#1557 Acts 5 Part 3 Gamaliel

 

33 But when they heard this, they became furious and intended to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. But he was killed, and all who were following him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all those who were following him were scattered. 38 So in the present case, I also say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or you may even be found fighting against God.”

40 So they followed his advice. And after calling the apostles in and beating them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for the Name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. Acts 5: 33-42 LSB

Acts 5: 33-42 Gamaliel

V. 33 But when they heard about this, they became furious and intended to kill them - Isn't this always the way, the same pattern from the OT as well. There is a standard here, and I have to laugh when I see men whose aim is comfort and luxury wanting to be known as prophets. They definitely want something else.

…11Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. 13You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.… Matthew 5: 11-13

…51You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did. 52Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers— 53you who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it.”… Acts 7: 51-53

V. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel - This is who Paul studied under when he was known as Saul of Tarsus. People can be from a very orthodox sect of religion, but he is well respected, even here among those, the Sadducees, with whom he would disagree. For me it comes down to actions, and I have seen some men who hold doctrines that I disagree with, yet live lives in accordance to their words. They practice what they preach. I have known Muslims that have been kinder to me than people who called themselves Christians, but that is not righteousness that can stand the test of God. He provides one Way, One Whose righteousness is perfect and acceptable, and it is by faith in the righteousness of Christ that we are made right with God. You can like or even love someone for their work ethic, their brilliant mind, like when I read the trial of Socrates, but my heart strings and admiration are not the bar. 

A Pharisee named Gamaliel - This is interesting because the high priests were Sadducees and many if not most of the members of the Sanhedrin were Sadducees. Pharisees and Sadducees did not usually get along, but here there clearly was an exception, presumably because Gamaliel was so highly respected. It is also fascinating that here God uses a Pharisee named Gamaliel to save His apostles, whereas in Acts 9:1 (Acts 22:4) He allowed a Pharisee named Saul to slaughter the saints! And the further irony is that this same Saul was educated under this same Gamaliel! (Acts 22:3) God's ways are higher than our ways! (Isa 55:9).

The Mishnah helps us understand why Gamaliel standing and speaking would exert such persuasive power on the hard hearts of the stiff-necked Sanhedrin...

“Since Rabban Gamaliel the elder died there has been no more reverence for the law; and purity and abstinence died out at the same time.” (Sotah 9:15) - Precept Austin

7But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. 8More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.… Philippians 3: 7-9

Vs. 35-37 Theudas and Judas the Galilean - It says of Theudas that he rose up, claiming to be somebody. We are not told if this was a claim to being the Messiah, the Christ, as many have and will, but at any rate he boasted above what he was and gained a following. Thanks to the internet there are many more of these today, along the spectrum from influencer all the way up to very organized cults with both enigmatic and charismatic leaders. There is also the cult of personality, rock stars, country stars, political leaders and on and on. I think Gamaliel makes a good point because it is seriously difficult to find anything about these men, and so many who worry about their legacy end up lost in the halls of legend or forgotten all together. There is only One person to be known by, does Jesus know you? That is of eternal value. 

But he was killed - This is Gamaliel's main point. The rebellion or "movement" died because the leader Theudas (was killed - anaireo used in Acts 5:33+).

And all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing - The word followed is interesting as it is peitho which means to have confidence. The KJV renders it "as many as obeyed him." The idea of in this context is that Thuedas had caused these men to come to his point of view and course of action (imperfect tense - they kept on holding to his point of view). He must have been a very convincing leader, but regardless of his "charismatic" personality, his actions came to naught.

Vincent comments "Note the word for obeyed (ἐπείθοντο), implying the persuasive power of Theudas’ boasting."

Gamaliel's example reminds me a man named David Koresh leader of the Branch Davidians who was able to attract a number of followers many of whom were killed when he was killed in the horrible incident in Waco, Texas.

14But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. 15Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?… Matthew 7: 14-16

4Jesus answered, “See to it that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come.… Matthew 24: 4-6

V. 38 If this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown - Well, here we are 2,000 years later, or as Amillennials  would call it, a millennia or very long time. Every major kingdom has dissipated, whether Egypt, Babylon with Nebuchadnezzar, Persia with Cyrus, or Greece with Alexander. The iron mixed with clay is where we are still at till this present day, and the final Antichrist will try to revive this, make it more unified once again, but he will be added to those that eternity will forget. There is only one Christ, that is Jesus, make sure come to terms with Him today. 

