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David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Guzik comments "We shouldn’t miss the connection between the purity preserved in the first part of the chapter (with the death of Ananias and the fear of God among the Christians) and the power displayed here. God blessed a pure church with spiritual power." Related Resources: What does the Bible say about demonic oppression? How can demonic strongholds be overcome? How much emphasis should be given to demonic deliverance in the Christian life? What does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles? What does the Bible say about demon possession / demonic possession? Is there activity of demonic spirits in the world today? Questions about Angels & Demons Can a Christian today perform an exorcism? What does the Bible say about casting out demons? What are territorial spirits? How do we distinguish a psychological disorder from demon possession? And they were all being healed - All means there were no exceptions - it does not mean some healed, some not healed. Being healed is in the imperfect tense picturing the healing as one after another, one at a time, again and again! Being healed is passive voice, almost certainly indicating a divine passive, which signified this was a work of God's Spirit. This must have been quite a scene to behold! Now while all were being healed physically, this does not indicate that all were being healed in the more important way -- spiritually. As Bob Utley rightly says "Physical healing is a poor substitute for spiritual salvation. Miracles are only truly helpful if they bring us to God." Therapeuo is used in a parallel passage in Acts 8:7 Luke recording that "in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed." Healed (cured)(2323)(therapeuo from therapon = an attendant, servant - Eng = "therapy, therapeutic") originally meant primarily to serve, to care for, to wait upon, minister to. In the NT, it can speak of rendering service (Acts 17:25) but more often it describes rendering medical aid, taking care of the sick, healing the sick (Mt. 4:24; 12:10; Mark 1:34; Luke 6:7; 10:9). Therapeúō can mean to heal miraculously as in Mt 4:23, 24; 10:1, 8; Acts 4:14. Most of the uses of therapeuo are in the synoptic Gospels and describe Jesus' healing ministry. Matt. 4:23; Matt. 4:24; Matt. 8:7; Matt. 8:16; Matt. 9:35; Matt. 10:1; Matt. 10:8; Matt. 12:10; Matt. 12:15; Matt. 12:22; Matt. 14:14; Matt. 15:30; Matt. 17:16; Matt. 17:18; Matt. 19:2; Matt. 21:14; Mk. 1:34; Mk. 3:2; Mk. 3:10; Mk. 6:5; Mk. 6:13; Lk. 4:23; Lk. 4:40; Lk. 5:15; Lk. 6:7; Lk. 6:18; Lk. 7:21; Lk. 8:2; Lk. 8:43; Lk. 9:1; Lk. 9:6; Lk. 10:9; Lk. 13:14; Lk. 14:3; Jn. 5:10; Acts 4:14; Acts 5:16; Acts 8:7; Acts 17:25; Acts 28:9; Rev. 13:3; Rev. 13:12 Acts 5:17 But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. KJV Acts 5:17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, NET Acts 5:17 Now the high priest rose up, and all those with him (that is, the religious party of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. he high priest rose up Acts 4:26; Ps 2:1-3; John 11:47-49; 12:10,19 along with all his associates Acts 4:1,2,6; 23:6-8 they were filled with jealousy Acts 7:9; 13:45; 17:5; 1 Sa 18:12-16; Job 5:2; Pr 14:30; 27:4; Eccl 4:4; Mt 27:18; Gal 5:21; James 3:14-16; 4:5; 1 Peter 2:1 Acts 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries FILLED WITH JEALOUSY But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees) - Rose up means to stand up, so presumably they were seated, but this news caused them to get out of their chairs. The high priest and most of the Council (Sanhedrin) were Sadducees (cf Acts 4:1). Sect (139)(hairesis from haireo = to choose, elect, prefer) denotes a choosing or choice. It came to mean an opinion chosen or a tenet (a principle, belief, or doctrine generally held to be true) and then a sect, party or faction that held tenets distinctive to it.
