Bible Study Acts 5: 1-42

 

Commentary of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study Acts 5: 1-42

Text:

Ananias and Sapphira

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

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

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

The Apostles Jailed and Freed

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

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

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

Gamaliel’s Counsel

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

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

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,”

It is clear that they were imitating Barnabas. They saw that he got a certain amount of publicity, and they thought it would be nice if they could get that kind of recognition as well.

Verse 2: “and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s [a]full knowledge. And bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

“Ananias and his wife had the right to keep all of the proceeds from the sale of their land since the land and the money was theirs. They were not forced to give. However, once they made the decision to give, they should have been honest about what they had done. The early church's testimony was in danger because of the sins of a few. The story of Achan in the book of Joshua comes to mind. His sin brought punishment to Israel and his family.”

Verse 3: “But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?”

Satan is the source of all lies and deceptions. While Ananias and Sapphira were satanically inspired to lie,  Barnabas’ was moved by the Holy Spirit to be a cheerful giver. 

Verse 4: “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your authority? Why is it that you laid this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

Peter’s point is that no one compelled them to sell their land and give. They didn’t have to, but to do so and lie about it was an offense against the Holy Spirit. The hidden gem in this verse is that Peter confirms that the Holy Spirit is God. While the word “Trinity” is not in the Bible, the fact is that there is a blessed Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Verse 5: “And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard.”

The early church was afraid about the seriousness of hypocrisy, lying and sin in the church. The people learned that instant death could be the consequence of sin. I have remarked that the problem today is that the church has lost its fear about the consequences of sin. We need to regain the respect and awe for God that makes us desire to walk in holiness before Him. 

Verse 6: “And the young men rose up and wrapped him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.”

The Jews did not embalm, but customarily buried the dead the same day, especially when someone died as a result of Divine judgment.

Verse 7: “Now there was an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.”

Where Sapphira was, the Scriptures do not tell us. Perhaps she was spending some of the money. We do know that she had three hours to repent but did not.

Verse 8: “And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you were paid this much for the land?” And she said, ‘Yes, that much.’” 

Simon Peter knew what would happen to her. He did not know what was going to happen to Ananias, but now it is quite obvious what will happen to this deceiving woman.

Verse 9: “Then Peter said to her, ‘Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.’” 

Sapphira made the fatal mistake in presuming upon God’s forbearance. She thought she could hide her sin. Judgment comes to us all, but the timing is the Lord’s not ours. The folly of such blatant human presumption was as a sin, hence the ultimate Divine chastening that followed.

Verse 10: “And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.”

Two things that stand out about this incident. First, is the fact that a lie, such as these two were living, could not exist in the early church. The early church believed in “holiness unto the Lord.”. Second, Ananias and Sapphira, although they were born again, lied to the Holy Ghost and were removed from the company of believers. They had committed the sin unto death. The “sin unto death” is a sin that causes the Lord to end your physical life. Most sins do not cause immediate death as the Lord will grant you time to repent. Some do.

Verse 11: “And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard these things.”

This is the first of more than twenty occurrences in the book of Acts of the Greek word ekklesia, usually translated “church.” I think the better translation is “assembly.” In ancient Greece, the word meant the political “assembly” of citizens and was not limited to a religious gathering. The death of the husband and wife team of deceivers, while tragic, probably saved lives. This was an assembly that saw the power of God first hand. They would not soon forget.

Verse 12: “Now at the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were happening among the people, and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Portico.”

Notice that the Apostles exercise the Apostolic gifts. Gifts of healing and gifts of miracles were sign gifts which were given to the Apostles. They performed many signs among the people. Understand that these gifts have passed away. However, God still performs signs and wonders today, but it is by His hand, not ours. Many charlatans will attempt to deceive the masses by promising cures for desperate people. Don’t be deceived by these greedy “ministers.” 

Verse 13: “But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people were holding them in high esteem.”

No insincere, superficial followers joined this assembly. The standards of morality and holiness were very high. The unbelievers had respect for the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, and feared the deadly results of sinning in the assembly of believers.

Verse 14: “And more than ever believers in the Lord were added to their number, multitudes of men and women,”

Believers (those genuinely converted to the faith after repentance) were not afraid and joined the assembly in great numbers. Luke mentions women often in the Gospel and in Acts. Remember, it is the Lord that saves a sinner. Christ died for all those who repent and have faith in His Name. While man preaches the truth, the Holy Spirit brings that truth to the heart of a lost sinner. This was the message of the early church and the results spoke for themselves. 

