is only by the grace and purpose of God that any man is permitted to live each day, considering the presence of the sin nature in all mankind, (except for the LORD Jesus Christ, Who was without sin). And this applies especially with believers whom God has called to be an example of fidelity at critical times. And when a believer fails, early physical death has often been the result. Throughout history God has severely judged the unfaithfulness of believers at such times, (cf Joshua 7:ff; Lev 10:1-2; 2 Sam 6:1-7), (Acts 5:4-6).
About three hours later, Ananias' wife came into where Peter was, not knowing what had happened to her husband. Author Luke wrote that Sapphira posed a question to Peter, (cf. Acts 5:7a), evidently about the whereabouts of her husband. But instead of answering her question, he asked her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for [so much]?" Peter gave her an opportunity to confess the truth; but she answered with a lie: "Yes, for [so much]." Notice that author Luke did not stipulate the amount, a detail that was not essential to the point Luke was making. Then Luke wrote that Peter asked, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord?" Notice that Ananias and Sapphira were both aware of their communicating with the Spirit of the LORD when they agreed to deliberately test Him by attempting to deceive Him - to see how far they could go against the LORD before He would respond in punishment. They evidently sought and relished the glory of the admiration of others for their sacrificial giving without having to make a great sacrifice. Peter then said to her, "Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out." Then Luke wrote, "Immediately she fell down at Peter's feet and breathed her last. And just as with her husband, the young men came, found her dead, carried her out, and immediately buried her by her husband." The point was clearly made again that the disobedience of a believer toward God has its consequences - especially with this particular assembly of new believers.
In view of the ongoing context since Acts 4:31: the activities of the assembly of new believers, it is clearly implied that both Ananias and Sapphira were believers - especially in the absence of anything stipulated or implied that either individual was an unbeliever embedded amongst the assembly of believers. Since lying is a conscious, willful action directed toward a person by definition, then Ananias and Sapphira's deceptive behavior could not be behavior by them which was unconscious of God the Holy Spirit, such that it was simply perceived by an omniscient God without any direct communication with Him, as some contend. Peter's statements that Ananias had lied to God and that he and his wife had tested and lied to the Holy Spirit, imply that both individuals had received the gift of the baptism of the Holy Spirit in order for the lying to occur. For the Holy Spirit is received at the moment one expresses a moment of faith in Christ for eternal life and becomes a believer, (cf. Acts 2:38). Finally, there is no stipulation or implication in the passage that Ananias and Sapphira lost their salvation, as some contend.
Since Ananias and Sapphira were declared to have lied to the Holy Spirit and since one lies to a person, then the context of this passage characterizes the Holy Spirit as a Person. Furthermore, since verse 4 declares the One to Whom Ananias and Sapphira lied to, to be God; then the Holy Spirit is implied to be God.
Author Luke reiterated that great fear came upon all in the assembly, (cf. Acts 5:5), and upon all others (non-believers) who had heard of how these two had died. With this repetition, it is emphatically implied that a reverent fear of God's temporal judgment became prevelant among all those who were around the apostles. An example had been made by God at a critical time for His newly formed assembly of believers, for all to take the holiness and judgment of God seriously - believers and unbelievers alike.
Note that the priests of Jesus' time were guilty of similar hypocrisy yet God did not strike them down, (cf. Mt 23:1-36); one difference being that they were not believers who lied to the Holy Spirit. On the other hand certain passages elsewhere in Scripture convey God's swift and final judgment upon individuals who were disobedient to God at critical times. For example, in Joshua 7:1-26, Achan took items of wealth captured by Israel that were to be dedicated to the LORD, and he paid for it with his life, (cf. Lev 10:1-2; 2 Sam 6:1-7; Num 15:32-36; 16:1-35).