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Guzik writes - According to Calvin, these are the “evils packed under” the sin of Ananias, beyond the mere attempt to deceive God and the church: The contempt of God Sacrilegious defrauding Perverse vanity and ambition Lack of faith (Ed Comment: keeping back part of the money says "We don't trust God to supply our needs.") The corrupting of a good and holy order Hypocrisy Things we can do against the Holy Spirit: Grieve the Spirit (Eph 4:30) Quench the Spirit (1 Th 5:19) Lie to the Spirit (Acts 5:3,4) Test/Tempt the Spirit (Acts 5:9) Resist the Spirit (Acts 7:51) Acts 5:4 "While it remained [unsold], did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." KJV Acts 5:4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. did it not remain your own Ex 35:21,22,29; 1 Chr 29:3,5,9,17; 1 Cor 8:8; 9:5-17; Phile 1:14 Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart Acts 8:21,22; Josh 7:25,26; Job 15:35; Ps 7:14; Isa 59:4; Ezek 38:10; Jas 1:15 You have not lied to men but to God Acts 5:3; Ex 16:8; Nu 16:11; 1 Sa 8:7; 2 Ki 5:25-27; Ps 139:4; Luke 10:16; 1 Th 4:8 Acts 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SECRET SIN ON EARTH IS OPEN SCANDAL IN HEAVEN While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? - The answer is yes it belonged to Ananias and he could do with it whatever he wished. And after it was sold, was it not under your control? - The question is whether the money from the sale was now at the disposal of Ananias. And the answer again is affirmative. The money was now his to give away. In other words he was under no compulsion to give it all away and he could have kept part for himself. That was not the problem. Control (1849)(exousia) means in essence the right and the might. It conveys the idea that Ananias and Sapphira had the power of decision making, the freedom of choice and the right to act or decide what to do with their property. Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? - This was not a sin of omission but of commission! It was pre-mediated and planned out by A&S! More literally this reads "Why have you placed in your heart this deed?" Yes, Satan controlled him, but Ananias still had to commit the sin himself. Satan can influence but he cannot commit the sin for us. The verb conceived (literally "placed") is in the middle voice, indicating that Ananias had initiated the action and participated in the carrying out of the deed. Again, the point is he was not forced. Thus he was responsible for his deed. Related Resources: What is a sin of omission? What is a sin of commission? How bad can a Christian sin? What is the sin unto death? How does my personal, private sin affect others? Deed (affair, matter, case) (4229) (pragma) simply means that which is done. It is something that people do or cause to happen. Pragma can speak of an obligatory activity to be done. In the present context this conniving couple falsely reasoned that it would be pragmatic to give enough from the sale to "look good" to the saints (like Barnabas) but to keep back enough to make sure they had enough to support their lifestyle. Pragmatic means they were advocating behavior that was dictated more by practical personal concerns than by devotion to the Lord. You have not lied to men but to God - In Acts 5:3 asks why he lied to the Holy Spirit, so clearly the Spirit is God. He is not an "it," but a He, the Third Person of the Godhead. But they also lied to men (Peter, et al), so how is it that they lied to God? In effect what A&S were seeking to do was impress all who witnessed this donation with its ostensibly magnanimous (noble and generous) character. But it was a sham, a dissimulation, a ruse, a deception. Had the Holy Spirit not given Peter supernatural discernment of the heart of Ananias, all would have been praising this coupe for their wonderful gift to help the needs of the body.
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Guzik - Because his sin was lusting after public praise for his generosity, it was appropriate that the sin be exposed publicly. “It is a good general rule that secret sins should be dealt with secretly, private sins privately, and only public sins publicly.” (Stott) And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last - The physical cause of his death is unknown and not important. What is important is to see this as the judgment of God! Ananias laid down the deceptive donation, but God laid down Ananias because of his deception. His death was not delayed, but was immediate. Paul Apple quips "Talk about being slain in the Spirit – not your holy laughter and rolling in the aisles type of experience here." I would add it is more like they were slain BY the Spirit, then IN the Spirit! As G Campbell
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Guzik - Ananias' sin was greed (in keeping the money); but his greater sin was pride, in wanting everyone to consider him so spiritual that he “gave it all” – when he had not. Their sin is imitated in many ways today. We can create or allow the impression that we are people of Bible reading or prayer when we are not. We can create or allow the impression that we have it all together when we do not. We can exaggerate our spiritual accomplishments or effectiveness to appear something we are not. It is too easy to be happy with the image of spirituality without the reality of spiritual life. Their great sin was rooted in pride. Pride corrupts the church more quickly than anything else. Lesson - Don't pretend to be someone in church that you are not! Lesson - Believers can become liars and deceivers! (We all need to hear and heed Paul's warning in 1 Cor 10:12) Lesson - "the lesson of Ananias and Sapphira is that we presume greatly on God when we assume that there is always time to repent, time to get right with God, time to get honest with Him. Any such time given by God is an undeserved gift that He owes no one; we should never assume it will always be there." (Guzik) In times of beginning "of a new period in salvation history" (Wiersbe) God is often more severe in His punishment. Here in Acts of course the Church has just been born and the era of the New Covenant has begun, so we should not be surprised or shocked by the Lord's punishment of these first two church hypocrites! H B Hackett says "Such severity in the beginning of Christianity,” says