| Back to Home Page | Back to Book Index |

Acts Chapter Five

Acts 5

Alas! evil shews itself there also (chap. 5). If the mighty Spirit of God is there the flesh also is there. There are some who wished to have the credit of devotedness which the Holy Ghost produces although devoid of that faith in God and that self-renunciation which shewing itself in the path of love constitutes all the value and all the truth of this devotedness. But it only gives fresh occasion to manifest the power of the Spirit of God the presence of God within against evil; as the preceding chapter shewed His energy outside and the precious fruits of His grace. If there be not the simple fruit and of good already described there is the power of good against evil. The present state of the assembly as a whole is the power of evil over good. God cannot endure evil where He dwells; still less than where He does not dwell. However great the energy of the testimony which He sends to those who are outside He exercises all patience until there is no remedy within. The more His presence is realised and manifested (and even in proportion as that is done) the more He shews Himself intolerant of evil. It cannot be otherwise. He judges in the midst of His saints where He will have holiness; and that according to the measure of the manifestation of Himself. Ananias and Sapphira disregarding the presence of the Holy Ghost whose impulse they pretended to follow fall down dead before the God whom in their blindness they sought to deceive in forgetting Him. God was in the assembly.

Mighty though painful testimony to His presence! Fear pervades every heart both within and outside. In fact the presence of God is a serious thing however great its blessing. The effect of this manifestation of the power of a God present with those whom He acknowledged as His own was very great. Multitudes joined themselves by faith to the confession of the name of the Lord-at least from among the people for the rest dared not. The more position we have in the world the more we fear the world which gave it us. This miraculous testimony to the power of God was also displayed in a still more remarkable way so that people came from far to profit by it. The apostles were constantly together in Solomon's porch.

But alas! the manifestation of the power of God in connection with the despised disciples of Jesus and working outside the beaten track in which the self-importance of the high priest and those that were with him found its path together with the progress made by that which they rejected and the attention drawn to the apostles by the miracles that were wrought excite the opposition and jealousy of the rulers; and they put the apostles in prison. In this world good ever works in the presence of the power of evil.

A power different from that of the Holy Ghost in the assembly now displays itself. The providence of God watching over His work and acting through the ministry of angels frustrates all the plans of the unbelieving heads of Israel. The priests shut up the apostles in prison. An angel of the Lord opens the prison doors and sends the apostles to pursue their accustomed work in the temple. The officers whom the council send to the prison find it shut and everything in order; but no apostles.

Meanwhile the council are informed that they are in the temple teaching the people. Confounded and alarmed the council send to fetch them; but the officers bring them without violence fearing the people. For God holds everything in check until His testimony be rendered when He will have it rendered. The high priest remonstrates with them on the ground of his former prohibition. Peter's reply is more concise than on the former occasion and is rather the announcement of a settled purpose than the rendering a testimony by reasoning with those who will not hearken and who shewed themselves to be adversaries. It is the same in substance as what he had said when previously brought before the rulers: God is to be obeyed rather than men. Opposed to God the heads of Israel were merely men. In saying this all was decided: the opposition between them and God was evident. The God of their fathers had raised up Jesus whom the rulers of Israel had crucified. The apostles were His witnesses and so was the Holy Ghost whom God had given to those who obeyed Him. All was said; the position clearly announced. Peter in the name of the apostles formally takes it on the part of God and of Christ and in agreement with the seal of the Holy Ghost who given to believers bore witness in the Saviour's name. Nevertheless there is no pride no self-will. He must obey God. He still takes his place in Israel ("the God " he says "of our fathers"); but the place of testimony for God in Israel. The advice of Gamaliel prevails to turn aside the purposes of the council for God has always His instruments ready unknown perhaps to us where we are doing His will; nevertheless they cause the apostles to be beaten and command them not to preach and send them away. They were at a loss what to do-only made the opposition of their will the more evident while how simple the path when sent of God and consciously doing His will! We must obey God.

The object of this latter part of the chapter is to shew that the providential care of God whether miraculously by means of angels or by disposing the hearts of men to accomplish His purposes was exercised on behalf of the assembly even as the Spirit of God bore testimony in it and manifested in it His power. The apostles in no wise terrified return full of joy at being counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus; and every day in the temple or from house to house they cease not to teach and to preach the good news of Jesus the Christ. However weak they might be God Himself maintains His testimony.

