The Unity and Liberality of the Church, 4:32-37.
[32] This early community of Christians was united. They were bound together by the love of Christ. They were all one family of God and cared for one another. No one held selfishly to his possessions while another brother might have had nothing. They shared all things.
[33] The power of the Spirit was continually upon the apostles as they testified about the resurrection. The favour of God was upon everyone.
[34-35] This practice of selling a piece of property and sharing with others was a product of brotherly love. A study of the context shows this practice was completely voluntary. Christians were not forced to sell. Those who did so were acting from Christian love.
Remember that at Pentecost Jews had come to Jerusalem from many places. When they learned about the Messiah and the church, many were converted. They wanted to remain and learn more. These travellers had not been prepared for an extended stay. Therefore, they found themselves in need. Those who had something to share gave willingly.
[36-37] Having noted the general liberal attitude, we now see an example. This man Joseph was also called Barnabas. We will read much about him later in the Book of Acts. He is an example of a person with this generous attitude. He sold a field and brought the money to the apostles. Then they distributed it according to the needs of the people.
Acts 5:1:11
5 1 There was a man named Ananias. His wife’s name was Sapphira. Ananias sold some land which he had 2 and, from the sale, he gave some of the money to the apostles. But, he kept back part of the money for himself. His wife knew this. 3 Peter asked him, “Ananias, why did you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit. You misused the sale price of the land. 4 Before you sold the field, it belonged to you. Even after you sold it, you could have used the money any way you wanted. Why did you think of doing this evil thing? You lied to God, not to men!” 5-6 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. Some young men came and wrapped up his body. Then they carried it out and buried it. Everyone who heard about this was filled with fear. 7 About three hours later, the wife of Ananias came in, but she did not know what had happened to her husband. 8 Peter said to her, “Tell me, how much money did you receive for your field? Was it this much?” Sapphira answered, “Yes, that was all we got for the field.” 9 Peter asked her, “Why did you and your husband agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! Do you hear those footsteps? The men who buried your husband are at the door! They will carry you out in the same way.” 10 At that moment Sapphira fell down at Peter’s feet and died. The young men came in and saw that she was dead. The men carried her out and buried her next to her husband. 11 The whole congregation and all of the other people who heard about these things were filled with fear.
A Case of Discipline, 5:1-11.
[1-2] Here was a case of sin in the early church. When Ananias saw the praise given to those like Barnabas who gave freely, he also wanted praise. However, he also wanted to keep some of the money received from the sale of his land. He and his wife made a plan together. They would sell the land. They would keep part of the money, and they would take part of the money to the apostles. When they went to the apostles, they would claim they were giving “all” the money they had received. Remember the parable of Jesus about the weeds growing in the field? (Matthew 13:24-30). Ananias and his wife were like weeds growing within the church.
Several important facts appear in this story. First, note that Satan is actively involved. Since the beginning, this deceiver has led men into sin (Genesis 3; Revelation 12:9; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 2:11). Second, the lie was told to the Holy Spirit. Ananias intended only to deceive the Christian community. But Peter said he had lied to God. Sin of every kind is against God. It is not just against men. While Satan was recognized as having led Ananias to sin, it was not Satan but Ananias who was rebuked. This example shows man is responsible for his sin. Some seek to escape responsibility by claiming Satan made them sin. This is not true. Satan does not force us to sin. He will try to cause us to sin, but we must resist him (James 4:7). Satan tried to get Jesus to sin, but Jesus resisted him (Matthew 4:1-11).
[3-4] Satan was active in Ananias’ sin. He is active today, and we must be careful, or he will lead us to sin also. Ananias’ sin was not in keeping part of the price of the land. The money was his own to do with as he pleased. The sin was telling the lie.
[5-6] The immediate result of Ananias’ sin brought death. This judgement came from God. In the early days of the church, it was important that people understood that they could not deceive God. Ananias was buried without any ritual.
[7-10] Ananias’ wife had not heard what happened. She came in and Peter questioned her. Her answer showed that she was a part of the deception. The judgement of God had come upon the church to keep it pure.
[11] These events brought fear upon all. It became known that sin cannot be hidden from God. Today God does not punish immediately as He did then. But all sinners will be punished (Romans 6:23; 1 Timothy 5:24-25; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25).
