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Acts Chapter
Five
I.
Content of the Chapter
The Church Overcame the Enemy’s Attacks in
Two Aspects
I. The enemy’s first attack------corrupt
internally (v.1-10):
A. The
means of the enemy------lie to the Holy Spirit in the donation.
B. The
countermeasure of the church------look through the device
execute the judgment
and carry him out and bury him.
II. The result of overcoming:
A. Great fear came upon all the church (v.11).
B. The
Gentiles esteemed them highly and believers were increasingly added to the Lord
(v.12-16).
III. The enemy’s second attack------persecute them
externally:
A. The
council put the apostles in the prison (v.17-18).
B. The
apostles were brought out by an angel and they entered the temple and taught as
usual (v.19-26).
C. The
apostles were brought to the council and were judged (v.27-28).
D. The
testimony of the apostles (v.29-32).
E.
Gamaliel persuaded the council to let the apostles alone (v.33-39).
IV. The result of overcoming:
A. The
apostles were released (v.40).
B. The
apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name
(v.41).
C. The
apostles did not cease teaching daily (v.42).
II.
Verse by Verse commentary
Acts. 5:1 “But a certain man named
Ananias
with Sapphira his wife
sold a possession.”
YLT: “And a certain man
Ananias by name
with Sapphira his wife
sold a possession
”
Meaning of Words: “Ananias”: the one Jehovah protects
the Lord is
kind
the mercy of Jehovah
the favor of Jehovah; “Sapphira”: beautiful
handsome
sapphire.
Literal Meaning: “But a certain man named Ananias” The word “but” shows the strong contrast
between the following case and what Barnabas had done that was recorded
previously (Acts. 4:36-37).
“Sold a possession” It shows that they
were inclined to join the corporate life that “they had all things in common”
(Acts. 2:44-45; 4:34-35).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) When the blessing of the Lord bestows
the
carnal ones will be always lured into pay excessive attention to the outward
states and the idea of copying will come into being.
2) “Ananias” means that “God is
kind”. However
he did not know that God is also righteous (v.4). “Sapphira”
means “beauty”. However
her intention was ugly (v.2
8).
Acts. 5:2 “And he kept back part of
the proceeds
his wife also being aware of it
and brought a certain part and
laid it at the apostles' feet.”
YLT: “and did keep back
of the price -- his wife also knowing -- and having brought a certain part
at
the feet of the apostles he laid [it].”
Literal Meaning: “And he kept back
part of the proceeds” “kept back” indicates that he did it secretly and did not
let others know. Believers had the right to keep any part according to their
willingness (v.4). However
if they were wiling to receive others’ praise and
purposely showed that they had already donated all the proceeds and secretly
kept back part of the proceeds
they committed the sin of lying to both men and
God (v.3-4).
“His wife also being aware of it” It
shows that she also partook in this matter or she connived at what her husband
had done.
“A certain part” They donated a certain
part of the money and let the church divide them among
all
as anyone had need (Acts. 2:45; 4:35).
Please note that probably the life style
of “having all things in common” (Acts. 2:44) was only applied to believers who
were in utter destitution and donated all they had. Ananias and his wife probably attempt to keep the benefits
of “the private possessions” on the hand and on the other share “the common
possessions”.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Ananias and his wife imitated others’ donation with
the purpose of “the greed for reputation”. They sought for the vainglory in the
church. They “kept back part of the proceeds” with the intention of
“covetousness”. “The greed for reputation” and “covetousness” are two
stumbling-blocks for common Christians.
2) “He kept back part of the proceeds.” If men keep some part of “their selves”
they
are unwilling to give up their benefits
reputations
interests and belongings.
3) If we donate with any motive for “self” or have
the attitude of utilizing donation to gain others’ admiration
we indeed “keep
back part of the proceeds” and we donate dishonestly.
4) What’s important in donation is not the amount
of money but our motives and how much we keep for ourselves. We should not be
dishonest in donation or receive fame or others’ praise through the donation.
5) The donation is of gladness instead of
reluctance or compulsion. However
Satan always stirs up men’s flesh and makes
them to strive for reputation through the spiritual things. Actually these
things harm the
6) Between husband and wife
if one makes a mistake
and the other “is also aware of it” and does not admonish it or even approves
it
the other cannot be counted as innocent (See v.9).
7) “Hypocrisy” is the sin that the Lord Jesus
blamed many times (Matt. 6:1-6
16-18; 15:7; 22:18; 23:13-26).