…7to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house. 8I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols. 9Behold, the former things have happened, and now I declare new things. Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.”… Isaiah 42: 7-9

…23This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on the earth, different from all the other kingdoms, and it will devour the whole earth, trample it down, and crush it. 24And the ten horns are ten kings who will rise from this kingdom. After them another king, different from the earlier ones, will rise and subdue three kings. 25He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time.…

…26But the court will convene, and his dominion will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. 27Then the sovereignty, dominion, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey Him.’ 28Thus ends the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and my face turned pale. But I kept the matter to myself.”… Daniel 7: 23-28

V. 39 Or you may even be found fighting against God - There is some wisdom here, but why would he say this about people who he disagreed with. He is an orthodox Jew, a Pharisee, someone trying to earn a right standing before God by way of the law, adherence, piety, yet these Apostles are saying, "no, you are well read, well respected, but in reading the OT you should have seen Christ there, and this Man, Jesus, He has fulfilled so many things written about the Messiah, including being crucified, look back at Isaiah 53." Honestly, both Gamaliel and Paul would have been familiar with Jesus because He did and spoke openly. The miracles are attested to by His enemies, and really, how many run of the mill false prophets and Messiahs do you see actually healing lame, blind, and even dead people. Yeah, there is something a little different about Him and His followers are doing and saying the same things, so since men can't just perform miracles because they want to, there's a chance that you may end up fighting God. I'm going to say God hits harder than anyone or anything you know, so maybe just think about it. How sure are you?

…27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.… Matthew 10: 27-29

V. 40 After calling the Apostles in and beating them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus - Well, that oughta be the last we will see of them, but no, they keep preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus, and keep making these guys angrier and angrier till they eventually start plotting a bit harder and then licensing some, the very zealous, to kill. Yet, through all this, the church keeps growing. 

1“I have told you these things so that you will not fall away. 2They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. 3They will do these things because they have not known the Father or Me.… John 16: 1-3

V. 41 Rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for the Name - There is no other name under heaven whereby men can be saved. They have put everything on that Name, they have bet the family farm, taken their wives, children, all their possessions, and said, "Let it ride". It's an honor to them to be mistreated for the sake of Christ, Who was mistreated for their sakes, for mine. For those of you who don't know what it like to be beaten, to be viewed as a criminal, their is a sense of shame, of seemingly letting down those close to you. These men are obeying God and this was their reward for that in this life. 

…8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. 10That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.… 2 Corinthians 12: 8-10

…33Sometimes you were publicly exposed to ridicule and persecution; at other times you were partners with those who were so treated. 34 You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession. 35So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward.… Hebrews 10: 33-35

V. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ - The persecution brought no change to the directive, the mission stood, and the disciples continued with the same gospel. I think we have a lot to learn today.

6I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!… Galatians 1: 6-8

…3I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ. 4For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it way too easily. 2 Corinthians 11: 3-4

Read More

#1556 Acts 5 Part 2 Jail House Visitor

 

17 But the high priest rose up and those with him (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. 18 And they laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, and taking them out, he said, 20 “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.” 21 Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach.

Now when the high priest and those with him came, they called the Sanhedrin together, even all the Council of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the jailhouse for them to be brought. 22 But the officers who came did not find them in the prison, and they returned and reported back, 23 saying, “We found the jailhouse locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors, but we opened it and found no one inside.” 24 Now when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this. 25 But someone came and reported to them, “The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” 26 Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).

27 And when they had brought them, they stood them before the Sanhedrin. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly commanded you not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you put to death by hanging Him on a tree. 31 This One God exalted to His right hand as a Leader and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God gave to those who obey Him.” Acts 5: 17-32 LSB

Acts 5: 17-32 Jailed For Jesus

V. 17 And they were filled with jealousy - The Sadducees were the order that the priest of the time belonged to, much like the liberal splits from the true church that we see today. They wanted the ear of the people, the respect of the people, but many now were hearing the truth and responding to it, which put the priests now in a position of need and want of, rather than the arbiters of truth as they wished to be seen. Interestingly they actually became a mission field for those who prioritized the word of God above traditions and politics. The apostles were intolerable to them because they were taking away their prestige, undermining their authority, removing their bread and butter. This happened in the church as well, the dark ages, where Roman Catholicism put itself forward as the true church, but in opposition to the word of God. They punished people for translating the Bible and teaching people how to read, but God sent a revival in the form of the Reformation. 