Benson, “was highly proper, in order to prevent any occasion for like punishments for the time to come. Thus Cain, the first murderer, was most signally punished by the immediate hand of God; thus, upon the erecting of God’s temporal kingdom among the Jews, Nadab and Abihu were struck dead for offering strange fire before the Lord; and Korah and his company were swallowed up alive by the earth for opposing Moses, the faithful servant of God; and the two hundred and fifty men who offered incense upon that occasion were consumed by a fire which came out from the Lord; and, lastly, Uzzah, for touching the ark, fell by as sudden and remarkable a divine judgment when the kingdom was going to be established in the house of David, to teach Israel a reverence for God and divine things. Nay, in establishing even human laws, a severe punishment upon the first transgressors doth oft prevent the punishment of others, who are deterred from like attempts by the suffering of the first criminals.” And so we see a similar fearful punishment described by Moses in the early days of the holy priesthood in which God's wrath broke forth on Aaron's sons who were offering "strange fire." Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them (PICTURE). 2 And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. 3 Then Moses said to Aaron, “It is what the LORD spoke, saying, ‘By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored.’” So Aaron, therefore, kept silent. (Leviticus 10:1-3+) Related Resources: Who were Nadab and Abihu? What is the meaning of the strange fire in Leviticus 10:1? Another description of God's judgment for irreverence is found in the story of Uzzah touching the Ark of Testimony... Now David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 And David arose and went with all the people who were with him to Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God which is called by the Name, the very name of the LORD of hosts who is enthroned above the cherubim. 3 They placed the ark of God on a new cart that they might bring it from the house of Abinadab which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were leading the new cart. 4 So they brought it with the ark of God from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Ahio was walking ahead of the ark. 5 Meanwhile, David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of instruments made of fir wood, and with lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets and cymbals. 6 But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen nearly upset it. 7 And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the ark of God (picture). (1 Sa 6:1-7) Comment - The second time, David was careful to bring the Ark of Testimony on the shoulders of the Levites as God had commanded (1 Chr 15:12-15). Related Resources: Why did God strike Uzzah dead for touching the Ark of the Covenant? What is the ark of the testimony? We also see an especially fearful punishment for the rebellion of Korah... And he (MOSES) spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart now from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing that belongs to them, or you will be swept away in all their sin.” 27 So they got back from around the dwellings of Korah, Dathan and Abiram; and Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the doorway of their tents, along with their wives and their sons and their little ones. 28 Moses said, “By this you shall know that the LORD has sent me to do all these deeds; for this is not my doing. 29 “If these men die the death of all men or if they suffer the fate of all men, then the LORD has not sent me. 30 “But if the LORD brings about an entirely new thing and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that is theirs, and they descend alive into Sheol, then you will understand that these men have spurned the LORD.” 31 As he finished speaking all these words, the ground that was under them split open (Dore Woodcut); 32 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men who belonged to Korah with their possessions. 33 So they and all that belonged to them went down alive to Sheol; and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly. (Nu 16:26-33) Related Resource: What was the significance of the rebellion of Korah? What does the Bible say about rebellion? Acts 5:6 The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him. KJV Acts 5:6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. Leviticus 10:4-6; Dt 21:23; 2 Samuel 18:17; John 19:40 Acts 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him - They did not practice embalming (and even today do not practice embalming possibly because of Ge 3:19! See Bob Utley's topic "Burial practices."). In the hot climate, dead bodies needed to be buried quickly to prevent decay and stench. They wrapped him up in a shroud or enshrouded him. Did you notice that Luke mentions no weeping as one often sees when someone dies (e.g. Tabitha in Acts 9:36-37, 38)! The deaths of A&S were not commemorated, commended or cried over, as one would see with the usual expressions of mourning! They covered him (wound him up - KJV)(4958)(sustello from sun = together + stello = to bring, contract, shrink) means to draw together, contract. In the passive, it describes an extent of time as to be limited, be short, be near the end (1Cor 7.29); (2) in Acts 5.6 sustello is variously understood: (a) wrap up, enshroud; (b) snatch up; (c) remove. But this I say, brethren, the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none (1 Cor 7:29) Comment - To what time does Paul refer? The brevity of a man's lifespan and the imminence of the Lord's return. The first is short, the second sudden! Are you ready? ESV Study Bible on (1 Cor 7:29-31) - The purpose of 1 Corinthians, in large part, is to encourage Christians to attend to the kinds of daily affairs that would be unimportant if Christ were returning within weeks or months....Paul’s point here is simply that the form of this world, or its day-to-day affairs, is not eternal. Christians should prioritize their human relationships, material possessions, and worldly dealings accordingly. Vine - the coming of the Lord is always to be regarded as nigh for the believer, who is to be in constant expectation of His return, and thus is to keep himself from being the slave of earthly conditions and life's relationships.