Acts. 5:3 “But Peter said
‘Ananias
why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the
Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?”
YLT: “And Peter said
`Ananias
wherefore did the Adversary fill thy heart
for thee to lie to the
Holy Spirit
and to keep back of the price of the place?”
Meaning of Words: “Satan”: the enemy
the accuser; “lie”: deceive
utter an untruth.
Literal Meaning: “Satan has filled
your heart” It means that his intents were controlled or utilized by Satan. It
shows that it is possible for believers to be utilized after they have been saved.
“To lie to the Holy Spirit” Ananias deceived the apostles and the church
apparently. But actually he deceived the Holy Spirit because: 1) the apostles
and the church are the channels through which the Holy Spirit works; 2) it is
against the “oneness” that the Holy Spirit works in the church; 3) it is not
the guidance of the Holy Spirit in men.
The Holy Spirit is deceived
showing that He is also a person. Lying to the Holy Spirit actually means lying
to God (v.4).
Controversial Clarification:
Some Bible exegetes firmly believe that
Satan cannot dwell in believers and therefore Ananias and Sapphira must be false believers. However
the
view that beautifies Christians is not in agreement with the actual examples
that are recorded in the Bible: 1) the Lord Jesus blamed Peter that “Satan…”
for he said wrong after He had praised him that he had been revealed by the
Father in heaven (Matt. 16:16-23). It means that what he had said was of God in
a little while and was of Satan in another while. 2) Paul the apostle
instructed the church in
After a man has been saved
the Holy
Spirit dwells in his spirit (
In addition
whether one has been saved
or not is completely the thing between him and God. The outsiders do not know
whether his faith is true and therefore we should not regard the failing
Christian as the false believer easily or attempt to root him out (Matt.
13:24-30
37-39).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The reason why believers cannot donate
completely is that their intentions are filled by Satan. What Satan fears most
is men’s complete devotion because this behavior makes Satan lose its workshop.
2) Satan always
agitates men to surpass their inner capacity of grace and outwardly pretend to
have the falsely spiritual appearance. Consequently they commit the sin of
“lying to the Holy Spirit” so that they suffer the judgment of death (both the
body and the spirit) (See v.5).
3) Satan not only entices men to commit sins and do
iniquity but also entices men to do the things that seem to be good apparently
and actually are unacceptable to God.
4) If Satan cannot block the church through the
outward persecution and threats (Acts. 4:21)
it will change its crafts and
corrupt the church internally and hold back the oneness of the church (Acts.
4:32).
5) Men’s every deed of deceit and sins deceives God
and sins against Him.
6) Insincerity indeed means sinning against God.
When we fall into hypocrisy unconsciously
we actually sin against the Holy
Spirit who guides us within us.
7) All spiritual things are directly related to the
Lord Himself. The Lord’s power is performed through men’s submission. And men’s
disobedience and foolishness help Satan to deal with the Lord.
8) Jia Yuming said that since Peter pronounced that
Ananias “lied to the Holy Spirit”
showing that
Ananias must be a partaker of the Holy Spirit and unfortunately he did not obey
the Holy Spirit and let his heart be hardened to the end and therefore his sin
could not be remitted.
Acts. 5:4 “While it remained
was it
not your own? And after it was sold
was it not in your own control? Why have
you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.’”
YLT: “while it remained
did it not remain thine? and having been sold
in thy authority was it not? why
[is] it that thou didst put in thy heart this thing? thou didst not lie to men
but to God;'”
Literal Meaning: “While it remained
was it
not your own?” It shows that at
that time believers still had the absolute right over their own possessions and
they did not have the duty to sell their lands.
“Was it not in your own control?” “It” refers to the price that they sold
the land. “In your own control” refers to having the right to dominate. After
one has sold the possessions
he makes his own decision that he donates all or
a part of the money to the church. It is not a compulsory demand.
“Why have you conceived this thing in
your heart?” It is translated
as “why is it that you do put in thy heart this thing?” in the original. The
Jews used this grammar to express that
“this thing has been conceived in your
heart for a period of time”. “This thing” does not refer to “keep” the price of
the land but “keep back” the price secretly. They kept back part of the price
and pretended that they had donated the entire price. They lied.
“You have not lied to men” He thought that the apostles could be deceived.
“But to God” It proves that the Holy Spirit in v.3 is God.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Though God moved men to donate
He honored men’s
right of “their own control”.
