Acts 5
Summary. In this chapter, we witness the mighty work of the Holy Spirit and how the Lord God Almighty helped and used the apostles to spread the good news that the Lord Jesus is the Christ of God. Acts 5:1-11. Ananias and Sapphira. God the Father, the owner of life, has taken these people's lives back to Him because they lied to the Holy Spirit and to God's servants. Acts 5:12-16. Signs and wonders. The Lord God Almighty has shown signs and wonders among people by the hands of the apostles; people witnessed the mighty work of God, and the believers, with one accord, came to join in one place together. Acts 5:17-18. The apostles arrested. The apostles' mighty works made people jealous because they could see the hand of God was upon them; the leaders mistreated them and put them in custody. Acts 5:19-21a. The apostles released. An angel of the Lord released the apostles from custody and commanded them to speak the Words of Life in the temple. The apostles followed the Lord's command and, at dawn, went into the temple to teach the Words of Life. Acts 5:21b-28. The apostles are taken to the Council. The dark side, when they heard the Word of God, they could not resist, and they worked with human leaders to fight against it. The officers took hold of the apostles and brought them back to the Council. The people ordered the workers of God not to talk in the Name of the Lord Jesus, but the apostles' duty was to bring the name of the beloved Son of God to declare it to the people. Acts 5:29-32. Peter's defense. Peter testifies in his discourse the following: God Most High has exalted His beloved Son by raising Him from the dead, which His own children have crucified on the cross, but the beloved Son of God is also God Almighty, so He cannot die, He is alive and has been raised from the grave; the Father has exalted His Son above all things, so He has the authority to give life to all He wills; the Holy Spirit and the apostles are witnesses of God's mercy and judgment. Acts 5:33-39. Gamaliel and the Council. Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, presented his ideas to the Council. The dark used him and the people in the Council to try to stop God's work. Even though they all witnessed God's work, they were not afraid of God Almighty but of people. Acts 5:40-42. The apostles are beaten and released. The leaders' true agenda was to stop God Almighty's work and the beloved Son of God's duty to save humans, so they beat the apostles and warned them not to speak in the name of Jesus. However, the disciples felt worthy to suffer for spreading the good news, and every day, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that the Christ is Jesus.
[1]
Now a certain man, named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a property,
Comments Acts 5:1
In that time, when people wanted to show that they were faithful to the Lord, when they had sold their possessions, they wanted to make it known by bringing to the feet of the apostles the proceeds, which was also the way to show people that they had faith.
“He kept back from the price ...” Regardless of how much it was the price, they didn't need to tell, but the majority of times, people would say that they would give all they had (Acts 4:36-37), but at this time, it doesn't mention exactly how much these two gave; however, it was a general practice to bring all of the proceeds. Normally, the apostles would not keep the whole portion, but only how much the Lord would tell them to keep.
“He kept back from the price ...” Regardless of how much it was the price, they didn't need to tell, but the majority of times, people would say that they would give all they had (Acts 4:36-37), but at this time, it doesn't mention exactly how much these two gave; however, it was a general practice to bring all of the proceeds. Normally, the apostles would not keep the whole portion, but only how much the Lord would tell them to keep.
[2]
and he kept back from the price, the wife also perceiving it, and having brought a certain portion, he laid it at the apostles' feet.
[3]
But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart, for you to lie to the Holy Spirit , and to keep back from the price of the land?
Comments Acts 5:3
“... to lie to the Holy Spirit.” As the verse says, if you did not bring all the price, say it; if you didn't say, it meant that that was all you got; this is why it became a lie to the Holy Spirit.
“And to keep back from the price of the land.” When he brought the amount to the apostles, he also indicated that that was all he got and he should receive back portion from it; in his heart, he wanted to lie to the apostles, but he forgot to think as well that the apostles worked for God, and when you have lied to the apostles you lied to God as well.
“And to keep back from the price of the land.” When he brought the amount to the apostles, he also indicated that that was all he got and he should receive back portion from it; in his heart, he wanted to lie to the apostles, but he forgot to think as well that the apostles worked for God, and when you have lied to the apostles you lied to God as well.
[4]
Remaining, did it not remain to you? And having been sold, was it not in your authority? Why did you purpose this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!
Comments Acts 5:4
“Remaining, did it not remain to you?” What it is your possession, it is yours; as long as things are with you, they are yours.