The Greek word "ekklEsian," in Acts 5:11 rendered "assembly," lit., "church," "congregation" or "assembly" refers in this context to a body of believers who met together and in separate groups in a number of places including the upper room, the Temple in Jerusalem, and various houses, (cf. Acts 2:46; 5:42). The context indicates that the believers viewed themselves as a group that was distinct from the rest of the population, as believers in Jesus Christ for eternal life in the Eternal Kingdom of God. They conducted themselves differently from the rest of the Jewish population; not the least of which was (1) being filled [controlled] by the Holy Spirit; (2) speaking out boldly the word of God - especially relative to Jesus Christ being raised from the dead, and repentance unto faith in Him for eternal life, (Acts 4:31); (3) sharing their possessions and (4) acting with one another as of one accord, (cf. Acts 2:43-47; 4:24-37). (5) submitting to the leadership and teaching of the apostles who regularly performed miraculous signs and wonders, such as healings.
On the other hand, the new believers still thought of themselves as Jews who were responsible to obey the Mosaic Law, for they continued to meet and attend services in the Temple; and the rulers made no issue about any of them violating the Law, (Acts 5:7-11).
(Acts 5:12 NKJV) "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, (Acts 5:13 YLT) and of the rest no one was daring to join himself to them, but the people were magnifying them, (Acts 5:14 YLT) (and the more were believers [were being] added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women), (Acts 5:15 NKJV) so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. (Acts 5:16 NKJV) Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all [being] healed." =
So the apostles continued to perform many signs and wonders among the people, largely the Jews in Jerusalem. Signs and wonders, i.e., miraculous, supernatural events such as healing, exorcising of demons, etc., were performed to corroborate the apostles' testimony about Jesus Christ being raised from the dead, and repentance unto faith in Him for eternal life. Author Luke wrote that the apostles and the assembly of believers continued to be of one accord in the sense of being unified in their beliefs and fellowship with one another as they regularly met inside the Temple at Solomon's Porch, (cf. Acts 4:32-37). But in view of God's judgment upon Ananias and Sapphira, other people, ("and of the rest," in the sense of those who were not believers, nor part of the assembly), did not dare to join in fellowship with the apostles for fear of being judged like Ananias and Sapphira were. They evidently had a reverential fear and awe of God Who was acknowledged by many as being the Agent responsible for their deaths. On the other hand, the assembly of believers, including those who had just become believers, remained of one accord and did not distance themselves from the apostles, (cf Acts 5:12b). And the people magnified the apostles, in the sense of holding them in high esteem. Multitudes of believers were added to the LORD in the sense of becoming His possession - His chosen ones, men and women. The people brought out the sick into the streets, laying them on beds and couches so that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them and they might be healed. And a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities of Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits. Author Luke declared that they all were being healed, implying even those upon whom Peter's shadow fell! (Acts 5:12-16).
(Acts 5:17 NKJV) "Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, (Acts 5:18 NKJV) and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. (Acts 5:19 NKJV) But [during the] night an angel of the LORD opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, (Acts 5:20 NKJV) Go, [and having stood] in the temple speak to the people all the words of this life." =
Once again, the
Jewish authorities gathered at the Temple to put a stop to what the
apostles were doing, (cf. Acts 4:1-3). The high priest and all the other
Sadducees who were with him rose up in anger; for the apostles continued
to preach Jesus' resurrection and faith in Him unto resurrection and
eternal life, (cf. Acts 2:38; 3:19-21; 4:8-12) - contrary to what the
Sadducees believed, (cf. Acts 4:1-4) - challenging and jeopardizing their
positions of authority. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection
from the dead. They were of a sect of Judaism which believed that the age
of God's promise had begun with the Maccabean heroes and was continuing on
under Roman supervision. For them, the Messiah was an ideal, not a Person,
and the Messianic Age was a work in progress, not a cataclysmic or even
datable event. As political rulers and wealthy, dominant landlords, to
whom a grateful nation had turned over all political and economic powers
during the time of the Maccabean supremacy, they stressed, for
self-serving reasons, cooperation with Rome and maintenance of the status
quo .
So when the Sadducees became filled with, i.e., controlled by, feelings of
indignation they laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the
common prison, (Acts 5:17-18).