── John Darby《Synopsis of Acts》

Acts 5

Chapter Contents

The death of Ananias and Sapphira. (1-11) The power which accompanied the preaching of the gospel. (12-16) The apostles imprisoned but set free by an angel. (17-25) The apostles testify to Christ before the council. (26-33) The advice of Gamaliel The council let the apostles go. (34-42)

Commentary on Acts 5:1-11

(Read Acts 5:1-11)

The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was that they were ambitious of being thought eminent disciples when they were not true disciples. Hypocrites may deny themselves may forego their worldly advantage in one instance with a prospect of finding their account in something else. They were covetous of the wealth of the world and distrustful of God and his providence. They thought they might serve both God and mammon. They thought to deceive the apostles. The Spirit of God in Peter discerned the principle of unbelief reigning in the heart of Ananias. But whatever Satan might suggest he could not have filled the heart of Ananias with this wickedness had he not been consenting. The falsehood was an attempt to deceive the Spirit of truth who so manifestly spoke and acted by the apostles. The crime of Ananias was not his retaining part of the price of the land; he might have kept it all had he pleased; but his endeavouring to impose upon the apostles with an awful lie from a desire to make a vain show joined with covetousness. But if we think to put a cheat upon God we shall put a fatal cheat upon our own souls. How sad to see those relations who should quicken one another to that which is good hardening one another in that which is evil! And this punishment was in reality mercy to vast numbers. It would cause strict self-examination prayer and dread of hypocrisy covetousness and vain-glory and it should still do so. It would prevent the increase of false professors. Let us learn hence how hateful falsehood is to the God of truth and not only shun a direct lie but all advantages from the use of doubtful expressions and double meaning in our speech.

Commentary on Acts 5:12-16

(Read Acts 5:12-16)

The separation of hypocrites by distinguishing judgments should make the sincere cleave closer to each other and to the gospel ministry. Whatever tends to the purity and reputation of the church promotes its enlargement; but that power alone which wrought such miracles by the apostles can rescue sinners from the power of sin and Satan and add believers to His worshippers. Christ will work by all his faithful servants; and every one who applies to him shall be healed.

Commentary on Acts 5:17-25

(Read Acts 5:17-25)

There is no prison so dark so strong but God can visit his people in it and if he pleases fetch them out. Recoveries from sickness releases out of trouble are granted not that we may enjoy the comforts of life but that God may be honoured with the services of our life. It is not for the preachers of Christ's gospel to retire into corners as long as they can have any opportunity of preaching in the great congregation. They must preach to the lowest whose souls are as precious to Christ as the souls of the greatest. Speak to all for all are concerned. Speak as those who resolve to stand to it to live and die by it. Speak all the words of this heavenly divine life in comparison with which the present earthly life does not deserve the name. These words of life which the Holy Ghost puts into your mouth. The words of the gospel are the words of life; words whereby we may be saved. How wretched are those who are vexed at the success of the gospel! They cannot but see that the word and power of the Lord are against them; and they tremble for the consequences yet they will go on.

Commentary on Acts 5:26-33

(Read Acts 5:26-33)

Many will do an evil thing with daring yet cannot bear to hear of it afterward or to have it charged upon them. We cannot expect to be redeemed and healed by Christ unless we give up ourselves to be ruled by him. Faith takes the Saviour in all his offices who came not to save us in our sins but to save us from our sins. Had Christ been exalted to give dominion to Israel the chief priests would have welcomed him. But repentance and remission of sins are blessings they neither valued nor saw their need of; therefore they by no means admitted his doctrine. Wherever repentance is wrought remission is granted without fail. None are freed from the guilt and punishment of sin but those who are freed from the power and dominion of sin; who are turned from it and turned against it. Christ gives repentance by his Spirit working with the word to awaken the conscience to work sorrow for sin and an effectual change in the heart and life. The giving of the Holy Ghost is plain evidence that it is the will of God that Christ should be obeyed. And He will surely destroy those who will not have Him to reign over them.

Commentary on Acts 5:34-42

(Read Acts 5:34-42)

The Lord still has all hearts in his hands and sometimes directs the prudence of the worldly wise so as to restrain the persecutors. Common sense tells us to be cautious while experience and observation show that the success of frauds in matters of religion has been very short. Reproach for Christ is true preferment as it makes us conformable to his pattern and serviceable to his interest. They rejoiced in it. If we suffer ill for doing well provided we suffer it well and as we should we ought to rejoice in that grace which enabled us so to do. The apostles did not preach themselves but Christ. This was the preaching that most offended the priests. But it ought to be the constant business of gospel ministers to preach Christ: Christ and him crucified; Christ and him glorified; nothing beside this but what has reference to it. And whatever is our station or rank in life we should seek to make Him known and to glorify his name.

── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Acts》

Acts 5

Verse 1

[1] But a certain man named Ananias with Sapphira his wife sold a possession

But a certain man named Ananias — It is certain not a believer for all that believed were of one heart and of one soul: probably not baptized; but intending now to offer himself for baptism.

Verse 2

[2] And kept back part of the price his wife also being privy to it and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet.

And bringing a certain part — As if it had been the whole: perhaps saying it was so.

Verse 3

[3] But Peter said Ananias why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land?

To lie to the Holy Ghost — Who is in us.

And to keep back — Here was the first instance of it. This was the first attempt to bring propriety of goods into the Christian Church.

Verse 4

[4] Whiles it remained was it not thine own? and after it was sold was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men but unto God.

While it remained did it not remain thine? — It is true whosoever among the Christians (not one excepted) had houses or lands sold them and laid the price at the feet of the apostles. But it was in his own choice to be a Christian or not: and consequently either to sell his land or keep it.

And when it was sold was it not in thy power? — For it does not appear that he professed himself a Christian when he sold it.

Why hast thou conceived this thing in thy heart? — So profanely to dissemble on so solemn an occasion? Thou hast not lied to men only but to God also. Hence the Godhead of the Holy Ghost evidently appears: since lying to him Acts 5:3 is lying to God.

Verse 5

[5] And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

And Ananias fell down and expired — And this severity was not only just considering that complication of vain glory covetousness fraud and impiety which this action contained: but it was also wise and gracious as it would effectually deter any others from following his example. It was likewise a convincing proof of the upright conduct of the apostles in managing the sums with which they were intrusted; and in general of their Divine mission. For none can imagine that Peter would have had the assurance to pronounce and much less the power to execute such a sentence if he had been guilty himself of a fraud of the same kind; or had been belying the Holy Ghost in the whole of his pretensions to be under his immediate direction.

Verse 7

[7] And it was about the space of three hours after when his wife not knowing what was done came in.

About the space of three hours — How precious a space! The woman had a longer time for repentance.

Verse 8

[8] And Peter answered unto her Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said Yea for so much.

If ye sold the land for so much — Naming the sum.

Verse 10

[10] Then fell she down straightway at his feet and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in and found her dead and carrying her forth buried her by her husband.

The Church — This is the first time it is mentioned: and here is a native specimen of a New Testament Church; which is a company of men called by the Gospel grafted into Christ by baptism animated by love united by all kind of fellowship and disciplined by the death of Ananias and Sapphira.

Verse 12

[12] And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

And they were all — All the believers.

Verse 13

[13] And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

None of the rest — No formalists or hypocrites durst join themselves - In an outward show only like Ananias and Sapphira.

Verse 14

[14] And believers were the more added to the Lord multitudes both of men and women.)

But so much the more were true believers added because unbelievers kept at a distance.

Verse 17

[17] Then the high priest rose up and all they that were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees ) and were filled with indignation

The high priest — and the sect of the Sadducees - A goodly company for the priest! He and these deniers of any angel or resurrection were filled with zeal - Angry bitter persecuting zeal.

Verse 20

[20] Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

The words of this — That is these words of life: words which show the way to life everlasting.

Verse 23

[23] Saying The prison truly found we shut with all safety and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened we found no man within.

We found the prison shut — The angel probably had shut the doors again.

Verse 24

[24] Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

They doubted what this should be — They were even at their wits' end. The world in persecuting the children of God entangle themselves in numberless difficulties.

Verse 28

[28] Saying Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and behold ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

Did not we strictly command you not to teach? — See the poor cunning of the enemies of the Gospel. They make laws and interdicts at their pleasure which those who obey God cannot but break; and then take occasion thereby to censure and punish the innocent as guilty.

Ye would bring the blood of this man upon us — An artful and invidious word. The apostles did not desire to accuse any man. They simply declared the naked truth.

Verse 29

[29] Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said We ought to obey God rather than men.

Then Peter — In the name of all the apostles said - He does not now give them the titles of honour which he did before Acts 4:8; but enters directly upon the subject and justifies what he had done. This is as it were a continuation of that discourse but with an increase of severity.

Verse 30

[30] The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Hath raised up Jesus — Of the seed of David according to the promises made to our fathers.