In the Gospels, the main adversaries of Jesus were the Pharisees, but in Acts, the main adversaries were the Sadducees.

Sadducees (4523) (saddoukaios) were the anti-supernaturalists (no angelic or demonic spirits, no resurrection, etc) who wanted to maintain their political ties with Rome. They were the religious and political liberals of the day and made up most of priests and their primary concerns were for the operation of the temple and the interpretation of the Law. "These theological liberals were the first to persecute the church." (MacArthur) - PA

…19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.… Galatians 5: 19-21

…14But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. 15Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.… James 3: 14-16

…3A stone is heavy and sand is a burden, but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both. 4Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy? 5Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed.… Proverbs 27: 3-5

V. 18 They laid hands on the Apostles and put them in a public jail - This still goes on in places like China, North Korea and others, where the government wants to control the ideology of the people. It is in every way a violation of the individual's conscience, forcing people to say or believe that there is no God, or that you are God, or that you know the approach to God and enforce it with military might, loss of job, fear of loss of life or imprisonment. Salvation does not come by way of men, but by regeneration wrought by the Spirit. We are to tell people the truths of Scripture, and trust God for the results. True Christianity is dependent upon a change that occurs inside of a man, brought on by the power of God, not by intimidation. This persecution is also effective though, just like the judgment against Ananias and Sapphira, it keeps the half hearted professors at a distance. 

…22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23Are they servants of Christ? I am speaking like I am out of my mind, but I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. 24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.… 2 Corinthians 11: 22-24

…35Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated.… Hebrews 11: 35-37

…9I know your affliction and your poverty—though you are rich! And I am aware of the slander of those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are in fact a synagogue of Satan. 10Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death.… Revelation 2: 9-11

Vs. 19-21 An angel of the Lord - I get this feeling that the Sadducees will not appreciate this explanation. They are already behind the 8 ball with since Jesus rose from the dead but also raised others during the course of His ministry, now angels too, it's too much. Note it is "an angel" (messenger), not The Angel of the Lord. This falls more in line with being your common, garden variety angel, not a Christophany. They are instructed to go back and continue doing what got them locked up in the first place. Note, there is no violence on the part of the Apostles; they recognize the lost nature of their adversaries. This should give us pause and train our focus to the truth that our enemies need, let the word of God be our response. 

During the night an angel of the Lord - During the night indicates the apostles did not even have to spend the night in jail! Presumably they went home and got a good night's rest in preparation for their early morning preaching in the Temple! The phrase angel of the Lord is found in both the Old and the New Testaments. In the OT, the angel of the Lord usually refers to a Theophany, specifically probably a Christophany, or appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ.

Luke uses the phrase angel of the Lord 6 times (more than any other NT writer) (Lk. 1:11; Lk. 2:9; Acts 5:19; Acts 8:26; Acts 12:7; Acts 12:23). All of Luke's uses (with one possible exception) refer to a created angel, a divine spirit sent as the Lord's messenger. The one possible exception is in Acts 8:26 where the phrase "angel of the Lord" is in parallel with "the Spirit" in Acts 8:29. - PA

1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands—this is the Word of life. 2And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.… 1 John 1: 1-3

Vs. 21b-26 The men whom you put into prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people - An angel would have to tell me to go to the temple too, or I would have already crossed the border into Jordan or Lebanon. This has to be perplexing for the Sanhedrin, what do you do with this? These men don't even know enough to run away. 

Vs. 27-28 We strictly commanded you not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us - "You little trouble makers, didn't we already tell you who is in charge?" "This name" is interesting as well, as if they already are trying to erase it. It's like Voldemort to them, the name that can't be spoken, and they would make Jesus out to be someone like that. They are materialists struggling to find an answer for the miracles He performed, and for the Scriptures He fulfilled, but they reject. 

