Acts 5
BSB1 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? 4 Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!" 5 On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened. 6 Then the young men stepped forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7 About three hours later his wife also came in, unaware of what had happened. 8 “Tell me,” said Peter, “is this the price you and your husband got for the land?” “Yes,” she answered, “that is the price." 9 “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter replied. “Look, the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also." 10 At that instant she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came over the whole church and all who heard about these events. 12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 Although the people regarded them highly, no one else dared to join them. 14 Yet more and more believers were brought to the Lord—large numbers of both men and women. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed. 17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They went out 18 and arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, 20 “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life." 21 At daybreak the apostles entered the temple courts as they had been told and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin —the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they returned with the report: 23 “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards posted at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside." 24 When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this account, they were perplexed as to what was happening. 25 Then someone came in and announced, “Look, the men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people!" 26 At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles—but not by force, for fear the people would stone them. 27 They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood." 29 But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging Him on a tree. 31 God exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Savior, in order to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him." 33 When the Council members heard this, they were enraged, and they resolved to put the apostles to death. 34 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 short time. 35 “Men of Israel,” he said, “consider carefully what you are about to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered. 38 So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God." 40 At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Study Notes — Acts 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Acts 5
- Themes from Acts 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Acts 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Acts 5 begins with the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who lied to the Holy Spirit about the price of their land, leading to their sudden deaths. This event strikes fear into the hearts of the believers and the surrounding community. The chapter then shifts to the apostles, who continue to preach and perform miracles, leading to their arrest by the high priest and the Sadducees. However, an angel of the Lord frees them, and they continue to preach in the temple. When the authorities try to re-arrest them, they are miraculously found teaching in the temple, and after a brief trial, they are flogged and released. Despite the persecution, the apostles rejoice and continue to preach the gospel, and the church continues to grow. Key verses include Acts 5:3-4, where Peter confronts Ananias about his deception, and Acts 5:29, where Peter and the apostles assert their obedience to God over man.
Context for the Chapter
Acts 5 is part of the larger narrative of the Acts of the Apostles, which describes the early Christian church and the spread of the gospel. This chapter follows the events of Acts 4, where the apostles were arrested and then released after preaching to the Sanhedrin. Acts 5 sets the stage for the expansion of the church beyond Jerusalem, as described in subsequent chapters. The events in Acts 5 are also connected to the broader biblical narrative, reflecting themes of obedience, faith, and the power of God's Spirit found in both the Old and New Testaments.
Heart Application
This chapter challenges believers to examine their own hearts and actions, ensuring that they are truthful and obedient to God's will. It also encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of persecution or opposition, trusting in God's power and provision.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Acts 5 teaches us about the importance of honesty and obedience to God. The story of Ananias and Sapphira shows what happens when we lie to God, while the apostles' bravery in the face of persecution demonstrates the power of faith. As seen in Acts 5:29, the apostles chose to obey God rather than men, and this is a lesson for us today.
Voices from the Church
“The gospel is not a mere set of truths, but a living power, which is able to transform men and bring them into harmony with God.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The death of Ananias and Sapphira was a remarkable judgment of God, intended to preserve the purity of the church and to terrify those who would profane it.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Deceit of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) — This section introduces the theme of honesty and the consequences of deceit, as Ananias and Sapphira's actions lead to their sudden deaths.
- The Apostles' Arrest and Release (Acts 5:12-28) — The apostles are arrested by the high priest and the Sadducees but are freed by an angel, continuing to preach and perform miracles.
- The Apostles' Trial and Flogging (Acts 5:29-32) — The apostles are re-arrested and put on trial, where they assert their obedience to God and are subsequently flogged and released.
- The Apostles' Continued Preaching (Acts 5:33-42) — Despite the persecution, the apostles continue to preach in the temple, and the church continues to grow, with the apostles rejoicing in their sufferings for the sake of the gospel.
- Conclusion and Reflection (Acts 5:42-43) — The chapter concludes with the apostles' unwavering commitment to preaching the gospel, every day, in the temple and from house to house, reflecting their obedience to God's command and their trust in His power and provision.
Core Doctrines
- The Holiness of God
- This chapter emphasizes God's intolerance of sin and deceit, as seen in the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, highlighting the importance of living a life of honesty and integrity before God.
- The Power of the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit's role in guiding and empowering the church is evident, particularly in the apostles' fearlessness and the miracles they perform, demonstrating the Spirit's active presence in the lives of believers.
- The Importance of Obedience
- The apostles' declaration of obedience to God rather than men underscores the central Christian doctrine of submitting to God's will, even when it conflicts with human authority or leads to suffering.