2) “You have not lied to men but to God.” Sinning against the church is sinning
against God.
3) Though Peter spoke harsh words to Ananias
he did not get angry and he rationally
criticized the fact. In the church
blaming men is more difficult than
encouraging men because when one blames others
it is easy for him to lose the
self-control so that he gets angry.
4) A weak one might scold someone
however
he
cannot reprove someone. Scolding someone and reproving someone are two
different things. As long as men see the abomination of sin in the light of
God
they are able to reprove others
standing with God.
5) The common people may be deceived
however
the
spiritual discerns all things (1Cor. 2:15). Men may be blinded
however
God is
not blinded and He is the Lord who looks upon the heart of men (1Sam. 16:7).
Acts. 5:5 “Then Ananias
hearing
these words
fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those
who heard these things.”
YLT: “and Ananias hearing
these words
having fallen down
did expire
and great fear came upon all who
heard these things
”
Meaning of Words: “fell down”: fail;
“breathed his last”: give up the soul.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Behind the church there is the true head of the
church and therefore the head is behind every faithful servant and supports
him.
2) True believers may also commit a sin. There is
sin not leading to death and there is sin leading to death (1John. 5:16-17).
3) When a believer commits a sin
he may not suffer
the punishment of the fleshly death. However
if he does not deal with the sin
completely
the sin will bring in the spiritual death.
4) Our covetousness
hypocrisy and lies should
“fall down” and our old men
old selves
natural lives should “breath the
last”.
Acts. 5:6 “And the young men arose
and wrapped him up
carried him out
and buried him.”
YLT: “and having risen
the younger men wound him up
and having carried forth
they buried [him].”
The
Background: According to the Law
of Moses
the one who is put to death by God should be buried that very day
(Deut. 21:22-23).
Literal Meaning: “and the young men
arose” “The young men” refers to the young and strong believers who are willing
to do the service that costs physical strength.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The feature of the young men in the church is
that they are strong and the word of God abides in them and they have overcome
the wicked one (1John. 2:13-14).
2) In the church
more “young men”------strong
overcomers-------should “arise”
“wrap up” all the dead things
“carry them
out”------clear them up
and “bury” them------make them disappear forever.
Acts. 5:7 “Now it was about three
hours later when his wife came in
not knowing what had happened.”
YLT: “And it came to
pass
about three hours after
that his wife
not knowing what hath happened
came in
”
Literal Meaning: “not knowing what
had happened” Please note that it had already been spread (v.5)
however
she
did not what had happened
showing that no one had told her this matter.
Acts. 5:8 “And Peter answered her
‘Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?’ She said
‘Yes
for so much.’”
YLT: “and Peter answered
her
`Tell me if for so much ye sold the place;' and she said
`Yes
for so
much.'”
Literal
Meaning: “Peter answered her”
Here Peter intended to guide Sapphira to tell the fact and gave her a chance of
repentance.
Acts. 5:9 “Then Peter said to her
‘How is it that you have agreed together to test the
Spirit of the Lord? Look
the feet of those who have buried your husband are at
the door
and they will carry you out.’”
YLT: “And Peter said unto
her
`How was it agreed by you
to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? lo
the feet
of those who did bury thy husband [are] at the door
and they shall carry thee
forth;'”
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Believers are obliged to obey the guidance of
the Holy Spirit “with one accord” and should not “agree together to test the
Spirit of the Lord”.
2) Those who sin and who fall always get united as
husband and wife and imitate each other------“agree together to test the Spirit
of the Lord”.
3) Wives should be subject unto their own husbands
(Eph. 5:24)
however
they should not commit sins with their husbands.
Acts. 5:10 “Then immediately she fell
down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her
dead
and carrying her out
buried her by her husband.”
YLT: “and she fell down
presently at his feet
and expired
and the young men having come in
found her
dead
and having carried forth
they buried [her] by her husband;”
Literal Meaning: Ananias and his wife
died immediately one after another because of lie. Some Bible exegetes tried to
use the medical principle to explain it and some held that God is too harsh
however
according to the condition at that time that the church was newly
established
if the Holy Spirit was not extremely manifested holy in the
church
the church may be in danger of being destroyed by Satan. The “signs and
wonders” are needed in order to establish the authority and power of the
apostles and spread the gospel to the whole land.
Acts. 5:11 “So great fear came upon
all the church and upon all who heard these things.”