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Guzik has an interesting note regarding the divine deliverance of the apostles on this occasion but then the divine homecoming (so to speak) after their job was finished. The links added are from Wikipedia and obviously are not inspired, so must be read with a proverbial "grain of (Berean) salt!" Guzik writes "The later history of these apostles – and others associated with them in the early church – shows that sometimes God delivers by a miracle, sometimes He does not. According to fairly reliable church history and tradition, miraculous angels did not always deliver them. Matthew was beheaded with a sword. Mark died in Alexandria after being dragged through the streets of the city. Luke was hanged on an olive tree in Greece. John died a natural death, but they unsuccessfully tried to boil him in oil. Peter was crucified upside-down in Rome. James was beheaded in Jerusalem. James the Less was thrown from a height then beaten with clubs. Philip was hanged. Bartholomew was whipped and beaten until death. Andrew was crucified and preached at the top of his voice to his persecutors until he died. Thomas was run through with a spear. Jude was killed with the arrows of an executioner. Matthias was stoned and then beheaded – as was Barnabas. Paul was beheaded in Rome. This reminds us that we should trust God for miraculous things and wish to see them more and more; but knowing that He also has a purpose when He does not deliver with a miraculous hand. We also see that we, like the apostles, are set free for a purpose – not merely to live for ourselves. (Acts 5 Commentary) Our Great Deliverer Read: Acts 5:17-32 An angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought [the apostles] out. —Acts 5:19 Margaret Nikol was born into a pastor’s family in Bulgaria. Her mother and father were murdered for their faith by the communists in the 1960s. Margaret was a brilliant violinist, and in spite of opposition she got an excellent education. She achieved fame throughout Europe and became concertmaster of the Dresden Symphony. But because of her faith in Christ, she was subjected to physical and emotional cruelty. Eventually, she was given a prison sentence—to begin as soon as the concert season was over. But God had other plans. Margaret was invited to play in Vienna at an Easter concert in 1982. The communists repeatedly denied permission, but finally, because of outside pressure, they relented. “God was faster than they were,” testifies Margaret. In Vienna she requested political asylum, and no less than five free nations offered it! Today, Margaret Nikol travels all over the world in behalf of a growing ministry in Bulgaria. The same God who delivered Margaret from communist oppression, and who sent an angel to free the apostles from prison (Acts 5:19), can also rescue us from whatever is holding us captive—physically or spiritually. We must never give up hope! God is our great deliverer. Our God can still a raging storm One word can calm an angry sea; So when we put our trust in Him, He breaks our chains and sets us free. —Sper The God who holds the universe is the God who is holding you. Acts 5:20 "Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life." KJV Acts 5:20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. Go, stand and speak Isa 58:1; Jer 7:2; 19:14,15; 20:2,3; 22:1,2; 26:2; 36:10; Mt 21:23; John 18:20 the whole message of this Life Acts 11:14; Ex 24:3; John 6:63,68; 12:50; 17:3,8; 1 John 1:1-3; 5:11,12 Acts 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries STAND YOUR GROUND! SPEAK THE GOSPEL! The idea of the verb stand (histemi) while not in the imperative mood (specific command), in this context clearly is a call for the apostles to stand firm, to "stand their ground." This verb gives us a clear picture of the battle lines being drawn up, the soldiers of the Lord Jesus arrayed against the Sadducees of the Sanhedrin, the soldiers of Satan. May God by His Spirit enable all of us to "be imitators of of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises" in Christ. Amen (Heb 6:12+). Play Stand by Donnie McClurkin. Then listen to another song on standing firm, an "oldie but goodie" by the great Christian duo Harvest (read their description)(1977-1995) - Stand. Play it! It will move you to seek by the Spirit to stand firm dear soldier of the Cross of Christ! We are in a war for souls who need to hear the message of this Life and God's call is to stand firm...stand firm...stand firm (all histemi) Put on (aorist imperative = it is urgent!) the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11+) Therefore, take up (aorist imperative = Don't delay!) the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:13+) Stand firm (aorist imperative = Do it today!) therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, (Ephesians 6:14+) Go, stand and speak - The commands to go and speak are both present imperatives. How can the apostles obey these commands, given that they have just been placed in jail for the Gospel? Simple answer - THEY cannot! But the Spirit of Jesus Who fills them supernaturally enabled them to keep on going and keep on speaking! There is no other way to explain it! The apostles needed to rely on the Spirit and so do we beloved. Are you attempting to go and speak in your own power or His power? The first way ("my way") avails nothing (cf Jn 15:5), while the other ("Jesus way") bears much fruit. The angelic message delivered from the Throne of God was not "Escape" but "Explain," not "Run away," but "Run to!" And the apostles obeyed in contrast to their reaction to flee when Jesus was arrested (cf Mt 26:31, 56, Mk 14:50, Jn 20:19) What a difference a day (day of Pentecost and receipt of the Spirit) made! To