Acts 3-5

(taught on June 8, 2008)

How are we to search the Scriptures?

“First I shake the whole Apple tree, that the ripest might fall. Then I climb the tree and shake each limb, and then each branch and then each twig, and then I look under each leaf. “ – Martin Luther

Acts 3-5 summary

· 3:1-10 healing of a lame man by Peter

· 3:11-26 sermon by Peter in Solomon’s Porch

· 4:1-30 Peter and John arrested; Peter shares the gospel with the high court; they were released and warned not to teach about Jesus (5000 had been added at the beginning of this passage)

· 4:31-37 filled with the Holy Spirit, teaching with boldness, sharing all things

· 5:1-11 Ananias and Sapphira’s death from their deception

· 5:12-16 signs & wonders, healings, many more added

· 5:17-25 apostles arrested, freed by an angel, spoke again in the temple

· 5:26- 42 arrested again, Gamaliel’s wisdom, released, continued to preach

(Acts 3:1) Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.

· The ninth hours is 3 PM (6 Am plus 9).

· The "hour of prayer" implies they met for an hour of pray, every day.

(Acts 3:2) And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple;

· This man had been lame from birth, had never known what it is like to be healthy. How much we take for granted.

· It appears at least he had those who helped him, for they carried him to the gate every day, and brought him back to his house every night.

· There is a lot of focus on this particular healing, because of the attention it received from the Jewish high court. But soon there would be many other healings - Acts 5:14-16.

(Acts 3:3) who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.

(Acts 3:4) And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us."

(Acts 3:5) So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.

(Acts 3:6) Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."

· Peter and John gave him what they really needed, which was not money. We need to be discretionary to give people, when asked, what they really need. Of course, regardless of how properly the gift is spent, God will still honor the gift - the widow gave to the Pharisees, who probably were not honoring God with their spending, yet she was forever honored by Christ (Luke 21:1-4).

· I wonder how Peter knew that he was able to heal the man. Had Peter healed before? Was he experienced in this? It seems so.

(Acts 3:7) And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

· God physically transformed his body, rearranging his muscles, nerves, skin, etc. so it could operate like it never had. Not only that, he was given muscles with strength even though they had never been used to gain strength.

(Acts 3:8) So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them; walking, leaping, and praising God.

· The lame man was even given coordination, for he was able to stand without falling, even walk, even leap when he had never even stood up before.

· The healed man was now praising God. He obviously was a believer as a lame man, for his immediate response was that it was a gift from God.

· When and why should we praise God?

· Psalm 106:1 Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

· Dan 2:23 "I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You..."

· But what is the main reason why we are to praise God? Simply, He is worthy!

· 2 Sam 22:4 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;

· Neh 9:5-6 ..."Blessed be Your glorious name, Which is exalted above all blessing and praise! You alone are the LORD; You have made heaven, The heaven of heavens, with all their host, The earth and everything on it...

· Psalm 18:3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;...

· Then, read all of Psalm 148 - all of creation and all people are to praise Him.

· May we get to the point where we praise Him, not simply when we have good things, but because He is worthy. May we praise Him for who He is, not because of what He does for us - for, we may not always enjoy what He does for us! May we get to the point where we are full of praises to God regardless of circumstances.

(Acts 3:9) And all the people saw him walking and praising God.

(Acts 3:10) Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

· Look how the people stood and stared. They soon ran to Peter and John (vs 11). How few of us see something that is good and right, and boldly go after it, seeking it to take hold of it. How we are complacent with the banal and the things of mediocrity, when lying before us is what is good and right. How much more we go after the fleeting temporary things of this world, and struggle to go after the things eternal. May we leap at the chance to grasp ahold of things eternal.

(Acts 3:11) Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed.

· Attached to the original temple of Solomon was "the porch of judgment" where king Solomon had constructed a large hall 50 cubits long and 30 cubits wide because of the enormous porch in front. Originally there was cedar from floor to ceiling. This was the hall of judgment where the king would make judgments and exercise justice. The porch of Solomon was no doubt a special place for Jesus. It was here that Jesus was seen often, speaking and teaching the people or just walking, as in John 10:23 during the festival of "lamps" or chanukkah, which commemorates the re-dedication of the temple and of God to His people. Later, after His death his disciples gathered here often.