YLT: “and great fear came
upon all the assembly
and upon all who heard these things.”
Literal Meaning: “all the church” The
noun “church” is recorded for the first time in the Acts of the Apostles. It
could refer to the local church (Acts. 5:11; 8:1; 11:22; 13:1) and it also
refers to the universal church (Acts. 20:28).
In the Bible
the word
“church” is translated from the Greek word ekklesia which is constituted of
“out” and “calling”. The Greek word was mentioned for the first time by the
Lord Jesus in the New Testament (Matt. 16:18) and it was commonly applied by
the disciples in the Acts and epistles.
The Hebrew word qahal in Septuagint in the Old
Testament was previously translated into the Greek word ekklesia and it occurs
123 times in the Old Testament. Its root form means “gathering togther”. In the
English version
it is translated as congregation and assembly. This word is
specially used when God’s elect------the people of
Based on the Greek and Hebrew meaning and allusion
in the Old and New Testament
we could
in a nutshell
give a definition of the
church: the church is the total amount of God’s sons and daughters whom God has
called out and gathered before Him to Hear Him respectfully
serve Him
pursue
Him and prepare themselves for the second coming of the Lord.
“All who heard these things” indicate the people who heard these things
after they had been gotten about.
“Great fear came upon all…” It shows
that they had the hearts of fear of God.
Enlightenment in the
Word:
1) “Great fear came upon all the church” The church
indeed fears
showing that the church is living and the church is absolutely
not the dead architecture or organization.
2) If the church is willing to deal with sin severely
and not over-tolerate sin
men both in and out of the church will have the
hearts of fear and the power of the Holy Spirit will be greatly manifested.
3) Do not be deceived
God is not mocked; for
whatever a man sows
that he will also reap (Gal. 6:7).
4) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom
(Prov. 9:10). Once Christians lose the hearts of fear of the Lord
it is their
beginning of stagnation and fall.
Acts. 5:12 “And through the hands of
the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were
all with one accord in Solomon's Porch.”
YLT: “And through the
hands of the apostles came many signs and wonders among the people
and they
were with one accord all in the porch of Solomon;”
Literal Meaning: “And through the hands of
the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people” “Many” shows that there were many times
and the kinds differed. There were especially many “signs and wonders” in the
time of the Acts. Maybe God purposely meant to prove that the message that the
apostles preached was absolutely of God instead of men (Heb. 2:3-4). Please
note that signs and wonders are not a part of the salvation but the way of God
to preach the salvation.
“And they were all with one accord in
Solomon's Porch.” It tells us that
the early church was always assembled in visible place
i.e. the Solomon’s
Porch which is one of the two porches surrounding the temple (See Acts. 3:11).
Enlightenment in the Word: unlike that time when signs and wonders were done
“among the people”
today many signs and wonders are done in specific places
and the film studios.
Acts. 5:13 “Yet none of the rest
dared join them
but the people esteemed them highly.”
YLT: “and of the rest no
one was daring to join himself to them
but the people were magnifying them
”
Meaning of Words: “join”: get close
to
stick
glue; “esteem”: magnify
enlarge
show great.
Literal Meaning: “the rest” refer to
the hypocritical who had ulterior motives
i.e. those who pretended to be
believers or half-believers. Some Bible exegetes held that “the rest” were
contrast to the following “people” who esteemed them highly and they refer to
their “Judaic leaders”.
“None of the rest dared join them” It can not mean that common people dare
not join them
otherwise
there won’t be many new believers (See v.14).
Acts. 5:14 “And believers were
increasingly added to the Lord
multitudes of both men and women
”
YLT: “(and the more were
believers added to the Lord
multitudes both of men and women
)”
Literal Meaning: “multitudes of both
men and women” It is mentioned for the first time in the book that women
believe the Lord (See Acts. 2:41; 4:4).
Acts. 5:15 “so that they brought the
sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches
that at least the
shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.”
YLT: “so as into the
broad places to bring forth the ailing
and to lay [them] upon couches and
mats
that at the coming of Peter
even [his] shadow might overshadow some one
of them;”
Literal Meaning: “laid them on beds and
couches” “beds” refer to
small beds; “couches” are just like stretchers.
“That at least the shadow of Peter
passing by might fall on some of them”
“shadow” represents the specific way that one contacts with Peter himself. Some
Bible exegetes held that it was only the one-sided hope of the sick ones and
their family members and actually the shadow of Peter did not have special
function. Luke recorded this matter
merely showing the multitudes’ respect for
apostles and their trust in them.