the people in the temple - Are they to go to Solomon's portico? Probably (see hieros below) that is what is meant because that area would hold the largest crowd of Jews. Notice that the apostles are commanded to go to Jew first (cf Ro 1:16), as that is who would be in the Temple. Ponder this for a moment -- humanly speaking, why would anyone want to return to the place that led to prison? But this is angelic speaking to supernaturally enabled men who were on mission (Acts 1:8). These men were willing to die for the Gospel. This would have (or at least should have) been a strong witness to the serpentine Sadducees that their message was worth listening to, but their hearts were hard and their necks were stiff and their resistance to the Gospel was resolute. Are we willing to die for the truth of the Gospel? (And dying to self might is more difficult than physically dying, for the latter is only once, the former is daily!) Temple ("Temple courts" or "Temple complex")(2413) is the Greek hieros in contrast to the Naos which refers to the Temple proper, (including the inner sanctuary, Holy of Holies and the innermost Holy Place). When our Lord taught in the Temple, He taught in the hieron, in one of the temple porches and He expelled the money-changers from the hieron, the court of the Gentiles. So His apostles are called to "follow in His steps," steps which are a sure road to suffering for His Name. (1 Pe 2:21+) The whole message of this Life - With what is this a synonym? The Gospel, the message of salvation. The Good News in "this Life," that there is eternal life available to all who call upon the Life of the Lord Jesus. While not all translations capitalize "Life," the NAS and ESV do capitalize this word. Stanley Toussaint says that the whole message of this Life is "an unusual way to refer to the Gospel." (BKC) William MacDonald on the whole message of this Life - It is not just a creed or set of doctrines, but a Life—the resurrection life of the Lord Jesus imparted to all who trust Him.(BBC) The NIV has "this new life" but "new" is not in the Greek. Nevertheless, it is true that the Gospel received and believed gives us "new life," for it is a "resurrection life." Paul wrote we have been raised so that "we too might walk in newness of life." (Ro 6:4+). The paraphrase God's Word Translation has "tell the people everything about life in Christ." While not in the text, as a result of believing the Gospel Paul reminds us that now "Christ (is) our life." (Col 3:4+). The apostle John gives us several beautiful descriptions of LIFE found in this whole message they (and we) are to proclaim... Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of LIFE ; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. (John 6:35) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the LIFE; no one comes to the Father but through Me. (John 14:6) What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of LIFE– 2 and the LIFE was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal LIFE, which was with the Father and was manifested to us– 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.(1 John 1:1-3) And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this LIFE is in His Son. (1 John 5:11) He who has the Son has the LIFE ; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the LIFE .(1 John 5:12) but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have LIFE in His name. (John 20:31) The ESV Study Bible note says "The words of this Life means the words of salvation and eternal life. It seems that early Christianity may also have been called “the Life,” as well as “the Way” (see Acts 9:1-2; Ed: cp Jn 14:6). Message (4487)(rhema from verb rheo = to speak or utter words) refers to the spoken word, especially a word as uttered by a living voice. Laleo is another word translated speak but it refers only to uttering a sound whereas rheo refers to uttering a definite intelligible word. Thus Rhema refers to any sound produced by the voice which has a definite meaning. It focuses upon the content of the communication and in this context is the concrete expression of the Word (logos) of God. I love the old ASV translation of the use of rhema in Luke 1:37 (cf use in Mt 4:4) "For no (spoken) word (rhema) from God shall be void of power." Amen! This is great news and should motivate us to read, memorize and claim by faith the manifold "precious and magnificent promises" of God (2 Pe 1:4-note) which God has granted to us as His beloved children! In Acts 11:14 Luke writes "he (Peter) will speak words (rhema) to you (Gentiles) by which you will be saved, you and all your household." All of Luke's uses of rhema - Lk. 1:37; Lk. 1:38; Lk. 1:65; Lk. 2:15; Lk. 2:17; Lk. 2:19; Lk. 2:29; Lk. 2:50; Lk. 2:51; Lk. 3:2; Lk. 5:5; Lk. 7:1; Lk. 9:45; Lk. 18:34; Lk. 20:26; Lk. 24:8; Lk. 24:11;Acts 2:14; Acts 5:20; Acts 5:32; Acts 6:11; Acts 10:22; Acts 10:37; Acts 10:44; Acts 11:14; Acts 11:16; Acts 13:42; Acts 16:38; Acts 26:25; Acts 28:25; Life (2222)(zoe) in Scripture is used to refer to physical life (Ro 8:38-note, 1Co 3:22, Php 1:20-note, Jas 4:14, etc) but more often as in Acts 5:20 to supernatural life in contrast to a natural life subject to eternal death (Jn 3:36, etc). This supernatural quality of life speaks of fullness of life which alone belongs to God the Giver of life and is available now to His children in Whom His Son Christ lives (cf Ep 4:18-note). Life in His Son will continue forever and ever. Amen (cf Mk 10:30, Titus 1:2+). Jesus' words to disciples who would soon turn away from Him (Jn 6:66) are apropos... “It is the Spirit who gives life (zoopoieo) the flesh profits (absolutely) nothing (of eternal value); the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. (zoe)" (John 6:63) 1 John 1:1-3; 5:11,12 