“And having been sold ...” The purpose of selling is what points to your feelings. When you sell something, what you receive back is yours; your heart will still have the urge of ownership. You feel that the things in your hands belong to you, and when you sell them, the money you receive in your hand, your heart will still have the attachment to say it is yours. If your heart still has that feeling, you cannot refuse it; if you do, you will have no peace whatever you do with it.
“Why did you purpose this thing ... but to God!” When you show that you don't have an attachment to it, but truly your heart did not refuse it yet, that is the reason you did not lie to yourself but to God; you want to act out to show that you have faith in God by giving it, but it did not come out from your own heart, just for the people to see.
“And having been sold ...” The purpose of selling is what points to your feelings. When you sell something, what you receive back is yours; your heart will still have the urge of ownership. You feel that the things in your hands belong to you, and when you sell them, the money you receive in your hand, your heart will still have the attachment to say it is yours. If your heart still has that feeling, you cannot refuse it; if you do, you will have no peace whatever you do with it.
“Why did you purpose this thing ... but to God!” When you show that you don't have an attachment to it, but truly your heart did not refuse it yet, that is the reason you did not lie to yourself but to God; you want to act out to show that you have faith in God by giving it, but it did not come out from your own heart, just for the people to see.
[5]
And Ananias hearing these words, having fallen down, he perished; and great fear came upon all those hearing.
Comments Acts 5:5
“And Ananias hearing these words ...” The verse clearly tells that when God Almighty puts His hand down on someone, the life of that person has vanished; God the Father, the owner of life, has taken this person's life back to Him.
“And great fear came upon all those hearing.” The mighty power of God has been shown to all people; the example has been shown in this place, the fear of people; now people come to realize that God Almighty is above all, the fear of Him has laid down on each person's heart at this point.
Q: Does this punishment for this case seem too harsh? A: The Holy Bible clearly tells all humans that the great love of God is beyond what humans can think, but His punishment for those who blaspheme against Him is great as well (See also, 1 Chronicles 13:10).
Q: What about those who harmed the Lord Jesus? A: Punishment on this earth looks big, but the eternal punishment is also what you need to consider.
“And great fear came upon all those hearing.” The mighty power of God has been shown to all people; the example has been shown in this place, the fear of people; now people come to realize that God Almighty is above all, the fear of Him has laid down on each person's heart at this point.
Q: Does this punishment for this case seem too harsh? A: The Holy Bible clearly tells all humans that the great love of God is beyond what humans can think, but His punishment for those who blaspheme against Him is great as well (See also, 1 Chronicles 13:10).
Q: What about those who harmed the Lord Jesus? A: Punishment on this earth looks big, but the eternal punishment is also what you need to consider.
[6]
Then having arisen, the young men wrapped him, and having carried out, buried him.
Comments Acts 5:6
The Lord's people had their way of burial; this was the general way of doing the burial by wrapping; the wrapping done in this place was done according to the law, nothing different. Life has gone away from this person's body at this time, but life has not yet ended; in the hands of God, they will be judged.
[7]
Now it came to pass, about three hours after, also his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in.
[8]
And Peter answered to her, Tell me if you sold the land for so much. And she said, Yes, for so much.
Comments Acts 5:7-8
Two people who have been together for some time also inhabit the same habit; these two agreed in lying about the truth, and both forgot whom they were lying to: to the apostles who were the workers of God and, in this case, God Almighty will magnify His glory in front of people's eyes.
[9]
But Peter said to her, How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord ? Behold, the feet of those having buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.
Comments Acts 5:9
“But Peter said to her ...” This event is an example of testing the Lord God Almighty; when someone tests the Lord God Almighty, their punishment is great, and there is no escape regardless of who you are; but when you have tested God, you have wished your life to be gone as well.
“Behold, the feet of those having buried your husband ...” When both have committed the great sin, they both have been buried side by side as a testimony to the people that God Almighty punishment is harsh; remember, all humans, do not try to test God Almighty.
“Behold, the feet of those having buried your husband ...” When both have committed the great sin, they both have been buried side by side as a testimony to the people that God Almighty punishment is harsh; remember, all humans, do not try to test God Almighty.
[10]
And she fell down immediately at his feet, and breathed her last; and the young men found her dead, and having carried out, they buried her by her husband.