…17When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” 18“I have not troubled Israel,” Elijah replied, “but you and your father’s house have, for you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals. 19Now summon all Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel, along with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel’s table.”… 1 Kings 18: 17-19

They despised Him. They despised His origin. They despised His presence. And they despised Him at the end. He was “a man of sorrows.” Nobody gave Him honor and nobody gave Him respect. Nobody important. He had no one in His life that mattered. He hung around with a bunch of ragtag nobodies from Galilee who, seven of whom may well have been fisherman. The rest were uneducated Galileans. And the only non-Galilean in the group was Judas from the town of Carioth. He was the kind of person you just turn your face away from. That’s why we rejected Him.

You know, it got ugly from there. Do you know the Hebrew word for Jesus is Yeshua? Have you heard that? Yeshua. The Jews through history have changed it to Yeshu, Yeshu, which is an acrostic for “let his name be blotted out.” Let his name be blotted out. He is also called Tului, in Hebrew, “the hanged one.” And “cursed is anyone - ” Deuteronomy says “ - who is hanged on a tree.”

Maybe you’ve heard the story about Mary being a hairdresser. This is written in the Talmud, which is the codification of Jewish history. That His mother Mary was a hairdresser who committed adultery with a Roman mercenary named Joseph ben Pandera, produced Yeshu, who learned the magical arts in Egypt and led people astray. That’s a quote from the Jewish Talmud.

They developed early on a prayer, Jewish prayer. “May all Christians be suddenly destroyed without hope and blotted out of the book of life forever.” This is a deep-seated animosity. And it hasn’t been helped through history by what so-called fake Christians have done to the Jews. But they started out with contempt and it’s still there even today. And do you know every Jew knows the story of Jesus so he or she can reject it? I mean, you’re not really a Jew if you don’t know you can’t believe in Jesus. We didn’t esteem Him. That’s an important last line. “He was despised; we did not esteem Him.” That’s the ultimate scorn. You know what that means in Hebrew? He was non-existent. He didn’t even exist. To put it mildly as Paul said in Romans 9:32, “They stumbled over the stumbling stone.” John Macarthur from Behold The Lamb Sermon Sep 29, 2012

V. 29 We must obey God rather than men - We need to put the words of God above the voices and threats of those He created, otherwise we worship the creation over the Creator. It's ludicrous to put more upon the temporary than the eternal, what a dumb wager. 

16To the woman He said: “I will sharply increase your pain in childbirth; in pain you will bring forth children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” 17And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. 18Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.… Genesis 3: 16-18

…7They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ 8You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men.” 9He went on to say, “You neatly set aside the command of God to maintain your own tradition.… Mark 7: 7-9

V. 30 Jesus, Whom you put to death by hanging Him on a tree - You can't pass this off to Rome, Pilate was willing to let Him go, but you and the Pharisees insisted. The one time you all could agree on something this is the fruit of it. This is the same message, the same gospel they taught before going to jail for it, and here we are again. 

V. 31 This One God exalted to His right hand as a leader and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel - This is the Messiah, your promised King, in no uncertain terms. 

…9Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.… Philippians 2: 9-11

1A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” 2The LORD extends Your mighty scepter from Zion: “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.”… Psalm 110: 1-2

V. 32 The Holy Spirit, Whom God gave to those who obey Him - We have the witness of the men who knew Jesus, and the witness of the Spirit, Who testifies to the hearts of men about Jesus, granting repentance unto obedience. 

…25But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’ 26When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father— the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father— He will testify about Me. 27And you also must testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning.… John 15: 25-27

…26I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. 28Then you will live in the land that I gave your forefathers; you will be My people, and I will be your God.… Ezekiel 36: 26-28

Read More

#1555 Acts 5 Part 1 Enter At Your Own Risk

 

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge. And bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your authority? Why is it that you laid this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard. 6 And the young men rose up and wrapped him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.

7 Now there was an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you were paid this much for the land?” And she said, “Yes, that much.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.” 10 And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard these things.

12 Now at the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were happening among the people, and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Portico. 13 But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people were holding them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers in the Lord were added to their number, multitudes of men and women, 15 to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any one of them. 16 Also the multitude from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together, bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed. Acts 5: 1-16 LSB

Acts 5: 1-16

V. 1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife, Sapphira - So the "but" lets us know that this is not only a continuation from chapter 4, but also in contrast to Barnabas. 