Robertson on words of this life - Not just a Hebraism for "all these words of life." Probably "this life" which the Sadducees deny and of which the angel is now speaking, this eternal life. (John 6:63, 68; 1 Cor. 15:19). Marvin Vincent on words of this life - The eternal life which Christ revealed. It is a peculiar use of the phrase, which is commonly employed in contrast with the life to come, as 1 Corinthians 15:19. Compare John 6:63, 68. Not equivalent to these words of life. As H T Kerr said "We are not to preach sociology, but salvation; not economics, but evangelism; not reform, but redemption; not culture, but conversion; not progress, but pardon; not a social order, but a new birth; not revolution, but regeneration; not renovation, but revival; not resuscitation, but resurrection; not a new organization, but a new creation; not democracy, but the Gospel; not civilization, but Christ; we are ambassadors, not diplomats." Ministers Must Preach the Whole Gospel - C. H. Spurgeon. Dear brethren, it is forbidden us to omit any part of the gospel. I am very glad it is, for if we were permitted we should sometimes shirk the unpopular parts of it. Yet surely it would be very dangerous to omit any part of the gospel, would it not? It would be like a physician giving a prescription to a dispenser, and the dispenser omitting one of the ingredients. He might kill the patient by the omission. The worst results follow the keeping back of any doctrine; we may not see those results, but they will follow. Possibly only the next generation will fully display the mischief done by a truth concealed or denied. It would be a dangerous experiment for any one of us to make. COMMANDS THAT BRING CRISIS - The angel of the Lord gave the apostles a command that, when followed, would lead to a brutal flogging. If that strikes you as odd, it is probably because of the prevailing idea among many believers that obedience inevitably leads to blessing (defined as "a problem-free, blissful existence"). Serious students of the Bible know, however, that obeying God often results in pain and suffering. They also recognize that being persecuted for Christ is a deeper kind of blessing. What biblical commands, if obeyed, might result in discomfort for you today? Will you commit to live them out anyway? (Life Application Bible Commentary – Acts) Acts 5:21 Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach. Now when the high priest and his associates came, they called the Council together, even all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison house for them to be brought. KJV Acts 5:21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. NET Acts 5:21 When they heard this, they entered the temple courts at daybreak and began teaching. Now when the high priest and those who were with him arrived, they summoned the Sanhedrin– that is, the whole high council of the Israelites– and sent to the jail to have the apostles brought before them. entered Acts 5:25; Luke 21:37,38; John 8:2 Now when the high priest Acts 5:17,24; 4:5,6; 22:2,3,15; Luke 22:66; John 18:35 all the Senate of the sons of Israel Ps 105:22 sent orders to the prison house for them to be brought Acts 4:7; 12:18,19 Acts 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries APOSTOLIC OBEDIENCE Upon hearing this - Observe the response of the apostles -- No hesitation. No vacillation. No statements like "Maybe we should pray about it first." Sometimes God's will is obvious and our response should be simply to obey. The way to divine blessing is obedience to God. Would it be that we heard from the Lord as we prayerfully ponder His Word, that upon hearing it we would act on it! One other note is that they had been set free at night, so it is very likely their normal "rem sleep" pattern was disturbed! And yet at the break of day they are about their Father's business of preaching and teaching the Gospel. They put all of us to shame. They entered into the temple (hieros = Temple complex not naos = Temple proper) about daybreak - At the time when the Jews would be coming for morning sacrifices, although the apostles are not going into the central area of the Temple where the actual sacrifices were performed. They were on the grounds surrounding the Temple proper, probably settling in the are of Solomon's portico as they had done before. Who should have been giving morning sacrifices? The religious leaders who passed on worshiping God, so they could gather together and plot the demise of the disciples! And began to teach - The imperfect tense depicts them as teaching over and over, again and again. They were purpose driven men, or even better, "Gospel driven men." They leave us example to imitate (in the power of the Holy Spirit). ASSEMBLING THE SANHEDRIN The Sanhedrin is assembling in preparation for more severe steps to be taken against the 12 ringleaders (cf Acts 5:33+). Imagine Annas and Caiaphas in all their gaudy, gorgeous finery (pix) and all their pretension, pomp and circumstance. Little did they know that they were in for quite a shock! Now when the high priest and his associates came - The high priest (archiereus) is mentioned repeatedly in this section describing the persecution of the apostles (and the church) - Acts 4:6; Acts 4:23; Acts 5:17; Acts 5:21; Acts 5:24; Acts 5:27. While persecution will always come at us from the world, sometimes the most vitriolic, violent persecution comes from religious people who have no relationship with Christ! So do not be caught off guard, especially if you are living a radical Christ life -- in fact, you will be persecuted by those who see your living for Jesus as too radical! (cf 2 Ti 3:12+) This gathering probably included Annas (the former high priest) and Caiaphas (the current high priest) (cf Acts 4:6+).