Comments Acts 5:10
“And she fell down immediately ...” Let all believers pay attention to this verse. God the Father takes it seriously to all those who are testing Him; this here is an example of consequences; remember whom you are dealing with.
“And the young men found her dead ...” The people that buried them had more impact on their hearts as well; the act of God Almighty upon the actions of these two would be spreading out among people; the fear of the Lord would take over people's hearts at this time.
“And the young men found her dead ...” The people that buried them had more impact on their hearts as well; the act of God Almighty upon the actions of these two would be spreading out among people; the fear of the Lord would take over people's hearts at this time.
[11]
And great fear came upon all the church, and upon all those hearing these things.
Comments Acts 5:11
With the mighty hand of God, the people realized now that they should not try to test the God Almighty. When the people heard what had happened to these two, fear captured their hearts, and right now, all were in awe, and all people asked themselves if God Almighty was upset at them as well. The harsh punishment is evidence of God Almighty's power; God's judgment is severe for those who test Him.
[12]
And by the hands of the apostles were happening many signs and wonders among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's Portico.
Comments Acts 5:12
Let all readers pay attention to what the verse says: the Lord God Almighty has shown signs and wonders among people, people witnessed the mighty work of God, and all with one accord came to join in one place together.
[13]
But of the rest no one had courage to join them, on the contrary the people magnified them,
Comments Acts 5:13
The people with a heart toward the Lord had come to join, but the rest ignored the signs that had been shown and turned away and did not come to join. Those who came to join had one heart magnifying the mighty work of God, but the rest did not.
[14]
and more believers were added to the Lord , multitudes both of men and women,
Comments Acts 5:14
The verse itself is clear, but the Lord God Almighty Himself had called out some among the multitude for doing the work.
[15]
insomuch even to bring out the sick into the streets, and to put them on cots and mats, that at the coming of Peter, at least the shadow might overshadow some of them.
Comments Acts 5:15
“Insomuch even to bring out the sick ...” In this place, we can all clearly see that humans had been witnesses to the miracle work of God; even the ones that were in bad condition, physically or mentally, were brought out to receive healing; the ones that expected to receive the mercy of God had come. God Almighty has mercy on humans when they come with a sincere heart and beg for mercy.
“That at the coming of Peter ...” People also believed that even the shadow of the apostle could heal them and make them whole again.
“That at the coming of Peter ...” People also believed that even the shadow of the apostle could heal them and make them whole again.
[16]
And were also coming together the multitude from the cities round about Jerusalem, bringing the feeble and those being disturbed by unclean spirits, who were all healed.
Comments Acts 5:16
Let the readers think about the surrounding area where the mighty work of God has been spreading; people were also coming to see by themselves and receive healing, but people who did not believe in the miracle works performed were also coming with them. The news about the mighty work of God was spreading, but the ones who opposed were hearing about it as well; in the multitude, not all were coming for worship; some were coming with negative minds and trying to catch mistakes in God's work.
[17]
However, having risen up, the high priest and all those with him (being the sect of the Sadducees) were filled with jealousy,
Comments Acts 5:17
As the verse says, jealousy is the main issue in humans; the apostles of God worked among normal people, but because of the mighty works done, it made people jealous because they could see the hand of God was upon them.
[18]
and they laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public custody.
Comments Acts 5:18
It is common among humans to mistreat someone doing good work without their approval; the apostles, the workers of God, had been punished by people who put them in public custody. Let all readers pay attention to the verse saying: specifically, when anyone does work for the Lord God Almighty, the dark side will try to stop them; look at these apostles of God; they had been punished for good deeds.
[19]
But an angel of the Lord during the night having opened the custody doors, then having brought them out, said,
Comments Acts 5:19
The work has begun for all humans; God Almighty has shown His power by releasing His servants out of custody and giving a commandment to the apostles about what to do and speak.
Q: What kind of angel was this angel who appeared to the apostles? A: Angels are ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14), but this angel had received straight orders on what he could do as well; he had appeared in this place to do specific work. God the Father had given him the ability to be able to show himself for this work.
Q: This angel intervened in our world physically; how can angels perform physical tasks in our world? A: The angels have limitations on earth; all they can do is only what God Almighty tells them and allows them. God Almighty does not allow angels to perform physical tasks for humans; they are ministering spirits; physical tasks are above their power except with permission from the Father Himself. On the other hand, evil spirits cannot do physical work in any case; they can only play with the minds of humans.