…35and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas ( meaning Son of Encouragement), 37sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.… Acts 4: 35-37

Ananias means "Jehovah is gracious", and Sapphira means "Sapphire or beautiful". Now people in the early church were concerned with one another's needs, and we saw Joseph, or Barnabas as they called him, sell a field he owned and lay the money at the disciple's feet. This was important, not in the western way of understanding, like for a building fund, but people were seeing that their brothers and sisters in Christ did not all have their basic needs. This unity tore away the divisions of caste. You couldn't look at your brother or sister in the Spirit and just walk by their hunger, their nakedness, and or imprisonment, for that too was a reality of that place and time. Throughout the church age there has always been periods of intense persecution, even if not where you live. In Jerusalem they were persecuted by their fellow Jews, the very people they were trying to bring to reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. In other areas they were persecuted by the guilds, which made it hard to find a job. As a Christin I want everyone to be able to have a job, to be able to support their family, regardless of what they believe, and I consider it a mission field. Where I live that opportunity is available to everyone who is willing to work, but in some areas the separation of church and state is not a thing. So this husband and wife team sold a piece of property like Barnabas did in the chapter before. So far so good. 

The word hypocrisy comes from the Greek theater and referred to the practice of putting on a mask and playing a part on stage. It originally conveyed the idea of playing a part on the stage and described the actor's art. The NT gives hupokrisis only a negative connotation referring to hypocrisy, duplicity (the quality of being double - belying of one’s true intentions by deceptive words or action), insincerity, dissimulation (hiding under a false appearance; hiding or disguising one's thoughts or feelings - don't we all do this from time to time?!). The idea is to pretend, to act as something one is not and so to act deceitfully, pretending to manifest traits like piety and love. It means to create a public impression that is at odds with one’s real purposes or motivations, and thus is characterized by play-acting, pretense or outward show. It means to give an impression of having certain purposes or motivations, while in reality having quite different ones.

Wuest adds that the Greek word "is made up of hupo under, and krinō “to judge” and referred originally to “one who judged from under the cover of a mask,” thus, assuming an identity and a character which he was not. This person was the actor on the Greek stage, one who took the part of another. The Pharisees were religious actors, so to speak, in that they pretended to be on the outside, what they were not on the inside… Our word hypocrite to the act of concealing wrong feelings or character under the pretence of better ones. The true identity of the person is covered up. It refers to acts of impersonation or deception. Christianity requires that believers should be open and above-board. They should be themselves. Their lives should be like an open book, easily read."

Steven Cole - Hypocrisy is always motivated by self-love. We want to impress others, to make them think that we are something that we know in our hearts we are not. - Precept Austin

…16By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17 If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? 18Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.… 1 John 3: 16-18

V. 2 And kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife's full knowledge - Man, of all the times a wife could and should say something, this is one of the most critical ones. 

…13You also say: ‘Oh, what a nuisance!’ And you turn up your nose at it,” says the LORD of Hosts. “You bring offerings that are stolen, lame, or sick! Should I accept these from your hands?” asks the LORD. 14“But cursed is the deceiver who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but sacrifices a defective animal to the Lord. For I am a great King,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and My name is to be feared among the nations. Malachi 1: 13-14

…8Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. 9You are cursed with a curse, yet you— the whole nation— are still robbing Me. 10Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.… Malachi 3: 8-10

…5“Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” 6 Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it. 7“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “She has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial.… John 12: 5-7

…9Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 11But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.… 1 Timothy 6: 9-11

Another example of this is Naaman and Gehazi from 2 Kings 5

V. 3 Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit - Though I don't believe that a true believer, someone who has been born again, can be possessed by demons, I do believe that we can all be enticed by way of the flesh. We can give up ground to our adversary by seeing him as a friend when he poses so. He always tries to appeal to the old man, to our wants, greed, lust, and here, what makes all hypocrites, the desire to appear noble and holy before men, hiding from them what cannot be hidden from God. God reveals this to Peter not as a free will offering, but as pride, a desire for the praise of men while lying to God. We are so self deceived that we often pass over this chapter as though God has somehow changed from then to now.  