Acts 5:12-21
12 The apostles did many miracles and powerful things among the people. The apostles were together in Solomon’s Porch; they all had the same purpose. 13 None of the other believers dared to join the apostles, but all of the people were saying good things about them. 14 And more and more people were added to the group of believers. 15 People began to bring their sick into the streets. They put their sick on little beds and mattresses for Peter’s shadow to touch them when he came by. 16 They were coming from all the towns around Jerusalem. They brought their sick and those who were bothered by evil spirits. All of these people were healed. 17 The high priest and all of his friends (a sect called the Sadducees) became very jealous. 18 They grabbed the apostles and put them in the public jail, 19 but, during the night, an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the jail. The angel led the apostles outside and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple courtyard. Tell the people everything about this new life in Jesus.” 21 When the apostles heard this, they went into the temple courtyard. It was early in the morning. The apostles began to teach the people.
A Time of Miracles, 5:12-16.
[12-14] Here we see the early Christian community in action. This was a period of many miracles. The purpose of the miracles was to confirm the Word of the Lord (Hebrews 2:3-4). Note that the miracles were done by the hands of the apostles. Evidence exists that in those early days, only the apostles were able to perform miracles.
We note that the early meeting place of the Christians was Solomon’s Porch. This was a spacious covered area where many people could gather and a place which could be seen by those outside the temple. It was part of the temple of Herod the Great. As those outside saw the Christians meeting, they came to investigate. As they saw the miracles and heard the teachings, many became followers.
[15-16] Many miracles occurred. Peter had such a powerful gift of healing that even his shadow could bring healing. Similar power was seen in Jesus (Matthew 9:20-22). All who came were healed.
A part of the miraculous power was used to cast out unclean spirits. Much is said throughout the New Testament about these spirits. It is clear that they were real spirits, agents of the Devil. But they feared the Lord and His power. Early Christians had power to cast out such evil spirits.
The Apostles Are Imprisoned and Released, 5:17-21.
[17-21] As noted earlier (Acts 4:5-21), the religious leaders were angry. They were not happy with the success of this new religious movement. They seized all the apostles.
Acts 5:21-32
21 The high priest and his friends came together. They called a meeting of the Jewish leaders and all the important older men of the sons of Israel. They sent some men to the jail to bring the apostles to them. 22 When the guards came to the jail, they couldn’t find the apostles there. So, they went back and told this to the Jewish leaders. 23 They said, “The jail was shut and locked. The guards were standing at the gates, but when we opened the doors, no one was in there!” 24 The captain of the temple guards and the most important priests heard this. They were confused. They wondered, “What will happen because of this?” 25 Then another man came and told them, “Listen! The men you had put in jail are standing in the temple courtyard. They are teaching the people!” 26 Then the captain and his men went out and brought the apostles back. However, the soldiers did not use force, because they were afraid of the people. The people might become angry and kill the soldiers with stones. 27 The soldiers brought the apostles to the Jewish Council and made them stand before their leaders. The high priest questioned the apostles. 28 He said, “We warned you never to teach with this man’s authority, but look what you’ve done! You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching. You are trying to put the blame on us for the death of this man Jesus.” 29 Peter and the other apostles answered, “We must obey God, not men! 30 The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus from death. He is the one you killed, having hung him upon a cross of wood. 31 Jesus is the one whom God raised to His right side to be our Leader and Savior. God did this, so that Israel could have the opportunity to change their hearts. Then God could forgive their sins. 32 We saw all of these things happen. The Holy Spirit has shown you that we are telling you the truth! God has given the Spirit to those who obeyed Him.”
The Apostles Are Brought Into Court, 5:21-26.
[21-24] The leaders did not know that the angel had released the apostles from prison. Officers were sent to bring them to court. What a surprise to find they were not there. This event greatly concerned the leaders when they realized something supernatural had happened, but they were determined to stop the apostles’ preaching. They were even willing to defy God.
[25-26] The leaders learned that the apostles were at the temple, preaching. Officers were sent to bring them to court, but they did not use force. They were afraid of the common people. The apostles and their teachings were respected very much by the common people.