Q: What kind of angel was this angel who appeared to the apostles? A: Angels are ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14), but this angel had received straight orders on what he could do as well; he had appeared in this place to do specific work. God the Father had given him the ability to be able to show himself for this work.
Q: This angel intervened in our world physically; how can angels perform physical tasks in our world? A: The angels have limitations on earth; all they can do is only what God Almighty tells them and allows them. God Almighty does not allow angels to perform physical tasks for humans; they are ministering spirits; physical tasks are above their power except with permission from the Father Himself. On the other hand, evil spirits cannot do physical work in any case; they can only play with the minds of humans.
[20]
Go, and standing, speak in the temple to the people all the words of this Life.
Comments Acts 5:20
Pay attention very well to the verse itself; God Almighty had a work for the apostles to do and speak, and that was the order for them to do; the apostles' duty was to proclaim the word of God Most High and explain to the people all the words of Life. The details of their work have been recorded in the Holy Bible; the holy words of Life have been recorded down, and God Almighty has already provided the way to be saved for humans.
[21]
Now having heard, they entered at the dawn into the temple and were teaching. But the high priest having come, and those with him, they called together the Council, and all the Senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the custody-house to bring them.
Comments Acts 5:21
“Now having heard, they entered at the dawn ...” As the verse says, the disciples, being ordered by the Father, went into the temple and taught; the words the disciples were teaching were not their own but from the Lord God Almighty; the words that have the power to save people's souls have been proclaimed.
“But the high priest having come, and those with him ...” The dark side, when they heard the word of God, they could not resist, and they worked with the human leaders to fight against it. The dark themselves have no power to fight the Lord God Almighty; instead, humans are used to fighting because the dark knows that the Lord God Almighty loves humans; the way they can fight is only by using humans; if humans fight the Lord God Almighty, He will not destroy humans, so as long as there are humans left over, the dark still has a way to fight God.
“But the high priest having come, and those with him ...” The dark side, when they heard the word of God, they could not resist, and they worked with the human leaders to fight against it. The dark themselves have no power to fight the Lord God Almighty; instead, humans are used to fighting because the dark knows that the Lord God Almighty loves humans; the way they can fight is only by using humans; if humans fight the Lord God Almighty, He will not destroy humans, so as long as there are humans left over, the dark still has a way to fight God.
[22]
And the officers having come, did not find them in the custody; then, having returned, they reported,
[23]
saying, The custody-house we found shut in all safety, and the guards standing before the doors; however, having opened, we found no one inside.
Comments Acts 5:22-23
Now, the eyes of people have been opened; the wonder comes to all of them. The first question people have is how the custody house is still locked firmly, but no one is inside; not only that, but the guards were standing in front as well, but the empty custody house is proof for them; the disappearance of the prisoners proves to all humans that God Almighty has shown His power, people have witnessed with their own eyes, the rejection cannot go longer.
[24]
Now when both the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were much perplexed concerning them, what this might be.
Comments Acts 5:24
Now, the leaders themselves have received the report about the miracle work of God Almighty: the prison they had was securely locked, but the workers of God Almighty had gotten out; all the leaders and soldiers were amazed by this event that happened here.
[25]
And having come, someone reported to them, Behold, the men whom you put in the custody are in the temple, standing and teaching the people!
Comments Acts 5:25
Let all readers give attention: the workers of God Almighty did not delay or give up after being released from custody but went out and worked out without fear, spreading the good news to all. Believers nowadays should take this as an example: don't give up because of the little troubles you might face; God Almighty is your master; He will lead you and guide you to complete the work.
[26]
Then having gone, the captain with the officers brought them, not with force; for they feared the people, lest they might be stoned.
Comments Acts 5:26
All readers pay attention: this verse clearly tells that these people were not afraid of God; they feared being hurt by the people, but they should think of their souls as being hurt by God Almighty. When doing wrong to God Almighty's servants, the Lord will protect His people as well; hurting this physical body is only for a short time, but for the soul to be down in Hades is forever.
[27]
And having brought them, they set them in the Council. And the high priest asked them,
[28]
saying, We strictly charged you not to teach in this N ame ; and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this M an 's blood upon us.