But during the night an angel of the LORD opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said "Go, [and having stood] in the temple speak to the people all the words of this life," in the sense of speaking the words of God which indicate that a moment of repentance unto faith in Jesus Christ would provide eternal life - as they had previously been doing in the Temple, (cf. Acts 2:38; 3:19-21). And early the next morning the apostles entered the temple once more and began teaching "the words of this life." Their return to teach in the Temple corroborated to the people that God was with them, protecting and enabling them to teach their message; and further confirming it with miraculous signs and wonders through them. Notice that this was a key time in history relative to the purpose and plans of the LORD. This was corroborated by the angel of the LORD's direct intervention in taking the apostles out of prison, by the baptism and filling of the apostles and of all of God's emerging assembly of believers; by the supernatural signs and wonders He was doing through the apostles; and by the Holy Spirit giving all the believers the words of God to boldly speak out about His Son Jesus Christ, (cf. Acts 4:31), (Acts 5:19-21a).
(Acts 5:21b NKJV) "But the high priest and those with him [having come] called the council [lit., the Sanhedrin] together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought [there]. (Acts 5:22 YLT) and the officers having come, did not find them in the prison, and having [returned], they [reported], (Acts 5:23 YLT) saying -- 'The prison indeed we found [having been shut] in all [security], and the keepers standing without before the doors, and having opened [them] - ...we found no one [inside]!' (Acts 5:24 HOLMAN) As the commander of the temple police and the chief priests heard these things, they were [perplexed] about them, as to what could come of this. (Acts 5:25 NKJV) So one [having come] and told them, saying, 'Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!' (Acts 5:26 YLT) Then the magistrate having gone away with officers, brought them without violence, for they were fearing the people, lest they should be stoned; (Acts 5:27 YLT) and having brought them, they set [them] in the Sanhedrin, and the chief priest questioned them." =
The next morning the high priest and those with him called the council together, including all the elders of the children of Israel, (which included the Pharisees). And they sent officers to the prison to have the apostles brought in front of the council. They evidently did not know that the apostles had been freed from the prison, and were once again teaching in the Temple. So the officers, not finding the apostles in the prison, returned and reported that the prison was secure, and the keepers were standing outside guarding the doors. But they told the council that when the doors were opened, the officers found no one inside. Since the prison was reported as secure, implying no evidence of anyone attempting a prison break from inside or outside, the disappearance of all of the prisoners was an astounding mystery for the rulers - another miraculous occurrence associated with the apostles. Yet the rulers refused to make that association include the God Whom they purported to worship. So when the commander of the temple police and the chief priests heard their report, they were perplexed as to what would come of this. For the apostles' escape could have ramifications with the Roman rulers relative to the Sanhedrin's own authority in Israel. If the Sanhedrin could not manage a few apostles who were usurping their authority and gaining popularity with the people, the Romans might remove the rulers and have them executed as an example. Then someone came to them and reported, "Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!" Although the rulers repeatedly beat and imprisoned the apostles, this was not sufficient to prevent them from preaching their message to the people, and from gaining believers / converts and great popularity. Although thousands of people became believers, far more did not choose to believe. Nevertheless, most of the people in Jerusalem thought that God was working miracles through the apostles, and looked upon them in awe and with favor, (cf. Acts 3:9-10; 4:16-17, 21; 5:13-16, 26, 28). But despite the evidence that signified God's support, the rulers persisted in attempting to stop the apostles from teaching about Jesus - but always mindful of not inciting the people to riot against them, (Acts 5:21-25).
Hence the magistrate, (commander of the Temple police), went away with officers and brought the apostles back to the rulers, but without doing any violence. For they feared that if they did, the people might stone them - testifying to the apostles' great popularity, largely due to the miraculous healings which God performed through them and the peoples' acknowledgment that God was with the apostles, (cf. Acts 4:21).
The apostles were set in front of the Sanhedrin once more - this time the entire Sanhedrin with its full complement of Pharisees, including Gamaliel - a highly respected teacher of the Law. The chief priest once more questioned the apostles, (Acts 5:21b-27).