(Acts 3:12) So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?

(Acts 3:13) "The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.

· Vs 13-15 - as in vs 2:23, he charged them as those who voted for Jesus' crucifixion. Those who were there at Passover, were also here at Pentecost.

(Acts 3:14) "But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,

· The trinity is Holy, for God is the Holy One of Israel (Psa 71:22), Jesus here is the Holy One, and the Spirit is Holy by name (vs 2:33). The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines holy as "exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness". What a perfect description for each of the persons in the trinity - "perfect in goodness and righteousness". And what a challenge to us - they are worthy of complete devotion. I wonder how complete my devotion to God is? What does complete devotion even look like? Maybe Brother Lawrence, who said that "it was a great delusion to think that the times of prayer ought to differ from other times; that we are as strictly obliged to adhere to God by action in the time of action as by prayer in the season of prayer. That his view of prayer was nothing else but a sense of the Presence of God, his soul being at that time insensible to everything but Divine Love; and that when the appointed times of prayer were past, he found no difference, because he still continued with God, praising and blessing Him with all his might, so that he passed his life in continual joy."

(Acts 3:15) "and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.

· He doesn't just tell them they killed Jesus, he informs them they killed "the Prince of life". You know how if feels when you've done something wrong and desperately want to take it back, to reverse it? That small, sinking, embarrassed feeling. How great their shame must have been hearing this! But wait. Peter follows this with the "good news" (the gospel) - vss 16-19. As shameful as that act, and all others are, there is forgiveness in this Jesus - vs 19 "that your sins may be blotted out".

(Acts 3:16) "And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

· The people were probably ready to praise Peter and John, so Peter quickly made it clear who is the source of their success.

· Interesting - Peter states that the man was healed "through faith in His name" and because of "the faith which comes through Him". Whose faith, Peter and John's, or the man's? I speculate that it was because of Peter and John's faith, but they chose to perform it on the man because of the man's faith (evidenced in vs 8 with his praises to God).

(Acts 3:17) "Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers.

(Acts 3:18) "But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.

· See notes on fulfilled Old Testament prophesies listed in Matthew 1:22.

(Acts 3:19) "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

· Interesting. We talk about the "conversion experience". But, if you'd never heard that term before, it would sound strange, as it probably did when Peter said this. What is converted? The person from the old faith and life to the new faith and life (2 Cor 5:17).

(Acts 3:20) "and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before,

· More strange language - God will send this person Jesus, who is the Prince of life. "Send"? Where? This may be the first time where we start to understand that we don't physically stand with Jesus like the apostles had done, but Jesus stands with us spiritually, for He is always with us (Matt 28:20).

(Acts 3:21) "whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.

· John the Baptist's arrival was the beginning of the restoration of all things - Matt 17:11-13. Jesus will be in heaven until the restoration of all things. This means that at Jesus return, all things will be restored. What things? All things that will be part of the eternal heaven and the new earth. What will the new earth be like?

- no seas (Rev 21:1)

- God will dwell with us (Rev 21:3)

- no more tears, sadness (Rev 21:4)

- no more death (Rev 21:4)

- no more pain (Rev 21:4)

- all things will be new (Rev 21:5)

- no more darkness or night, for God will light it (no more sun or moon) (Rev 21:23-25)

(Acts 3:22) "For Moses truly said to the fathers, 'The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you.

(Acts 3:23) 'And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.'

(Acts 3:24) "Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days.

· All the prophets of the Old Testament looked forward to the arrival of the Christ.

(Acts 3:25) "You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'

(Acts 3:26) "To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities."

· They had no idea what an incredible blessing they had, to be the first ones Jesus was sent to. What was the blessing? Turning us away from our sins. And what a turning away this is. Those sins don't just linger closely behind us, but they are removed as far away as the east horizon is from the west horizon... or the east stars from the west stars... well, however far, it's REALLY FAR (Psa 103:12). So far, they are gone from us, for we have been freed from our sins (Rom 6:7, 8:1).

(Acts 4:1) Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them,

· Note that is wasn't the miracle that disturbed them, it was the message that followed the healing.