Comments Acts 5:27-28
As the verse says, let all believers pay attention as well; when the Lord God Almighty has put the burden on your heart to do something, you must do it and do it as soon as possible. The people ordered the workers of God not to talk, but bringing the name of the beloved Son of God to declare it to the people was the duty of the apostles. The leaders heard the name and knew the deeds, but their hearts were darkened; they were guilty, but they could not hear the truth; the guilty blood was upon them; not the teaching of the apostles, but their own actions condemned themselves.
[29]
However answering, Peter and the apostles said, We must obey God rather than men.
Comments Acts 5:29
This verse tells all humans how you should think when people ask you questions and when you have questions; most importantly, the apostles have been an example of listening to the voice in their hearts; the Lord God Almighty always speaks in your hearts quietly, listen to the small voice in your hearts, rather than men shouting loud out there.
Q: How does one distinguish in their heart between this small voice coming from the Holy Spirit versus your emotions and the loud voices of people? A: For all believers, between the voice of the Holy Spirit and your own emotions, the heart telling it is very similar, but give attention to the way the voice has come to you; the voice that comes and tries to tell what it means in your head that is your emotion; the voice of the Holy Spirit first goes to the heart to make you understand what it means; the voice you listen by the ear plays tricks to the heart as well, but the impact that makes your heart shaking is the sign of which one is the Holy Spirit speaking to you.
Q: How does one distinguish in their heart between this small voice coming from the Holy Spirit versus your emotions and the loud voices of people? A: For all believers, between the voice of the Holy Spirit and your own emotions, the heart telling it is very similar, but give attention to the way the voice has come to you; the voice that comes and tries to tell what it means in your head that is your emotion; the voice of the Holy Spirit first goes to the heart to make you understand what it means; the voice you listen by the ear plays tricks to the heart as well, but the impact that makes your heart shaking is the sign of which one is the Holy Spirit speaking to you.
Comments Acts 5:30
Let all believers take heart in this verse: the God Most High has exalted His beloved Son by raising the beloved Son up from the dead, which His own children have crucified on the cross; but the beloved Son of God is also God Almighty, so He cannot die; He is alive and has been raised from the grave.
[31]
Him , God exalted as Prince and Savior by H is right hand, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.
Comments Acts 5:31
“Him, God exalted as Prince and Savior by His right hand.” Pay attention; the verse clearly tells all that the Lord God Almighty has exalted His beloved Son above all; the right hand of God the Father belongs to His beloved Son only; when sitting at the right hand of the Father, the Son will also have all authority of judgment as well. Now the Father has exalted His Son above all things, the beloved Son of God has authority to give life to all He wills; beware all humans, the Word tells us clearly about this.
“To give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.” The Trinity of God gives a chance to all humans, not only to His children alone. If all have a humble heart and a repenting spirit, forgiveness will be given to that soul. The forgiveness of sins will come after the repentance of the spirit. Those who put themselves higher than all, and have no humbleness, and are not willing to repent will be punished for eternity.
Q: Why do we make a difference here between spirit and soul? A: When the heart is humble, the spirit and the soul repent. When the heart and spirit sin, the soul is the place to take the blame.
“To give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.” The Trinity of God gives a chance to all humans, not only to His children alone. If all have a humble heart and a repenting spirit, forgiveness will be given to that soul. The forgiveness of sins will come after the repentance of the spirit. Those who put themselves higher than all, and have no humbleness, and are not willing to repent will be punished for eternity.
Q: Why do we make a difference here between spirit and soul? A: When the heart is humble, the spirit and the soul repent. When the heart and spirit sin, the soul is the place to take the blame.
[32]
And we are witnesses of these things, and the Holy Spirit , whom God has given to those that obey H im .
Comments Acts 5:32
“And we are witnesses of these things.” The apostles are the witnesses of God's mercy and judgment; they are also the ones who testify regarding the blessing of the beloved Son of God; let all readers pay attention to their testimony.
“And the Holy Spirit.” The true witness of the birth, death, and resurrection of the Son of God is the Holy Spirit; God the Father has given the Holy Spirit to all who believe and repent, and the Holy Spirit will reveal to them these truths about the beloved Son of God.
“Whom God has given to those that obey Him.” When anyone obeys the teachings of the beloved Son of God with their whole heart and mind, God the Father also will grant forgiveness to that one as well, meaning that the Lord grants the Holy Spirit to that person, and they can seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
“And the Holy Spirit.” The true witness of the birth, death, and resurrection of the Son of God is the Holy Spirit; God the Father has given the Holy Spirit to all who believe and repent, and the Holy Spirit will reveal to them these truths about the beloved Son of God.