Accusations and Defence, 5:27-32.
[27-28] Now all twelve apostles were before the same council which had questioned Peter and John.
These charges were brought against the apostles: (1) They had disregarded the council’s charge not to preach. (2) Because of them, the council was being accused of killing the Christ. It was true that this Jewish council had condemned Christ. See their work in the trial of Jesus (Matthew 26-27). As more people became followers of Christ, the Jewish religion became endangered. It also brought danger to the men of this council. As more people realized that these religious leaders were guilty of murdering the Son of God, these men knew their lives would be in danger.
[29-31] Peter stated an eternal principle: Man must obey God, regardless of the commands of men (1 Samuel 15:22). In saying this, Peter admitted the first charge brought against them. The apostles knew it was more important to obey God’s command to preach than the council’s command not to preach. On the second charge, he also affirmed that the council was guilty of the death of Christ.
[32] The apostles were eyewitnesses of Christ’s return from the grave. Christ had appeared to them many times after His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). The Holy Spirit was also a witness (John 15:26). This same Spirit dwells in all those who become Christians.
Acts 5:33-42
33 When the Jewish leaders heard these words, they became very angry. They started to make plans to kill the apostles. 34 One of the Pharisees in the Jewish Council stood up. His name was Gamaliel. He was a teacher of the law and all of the people respected him. He ordered the men to take the apostles outside for a few minutes. 35 Then he said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful of what you are about to do to these men! 36 Remember when Theudas appeared? He claimed that he was an important man. About 400 men joined him, but he was killed. And all of the men who followed him were scattered. They were never able to do anything. 37 Later, a man named Judas came from Galilee. It was at the time of the registration. He also led a group of followers away but he was destroyed and all his followers were scattered. 38 So now I tell you: Stay away from these men! Leave them alone. If this plan or this effort comes from men, it will fail. 39 But if this is from God, then you will not be able to stop them. You might even be fighting against God Himself!” The Jewish leaders then agreed with what Gamaliel said. 40 They called in the apostles again. They whipped the apostles and commanded them not to talk to the people ever again about the name of Jesus. After that they let them go free. 41 The apostles left the Jewish Council, but they were happy, because they were given the honor of suffering dishonor for the name of Jesus. 42 The apostles didn’t stop teaching people. They kept on telling the people the Good News that Jesus is the Messiah. Every day they did this in the temple courtyard and in each home.
Saved From Death by Gamaliel, 5:33-42.
[33-39] The council was ready to put the apostles to death just as they had put Christ to death. However, one of their members, Gamaliel, was a wise and prudent man. He warned the council to be careful. If they acted out of their anger, they might actually be fighting against God. To illustrate his argument, he gave two examples of men who had led unsuccessful movements – Theudas and Judas the Galilean. Based on these examples, his judgement was this: they should not harm the apostles. If the apostles were not appointed by God, they would be destroyed and their followers scattered, just as in the examples given. On the other hand, if the apostles were men from God, any opposition to them would be opposition to God.
[40-42] Notice the different attitude which the apostles had from that of the council. The council was very angry. Though the apostles were treated unjustly, they were not angry. They rejoiced in their suffering. Because Christ had suffered for them, they were happy to suffer for Christ. The apostles did not obey the command of the council. They continued to teach about Christ daily. They taught in the open spaces at the temple where they could speak to many people. They also taught in the homes of the people.
Acts 6:1-6
6 1 More and more people were becoming followers of Jesus. But during this same time, the Greek-speaking Jewish followers had an argument with the Aramaic-speaking followers. They claimed that their widows were not getting their share of the things which the widows received each day. 2 The twelve apostles called the whole group of followers together. They said to them, “It is wrong for us to quit teaching God’s message to serve tables instead. 3 So, brothers, pick out seven of your own men. They must be known to be full of wisdom and full of the Spirit. We will confirm them to be over this work. 4 Then we will use all of our time to pray and to teach the message of God.” 5 The whole group liked this idea. So, they chose these men: Stephen, a man of great faith and full of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, Nicolas, a man from Antioch who had become a Jew. 6 Then they put these men before the apostles, who prayed and placed their hands on them.