Acts 5

We left off Acts 4 with Barnabas bringing his offering to the disciples after selling a piece of land. This was a peek inside the early church...people were not pressured to give. They gave willingly as it was needed to help other believers in the church.

In Acts 5 we see another act of giving. Ananias and his wife Saphhira also sold a piece of land. Ananias brought the offering and lay it at the disciples' feet. But somehow Peter saw through to their heart and began to ask questions.

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? "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." Acts 5:3-4

You see, they were not compelled to give this large amount. They were "ambitious of being thought eminent disciples, when they were not true disciples." (Matthew Henry Commentary) They wanted the praise of men for their "godliness" and did not trust God to provide for them. So they held back. They would soon find pride and distrust of God is deadly.

I have to examine my own heart when I enter church. What is my agenda for coming here? Am I doing what I think will get me brownie points with God or others? Will this look good on my resume with God? Know this: you cannot serve two masters! (And let me tell you, there is a reason why they call it Mastercard!)

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. Matthew 6:24

So after confronting the two, they both drop dead and are buried. 1 Cor 5:5 suggests to some commentators that their souls were spared.

Their act put the whole young church in danger. People talk, and I am sure many knew exactly how much was paid for the land. It would give the church a black eye, and God was not going to stand for it.

that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:27

There are stages to lies. First you lie to others, then yourself, then you lie to God. Think about it, you lie to someone enough, you start believing the lie. Then to avoid the guilt, you lie to God. God is sending a warning to hypocrits and non-christians that there are dangers of church going for selfish motives.

We must examine our motives every day. What does our heart say about why we go to church or to Bible study? Allow the Holy Spirit to do surgery on your heart to remove any cancers of pride and distrust.

Yes there was fear in this church, but it was a good fear. These people had seen too many times how temple officials had interpreted laws to benefit man, rather than God. They could tell a counterfeit when they saw it. And more came--because they saw the evidence of something real going on.

Can you see them teaching and preaching at Solomon's Portico? This was not inside the Temple, but just outside. And I would imagine as the crowds grew, the officials started to take notice. They were jealous. And they laid hands on Peter and John and threw them in public jail.

A city jail in that time was a single room in the govenor's cellar. Earth floor, with one window. All criminals were thrown in--murderers as well as small time crooks. There was one bench to sit on, which was usually occupied by the strongest guy in the room. The rest would sit on the floor or stand. There was no "facilities", so the air was foul. The keepers stood outside the door.

But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, "Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life." Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach. Acts 5:19-20

Did you know that God visits us in our darkest times? He offers us freedom--we just have to move forward.

So they go back to their interrupted ministry and were found in the TEMPLE this time! So instead of packing up and "going home" or moving their ministry to another town, they took a step deeper into trouble and went on the temple authority's turf. This would be a very surprising military tactic indeed...to get whooped in a battle, then advance to the enemy camp!

[following notes from People's New Testament Commentary on searchgodsword.org]

27, 28. The high priest asked them. As president. He charges (1) that they had disregarded the authority of the Sanhedrim; (2) they had filled Jerusalem with their doctrine; (3) they would work up the people to indignation against the rulers for condemning Christ.

29-32. Peter's defence asserts (1) that God must be obeyed rather than earthly rulers; (2) God raised up Jesus whom they hanged on the cross; (3) exalted him to his right hand; (4) to be a Prince and Savior, to grant Israel the opportunity to repent, and to obtain forgiveness; (5) that they were witnesses of these facts, and so was the Holy Spirit. Given to them that obey Him. The Holy Spirit is given only to those who have submitted to the Lord (Acts 2:28 and John 7:38, 39). It dwells only in the obedient heart.

The officials were "cut to the quick". Which means literally to slice the flesh clear through to underlying flesh or bone. It's not a scratch! Figuratively it means to injure someone emotionally. They were ready for blood.

Then Gamaliel stood. This is the grandson of Hillel, a very famous rabbi. He was also Saul/Paul's teacher. He advised the council after having Peter and John removed. It is amazing how God raises up defenders of his servants wherever He likes!

He calls to their mind two men, Judas and Theudas. There was discussion about a timeline discrepancy on this. He talks of Theudas, a man "claiming to be somebody*". In the writings of Josephus there is a Theudas who led people to the Jordan river, claimed to be a prophet and said he would divide the river. He was killed by officials.

*To be somebody (einai tina). Indirect assertion with the infinitive and the accusative of general reference (eauton) and tina, predicate accusative. Tina could be "anybody" or "somebody" according to context, clearly "somebody" of importance here.

I wonder, did Theudas claim to be Messiah?

Judas was a zealot who opposed the payment of tribute to ceasar in AD 8. He was also wiped out by officials.

"So in the present case, I 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; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God." Acts 5:38-39

A wise man indeed.

An imposter will only put up with so much torture, persecution and heat. This is more evidence of something real when after scourging, they did not pack up and leave Jerusalem. They continued to teach in the Temple as well as house to house. Small group ministry!! "Private instruction and admonition brings the teacher and the taught into closer contact, and secure an individuality of effect not attainable in a public assembly."

They were not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.

They knew because Jesus had said to them, "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and {the glory} of the Father and of the holy angels. " Luke 9:26

We should take this to heart since difficult times are coming for the church. We will be persecuted, insulted and worse. Are you ready for this? Will the heat make some of us leave the kitchen? Time will tell.