(Acts 5:27 YLT) "and [the magistrate and officers, (v. 26) ] having brought them, [the apostles] they set [them] in the Sanhedrin, and the chief priest questioned them, (Acts 5:28 YLT) saying, 'Did not we strictly command you not to teach in this name? and [look], [you] have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and [you] intend to bring upon us the blood of this man.' " =
The chief priest questioned the apostles, "Did not we strictly command you not to teach in this name? and [look], [you] have filled Jerusalem with your teaching [indicating how effective, widespread and convincing the apostles' teaching had been], and [you] intend to bring upon us the blood of this man," implying their fear of public reprisal against them for crucifying Jesus. The rulers were evidently attempting to find cause against the apostles such as accusing them of inciting a riot against themselves. Notice that the rulers continued to avoid mentioning Jesus by name, showing their disdain and arrogance toward Him and His apostles. Furthermore, they made no mention of the apostles' miraculous means of getting out of prison, nor of anything to do with Scripture to corroborate their intentions against the apostles; nor did they mention the God they purported to represent. The rulers were completely focused on getting rid of the apostles in order to preserve their positions of power under the Romans - despite the apostles' arguments from Scripture and the many supernatural signs from God to corroborate the apostles' message about Jesus Christ. Even the people were convinced that God was with the apostles, (cf. Acts 4:21).
Recall that the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection from the dead. They were of a sect of Judaism which believed that the age of God's promise had begun with the Maccabean heroes and was continuing on under Roman supervision. For them, the Messiah was an ideal, not a Person, and the Messianic Age was a work in progress, not a cataclysmic or even datable event. As political rulers and wealthy, dominant landlords, to whom a grateful nation had turned over all political and economic powers during the time of the Maccabean supremacy, they stressed, for entirely practical reasons, cooperation with Rome and maintenance of the status quo. So if all of the rulers trusted in Christ and joined the assembly of believers, this most likely would have resulted in the Romans viewing this as working against their own authority and they would remove them from their positions, and perhaps execute them. The rulers by and large were not willing to make that sacrifice for eternal life in the Eternal Kingdom of God, (Acts 5:28).
(Acts 5:29 YLT) "And Peter and the apostles answering, said, 'To obey God [we must], rather than men; (Acts 5:30 HOLMAN) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, Whom you ... murdered by hanging Him on a tree. (Acts 5:31 NKJV) Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. (Acts 5:32 NKJV) And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit Whom God has given to those who obey Him." =
Peter's and the apostles' response to the rulers' accusations began with an affirmation of what Peter had said in the previous trial by the Sanhedrin - that he and all the apostles must obey God rather than men, implying that what the rulers were commmanding the apostles to do was not God's will but in effect opposed to it, (cf. Acts 4:1-22). In either trial, the rulers neither addressed Peter's point that he and the other apostles were obeying God rather than men; nor did they get into theological or scriptural discussion with them, especially considering that the apostles' testimony included irrefutable scripture references, corroborated by miraculous signs from God. Furthermore, they were agitated about the apostles' popularity with the people. For the people were convinced that God was with the apostles, (Acts 4:21); (Acts 5:29).
The repeated
warning by the Jewish authorities to Peter and the apostles not to
broadcast the rulers' responsibility for the death of Jesus Christ implied
that the rulers' feared public reprisal against themselves. Furthermore
they were evidently trying to make a case against the apostles for trying
to incite a riot, (cf. Acts 4:10; 5:28). Peter went on to say, "The
God of our fathers [Abraham, Isaac, Jacob - an expression that should have
struck a chord with the conscience of the rulers] raised up Jesus,
[implying that He was the Messiah] Whom you murdered by hanging Him on a
tree." The Greek word "xulou" rendered "tree" in
the Holman version can mean a tree, or anything made of wood. In this
case, it refers to a cross made out of rough hewn wood, such as the Romans
used to crucify. And then, implying a connection to Christ's crucifixion
as an atoning sacrifice unto forgiveness of sins, Peter reiterated the
means by which one might obtain forgiveness of sins unto eternal life in
the Eternal Kingdom of God: "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus
... Him God has exalted to His Right Hand to be Prince and Savior to give
repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins." The word rendered "Prince,"
has in view Divine Royalty - Rulership of the world; the word rendered "Savior,"
testifies to the Israel, (and the world), that a moment of repentance unto
faith in Jesus Christ will result in forgiveness of sins unto eternal
life; and the word rendered "repentance" refers to repentance
unto faith in the Messiah / Savior Jesus Christ for eternal forgiveness of
sins unto eternal life for Israel; (and all mankind: Acts chapter 2
).
