Acts 5 continues the narrative of the early church's growth and challenges in Jerusalem. This chapter follows the events of Acts 4, where the apostles faced opposition from religious authorities and the believers demonstrated remarkable unity and generosity. Acts 5 presents a stark contrast between the genuine faith of the early church and the deception that threatens its purity. It also showcases the ongoing tension between the apostles and the Jewish religious leadership, as well as the miraculous works accompanying the spread of the gospel.
The chapter can be divided into three main sections: the account of Ananias and Sapphira, the apostles' healing ministry and subsequent arrest, and their appearance before the Sanhedrin. These events highlight the internal and external challenges faced by the early church and demonstrate God's power working through the apostles.
Outline of Acts 5
I. The Deception and Judgment of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)
A. Ananias' deception and judgment (vv. 1-6)
B. Sapphira's deception and judgment (vv. 7-11)
II. The Apostles' Healing Ministry and Arrest (Acts 5:12-26)
A. Signs and wonders performed by the apostles (vv. 12-16)
B. Arrest and miraculous release of the apostles (vv. 17-21a)
C. Confusion of the religious leaders (vv. 21b-26)
III. The Apostles Before the Sanhedrin (Acts 5:27-42)
A. Confrontation with the high priest (vv. 27-28)
B. Peter's bold testimony (vv. 29-32)
C. Gamaliel's counsel (vv. 33-39)
D. The apostles' response to persecution (vv. 40-42)
Key Themes and Theological Insights
The holiness of the church: The judgment of Ananias and Sapphira emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity within the Christian community.
Divine power manifested through the apostles: The healing ministry and miraculous release from prison demonstrate God's supernatural intervention.
Obedience to God over human authority: The apostles' response to persecution reaffirms their commitment to following God's commands above all else.
The unstoppable nature of God's plan: Gamaliel's counsel highlights the futility of opposing God's work.
Joy in suffering for Christ: The apostles' response to persecution demonstrates a Christ-centered perspective on suffering.
The Holy Spirit's role in empowering witness: The apostles' boldness and effectiveness are attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit.
Verse-by-Verse Exegesis
1-2. "But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet." (ESV)
The Greek verb "ἐνοσφίσατο" (enosphisato) means "to set apart" or "to embezzle," indicating a deliberate act of deception. The phrase "συνειδυίης καὶ τῆς γυναικός" (syneiduiēs kai tēs gynaikos) emphasizes that Sapphira was complicit in the deception.
3-4. "But Peter said, 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.'" (ESV)
Peter's question uses the verb "ἐπλήρωσεν" (eplērōsen), meaning "to fill," suggesting a complete influence of Satan. The phrase "ψεύσασθαί σε τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον" (pseusasthai se to pneuma to hagion) directly accuses Ananias of lying to the Holy Spirit, equating this with lying to God.
5-6. "When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him." (ESV)
The immediate death of Ananias is described with the phrase "πεσὼν ἐξέψυξεν" (pesōn exepsyxen), literally "falling down, he expired." The resulting fear (φόβος μέγας, phobos megas) emphasizes the seriousness of the judgment.
7-10. "After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, 'Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.' And she said, 'Yes, for so much.' 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 who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.' Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband." (ESV)
Sapphira's opportunity to confess is met with continued deception. The phrase "συνεφωνήθη ὑμῖν" (synephōnēthē hymin) suggests a prior agreement between the couple. Her judgment is equally swift, described with the same language as her husband's death.
"And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things." (ESV)
The repetition of "φόβος μέγας" (phobos megas) emphasizes the profound impact of these events on both the church and the wider community.
12-14. "Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women," (ESV)
The apostles' ministry is characterized by "σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα" (sēmeia kai terata), signs and wonders. The phrase "οὐδεὶς ἐτόλμα κολλᾶσθαι αὐτοῖς" (oudeis etolma kollasthai autois) suggests a reverent fear that kept non-believers from casually associating with the apostles.
15-16. "so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed." (ESV)
The expectation of healing through Peter's shadow (κἂν ἡ σκιὰ ἐπισκιάσῃ, kan hē skia episkiasē) demonstrates the extraordinary nature of the apostles' ministry. The universal healing (ἐθεραπεύοντο ἅπαντες, etherapeuonto hapantes) emphasizes the power of God working through them.
17-18. "But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison." (ESV)
The religious leaders' response is described as "ζήλου" (zēlou), jealousy or zeal, motivating their opposition to the apostles.
19-21a. "But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 'Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.' And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach." (ESV)
The miraculous release is attributed to an "ἄγγελος κυρίου" (angelos kyriou), an angel of the Lord. The command to speak "τὰ ῥήματα τῆς ζωῆς ταύτης" (ta rhēmata tēs zōēs tautēs) refers to the message of salvation in Christ.