Verse 31

[31] Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.

Him hath God exalted — From the grave to heaven; to give repentance - Whereby Jesus is received as a Prince; and forgiveness of sins - Whereby he is received as a Saviour. Hence some infer that repentance and faith are as mere gifts as remission of sins. Not so: for man co-operates in the former but not in the latter. God alone forgives sins.

Verse 32

[32] And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost whom God hath given to them that obey him.

And also the Holy Ghost — A much greater witness.

Verse 34

[34] Then stood there up one in the council a Pharisee named Gamaliel a doctor of the law had in reputation among all the people and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

But a certain Pharisee — And as such believing the resurrection of the dead; a doctor or teacher of the law - That is a scribe and indeed one of the highest rank; had in honour by all the people - Except the Sadducees; rising up in the council - So God can raise defenders of his servants whensoever and wheresoever he pleases.

Verse 36

[36] For before these days rose up Theudas boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men about four hundred joined themselves: who was slain; and all as many as obeyed him were scattered and brought to nought.

Before these days — He prudently mentions the facts first and then makes the inference.

Verse 38

[38] And now I say unto you Refrain from these men and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men it will come to nought:

Let them alone — In a cause which is manifestly good we should immediately join. In a cause on the other hand which is manifestly evil we should immediately oppose. But in a sudden new doubtful occurrence this advice is eminently useful.

If this counsel or this work — He seems to correct himself as if it were some sudden work rather than a counsel or design. And so it was. For the apostles had no counsel plan or design of their own; but were mere instruments in the hand of God working just as he led them from day to day.

Verse 41

[41] And they departed from the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Rejoicing — to suffer shame - This is a sure mark of the truth joy in affliction such is true deep pure.

── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on Acts》

Chapter 5. Spiritual Hypocrisy and Deceit

From Human: Will Fall
From God: Cannot be Stopped

I. Lie to the Holy Spirit Together

1. A Couple Sinned
2. Rebuked by Peter
3. Fell Down and Died

II. The Apostles Jailed the Second Time

1. Put in the Public Jail
2. Liberated by Angels
3. Message of New Life

III. Worthy of Suffering Disgrace for the Name of the Lord

1. Gamaliel's Recommendation
2. Flogged and Released
3. Keep on Teaching and Proclaiming

── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
 
Chapter Five General Review
 
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
 
1) To examine the sin of Ananias and Sapphira in lying to the Holy
 Spirit
 
2) To note the amazing signs and wonders that were done by the apostles

 in which all were healed
 
3) To consider the apostles' response when government seeks to stifle
 the preaching of the gospel
 
SUMMARY
 
In contrast to the remarkable liberality in the church as described in
the previous chapter
we are now told of the example of Ananias and
Sapphira. A husband and wife who sold a possession
they tried to
mislead the apostles that they were giving the entire proceeds.
Confronted one at a time by Peter and found guilty of lying against the
Holy Spirit
they both fall dead
bringing great fear upon all (1-11).
 
Highly esteemed among the people
the apostles continue doing many signs
and wonders among the people and in the temple (Solomon's Porch).
Believers were added to the Lord in increasing numbers
who then brought
the sick out into the streets on beds and couches
that perhaps the
shadow of Peter might fall on some of them. A multitude from the
surrounding cities brought those who were sick and tormented
and
everyone was healed (12-16).
 
Once again the high priest and those of Sadducees are filled with anger.
They have the apostles placed into custody. During the night
an angel
of the Lord frees them and commands the apostles to continue to teach in
the temple. In the morning when the council convenes
the prison is
found secure but empty. When told that the apostles are teaching in the
temple
officers are sent to bring the apostles peacefully to the
council. When the high priest charges them of disobeying the command
not to teach in the name of Jesus (cf. 4:18)
the apostles reply "We
ought to obey God rather than man." They further proclaim that God
raised Jesus (whom the council had murdered) and has exalted Him to be
Prince and Savior who offers repentance to Israel and forgiveness of
sins. To this the apostles claim to be witnesses
along with the Holy
Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him (17-32).
 
Infuriated
the council plots to kill the apostles. However
one in the
council
a Pharisee and highly respected teacher of the law by the name
of Gamaliel (cf. 22:3)
advises the council to leave the apostles alone.
Based upon the history of other "movements" that had failed
Gamaliel
reasons that if the apostles were doing the work of men
it would come
to naught.  But if it was the work of God
the council could do nothing
to stop it and would only be fighting against God. The council is
willing to heed his advice
though the apostles are beaten and charged
not to speak in the name of Jesus before being released.  The apostles
leave the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer
shame in the name of Jesus
and continue right on teaching and preaching
Jesus as the Christ every day in the temple and in every house (33-42).
 