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Guzik - Significantly, the apostles did not appeal to popular opinion for protection against the religious leaders. They could have incited the crowd by shouting, “Are you going to let them take us away?” But their trust was in God and God alone. A carnal solution to their problem was available, but they did not use it. For - Term of explanation - explains why the temple police were glad the apostles gave them no resistance. They were afraid (phobeo - imperfect = kept on fearing) of the people, that they might be stoned - This demonstrates the popularity of the apostles and the fact that these men like the Sanhedrin leaders had no fear of God, and yet did fear men! The proverb perfectly describes the scene - "The fear of man (TEMPLE POLICE, SADDUCEES) brings a snare, but he (APOSTLES) who trusts in the LORD will be exalted." (Pr 29:25) We see "religious" men fearing reaction of the people in Mt 21:26; Mk 11:32; 12:12; Lu 20:19; 22:2; Acts 4:21.
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Guzik - Beaten can also be translated skinned; the beating they received stripped the skin off of their backs. “It was no soft option; people were known to die from it, even if this was exceptional. It was meant to be a serious lesson to offenders.” (Marshall) Flogged (1194)(dero) literally means to remove the skin (flay = strip off skin) and in the NT is used to depict the action of whipping, beating, thrashing or scourging in a manner calculated to take off the skin (Mt. 21:35; Mk 12:3, 5; Lk 20:10, 11; Acts 5:39, Acts 16:37 = Paul and Silas beaten in public; Acts 22:19 = Paul confesses to beating Christ followers). Dero is used with its literal meaning once in the Septuagint (2 Chr 29:34). Jesus used this same verb when He prophetically promised His disciples that they would be "flogged." (Mk 13:9). While it may not have been the life-threatening flogging inflicted by the Romans on Jesus, it was still excruciatingly painful to be flayed! Holman Bible Dictionary on flogging - Punishment by repeated lashes or blows of a whip or rod(s). The Old Testament recognized flogging as a form of punishment (Deuteronomy 25:1-3 ) though limiting it to 40 blows so that the neighbor who was punished would not be degraded. Children were disciplined with rods (Proverbs 23:13-14 ). Floggings were sometimes inflicted unjustly (Proverbs 17:26 ; Isaiah 53:5 ).Jesus warned His disciples that they would face flogging (Matthew 10:17 ; beatings, Mark 13:9 ) in the synagogue. Paul had believers flogged in his days as a persecutor of the church (Acts 22:19-20 ). The apostles were flogged by order of the Sanhedrin (Acts 5:40 ). Paul received the “forty lashes less one” at the hands of the synagogue five times (2 Corinthians 11:24 ). Paul was also beaten with rods three times (2 Corinthians 11:25 ), perhaps at the hands of Gentile officials as at Philippi (Acts 16:22-23 ). (Flogging) Related Resource: Flagellation (Flogging) Picture of a slave's scars secondary to flogging Ordered them not to speak in the Name of Jesus - Although Luke uses the Name "Jesus," if is highly unlikely the Sanhedrin officials pronounced His Name. But clearly they conveyed their order of no more "Jesus' talk." Recall that a person’s name represented the Person, His authority and His attributes. Horton adds "They recognized that "the name of Jesus," His character and authority, was central to the apostles' message, that without this focus on who Jesus is, the new movement would die out." (BORROW Acts Commentary) How foolish and futile was their command for they might as well have ordered the sun not to shine as to command the disciples to keep silent concerning the Son! Ordered (3853)(paraggello from para = beside, alongside + aggello = to announce) means to pass on an announcement from one person to another at one's side. Paraggello was often (as in this context) used like a military command which demanded that the subordinate obey the order from the superior (cf 2Ti 4:1-note). The picture conveyed by the use of this verb is that it called for unhesitating and unqualified obedience by the hearers. But Peter and the apostles had already made it clear that they would disobey order from the Sanhedrin, lest they be guilty of disobeying the order from the Almighty! (cf Acts 5:29+). God's commands should always take priority in our lives, but we need to be sure they are truly His commands! And of course we obey with a full understanding of the possible consequences! And then released them - This is the same verb apoluo used by Peter when he described Pilate's release of Barabbas instead of Jesus. In Acts 4:21 "When they had threatened them further, they let them go (apoluo) (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people." Released (630)(apoluo from apó = marker of dissociation, implying a rupture from a former association, separation + luo = loose) is used often of sending a person or a group away from someone (Mt 14:15, 22, 23, 32, etc). All of Luke's uses of apoluo in Luke and Acts - Lk. 2:29; Lk. 6:37; Lk. 8:38; Lk. 9:12; Lk. 13:12; Lk. 14:4; Lk. 16:18; Lk. 23:16; Lk. 23:17; Lk. 23:18; Lk. 23:20; Lk. 23:22; Lk. 23:25; Jn. 18:39; Jn. 19:10; Jn. 19:12; Acts 3:13; Acts 4:21; Acts 4:23; Acts 5:40; Acts 13:3; Acts 15:30; Acts 15:33; Acts 16:35; Acts 16:36; Acts 17:9; Acts 19:41; Acts 23:22; Acts 26:32; Acts 28:18; Acts 28:25 SUFFERING FOR CHRIST - Peter and John were warned repeatedly not to preach, but they continued despite the threats. Believers today should also live as Christ has asked, sharing the faith no matter what the cost. You may not be beaten or thrown in jail, but you may be ridiculed, ostracized, or