· The leaders that were hearing the message:

- Priests - those serving in the temple for the week

- The commander - responsible for temple security & dealt with problems & threats to the temple; he was needed to make an arrest.

- The Sadducees - the aristocrats (superior) of the religious sects in Judaism, made up of High Priests; they supported Rome & profited financially from their relationship to Rome; they didn't believe in the resurrection of the dead, so this preaching of this was obnoxious to them. See also the note on vs 5.

(Acts 4:2) being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

· They were offended that unlearned Galileans (Peter and John), in no way connected with the priestly office & unauthorized by them, should presume to set themselves up as religious teachers. Yet, they were amazed at their teachings (vs 13).

· When we die, our soul is separated from our body, so at that time we have no physical presence. The term "resurrection of the dead" refers to the resurrection that will take place at the return of Christ. Those in Christ will be reanimated at the end of the world to live on the new earth.

· Isa 65:17 "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind."

· Isa 66:22 "For as the new heavens and the new earth Which I will make shall remain before Me," says the LORD...

· 2 Pet 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

· Rev 21:1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.

· The Pharisees understood it as the doctrine of a physical raising of a dead body from the grave, while the Sadducees denied the resurrection altogether. Paul knows this, and sends the factions against each, later in Acts - "But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!" - Acts 23:6

· Jesus, to the Sadducees (Luke 20:27), describes the resurrection:

· Luke 20:35 "But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage;

· Luke 20:36 "nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.

· Luke 20:37 "But even Moses showed in the burning bush passage that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord 'the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'

· Luke 20:38 "For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him."

· It appears those without Christ also will be in some form, as we read in Acts 24:15 - "... that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust." But we read in this passage the resurrection is only for "those who are counted worthy". John clarifies it:

· John 5:28 "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice

· John 5:29 "and come forth; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation."

· So, the resurrection of those in Christ is "everlasting life".

· John 6:40 "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

· Jesus tells us in John 11:26, "and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die...". This is referring to spiritual death, for those who are without Christ.

· Rev 21:8 "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

· Rev 20:14 And death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.

· Rev 20:15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

(Acts 4:3) And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.

· "them" here may refer to the apostles, rather than just Peter and John (Acts 5:18, 29).

(Acts 4:4) However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

· This was much as a result of the lame man being healed and the following sermons (chapter 3).

· You hear so much about the 3000 added at Pentecost, but rarely hear about the 5000 added here (and that's just the men!), a much larger number.

(Acts 4:5) And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes,

· These 3 groups, the rulers, elders, and scribes, made up the Sanhedrin. This was the high court of the Jewish people.

- Originally there was a hierarchy of judges set up by Moses, but designed by Jethro, Moses' father-in-law - Exodus 18:13-26. This was not the Sanhedrin.

- Later God told Moses to select 70 elders to rule the people - Num 11:16-17. At that time is was the 70 elders plus Moses, so the Sanhedrin is made up of 71 rulers, the 70 elders plus the High Priest. As individuals within the Sanhedrin died, or otherwise became unfit for service, new members underwent ordination, or Semicha. This body was also known as the Great Sanhedrin, as there were lesser Sanhedrin's that governed smaller areas, with local rulers.

· Here we see rulers, probably members of the Sanhedrin, plus elders and scribes. The scribes were like lawyers, educated in the Law, and skillful & familiar with the Law, because they worked with it constantly. They were responsible for making hand-written copies of the law.

· There were 2 mainstream Jewish beliefs, or sects - the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

· While the Pharisees primarily came from middle-class families and were zealous for the Mosaic law, the Sadducees were generally wealthy members of the Jewish aristocracy who had embraced hellenism. The Pharisees emerged as a significant force in Jewish affairs because of their influence with the common people.