Enlightenment in the Word: “shadow” is of light. God is light (1John. 1:5).
The more one draws near to God
the more abundant his life will be and the more
power of life will be sent forth from him so that men will be healed.
Acts. 5:16 “Also a multitude gathered
from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem
bringing sick people and those who
were tormented by unclean spirits
and they were all healed.”
YLT: “and there were
coming together also the people of the cities round about to
Literal Meaning: “they were all
healed” It shows that the healing of God in early church is one hundred percent
effective. However
concerning the healing of God today
its effect is not
clear and contrarily it is greatly publicized.
Acts. 5:17 “Then the high priest rose
up
and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees)
and
they were filled with indignation
”
YLT: “And having risen
the chief priest
and all those with him -- being the sect of the Sadducees --
were filled with zeal
”
Literal Meaning: “the high priest and all
those who were with him” The official high
priest of the Raman Government was Caiaphas
however
the Jews held that Annas
(the farther-in-law to Caiaphas) was the actual high priest because the high
priesthood should be one’s lifelong employment (See Acts. 4:6). “All those who
were with him” refer to his family members.
“Which is the sect of the Sadducees” It shows that the majority of “the sect of
the Sadducees” are of the class of priests (see the note in Acts 4:1).
Acts. 5:18 “and laid their hands on
the apostles and put them in the common prison.”
YLT: “and laid their
hands upon the apostles
and did put them in a public prison;”
Literal Meaning: “and laid their hands on the
apostles” The plural
“apostles” refer to many apostles.
“And put them in the common prison” “The common prison” refers to the
temporary house of detention which is used to imprison misdemeanants or detain
the criminals who have not been condemned and wait to be on trial officially
here.
Acts. 5:19 “But at night an angel of
the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out
and said
”
YLT: “and a messenger of
the Lord through the night opened the doors of the prison
having also brought
them forth
he said
”
Enlightenment in the Word: the gates of Hades shall not prevail against the
church (Matt. 16:18). The witness that the church bears of the Lord cannot be
closed by the power of darkness.
Acts. 5:20 “‘Go
stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.’”
YLT: “`Go on
and
standing
speak in the temple to the people all the sayings of this life;'”
Literal Meaning: “Go
stand in the temple” This commandment almost “imposes a
difficult task on them” because they probably were put in when they taught men
in the temple (See v.12).
“The words of this life” “This life”
means the sacred life that Peter preached
provided and manifested by life.
“Words” refer to the words in season (rhema).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1)
The words that the Lord speaks to us are
spirit
and they are life (John. 6:63).
2) What the workers of the Lord should preach is
not reasons but “the words of life”.
3) Life prevails over the imprisonment of the
enemy. In the life circumstance
believers should manifest the testimony of
God’s life at all times and places and not let the outer circumstances restrain
the inner life.
4) If we are able to let the life of God be
manifested in our daily life
our walking will become the testimony of the life
of God which draws the world to seek the life.
5) Though the workers of God are bound
the word of
God is not bound (2Tim. 2:9).
Acts. 5:21 “And when they heard that
they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest
and those with him came and called the council together
with all the elders of
the children of
YLT: “and having heard
they did enter at the dawn into the temple
and were teaching. And the chief
priest having come
and those with him
they called together the sanhedrim and
all the senate of the sons of
Literal Meaning: “they entered the temple
early in the morning and taught” It shows that the
apostles obeyed God absolutely. They will not grudge even if they run risks too
overcome obstacles.
“Called the council together” “the council” is the supreme court of the
Jews and it is constituted of the high priest
scribes and elders (see the note
in Acts. 4:5).
Acts. 5:22 “But when the officers
came and did not find them in the prison
they returned and reported
”
YLT: “and the officers
having come
did not find them in the prison
and having turned back
they
told
”
Acts. 5:23 “saying
‘Indeed we found the prison shut securely
and the guards
standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them
we found no one
inside!’”
YLT: “saying -- `The
prison indeed we found shut in all safety
and the keepers standing without
before the doors
and having opened -- within we found no one.'”
Literal Meaning: “Indeed we found the prison
shut securely
and the guards standing outside before the doors” It shows that the guards did not neglect
their duties.
Acts. 5:24 “Now when the high priest
the captain of the temple
and the chief priests heard these things
they
wondered what the outcome would be.”