“Whom God has given to those that obey Him.” When anyone obeys the teachings of the beloved Son of God with their whole heart and mind, God the Father also will grant forgiveness to that one as well, meaning that the Lord grants the Holy Spirit to that person, and they can seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
[33]
And having heard, they were cut to the heart, and wished to put them to death.
Comments Acts 5:33
When the rulers of the people heard about the mighty work of God Almighty, as testified by the apostles, their dark minds made them wish to destroy the apostles. The power of the dark mind made their hearts feel uneasy; in human weakness, they obeyed what their hearts told them.
[34]
However, a certain one having risen up in the Council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people, he commanded to put the men outside for a short while.
Comments Acts 5:34
When the Lord speaks to a person, that person's heart must give attention to the voice of the Lord. However, when the mind allows dark thoughts to control it, that person will not hear the Lord speaking; here, the dark uses this person to work for them by using him to do the work. (See also Acts 22:3, where it tells that Paul learned at the feet of Gamaliel).
Q: Are we saying that the dark controls this Gamaliel? A: Not controlled, but being used by the dark. But not the evil doing, but just the mind of the person doing. It is not the evil themselves who are doing work with this person; it is just the dark mind of the person acting. By dark mind, we mean the sinful mind of the person.
Q: What is the difference between saying “the mind controlled by the dark” versus “the mind controlled by the evil”? A: Evil easily influences the human mind, and when the mind is influenced, bad thoughts come within the person's mind to do things, that is the dark mind; but when evil controls the mind, the person has lost control of themselves, and the person does evil as the evil tells, not thinking anymore, which is a different point of it.
Q: Is dark and darkness referring to something different than evil? A: Dark and darkness in this place talk about the activity the person is doing, specifically, letting themselves be influenced in their minds by evil. Evil means that the evil makes the person themselves do things, which is to a different degree of doing, meaning that the person's heart also agrees with their dark thoughts.
Q: Are we saying that the dark controls this Gamaliel? A: Not controlled, but being used by the dark. But not the evil doing, but just the mind of the person doing. It is not the evil themselves who are doing work with this person; it is just the dark mind of the person acting. By dark mind, we mean the sinful mind of the person.
Q: What is the difference between saying “the mind controlled by the dark” versus “the mind controlled by the evil”? A: Evil easily influences the human mind, and when the mind is influenced, bad thoughts come within the person's mind to do things, that is the dark mind; but when evil controls the mind, the person has lost control of themselves, and the person does evil as the evil tells, not thinking anymore, which is a different point of it.
Q: Is dark and darkness referring to something different than evil? A: Dark and darkness in this place talk about the activity the person is doing, specifically, letting themselves be influenced in their minds by evil. Evil means that the evil makes the person themselves do things, which is to a different degree of doing, meaning that the person's heart also agrees with their dark thoughts.
[35]
And he said to them, Men, Israelites, take heed to yourselves what you are about to do with these men.
Comments Acts 5:35
Smart people have many ways to persuade people to think their way, and this person has used his smart idea because he knows that many disagree with the apostles' teachings. When he suggests releasing or not doing harsh things to the apostles, the people who are against the apostles will riot against that decision, and in the end, the leaders' idea will catch, and they will get their way.
Q: Shouldn't we understand from these verses that Gamaliel was trying to help the apostles? A: His own wish was not to release the apostles but to destroy them; however, to put out his own idea, the ones that believe the apostles will go out against him, so throwing out this idea would let people be the ones who rise up against the apostles, and he would not be at fault in any way. Note that the apostle Paul, before his conversion, was a persecutor of the church and was taught at the feet of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3, Galatians 1:13).
Q: Shouldn't we understand from these verses that Gamaliel was trying to help the apostles? A: His own wish was not to release the apostles but to destroy them; however, to put out his own idea, the ones that believe the apostles will go out against him, so throwing out this idea would let people be the ones who rise up against the apostles, and he would not be at fault in any way. Note that the apostle Paul, before his conversion, was a persecutor of the church and was taught at the feet of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3, Galatians 1:13).
[36]
For before these days rose up Theudas, giving himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, were joined, who was slain; and all, as many as were persuaded by him, were dispersed, and it came to nothing.