21b-26. "Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 'We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.' Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. And someone came and told them, 'Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.' Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people." (ESV)
The confusion of the religious leaders is expressed by "διηπόρουν" (diēporoun), indicating their perplexity. The officers' caution in re-arresting the apostles reflects the popular support for their ministry.
27-32. "And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, 'We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.' But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.'" (NASB)
Peter's response reiterates the apostles' commitment to obey God over human authorities. The phrase "πειθαρχεῖν δεῖ θεῷ μᾶλλον ἢ ἀνθρώποις" (peitharchein dei theō mallon ē anthrōpois) expresses this priority. The apostles' testimony includes key elements of the gospel message, including Jesus' death, resurrection, exaltation, and the offer of repentance and forgiveness.
33-39. "When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: 'Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.'" (NIV)
Gamaliel's counsel introduces historical examples to argue for a cautious approach. His conclusion uses a first-class conditional statement in Greek, suggesting the real possibility that the apostles' work is indeed from God.
40-42. "His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah." (NIV)
The apostles' response to persecution is described with the participle "χαίροντες" (chairontes), indicating their joy. Their continued teaching is emphasized by the phrase "οὐκ ἐπαύοντο" (ouk epauonto), meaning they did not cease.
Reflection Questions
How does the account of Ananias and Sapphira challenge our understanding of honesty and integrity within the church?
In what ways does the apostles' healing ministry demonstrate the power of God working through them?
How does Peter's response to the Sanhedrin exemplify the principle of obeying God rather than men?
What can we learn from Gamaliel's counsel about discerning God's work in various movements or ministries?
How does the apostles' joy in suffering for Christ challenge our perspective on persecution and hardship?
In what ways does this chapter illustrate the tension between human opposition and divine purpose in the spread of the gospel?
How does the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the apostles' witness encourage us in our own evangelistic efforts?
What principles can we derive from this chapter about maintaining the purity and integrity of the church?
Applications for Believers Today
Cultivate honesty and integrity: The judgment of Ananias and Sapphira reminds us of the importance of truthfulness in our relationships with God and others.
Trust in God's power: Like the early believers, we should have faith in God's ability to work miraculously in and through us.
Prioritize obedience to God: When faced with conflicting demands, we must choose to obey God rather than compromising our faith to please others.
Embrace suffering for Christ: We should cultivate a perspective that views hardship for the sake of the gospel as a privilege rather than a burden.
Persist in witness: Despite opposition, we should continue to share the good news of Jesus Christ boldly and consistently.
Seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment: We should regularly pray for and rely on the Holy Spirit's power in our lives and ministries.
Maintain church purity: We should take seriously the call to holiness and integrity within the Christian community.
Discern God's work: Like Gamaliel, we should be cautious about opposing what may be God's work, even if it challenges our preconceptions.
Conclusion
Acts 5 presents a powerful narrative of the early church's growth, challenges, and divine empowerment. The chapter emphasizes the importance of integrity within the Christian community, as seen in the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira. It also showcases the apostles' bold witness in the face of opposition, demonstrating their commitment to obey God rather than human authorities. The miraculous healings and divine interventions highlight God's power working through the apostles to advance the gospel. Throughout the chapter, we see the tension between human opposition and divine purpose, ultimately affirming that God's plan cannot be thwarted. The apostles' joy in suffering for Christ provides a model for believers facing persecution, while their persistent witness challenges us to remain faithful in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the powerful lessons from Acts 5, we are reminded of Your holiness, power, and unwavering commitment to Your church. We thank You for the example of the early apostles, who demonstrated such boldness and faithfulness in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Lord, we ask that You would cultivate in us the same integrity and honesty that You desire for Your church. Help us to be truthful in all our dealings, remembering that we ultimately answer to You. Grant us discernment to recognize and resist the temptation to deceive or compromise our faith.
We pray for the same courage that filled the apostles as they faced opposition. When we encounter challenges or persecution for our faith, remind us of the privilege it is to suffer for Your name. Fill us with joy even in difficult circumstances, knowing that You are working out Your purposes through us.
We ask for Your empowerment in our lives and ministries. Guide us in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with boldness and persistence. Help us to trust in Your power to work miraculously in and through us for the advancement of God's kingdom.
Father, give us wisdom to discern Your work in the world around us. May we not be quick to oppose what we don't understand, but rather seek Your guidance and align ourselves with Your purposes.
Finally, Lord, we pray for the purity and unity of Your church. Help us to build communities of faith that reflect Your holiness and love. May our lives and our fellowship be a powerful witness to the transforming power of the gospel.
We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Savior and Lord. Amen.