Acts 5

Acts 5 highlights both the challenges and growth of the early Christian church. It begins with the sobering story of Ananias and Sapphira, a married couple whose deception leads to severe consequences. The chapter then shifts to a portrayal of the apostles’ ministry, marked by miraculous healings and the resulting attention and opposition from religious authorities. Despite persecution, the apostles boldly proclaim the gospel, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to Christ and God’s protection over His people.

Acts 5:1-2 (NKJV)
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
2 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.

Ananias and Sapphira decide to sell property and present part of the proceeds as a gift to the apostles. However, they secretly keep a portion of the money while pretending to give everything. This act of deception is particularly troubling, as it undermines the spirit of generosity and honesty that characterized the early church community.

Acts 5:3-4 (NKJV)
3 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?
4 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.”

Peter, through the discernment of the Holy Spirit, confronts Ananias, revealing that his sin was not simply in keeping part of the money but in lying to God Himself. Peter clarifies that Ananias had full control over his property and his choices; the issue wasn’t the amount he gave but the dishonesty in claiming complete generosity. By lying to the Spirit of God, Ananias was lying directly to God because the Holy Spirit is God’s own Spirit—in other words, it is God Himself. Paul also notes in 1 Corinthians 2:11, "No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."

Acts 5:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.
6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

Ananias' sudden death is a shocking and sobering event for the community, demonstrating the seriousness of sin, especially within the church. This judgment instills a deep respect and reverence for God among the believers, underscoring the importance of integrity.

Acts 5:7-10 (NKJV)
7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.”
9 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.”
10 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.

When Sapphira arrives, unaware of her husband’s fate, Peter questions her, giving her a chance to tell the truth. She confirms the lie, showing that she willingly participated in the deception. Like her husband, she faces immediate judgment, highlighting the severe consequences of hypocrisy and lying to God.

Acts 5:11 (NKJV)
11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

The judgment on Ananias and Sapphira instills a sense of awe and reverence in the early church. It serves as a powerful reminder that God values holiness and honesty, and it reinforces the importance of maintaining a pure and sincere community.

Acts 5:12-16 (NKJV)
12 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.
13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.
14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
15 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.
16 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 healed.

The apostles perform many miracles, drawing the admiration and respect of the people. Although some are hesitant to join them openly, many still come to faith. People bring the sick and those troubled by evil spirits, hoping for healing. The apostles' ministry testifies to God’s power and His work among them, leading to a steady growth of the church.

Acts 5:17-18 (NKJV)
17 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,
18 and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison.

The religious leaders, particularly the Sadducees, become envious of the apostles’ influence and the attention they are receiving. They arrest the apostles, hoping to silence them and prevent further spread of the gospel.

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

God intervenes by sending an angel to free the apostles from prison. Instead of fleeing, they are commanded to continue preaching in the temple, demonstrating their commitment and God’s desire for the message to be proclaimed boldly.

Acts 5:21-24 (NKJV)
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.
22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported,
23 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!”
24 Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be.

The apostles, obedient to the angel’s instruction, return to the temple and continue teaching. When the authorities discover the empty prison, they are baffled. The miraculous escape emphasizes God’s power over human opposition, leaving the religious leaders uncertain about how to proceed.

Acts 5:25-26 (NKJV)
25 So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”
26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.

The religious leaders learn that the apostles are back in the temple, openly teaching. The temple guards go to bring them before the council but do so gently, recognizing the apostles’ popularity among the people and fearing a public backlash if they act harshly.

Acts 5:27-28 (NKJV)
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them,
28 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!”

The high priest reprimands the apostles for disobeying orders to stop preaching about Jesus. He accuses them of attempting to hold the religious leaders responsible for Jesus’ death. The concern of the council reflects their growing awareness of the gospel’s impact in Jerusalem.

Acts 5:29-32 (NKJV)
29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.
31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
32 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 boldly responds that obedience to God takes precedence over human commands. He proclaims the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus, whom the council had condemned. The apostles affirm that they are witnesses to Christ’s work, empowered by the Holy Spirit, which God gives to those who are obedient to Him.

Acts 5:33-34 (NKJV)
33 When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.
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.

The council, enraged by the apostles’ accusations, begins to consider killing them. However, Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher, intervenes and requests a private discussion, temporarily sending the apostles out.

Acts 5:35-39 (NKJV)
35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.
36 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.
37 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.
38 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;
39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

Gamaliel advises caution, reminding the council of previous failed movements led by Theudas and Judas of Galilee. He suggests leaving the apostles alone, reasoning that if their mission is human-made, it will fail. But if it is from God, any attempt to stop it would be futile and even opposition to God Himself.

Acts 5:40 (NKJV)
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.

The council heeds Gamaliel’s advice but still has the apostles flogged as a warning. Once again, they command them to stop teaching about Jesus before releasing them. This punishment underscores the council’s lingering hostility, even if they refrain from more severe action.

Acts 5:41-42 (NKJV)
41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

The apostles leave rejoicing, seeing their suffering as an honor for the name of Jesus. Despite the threats and persecution, they continue to teach about Jesus openly, both in the temple and in private homes, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to their mission and their joy in serving Christ.