YLT: “And as the priest
and the magistrate of the temple
and the chief priests
heard these words
they were doubting concerning them to what this would come;”
Literal Meaning: “wondered” indicates
that they felt confused.
“What the outcome would be” It shows that the course and result of
this event were hard to predict. And they did not know what to do.
Acts. 5:25 “So one came and told
them
saying
‘Look
the men whom you put
in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!’”
YLT: “and coming near
a
certain one told them
saying -- `Lo
the men whom ye did put in the prison are
in the temple standing and teaching the people;'”
Literal Meaning: “So one came and told them” This man must have seen that they put the
apostles in (v.18) and therefore he recognized them.
Acts. 5:26 “Then the captain went
with the officers and brought them without violence
for they feared the
people
lest they should be stoned.”
YLT: “then the magistrate
having gone away with officers
brought them without violence
for they were
fearing the people
lest they should be stoned;”
Acts. 5:27 “And when they had brought
them
they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them
”
YLT: “and having brought
them
they set [them] in the sanhedrim
and the chief priest questioned them
”
Acts. 5:28 “saying
‘Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this
name? And look
you have filled
YLT: “saying
`Did not we
strictly command you not to teach in this name? and lo
ye have filled
Literal Meaning: “Did we not strictly command
you” “strictly commanding’ means “commanding
with commandment”.
“And intend to bring this Man's blood on
us” “This Man” refers to the Lord Jesus.
Please note that the high priest skirted round the name of the Lord Jesus.
“Bring blood on us” because the apostles declared that the Jews killed the Lord
Jesus through the hand of the Roman government (Acts. 2:23; 3:13-15; 4:10).
Enlightenment in the Word: those who rejected the Lord Jesus were of one voice
and were willing to bear the sin of His blood (Matt. 27:25). However
today
they withdrew their previous remark and tried to decline. It shows that the
words of religious believers are untrustworthy.
Acts. 5:29 “But Peter and the other
apostles answered and said: ‘We ought to obey God rather
than men.”
YLT: “And Peter and the
apostles answering
said
`To obey God it behoveth
rather than men;”
Literal Meaning: “But Peter and the other
apostles answered and said” Please note that
it is not only Peter who spoke
but all the apostles spoke. It is not a few of
them were strong but all of them were strong.
“We ought to obey God rather than men” When men’s commandments conflict with that
of God
believers’ attitude should be: “obey God rather than men”. However
when living in the world
Christians still have the responsibility to be
subject to the authorities (
Acts. 5:30 “The God of our fathers
raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.”
YLT: “and the God of our
fathers did raise up Jesus
whom ye slew
having hanged upon a tree;”
Literal Meaning: “Jesus whom you murdered by
hanging on a tree” “a tree” refers to
the cross (1Pet. 2:24).
Acts. 5:31 “Him God has exalted to
His right hand to be Prince and Savior
to give repentance to
YLT: “this one God
a
Prince and a Saviour
hath exalted with His right hand
to give reformation to
Meaning of Words: “Prince”: ruler
a
chief leader
originator
forerunner.
Literal Meaning: “Him God has exalted
to His right hand” “right hand” represents the greater and more important
position. After the Lord was taken up into heaven
He is on the right hand of
God (Acts. 7:56; Heb. 8:1). The Lord Jesus was exalted
showing that His great
work of redemption on the cross has been fully acknowledged and approved by
God.
“To be Prince and Savior” “Prince” stresses on authority and
identity. “Savior” stresses on remission and giving men life.
“To give repentance and forgiveness of
sins” “Repentance” is for remission of sins
(Mark. 1:4). On the side of God
remission of sins is on the basis of His
redemption (Eph. 1:7). On the side of men
remission of sins works through
men’s repentance.
“To give…to
It shows us that not only the remission
of sins is given by God but also the repentance is given by Him. Men always
have a wrong idea that repentance is our work and the remission of sins is
given by God. Unexpectedly
both repentance and remission of sins are given by
God and nothing has been left for men to do. God gives you repentance just like
He gives you the remission of sins. Remission of sins is done by God and
repentance is also done by Him. Many times
men are unable to see their own
sins and their need of salvation. It is God that enlightens men through His
words so that men are picked in heart and repent. And therefore repentance is a
part of faith and it is also a part of salvation and both of them are done by
God.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The reason why we have been saved is not that we
are better than others but that God has chosen us so that we repent and believe
the Lord marvelously.