Verse 15: “to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any one of them.”

As when the Lord Jesus Christ’s healing power flowed from the tassels of His robe at the touch of the woman who had been subject to bleeding for many years, here God allows the shadow of Peter to transmit a cure, as He did also through cloths and aprons that Paul had used. This was Apostolic power that no man possesses today. While God heals today, no men or women have this type of power now. It was reserved for the Apostles. If you disagree, whoever thinks he has this ability, please go to the local children's hospital and heal the precious children. Then go to the cancer ward and heal them. Case closed.

Verse 16: “Also the multitude from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together, bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.”

Notice that “all” were being healed. Compare this today to “faith healers,” “faith conventions,” and “healing schools” we see advertised today. Are all healed today at these meetings? No, they are not. The Apostles had sign gifts.. No one in the church since has had those gifts. People were healed, every one of them. This was the power of the early church.

Verse 17: “But the high priest rose up and those with him (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy.”

Notice that it was the Sadducees who were leading in the persecution of the early believers. It was the Pharisees who had led the persecution against the Lord Jesus Christ. The Sadducees saw their power being reduced as the people flocked in multitudes to the early church. It has been said: “Power corrupts but religious power corrupts absolutely.” The Sadducees were desperate to get this new movement under their control.

Verse 18: “And they laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail.”

The Sadducees were satanically inspired to silence the Apostles by putting them in a public jail for all to see. Satan has not learned that persecution makes the church stronger, not weaker. Persecution exposes the pretenders, however, the true saints embrace the sufferings because our Lord Jesus Christ suffered for us. 

Verse 19: “But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, and taking them out, he said,”

“Lord” is the word “Yahweh.” Notice it is “an” angel, not “the” angel.” In the Old Testament, “the” angel of the Lord was the preincarnate Lord Jesus Christ, but now Christ sits in glory at God the Father’s right hand, and He is the One who is directing the activity of His Apostles. This is not Christ who appeared here; it was an angel.

Verse 20: “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.”

The word “speak” is literally “continue to speak.” The “whole message of this life” is the gospel.  The gospel is that the Lord Jesus Christ came into this world to provide abundant and eternal life to spiritually dead people. That is good news!

Verse 21: “Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach.

Now when the high priest and those with him came, they called the Sanhedrin together, even all the Council of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the jailhouse for them to be brought.”

The Apostles began to immediately be obedient to follow the directions from the angel. The “Council” was the Jewish religious council at Jerusalem. The Sanhedrin was composed of about seventy men. It included Sadducees, Pharisees, and their associates. Under the Romans the Sanhedrin had broad authority in Palestine. From a Roman perspective, they were to keep the people in line and keep the peace. The actions of the Apostles were believed by them to potentially create issues that could cause the Council to lose their power. They served at the pleasure of the Roman government. 

Verse 22: “But the officers who came did not find them in the prison, and they returned and reported back,”

The Apostles were not there. They had supernaturally been released by the angel and the doors were still locked. We will see a similarity between this event and the resurrection of Christ in the next verse.

Verse 23: “saying, ‘We found the jailhouse locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors, but we opened it and found no one inside.’”

This is similar to what happened at the resurrection of Christ. The stone wasn’t rolled away to let the Lord Jesus Christ out; He was out before the stone was rolled away. The stone was removed so those coming to the tomb could enter to see that He was not there. The same thing happened here. The doors did not need to be opened to let the Apostles get out. They were out long before the doors were unlocked.

Verse 24: “Now when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this.”

The word “would” literally means “this would become.” The Council was concerned that these events would cause the believer’s assembly to grow even faster than what it already had. Christ was resurrected and now the people were seeing signs and wonders being performed by His followers. 

Verse 25: “But someone came and reported to them, ‘The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!’”

The people were listening to the Apostles’ teaching. They were effective witnesses for Christ. Christ said the gospel was to be preached first in Jerusalem and that is what they were doing.

Verse 26: “Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).”

The Apostles had the favor of the people and the authorities were very concerned that if they were too aggressive with them, there could be an uprising leading to their deaths.

Verse 27: “And when they had brought them, they stood them before the Sanhedrin. And the high priest questioned them,”

The Apostles and early assembly were beginning to see the pattern of persecution. The Sanhedrin was walking a fine line balancing their desire to silence their testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ with their concern that the people might revolt. 