- The Perseverance of the Saints
- The apostles' continued preaching and the church's growth despite persecution illustrate the perseverance of believers in the face of adversity, trusting in God's sovereignty and grace.
Lessons from Acts 5
- The Dangers of Deceit — This chapter teaches us about the severe consequences of lying to God, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity in our walk with Him.
- The Power of Fearless Preaching — The apostles' fearlessness in preaching, despite persecution, is a powerful lesson for believers today, encouraging us to stand firm in our faith and proclaim the gospel boldly.
- The Importance of Community — The early church's unity and commitment to one another, as well as their care for the needy, provide a model for Christian community and mutual support.
- The Role of Persecution — The chapter shows how persecution can actually contribute to the spread of the gospel, as seen in the apostles' continued preaching and the church's growth.
- The Sovereignty of God — Throughout Acts 5, we see God's sovereignty over all events, guiding and directing the church, even in the midst of opposition, to fulfill His purposes.
Themes from Acts 5
- Obedience to God — This theme is central to the chapter, as the apostles assert their commitment to following God's will, even when it conflicts with human authority.
- The Power of the Gospel — The gospel's power is demonstrated through the miracles, the growth of the church, and the apostles' fearlessness in preaching, showcasing its ability to transform lives and communities.
- Persecution and Suffering — The chapter highlights the reality of persecution and suffering for believers, but also their joy and rejoicing in the midst of it, pointing to the deeper joy and fulfillment found in following Christ.
- The Holy Spirit's Guidance — The Holy Spirit guides and empowers the church, as seen in the apostles' actions and the church's growth, emphasizing the Spirit's role in directing believers and the church.
- The Unity of the Church — Despite the external pressures and internal challenges, the church remains united, providing a powerful witness to the world of the unity and love that believers share in Christ.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the story of Ananias and Sapphira teach us about the importance of honesty in our relationship with God?
- How do the apostles' actions in the face of persecution model obedience to God for us today?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in the events of Acts 5, and how does this relate to our understanding of the Spirit's work in the church?
- In what ways can we apply the principle of obeying God rather than men in our own lives, especially in situations where there is conflict or pressure to compromise?
- How does the growth of the church in Acts 5 encourage us regarding the power of the gospel and the potential for church growth in our own contexts?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Deceit of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)
| Acts 5:1 | Ananias and Sapphira sell their property but decide to keep back part of the money for themselves, lying about the price to the apostles. |
| Acts 5:2 | Peter confronts Ananias about his deception, emphasizing that he has not lied to men but to God. |
| Acts 5:3 | Ananias' immediate death serves as a judgment from God, striking fear into the hearts of all who hear about it. |
| Acts 5:4 | The same fate befalls Sapphira, who also lies about the price of the land, demonstrating God's consistent judgment on deceit. |
| Acts 5:5 | The young men bury Sapphira and carry her out, marking the end of the judgment on the couple. |
| Acts 5:6 | The event causes great fear among the believers and the surrounding community, highlighting the seriousness with which God views dishonesty. |
| Acts 5:7 | The fear also extends to those who are not part of the church, showing the impact of God's judgment on the wider community. |
| Acts 5:8 | The apostles continue to preach and perform many signs and wonders, demonstrating the power of the gospel and the Holy Spirit's work in the church. |
| Acts 5:9 | All the believers are filled with awe, and the church experiences a period of peace, during which it grows and is strengthened. |
| Acts 5:10 | More and more men and women believe in the Lord and are added to their number, showing the ongoing growth of the church. |
| Acts 5:11 | The church is unified and committed to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer, modeling the characteristics of a healthy, vibrant Christian community. |
2. The Apostles' Arrest and Release (Acts 5:12-28)
| Acts 5:12 | The apostles perform many signs and wonders among the people, and all the believers meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. |
| Acts 5:13 | No one else dares to join them, even though they are highly regarded by the people, reflecting the respect and even fear that the community has for the believers. |
| Acts 5:14 | Nevertheless, more and more men and women believe in the Lord and are added to their number, showing the church's continued growth despite the challenges it faces. |
| Acts 5:15 | As a result of the apostles' miracles, people even bring their sick into the streets and lay them on beds and mats, hoping that Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passes by. |
| Acts 5:16 | Crowds gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them are healed, demonstrating the extensive reach and impact of the apostles' ministry. |
| Acts 5:17 | The high priest and his associates, who are Sadducees, become jealous of the apostles' success and have them arrested and put in public jail, attempting to suppress the church's growth and influence. |