slandered. To what extent are you willing to suffer for the sake of sharing the gospel with others? (Life Application Bible Commentary – Acts) Acts 5:41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. KJV Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. rejoicing that they had been considered worthy Acts 16:23-25; Isa 61:10; 65:14; 66:5; Mt 5:10-12; Luke 6:22; Ro 5:3; 2 Cor 12:10; Php 1:29; Heb 10:34; James 1:2; 1 Peter 4:13-16 Acts 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ON MISSION TO SUFFER REJOICING AS WE GO! So they went on their way - Went is the verb poreuo/poreuomai which literally means to go from one place to another as when one travels. It is interesting that this same verb poreuomai can mean to go on a mission (Mt 2:20, Mt 8:9), which is apropos for these 12 were men on a mission with a divine commission! (Mt 28:19-20+, cf Acts 1:8+). Is not every saved sinner now set apart on a divine mission for the Master?! Do you see yourself in this passing, God hating world (cf 1 Jn 2:17+) as a man or woman on mission with the best news the spiritually dead people you encounter could ever hear? From the presence is prosopon meaning literally from the faces of the Council (sunedrion)! As Marshall says "we have a concrete example of that ‘rejoicing in suffering’ which should be the hallmark of the Christian under persecution (1 Pet. 4:13; cf. Matt. 5:11f.; Rom. 5:3f.; 2 Cor. 6:10; 1 Pet. 1:6f)." (TNTC - Acts) Rejoicing (5463)(chairo) means to be "cheer" full, calmly happy or well-off (THINK ABOUT THAT AS YOU IMAGINE THE BACKS OF THE APOSTLES). Chairo is used in a whole range of situations in which the emotion of joy is evoked, in this case paradoxically "evoked" by the thought of suffering for Jesus! The present tense pictures them as continually rejoicing. Beloved, His Name is not in this verse, but the power and presence of the Holy Spirit indwelling these twelve men is poignantly and powerfully present. Just try in reliance on your old nature to rejoice after being beaten with up to 39 lashes from a cat-o-nine tails! Simply put, such rejoicing is not natural, but only be supernatural! Such rejoicing is "impossible," but it is "Him-possible!" These men were Spirit filled, their inner beings permeated with and controlled by the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Oh, for a church full of sold out, surrendered saints, ready to march out into the world carrying the banner of the Gospel for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ! Amen and amen! In His sermon on the mount Jesus declared... “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice (chairo) and be glad (agalliao) for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.(Matthew 5:11,12+) Comment - Both commands are in the present imperative which calls for this to be our habitual response to persecution for the sake of the Name of Jesus! This response is not our natural reaction to persecution, and necessitates a supernatural enablement as we jettison self-reliance, surrender and rely on the Holy Spirit for the power to do the impossible! That they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name - This is one of those statements that defy our imagination. This exemplifies the paradox of Christianity - the way up is down, the way to gain is to lose, the way to be strong is to be weak, the way to receive grace is to be humble, etc. Here Luke describes the paradoxical privilege of suffering for Jesus. It makes no sense to the watching world! But it makes all sense to those who are waiting for another world! Our suffering today may not be 39 lashes, but you can rest assured that if you take a stand for His Name, then all who are in the world and hate His Name will stand against you one way or another. Paul made it crystal clear when he wrote "For to you it has been granted (perfect tense = it stands granted. VERB MEANS IN ESSENCE TO RECEIVE A GIFT OF GRACE!) for Christ’s sake (THIS QUALIFIER IS CRUCIAL!), not only to believe in Him, BUT ALSO to suffer for His sake." (Php 1:29+) Christians who do not understand this basic principle are in danger of being caught off guard when the sure suffering comes upon them which is why Peter warned us "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you, but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice (chairo - present tense - continually) with exultation (agalliao = present tense = continually jumping for joy)." (1 Peter 4:12-13+). In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:6-9+)
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Guzik - This challenges each of us as followers of Jesus. They continued where we may have stopped. We often find the threat of social rejection enough to make us keep quiet about who Jesus is and what He did for us. We need to have the apostles’ courage and determination to stand firm for Jesus Christ.. Spurgeon spoke of this kind of bold heart: “Now, I charge every Christian here to be speaking boldly in Christ’s name, according as he has opportunity, and especially to take care of this tendency of our flesh to be afraid; which leads practically to endeavours to get off easily and to save ourselves from trouble. Fear not; be brave for Christ. Live bravely for him who died lovingly for you.” Spurgeon also challenged the cowardly heart: “Yet you are a coward. Yes, put it down in English: you are a coward. If anybody called you so you would turn red in the face; and perhaps you are not a coward in reference to any other subject. What a shameful thing it is that while you are bold about everything else you are cowardly about Jesus Christ. Brave for the world and cowardly towards Christ!” Warren