OUTLINE
 
I. ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA (1-11)
 
 A. THEIR PLOT TO DECEIVE (1-2)
 1. They sold a possession
but kept back part of the proceeds
 2. Ananias brings a part to the apostles
Sapphira aware of his
 intention to deceive
 
 B. THE DEATH OF ANANIAS (3-6)
 1. Peter challenges Ananias
 a. Why has he allowed Satan to enter his heart to lie to the
 Holy Spirit?
 1) The land was his to use
 2) The money was his to control
 b. He has not lied to men
but to God!
  2. Ananias drops dead
 a. Upon hearing the words of Peter
 b. Creating great fear on those who heard
 c. Carried out by young men and buried
 
 C. THE DEATH OF SAPPHIRA (7-11)
 1. Peter confronts Sapphira
 a. She enters three hours later
unaware
 b. Did she sell the land for a certain amount? Yes
she
 answers
 c. Why did she agree with her husband to the test the Spirit?
 d. Those who buried her husband are ready to carry her out
 2. Sapphira falls dead
 a. Immediately at the feet of Peter
 b. Carried out by young men and buried by her husband
 c. Creating great fear upon all the church and all who heard
 
II. THE POWER OF THE APOSTLES (12-16)
 
 A. WITH ONE ACCORD IN SOLOMON'S PORCH (12-13)
 1. Many signs and wonders were done by the apostles among the
 people
 2. While none dared join them
they were esteemed highly
 
 B. HEALING ALL WHO BROUGHT TO THEM (14-16)
 1. Believers were increasingly added to the Lord
 2. They brought the sick out on the street
 a. Laying them on beds and couches
 b. That at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on
 them
 3. A multitude gathered from the cities surrounding Jerusalem
 a. Bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits
 b. They were all healed
 
III. THE PERSECUTION OF THE APOSTLES (17-42)
 
 A. IMPRISONED
THEN FREED (17-21a)
 1. The apostles put into the common prison
 a. By the high priest and those of the sect of the Sadducees
 b. For they were filled with indignation
 2. The apostles freed by an angel of the Lord
 a. Who came at night
opened the prison doors
and brought them
  out
 b. Who charged them to return to the temple and speak the words
 of life
 c. Which they did
entering the temple in the early morning
 
 B. BEFORE THE COUNCIL (21b-33)
 1. The council calls for the apostles to be brought from the
 prison
 a. The officers are unable to do so
for the apostles are not
 there!
 b. Despite the secure doors
and guards standing outside
 2. The council has the apostles brought from the temple
  a. The council is informed that the apostles are teaching the
 temple
 b. The apostles are brought to the council peacefully
for fear
 of the people
 3. The high priest challenges the apostles
 a. Were they not strictly commanded to teach in Jesus' name?
 b. You have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine
intending to
 bring this Man's blood on us!
 4. Peter and the apostles respond
 a. We ought to obey God rather than man
  b. God has raised Jesus
whom you murdered
 c. God has exalted Jesus to His right hand
 1) To be Prince and Savior
 2) To give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins
 d. We are witnesses to these things
  1) And so is the Holy Spirit
 2) Whom God has given to those who obey Him
 5. The council's immediate reaction
 a. They were furious
 b. They plotted to kill the apostles
 
 C. THE ADVICE OF GAMALIEL (34-39)
 1. Gamaliel stands up in the council
 a. A Pharisee
a teacher of the law
 b. Held in respect by all the people
 c. Who commands the apostles be put outside for awhile
 2. Gamaliel cautions the council
 a. To be careful what they do with the apostles
 b. Remember what happened to Theudas
 1) A man claiming to be someone
joined by 400 men
 2) He was slain
and those who obeyed him came to nothing
 c. Remember what happened to Judas of Galilee in the days of
 the census
 1) He drew away many people after him
 2) He also perished
and those who obeyed him dispersed
 d. His advice regarding the apostles: leave them alone
 1) If their work is of men
it will come to nothing
 2) If it is of God
it cannot be overthrown and you will be
 fighting against God
 