| Acts 5:18 | But during the night an angel of the Lord opens the doors of the jail and brings them out, instructing them to stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life, highlighting God's intervention on behalf of the apostles. |
| Acts 5:19 | At daybreak they enter the temple courts, as they were told, and begin to teach the people, demonstrating their obedience to God's command and their trust in His power and provision. |
| Acts 5:20 | When the high priest and his associates arrive, they are amazed to find the apostles teaching in the temple, and they are unsure of how to respond to this unexpected turn of events. |
| Acts 5:21 | The captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees are called to bring the apostles before the Sanhedrin, the ruling body of the Jews, for further questioning and judgment. |
| Acts 5:22 | But when they arrive at the jail, they do not find the apostles there, so they return to the council and report this, highlighting the miraculous nature of the apostles' release. |
| Acts 5:23 | The officers say, 'We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them, no one was inside,' further emphasizing the supernatural intervention that occurred. |
| Acts 5:24 | On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests are perplexed, wondering what this means and what will happen next. |
| Acts 5:25 | Then someone comes and reports to them, 'The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people,' which confirms the apostles' obedience to God and their commitment to preaching the gospel. |
| Acts 5:26 | The captain goes with his officers and brings the apostles, but not by force, because they are afraid of being stoned by the people, showing the respect and fear that the community has for the believers. |
| Acts 5:27 | Having brought the apostles, they make them stand before the Sanhedrin, where they are questioned about their actions and their message. |
| Acts 5:28 | The high priest says, 'We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood,' accusing the apostles of defying their authority and promoting a false message. |
3. The Apostles' Trial and Flogging (Acts 5:29-32)
| Acts 5:29 | Peter and the other apostles reply, 'We must obey God rather than men,' asserting their commitment to following God's will, even when it conflicts with human authority. |
| Acts 5:30 | The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree, emphasizing the reality of Jesus' death and resurrection and the responsibility of the Jewish leaders for His death. |
| Acts 5:31 | God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel, highlighting Jesus' role as the source of salvation and forgiveness. |
| Acts 5:32 | We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him, underscoring the apostles' role as witnesses to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit's role in empowering believers. |
4. The Apostles' Continued Preaching (Acts 5:33-42)
| Acts 5:33 | When they heard this, the members of the Sanhedrin were furious and wanted to put them to death, reflecting the intense opposition that the apostles faced from the Jewish leaders. |
| Acts 5:34 | But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stands up in the Sanhedrin, offering a more moderate and wise perspective on the situation. |
| Acts 5:35 | He says, 'Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men, cautioning them against acting rashly or making a mistake that could have serious consequences. |
| Acts 5:36 | 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, providing an example of a previous false leader and the fate that befell him. |
| Acts 5:37 | 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, offering another example of a failed leader and the consequences of following him. |
| Acts 5:38 | So 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, emphasizing the wisdom of not opposing what may be a divine movement. |
| Acts 5:39 | His speech persuades them, and they take his advice, deciding to flog the apostles and order them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then release them, finding a compromise that balances their desire to suppress the church with the need to avoid further conflict. |
| Acts 5:40 | They called the apostles in and had them flogged, then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go, marking the end of the trial and the beginning of a new phase in the church's relationship with the Jewish authorities. |
| Acts 5:41 | The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name, demonstrating their joy and commitment to the gospel, even in the face of persecution. |
| Acts 5:42 | 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 Christ, highlighting the apostles' unwavering dedication to their mission and the power of the gospel to transform lives. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Ananias and Sapphira's story in Acts 5?
Their story serves as a warning about the dangers of deceit and the importance of honesty in our relationship with God, as seen in Acts 5:1-11. It also highlights God's judgment on sin and the seriousness with which He views dishonesty, as emphasized in Acts 5:3-4.
Why did the apostles continue to preach despite the persecution they faced?
The apostles continued to preach because they were committed to obeying God's command to spread the gospel, as seen in Acts 5:29-32. They believed that their message was from God and that they had a responsibility to share it with others, regardless of the cost, as emphasized in Acts 5:42.
What role did the Holy Spirit play in the events of Acts 5?