MacArthur on whether A&S were genuine believers (I agree with MacArthur) - It is best to see them as genuine Christians for several reasons. First, they were included in the "congregation of those who believed" in Acts 4:32. Second, they were involved with the Holy Spirit, thus indicating a relationship to Him. Third, if they were not Christians, what lesson about sin did this give to teach all the rest who were true believers? Fourth, Satan can become personally involved with believers (cf. Mt. 16:21-23; Eph 6:12; 1 Pe 5:8-9). Finally, death can be divine chastening for a believer (1 Cor 11:30-32; 1 Jn 5:16). (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Acts)

Constable - Rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to fill him (cf. Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31), Ananias had allowed Satan to control his heart. Ananias' sin was lying. He sought to deceive the Christians by trying to gain a reputation for greater generosity than he deserved. By deceiving the church, Ananias was also trying to deceive the Holy Spirit who indwelt the church. In attempting to deceive the Holy Spirit, he was trying to deceive God.

But Peter said - Another striking contrast. Ananias' offering which should have been a sweet aroma to God, is discerned by Spirit filled Peter to be an abomination to God. Peter saw through the lie and the attempt to deceive and thus he issues this strong rebuke. Can you imagine Ananias' shock at hearing Peter's words? - Precept Austin

…29For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31Now if we judged ourselves properly, we would not come under judgment.… 1 Corinthians 11: 29-31

V. 4 And after it was sold, was it not under your authority - The problem is not that they kept some back, the issue is that they acted as though they had given all. They wanted to be esteemed by men, and elevated as philanthropists. It is strange when you think about it, but so many organizations appeal to this defective part of men's nature. "Would you like to give just like these people who got their names on a paper heart that everyone can see, or for a hundred dollars you can have your name on a brick that is going to be part of the new church annex, but for a million we will name the building after you." I have worked for someone whose people wrote a book about his life, and in order to make it a best seller they purchased copies for all the employees in each of the companies that he owned. Men love the praise of other men, love to feel important, it's the route for so many suck ups as well; they know this about you. The devil fell for this, and so he knows that pride is the strongest of signals to tap into, the easiest way to get your ear and promote his vice. Notice that Peter doesn't blame the devil but goes on to say, "Why is it that you laid this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." 

…13I would have liked to keep him with me, so that on your behalf he could minister to me in my chains for the gospel. 14But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will. 15For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good—… Philemon 1: 13-15

Vs. 5-6 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last - Peter didn't even touch him, didn't even have time to excommunicate him, but God passed judgment on the spot. It says that great fear came over all who heard, and I should think so, isn't that about as strong of a lesson as you can get?

Vs. 7-11 Why is that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test - We should be helping each other to be in God's will, especially as husband and wife, we are one person so should look to the health of that union. I led my family for a long time in disobedience to God, forsaking the assembly, not reading Scripture with them, not making them aware of the necessity of the gospel. We should be proud of Christ only, and grateful that He uses us, grateful for the things that enable us to give. It all belongs to Him anyway. Sapphira too wanted the recognition of men, so she went along, or she feared her husband's disappointment, but either way, it would have been better to confront her husband and then not continue with the lie. Three hours had transpired and I guess no one had told her what happened to her husband, but God doesn't owe us those warnings anyway. He has already warned us throughout Scripture, what they knew happened to Israel, God's own people, when they sinned. He has also warned us by way of the cross, sin is no small thing, only God could suffice to overcome it. It says that great fear came over the whole church, and I think to a good end, for each most likely started examining themselves. 

…6If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (which neither you nor your fathers have known, 7the gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, whether from one end of the earth or the other), 8you must not yield to him or listen to him. Show him no pity, and do not spare him or shield him.… Deuteronomy 13: 6-8

Wiersbe - We must keep in mind that their sin was not in robbing God of money but in lying to Him and robbing Him of glory. They were not required to sell the property; and, having sold it, they were not required to give any of the money to the church (Acts 5:4). Their lust for recognition conceived sin in their hearts (Acts 5:4, 9), and that sin eventually produced death (James 1:15). (Wiersbe Commentary on Acts) - P A

Vs. 12-13 But none of the rest dared to associate with them - There are potential weekend warriors when there is no cost, no risk. Some may have wanted to dabble or experiment with Christianity, but after seeing the stakes could be so high, they didn't venture any closer. God has only flooded the whole world once, and this should be more than enough of an example as to how He views sin, and how He will always be opposed to it. There was only one Sodom and Gomorrah recorded in Scripture, but this should be testament enough. God spoke here in the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, and it should be loud and clear in our minds, He hates hypocrisy. The church was growing fast and still grew, but this was a great deterrent for the tares of that age. There will always be those that come in like wolves, especially where the church sees no real persecution. The prosperity preachers smell money, the proud see a pulpit, those that want worship for themselves will look for the weak of the flock to lead astray. 