Then Peter declared, "And we are His [Jesus'] witnesses to these things [i.e., witnesses to His death as an atoning sacrifice for sins, His Resurrection by God, and Ascension to be exalted at His Right Hand as Prince and Savior]; and so also is the Holy Spirit" [a witness, in the sense of the Spirit's performing miraculous signs and wonders through the apostles to corroborate the apostles' testimony]. Peter went on to say, "Whom [the Holy Spirit] God has given to those who obey Him," in the sense of those who obey the command to repent unto believing in Jesus for forgiveness of sins will receive the gift of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, (cf Acts 2:38); (Acts 5:30-32).
(Acts 5:33 NKJV) "When [having] heard this, they were furious and plotted [lit., resolved] to kill them. (Acts 5:34 NKJV) 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. (Acts 5:35 NKJV) And he said to them: 'Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. (Acts 5:36 NKJV) 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. (Acts 5:37 NKJV) 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. (Acts 5:38 NKJV) 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; (Acts 5:39 NKJV) but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it-lest you even be found to fight against God.' " =
The Jewish
authorities, already filled with indignation at the apostles' continuing
to teach of Jesus and their performances of many miraculous signs and
wonders corroborating that their message came from God, became furious at
Peter's accusatory and bold response to their threatening reprimand in
verse 28: "Did not we strictly command you not to teach in this name?
and [look], [you] have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and [you]
intend to bring upon us the blood of this man." For Peter's answer
declared that Jesus' blood was on their hands, yet through
Jesus' atoning sacrifice through His death, and His resurrection and
exaltation to the Right Hand of God, Peter indicated that Jesus had made
provision for repentance to Israel, (and all mankind: Acts chapter 2
),
unto faith in Him for forgiveness of sins - even those who crucified Him.
Notice that Peter was declaring repentance for Israel unto faith in Jesus
for forgiveness of sins unto eternal life to Israel's rulers. So Peter's
response served to further infuriate the rulers - especially the
Sadducees; hence they resolved to kill the apostles. Although the
Sanhedrin did not have authority under the Romans to inflict capital
punishment upon the apostles, they were evidently making an effort to
establish some pretext for handing these men over to the Romans for such
action - as they had done with Jesus Himself just a matter of weeks ago,
(Acts 5:33).
But one of the rulers, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, who was held in high repect by all the people, commanded that the apostles be put outside for a little while.
The word
'Pharisee' means 'separated one' in the sense of being isolated and
segregated. During the Maccabean period in the reign of John Hyrcanus,
(134 - 104 B.C.), the two great conflicting parties in Judaism came into
existence - the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees evolved from a
pious group of people called the Hasidim - who stood true to the Law under
the persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes in 168 B.C. They looked for a
Messianic Age and a personal Messiah; and they believed in the
resurrection of the dead, angelic beings and demons. In their struggle for
religious freedom, they later opposed the Maccabean rulers in their
political and territorial claims. They gave themselves to the study of the
Law (Torah) in both its written and oral forms, to expounding the Law in
terms of its contemporary relevance, and to preparing the people for the
coming of the Messianic Age by means of education in Scripture and the
oral tradition. In the time of the apostles, they were in the minority in
the Sanhedrin, but their popularity with the people - especially relative
to their beliefs, caused the Sadducean magistrates to tolerate the
differences of the Pharisees doctrinal position with their own beliefs in
order to not to be at odds with the people, and jeopardize their own power
base. Nevertheless, the Sadducees and the Pharisees were often at odds
with one another over their core beliefs.