The Holy Spirit guided and empowered the church, as seen in the apostles' fearlessness and the miracles they performed, demonstrating the Spirit's active presence in the lives of believers, as mentioned in Acts 5:32.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 5:3 → Psalm 51:6 | Both texts emphasize the importance of honesty and integrity, with Psalm 51:6 highlighting God's desire for truth in the inner parts and Acts 5:3 showing the consequences of lying to God. |
| 2 | Acts 5:29 → Daniel 3:18 | Both passages involve a conflict between obedience to God and obedience to human authority, with Daniel 3:18 describing the faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and Acts 5:29 presenting the apostles' commitment to obeying God rather than men. |
| 3 | Acts 5:31 → Isaiah 53:5 | Both texts speak of Jesus' role in providing forgiveness and salvation, with Isaiah 53:5 describing the suffering servant who bears the sins of many and Acts 5:31 highlighting Jesus' exaltation as Prince and Savior to give repentance and forgiveness of sins. |
| 4 | Acts 5:32 → Ephesians 3:16 | The Holy Spirit's role in empowering the church is also seen in Ephesians 3:16, which describes the Spirit's strengthening of believers in their inner being. |
| 5 | Acts 5:40 → Matthew 10:17 | Both passages involve persecution and flogging, with Matthew 10:17 warning the disciples about the persecution they will face and Acts 5:40 describing the apostles' flogging and release. |
| 6 | Acts 5:42 → Luke 24:47 | Both texts emphasize the importance of preaching the gospel, with Luke 24:47 describing Jesus' command to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations and Acts 5:42 highlighting the apostles' continued teaching and proclaiming of the good news that Jesus is the Christ. |
| 7 | Acts 5:1-11 → Joshua 7:1-26 | Both stories involve the judgment of God on sin, with Joshua 7:1-26 describing the defeat at Ai due to Achan's sin and Acts 5:1-11 presenting the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira as a result of their deceit. |
| 8 | Acts 5:29-32 → 1 Peter 2:13-17 | Both passages involve the theme of obedience to God, with 1 Peter 2:13-17 encouraging believers to submit to human authorities for the Lord's sake and Acts 5:29-32 presenting the apostles' commitment to obeying God rather than men. |
| 9 | Acts 5:33-42 → 2 Timothy 3:12 | Both texts speak of the inevitability of persecution for believers, with 2 Timothy 3:12 warning that all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted and Acts 5:33-42 describing the apostles' experience of persecution and their continued preaching despite it. |
| 10 | Acts 5:40-41 → Hebrews 10:34 | Both passages involve joy in the midst of suffering, with Hebrews 10:34 describing the joy of believers who have suffered the loss of their property and Acts 5:40-41 presenting the apostles' rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. |
Sermons on Acts 5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Pure Heart - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares various stories and examples to emphasize the importance of being careful with our actions and choices. He highlights the concept of reaping wha |
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Be a Person of Integrity- Honesty by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of honesty and dependence on God, highlighting the negative impact of deception and the freedom that comes from confessing and seeking forgive |
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(1986 Prairie Series) 1 - Sent, Went, Put by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the privilege of being expendable for the Lord Jesus and allowing Him to work in His own way and time. The sermon highlights the power of God |
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The Calling of God by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker tells a parable about a master who returns to his estate and rewards his servants based on their faithfulness and diligence. The master is pleased with |
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A Mighty Minority by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences of preaching the word of God and witnessing powerful transformations. He encourages believers not to be afraid of rejection |
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A Christ Like Character by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful story about a man who led the attack on Pearl Harbor but later became a follower of Jesus. The preacher emphasizes the transformative |
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Revival Is Like Judgement Day by J. Edwin Orr | This sermon by Dr. J. Edwin Orr delves into the concept that revival is akin to Judgment Day for the church, emphasizing the need for self-reflection, repentance, and accountabilit |
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A Call to the Church (The Spirit of Truth) by Art Katz | In this sermon titled "The Spirit of Truth" delivered by Art Katz, he discusses the importance of the Holy Spirit in the church. He emphasizes that without the presence of the Holy |
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(Pdf Book) the Spirit of Truth by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the critical importance of truth in the Church, arguing that the institution has become inauthentic and predictable due to a lack of genuine commitment to truth |
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Grieving the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who was on the verge of losing everything due to his addiction. Despite asking for prayer, he couldn't resist getting high b |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Acts 5
Matthew Henry's commentary on Acts 5 emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in the Christian life, as seen in the story of Ananias and Sapphira. He also highlights the apostles' fearlessness and commitment to preaching the gospel, despite the persecution they faced. Henry notes that the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment of the church are evident throughout the chapter, and that the apostles' obedience to God rather than men is a powerful model for believers today. He concludes by emphasizing the significance of the church's growth and the spread of the gospel, despite the challenges and opposition that the early believers faced, and encourages readers to trust in God's sovereignty and provision in all circumstances. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Severity of God's Judgment
The sudden deaths of Ananias and Sapphira serve as a stark reminder of God's holiness and His intolerance of deceit. This event has a profound impact on the early church, instilling a sense of reverence and fear.
The Courage of the Apostles
Despite the persecution they face, the apostles continue to preach and perform miracles, demonstrating their fearlessness and commitment to the gospel.
The Growth of the Church
Throughout the chapter, there are indications of the church's growth, both in numbers and in the spread of the gospel, highlighting the power of God's work through His people.