Vance Havner on none of the rest dared to associate with them - People didn't join this church carelessly. They were afraid to. There was a holy awe that kept Tom, Dick, and Harry at a distance. People didn't rush into this fellowship just because it was the nice thing to do. It meant something to unite with this crowd. There was a holy repulsion, and I know of nothing that the church needs more today. It is the last thing we think we need. We are always trying to attract. Our programs, prizes, picnics, and pulpit pyrotechnics are aimed at drawing the people in. Here was a church that made people stand back! We have catered to the world, we have let the world slap the church on the back in coarse familiarity. Here was a church that prospered by repelling! You will observe that all this followed on the heels of the death of Ananias and Sapphira. If the church took a stand today on sins within; if we thundered out, as Peter did here, against lying to the Holy Ghost, it would make the world stand at a respectful distance, and the fear of God would fall on a generation that laughs at the church. What was the sin of Ananias and Sapphira? They pretended to make a full consecration which was not real. And are not our churches filled with men and women who sing, "I surrender all," when they have not surrendered anything? The church is cluttered with people who should never have joined. She already has too many of the kind she has. We need a holy repulsion. You don't have to be different to be a church-member now. There is little about the average church to make men stand back in reverence. In other days we at least had church discipline. I can recall the old Saturday church meetings, when Ananias and Sapphira were dealt with. Some mistakes were made but there was a healthy regard for the sanctity of the church. When the church takes a stand, it repels careless "joiners."...When judgment fell on Ananias and Sapphira the world sat up and took notice. Today we coddle and excuse our sins, call weakness what God calls wickedness. We shelter sin in the Church, and when a preacher would cry out against it he is advised, "Don't be too hard, nobody is perfect," and is given a dressing-down from the text, "Judge not that ye be not judged." We have let down the bars until anybody can get into a church and nobody ever gets out. If we raised the New Testament standard it would stop the rush of superficial disciples and win respect where now there is ridicule. - Precept Austin

V. 14 And more than ever believers in the Lord were added to their number - Wow, they really didn't use a business model like most big churches do today. They practiced what God told them to, and we will be held accountable today in that we do not use the same standards that God puts forth for those who enter the pulpit, for elders, deacons, Sunday School teachers. We don't confront sin as it is outlined for us to do, all because we have adapted the world's form of marketing. Yet look here, all this happened, sin was confronted, preached about, we will see bad doctrine corrected, but it says, more than ever believers were added, almost like a command with a guaranteed outcome. 

…10For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, 11so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. 12You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.… Isaiah 55: 10-12

Vs. 15-16 At least his shadow might fall on them - The time of the apostles, Christ being the foundation, them being the pillars, was an explosive time in the church. I agree with those who see it's use as authentication for the speakers, those that were teaching Christ to the church in it's infancy, but also a judgment to those who came against the teachings. I also think it is a preliminary look at the kingdom, where death and sickness will be turned away. It shows Christ's ability to keep God's word. 

John Stott - Their action may have been somewhat superstitious, but I see no reason to condemn it as tantamount to belief in magic, any more than was the woman’s faith that a touch of the hem of Jesus’ garment would be enough to heal her. No, the people had been deeply impressed by the words and works of Peter, had recognized him as a man of God and an apostle of Christ, and believed that through close proximity to him they could be healed. (Ibid)

John MacArthur - The streets of Jerusalem were an incredible sight. Everywhere there were beds occupied by rich and poor alike, all waiting for the apostles to move through town. The inhabitants of Jerusalem actually believed that Peter's shadow could heal. Some ancient peoples believed that a man's shadow carried his influence, so parents would place their children into the shadow of great men and snatch them away from the shadow of someone they disliked. The text doesn't say that Peter's shadow healed anyone, only that the people believed so. Their actions display a tremendous respect for Peter. Great miracles indeed occurred.

Miracles were common during this time as a way to authenticate the word of the apostles because there was no New Testament text to which one could refer. - PA

Read More