Comments Acts 5:36
As the verse tells all, when someone lifts themselves up and does things against God Almighty's teachings, with their smart speaking can lead many to fall into their trap as well; watch out when you listen to someone talking. If the things the person talks do not fit with the Holy Bible, turn away and run far from them. Do not look back; by turning back to look, your heart will be grabbed again by their idea. Pay careful attention to how many perished here, and the rest were dispersed in different directions; the end will never be good.
[37]
After this man rose up Judas the Galilean in the days of the enrolment and drew away people after him; he perished, and all, as many as were persuaded by him, were scattered.
Comments Acts 5:37
The verse clearly tells who rose up and perished. The people have been persuaded and follow humans, and put God behind their backs, and the work they are doing cannot stand against the will of God if their hearts do not follow Him; people here, some perished some scattered around, but the scattered around, God Almighty will work in their hearts and bring them to repentance.
[38]
And now I say to you, Withdraw from these men, and let them alone, for if this counsel or this work be from men, it will be overthrown;
Comments Acts 5:38
The workers of God Almighty faced many challenges, but this ruler also realized the truth: if the work is from God Almighty, they cannot fight, but the love for themselves still wants to fight back. Humans want to have power above all, even if deep in their hearts, they realize God's work is here, but the dark mind does not want to give up.
[39]
however, if it is of God , you will not be able to overthrow them; lest perhaps also you be found fighting against God .
Comments Acts 5:39
This verse shows all humans how the smart mind finds a way to fight with God. This man even used God to make people submit to his ideas. By scaring the people with the idea of fighting God Almighty, he made them shut up and obey his words.
[40]
And they were persuaded by him; and having called the apostles, having beaten them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus , and released them.
Comments Acts 5:40
“And they were persuaded ...” The people were easy to persuade. When they heard good reasons for their minds, they accepted it. They abused the apostles, hurting their bodies to make them afraid to make the next move; the leader's plan to poison human minds succeeded.
“They commanded them not to speak ...” Here, the true agenda of leaders is to stop God Almighty's work and the beloved Son of God's duty to save humans. They released the apostles out of their belief that the suffering the apostles have received now will stop all the work.
“They commanded them not to speak ...” Here, the true agenda of leaders is to stop God Almighty's work and the beloved Son of God's duty to save humans. They released the apostles out of their belief that the suffering the apostles have received now will stop all the work.
[41]
They, indeed, therefore, departed from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name .
Comments Acts 5:41
“They, indeed, therefore, departed ...” The apostles had been released, and now they were departing from this group of people; the trouble they had received at this point did not make them feel discouraged. The urge to work and spread the good news grew stronger, and they had put their trust in the Son of God. Being treated as criminals brought them joy, and even though they had been instructed not to spread out the name of the beloved Son of God, the King of kings is their Master, and they will not hold back to delay His Name.
“Rejoicing that they were counted worthy ...” Reader, pay attention to this part of the verse itself: To consider yourself worthy, let everybody think of themselves as criminals. Will you be worthy? But the disciples feel worthy to suffer for spreading the good news about the beloved Son of God to people; that is the true worth of humans.
“Rejoicing that they were counted worthy ...” Reader, pay attention to this part of the verse itself: To consider yourself worthy, let everybody think of themselves as criminals. Will you be worthy? But the disciples feel worthy to suffer for spreading the good news about the beloved Son of God to people; that is the true worth of humans.
[42]
Then every day, in the temple and in house, they ceased not teaching and proclaiming the good news that the Christ is Jesus .
Comments Acts 5:42
All believers give attention to what the verse tells: the disciples did not come and praise the God Almighty only that day but every day; the name of the beloved Son of God, Jesus, has been proclaimed: He is the Christ of God the Father.
Life and faith applications. 1) All believers should know that the Holy Spirit fully knows their actions, thoughts, and hearts. 2) People living together as husband and wife should always pray and ask the Lord to check their hearts, and they should respond to the Lord's prompting, so the dark side does not influence them in their daily walk with the Lord. 3) Ask the Lord to bless you in your service to the Lord; be content with your successes, and do not be jealous of your fellow believers' success. 4) Pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit regularly so you can be light in this world and share your faith in the Lord Jesus. 5) Rejoice if you suffer for the name of the Lord Jesus, and do not stop proclaiming the news that the Lord Jesus is the Christ of God.