Verse 28: “saying, ‘We strictly commanded you not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’”

The Sanhedrin did not understand the the believers had a higher duty to the Lord Jesus Christ than to them. This was a difficult pill for them to swallow, They were used to creating fear in those they had authority over. The early believers feared the Lord more than them. The phrase “bring this man’s blood upon us“ meant that Peter and his associates placed the blame for Christ’s death on members of the Sanhedrin. The people had heard this accusation before.

Verse 29: “But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We must obey God rather than men.”

We are to obey the civil government unless to do so would violate our primary duty which is to obey God. God’s commandments take precedence over all of man’s laws and directives. The Apostles were obeying what their Lord and Master had told them to do.  

Verse 30: “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you put to death by hanging Him on a tree.”

The Lord Jesus Christ was crucified on a tree. It was not some smooth pierce of timber. It was a rough tree. The clear message of the resurrection would have angered the Sadducees which composed much of the Sanhedrin as they did not believe in any resurrections. Peter and the Apostles were not afraid and spoke boldly the truth of the gospel This was an answer to the prayer in Acts 4: 29.

Verse 31: “This One God exalted to His right hand as a Leader and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”

This declaration would have been understood by the Sanhedrin as a reference to the Resurrection. That act by God would make this “Leader and Savior” equal with God. Peter is declaring that Christ arose, is at the right hand of God the Father, is a Leader and a Savior. As Savior, He gives repentance to Israel and has the right to forgive sins. This would have been the Sanhedrin's worst nightmare. They were losing control over the people.

Verse 32: “And we are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God gave to those who obey Him.”

Every believer receives the Holy Spirit the moment he or she is born again by repenting of their sins and having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to save them. The early church were eye witnesses to the events of the resurrection. If it was not so, someone would have said, “here is the body of Jesus.” However, no one made that argument because the body was no longer on earth. 

Verse 33: “But when they heard this, they became furious and intended to kill them.”

The same sun that hardens the clay, melts the butter. People have different reactions to the same gospel message. In this case, presented with the Truth, the Sanhedrin wanted blood. 

Verse 34: “But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time.”

Gamaliel was one of the most famous rabbis of his time. He was Paul’s teacher and probably a grandson of Rabbi Hillel, who was the leader of one of the two most famous schools of Jewish rabbis. In contrast to the school of Shammai (very conservative), Gamaliel and the school of Hillel were known for their relaxed interpretation of the Law.

Verse 35: “And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men.”

Gamaliel was going to offer some sage advice. He warned them to be careful regarding what they wanted to do.

Verse 36: “For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. But he was killed, and all who were following him were dispersed and came to nothing.”

Theudas was an otherwise unknown individual who led a revolt in Judea in the early years of the first century. Gamaliel’s argument is simple. He says remember what happened with Theudas’ followers when he died, they disbanded. He was saying let’s wait and see what happens to Christ’s followers.

Verse 37: “After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all those who were following him were scattered.”

The Jewish historian Joseph wrote of a certain Galilean who stirred up a revolt because he resisted subservience and paying taxes to the Romans. The revolt failed. “Days of census” is not the census that sent Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, but one taken 14 years later.

Verse 38: “ So in the present case, I also say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown;”

The Sanhedrin heeded Gamaliel’s wise council regarding the Apostles. His argument was simply wait and see. 

Verse 39: “but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or you may even be found fighting against God.”

Gamaliel provided examples of men who had started revolts and had a following, but after they were killed, their followers disbanded. Now he advises them that the same thing could happen to Jesus and His followers. I have wondered that as wise as Gamaliel was, why did he not see the prophecies being fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ? Probably because he was speaking to the people that helped cause His death and didn’t think that message would be received.

Verse 40: “So they followed his advice. And after calling the apostles in and beating them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them.”

The apostles received the traditional “forty lashes less one.” However,  if these men were innocent, they should have let them go. If these men were guilty, they should have held them and punished them. Beating them and then letting them go was a deceitful action designed to achieve their goals of silencing them . They should have listened to Gamaliel more carefully.

Verse 41: “So they went on their way from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for the Name.”

They were rejoicing that they could suffer for the Lord Jesus Christ. They continued to teach and to preach His gospel message.

Verse 42: “And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”

Notice this was a daily activity, not once a week or quarterly. Their message was that the Lord Jesus was the Messiah.