 D. THE APOSTLES' RELEASED (40-42)
 1. The council's decision
 a. They agree with Gamaliel to let the apostles go
 b. But first beat them and command them not to speak in the
 name of Jesus
 2. The apostles' reaction
 a. They depart rejoicing they were counted worthy to suffer
 shame for His name
 b. They continued to teach and preach Jesus daily in the temple
 and in every house
 
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
 
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
 - Ananias and Sapphira (1-11)
 - The power of the apostles (12-16)
 - The persecution of the apostles (17-42)
 
2) Who is introduced as having sold a possession? (1)
 - Ananias and Sapphira
husband and wife
 
3) What did the husband do? Was the wife aware of it? (2)
 - He kept back part of the proceeds and brought a part to the
 apostles; yes
she was
 
4) What did Peter charge the husband of doing? In what way? (3)
 - Lying to the Holy Spirit
 - By keeping back part of the price (but implying he was giving all
 of it)
 
5) Who did Peter say he had lied to? (4)
 - Not to men but to God
 
6) What happened when the man heard this? What was the reaction of
 those who heard? (5)
 - He fell down and breathed his last; great fear come upon all who
 heard
 
7) How long before the wife came in? Was she aware of what happened?
 (7)
 - Three hours; no
 
8) Did she attempt to mislead Peter also? (8)
 - Yes
 
9) What did Peter charge her with being guilty of doing? (9)
 - Agreeing with her husband to test the Spirit of the Lord
 
10) What then happened? What was the reaction upon those who heard?
 (10-11)
 - She fell dead
and was buried by her husband; great fear came upon
 them
 
11) What was being done by the apostles? (12)
 - Many signs and wonders among the people
 
12) How did the people regard the apostles? (13)
 - None dared join them
but did esteem them highly
 
13) Did this hinder the growth of the church? (14)
 - No
believers were being increasingly added to the Lord
 
14) What did the believers do? Why? (15)
 - They brought the sick out into the street on beds and couches
 - That the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on them
 
15) Who else were bringing sick people? (16)
 - A multitude from the surrounding cities
 
16) Of those sick and tormented brought to the apostles
who were
  healed? (16)
 - They were all healed
 
17) Who was filled with indignation and had the apostles put into
 custody? (17-18)
 - The high priest and those of the sect of the Sadducees
 
18) Who freed the apostles during the night? What were they told to do?
 (19-20)
 - An angel of the Lord; to go to the temple and speak to the people
 all the words of this life
 
19) What was discovered when the apostles were sent for from prison?
 (21-23)
 - The prison was secure with the guards standing outside
but no one
 was inside
 
20) When told that the apostles were teaching in the temple
what did
 the council do? (24-26)
 - Sent the officers to bring the apostles without violence
for they
 feared the people
 
21) What three charges did the high priest make against the apostles?
 (27-28)
 - Did we not command you not teach in this name?
 - You have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine
 - You intend to bring this Man's blood on us!
 
22) What was the initial response of Peter and the apostles to these
 charges? (29)
 - We ought to obey God rather than man
 
23) What else did the apostles proclaim on this occasion? (30-32)
 - God raised up Jesus whom they murdered by hanging on a tree
 - God exalted Him to His right hand to be Prince and Savior
 - To give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins
 - We are witnesses to these things
as is the Holy Spirit whom God
 has given to those who obey Him
 
24) What was the council's initial reaction? What were they planning to
 do? (33)
 - They were furious; they plotted to kill the apostles
 
25) Who in the council stood up? Who was he? What did he command? (34)
 - A Pharisee named Gamaliel
 - A teacher of the law held in respect by all the people
 - That the apostles be put outside for a while
 
26) What were his initial words to the council? (35)
 - Take heed what you intend to do regarding these men
 
27) What two examples does he give of 'failed movements'? (36-37)
 - Theudas and his followers who came to nothing when he died
 - Judas of Galilee and those who followed him
who were dispersed
 when he died
 
28) What counsel does Gamaliel then offer? Why? (38-39)
 - Keep away from the apostles and leave them alone
 - If their work is of men
it will come to nothing; but if it is of
 God
they will be fighting against God and cannot overthrow it
 
29) What was the council's response to Gamaliel? Yet what did they
 still do? (40)
 - They agreed with him
 - They beat the apostles
commanded them not to speak in the name of
 Jesus
then let them go
 
30) How did the apostles' respond as they left the council? (41)
 - Rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the
 name of Jesus
 
31) What did the apostles continue to do? Where? (42)
 - Teach and preach Jesus as the Christ; daily in the temple
and in
 every house

－－《Executable Outlines》