2) God has saved us and called us with a holy
calling
not according to our works
but according to His own purpose and grace
(2Tim. 1:9).
Acts. 5:32 “And we are His witnesses
to these things
and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who
obey Him.’”
YLT: “and we are His
witnesses of these sayings
and the Holy Spirit also
whom God gave to those
obeying him.'”
Literal Meaning: “and so also is the Holy
Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him” Faith and obedience are the conditions to receive
the Holy Spirit (John. 7:39).
“And we are His witnesses to these
things” The Holy Spirit works with believers
guides them and proves the
witnesses that they bear.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Obedience is an important factor to be filled
with the Holy Spirit.
2) “God has given…the Holy Spirit…His witnesses”
There are some important points concerning the gospel that we preach
such as:
Jesus was born through the virgin
His blood is able to wash men’s sins and
etc. These facts are hard for men to believe. However
the Holy Spirit works in
men and moves them so that they have to believe.
Acts. 5:33 “When they heard this
they were furious and plotted to kill them.”
YLT: “And they having
heard
were cut [to the heart]
and were taking counsel to slay them
”
Literal Meaning: “furious”: saw
asunder (the strong allegoric way of saying that one is exasperated).
Enlightenment in the Word: One of the ways that Satan makes men fear is to
kill. However
if the time of God has not come yet
no one is able to harm men
of God. God is responsible for saving them and giving them a way out.
Acts. 5:34 “Then one in the council
stood up
a Pharisee named Gamaliel
a teacher of the law held in respect by
all the people
and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little
while.”
YLT: “but a certain one
having risen up in the sanhedrim -- a Pharisee
by name Gamaliel
a teacher of
law honoured by all the people -- commanded to put the apostles forth a
little
”
Meaning of Words: “Gamaliel”: whom God
will reward.
Literal Meaning: “Then one in the council
stood up
a Pharisee named Gamaliel”
He was the grandson of the famous rabbi Hillel at that time. He was
open-minded
his ideas were impartial
his deeds were upright and strict and he
was greatly respected by people. The Jews called him “rabbi in the rabbis” and
Saul (who became Paul the apostle later) was at his feet (Acts. 22:3).
Acts. 5:35 “And he said to them: ‘Men of Israel
take heed to yourselves what you intend to
do regarding these men.”
YLT: “and said unto them
`Men
Israelites
take heed to yourselves about these men
what ye are about to
do
”
Acts. 5:36 “For some time ago Theudas
rose up
claiming to be somebody. A number of men
about four hundred
joined
him. He was slain
and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing.”
YLT: “for before these
days rose up Theudas
saying
that himself was some one
to whom a number of men
did join themselves
as it were four hundred
who was slain
and all
as many
as were obeying him
were scattered
and came to nought.”
Meaning of Words: “Theudas”: given by
God.
Literal Meaning: “For some time ago
Theudas rose up” Concerning the deeds of this man
there isn’t any historical
material for reference. Undoubtedly
he was a leader who rebelled against the
Acts. 5:37 “After this man
Judas of
Galilee rose up in the days of the census
and drew away many people after him.
He also perished
and all who obeyed him were dispersed.”
YLT: “`After this one
rose up
Judas the Galilean
in the days of the enrollment
and drew away much
people after him
and that one perished
and all
as many as were obeying him
were scattered;”
Literal Meaning: “in the days of the census” It is not the first census of Cyrenius in the book of Luke (Luke. 2:2) and it
happened about in A.D. 6.
“Judas of Galilee rose up
and drew
away many people after him.” According to the
textual research of the Jewish historian Joseph
this man refused to pay taxes
to Caesar and rose up to rebel against the government and was brought to an end
quickly.
Acts. 5:38 “And now I say to you
keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is
of men
it will come to nothing;”
YLT: “and now I say to
you
Refrain from these men
and let them alone
because if this counsel or
this work may be of men
it will be overthrown
”
Enlightenment in the Word: “for if this plan or this work is of men
it will
come to nothing”; “if it is of God
you cannot overthrow it” (v.39). It is the
reliable law in the spiritual realm.
Acts. 5:39 “but if it is of God
you
cannot overthrow it--lest you even be found to fight against God.’”
YLT: “and if it be of
God
ye are not able to overthrow it
lest perhaps also ye be found fighting
against God.'”