on the Pharisees
So Gamaliel, the Pharisee, addressed the Sanhedrin with authority. He commanded that the apostles be put outside for a little while. There was no dispute. The apostles were put outside. It is evident that he was a person of authority and respect within the Sanhedrin. In the Jewish Talmud, Gamaliel is reported to be the grandson of the famous rabbi Hillel - a man of great esteem throughout Jewish history, and the most influential teacher of the Pharisees. Furthermore, the apostle Paul, when he was known as Saul of Tarsas, was trained by Gamaliel and became one of his most prominent students and a Pharisee, himself; and one who aggressively pursued and persecuted those who believed in Jesus. Perhaps he was a member of the Sanhedrin at the time of the trials of the apostles, which would later, after his conversion, have made him a key source for Luke's writings on the matter, as well as the many priests who became believers, (cf. Acts 6:7), (Acts 5:34).
Gamaliel then addressed the Sanhedrin, "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." Note that some contend that there is a serious, irreconciable flaw in Luke's writing in Acts chapter 5 because of the later date of A.D. 44 when Josephus wrote of the actions of a man called Theudas. But Theudas was a common name, and there were frequent insurrections. The Theudas that appears in Antiquities 20.5.1, Josephus referred to as a "magician" who claimed to be a prophet and persuaded a great many people, (more than the 400 that Gamaliel referred to relative to the Theudas of his time), to gather all their possessions and follow him to the Jordan River, where he would make the river part, like Elijah and Elisha did. But Fadus, the procurator who succeeded Agrippa I in A.D. 44, caught and beheaded him - more than a decade after Gamaliel addressed the Sanhedrin, (Acts 5:35-36).
Gamaliel's second example was as follows: "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." Josephus' account in Antiquities, 13.1.1 corroborates Gamaliel's account, adding that this Judas taught the people not to pay tribute to Caesar, (Acts 5:37).
And Gamaliel concluded, "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." Gamaliel's words were only partially wise, for there was nothing said about carefully considering whether or not the teaching and the miraculous acts of the apostles had validity. There was simply the human viewpoint wisdom of being passive and letting this movement sort itself out without risking a public reaction. For if the rulers harmed the apostles and it caused a public uprisal, it would most likely have resulted in Roman reprisal against the Sanhedrin. Gamaliel considered that the apostles' movement would disperse if it was not from God. On the other hand, history indicates that some movements, although not from God, in the sense that the principles which motivated the movements were not godly ones, have nevertheless been permitted by God to succeed in overthrowing the status quo; such as the conquests of Israel by Assyria, Babylon and Rome - something which the broad brush reasoning of Gamaliel had not considered.
History records that the movement begun by Jesus and His apostles has continued to this day, albeit largely contaminated with false and unbiblical doctrines; and after severe persecution of God's assembly of believers, Israel had a day of complete devastation in 70 AD, when Jerusalem was beseiged and destroyed, (Acts 5:38-39).
(Acts 5:40 NKJV) "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. (Acts 5:41 NKJV) So they [were departing] from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. (Acts 5:42 NKJV) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching [the gospel] - Jesus as the Christ." =
So the rulers agreed with Gamaliel, and decided not to kill the apostles. Instead they called for the apostles' return from outside, beat them, and commanded them once more that they should not speak in the name of Jesus; and then let them go. Note that the Greek phrase rendered "beaten them," in the NKJV, which was often used to mean to "skin," or "flay," was to be a scourging - a vicious, skin breaking whipping, usually of not less than 40 lashes, (cf. Dt 25:2-3), (Acts 5:40).
So the
apostles, departing from the presence of the Sanhedrin, were rejoicing
that they were counted worthy by God to suffer for His [Christ's] name.
And daily in the temple, and in every house that the believers were
meeting in, they did not cease teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus
as the Christ, (cf. Lk 9:20, Acts 2:36), in the sense of the Messiah /
Savior Who had come to be an atoning sacrifice for the salvation unto
eternal life for all of Israel, (and all mankind) through a moment of
faith in Him .
Notice that the apostles took no heed to the Sanhedrin's warning not to
preach Jesus anymore, (cf. Acts 2:38; 3:19-21; Acts 5:41-42).