Literal Meaning: Gamaliel represents
the faith of the Pharisees------they believe that all are in the hand of God
however
men should be responsible for their own behaviors.
Enlightenment in the Word: the view of Gamaliel was not wrong
however
he had
not received the salvation because of it. It shows that the fear of God is not
enough and one has to know God’s will in the age.
Acts. 5:40 “And they agreed with him
and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them
they commanded that
they should not speak in the name of Jesus
and let them go.”
YLT: “And to him they
agreed
and having called near the apostles
having beaten [them]
they
commanded [them] not to speak in the name of Jesus
and let them go;”
Literal Meaning: “beaten them” The
Jews used whip to punish
however
they shall not beat one more than forty
times (Deut. 25:3). And therefore their tradition was “forty
save one” (2Cor.
11:24). They would rather reduce one
lest they exceed forty heedlessly.
Acts. 5:41 “So they departed from the
presence of the council
rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer
shame for His name.”
YLT: “they
indeed
then
departed from the presence of the sanhedrim
rejoicing that for his name they
were counted worthy to suffer dishonour
”
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) If we suffer shame for the name of Jesus that
men despise and God values
it is indeed honorable.
2) The enemy could injure the Lord’s workers
however
the enemy cannot soften their hearts towards the Lord. Scars on the
body are not their shame but their glory and joy.
3) If anyone suffers as a Christian
let him not be
ashamed
but let him glorify God in this matter (1Pet. 4:16).
4) When believers live in the world
the more
tribulations one suffers
the more joy will always be added to him.
Acts. 5:42 “And daily in the temple
and in every house
they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the
Christ.”
YLT: “every day also in the
temple
and in every house
they were not ceasing teaching and proclaiming good
news -- Jesus the Christ.”
III.
Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons
Several Comparisons in the Fifth Chapter of
the Acts
I. The inner corruption (v.1-10)------the outer persecution
(v.17-40).
II. Satan filled men’s hearts (v.3)------
III. Lie to the Holy Spirit (v.3)
lie to God
(v.4)------lie to men (v.4).
IV. He fell down and breathed his last (v.5
10)------carried him out
and buried him (v.6
10).
V. Fear (v.5
11)------esteemed them highly (v.13).
VI. Have agreed together to test the Holy Spirit
(v.9)------with one accord (v.12).
VII. Through the hands of the apostles many signs
and wonders were done (v.12)------laid their hands on
put them in prison
(v.18)
beaten (v.40).
VIII. Being filled with indignation (v.17)
wondered (v.24)------rejoicing (v.41).
IX. The words of this life (v.20)------men’s
commandment (v.28 the original word of “strictly command”).
X. Obey God (v.29)------obey men (v.29).
XI. God has exalted Him (v.31)------claiming to be
somebody (v.36).
XII. The apostles bore witness (v.32)------the Holy
Spirit bears witness (v.32).
XIII. It is of men (v.38)------it is of God (v.39).
Signs and Wonders in the Fifth Chapter of
the Acts
I. Knowing the hidden facts of Ananias (v.1-4).
II. Ananias
hearing the words of Peter
fell down
and breathed his last (v.5).
III. Knowing that Sapphira and her husband have
agreed together to test the Spirit of God (v.9a).
IV. Knowing the end of Sapphira (v.9b).
V. Through the hands of the apostles many signs and
wonders were done (v.12).
VI. Healing diseases (v.15-16).
VII. Releasing the apostles out of the prison
(v.19).
VIII. Arranging Gamaliel to prevent the council
from killing the apostles (v.33-40).
The Hand of Satan and the Hand of God
I. The hand of Satan:
A. It
worked in weak believers (v.3).
B. It
laid its hands on the apostles (v.18).
C. It
whipped the Lord’s witnesses (v.40).
II. The hand of God:
A. He
cleansed all passive things (v.6
10).
B. He
did many signs and wonders through the hands of the apostles (v.12).
C. He
led the Lord’s workers out of the prison (v.19).
D. He
exalted Jesus Christ with His right hand (v.31).
The Knowledge of the Holy Spirit
I. The Holy Spirit is against Satan (v.3).
II. Lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God
(v.3-4).
III. The Holy Spirit is not mocked or tempted (v.5
9-10).
IV. The Holy Spirit is given to those who obey Him
(v.32).
V. The Holy Spirit bears witness of Christ with
believers (v.32).
──
Caleb Huang《Christian Digest Bible
Commentary Series》
Translated by Sharon Ren