· Herod the Great (ruled 37-4 B.C.) sought to diminish the position of the Sadducees, who held the high priesthood and the majority of the seats on the Sanhedrin. He turned the Sanhedrin into a religious court only, taking away its power in secular matters. Since he was only half Jewish, Herod knew the people would not tolerate him serving as high priest in addition to being king, as others had. So he separated the two positions and began appointing high priests at his pleasure. When Herod was appointed king by the Romans, he no longer nominated the chief priests from the ancient lineage, but conferred the honour upon certain obscure individuals. This broke the custom of the high priesthood being attached to a particular family. Herod also abolished the practice of the high priest holding the position for life. In the 107 years from the beginning of Herod's reign to the fall of Jerusalem, there were 28 high priests. By the time of Messiah, the high priest bought the office from the government and the position was changed every year.

· While most of the priests in the service of the Temple belonged to the party of the Sadducees, there were some who were Pharisees. The difference between the Sadducees and the Pharisees was not a simple one of priests versus laymen (many Pharisees were also priests - mostly of the lower ranks, but probably some even in the upper levels). There is some dispute among scholars about who actually controlled the Temple sacrifices and rituals before and during the time of Messiah.

(Acts 4:6) as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

· Annas and Caiaphas were high priests at least since John the Baptist preached (Luke 3:2).

· Caiaphas was appointed High-Priest of the Jews by the Roman procurator Valerius Gratus, the predecessor of Pontius Pilate, about A.D. 18, and removed from that office by the procurator Vitellius, shortly after he took charge of affairs in Palestine, A.D. 36. Annas, father-in-law of Caiaphas (John 18:13), who had been high-priest from A.D. 6 to 15, continued to exercise a controlling influence over Jewish affairs.

(Acts 4:7) And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By what power or by what name have you done this?"

· Peter and the apostles (vs 5:18, 29) stood before the supreme court of the Jewish people. See note on vs 5.

· They asked by what power, as if they expected it to be demonic. They could not accept that this was from God.

(Acts 4:8) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:

· Notice the tremendous boldness Peter had when speaking before the rulers of Israel. What a contrast to the fear he had when he denied Jesus 3 times. Now he has the resurrection, the healings, and the Holy Spirit.

· Q. How bold are you or others in these situations - e-mails, questioning authority, complaining about a bill, asking for help, arguing a social/political position, negotiating prices, face to face conversation, discussing your faith.

· Q. What makes you bold in one area and not so bold in other areas? believing you're right, temporary relationships with the persons, not worrying about what others think, have a responsibility (e.g. kids), it won't affect you directly, etc.

· We are seeing less freedom to openly proclaim Jesus these days. For example, Principal Trochinski of Dr. Phillips High School did not want a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) float in the homecoming parade because the word "Jesus" was too controversial and offensive. The interesting results is that instead of censoring the message, the media carried it much further than just the float itself ever could have. Yet, these things make it more intimidating to mention Jesus in public.

· Note that although Peter probably did not have a hig regard for many of those he was speaking to, he was still respectful to them.

(Acts 4:9) "If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,

· Peter tries to show how ludicrous it is to judge them for the help they gave to a helpless man.

(Acts 4:10) "let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.

· Peter is making a declaration, that even though this speech was to the Jewish high court, his message is intended for all the people of Israel.

· Peter qualifies Jesus' name, "of Nazareth", since it was a common name. But notice he also identifies Jesus with His position, the Christ.

· These could be incendiary remarks, both claiming Jesus is the Christ and pointing out (even holding them liable) that they were the ones who caused Jesus to be crucified.

· We need to always be ready to explain, defend our faith - 1 Peter 3:15, yet with gentleness and reverence (vs 8), because boldness (vs 13) can either help or hurt your cause.

· Peter didn't talk around the real answer - he told them directly that this was because of Jesus. May we learn from this. Do you think the name of Jesus is any less anathema then than it is now? (See incident in the note on verse 8 of the high school float.)

· Now the high court would no longer be in ignorance about who Jesus was, for it was made very clear to them that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah.

(Acts 4:11) "This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.'

· These "Jewish builders" are trying to build without the stone that holds it all together. So is the same for anyone who does not live life with Jesus. You cannot have a blessed life without the foundation, and so many people are looking for a foundation but select the wrong one. It will not work without Jesus.

(Acts 4:12) "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

· This makes it clear - Jesus is the only way to heaven.

· These days this verse in public is so against political correctness. Yet, it is truth! Christians are blamed for bigotry, when "one way" is fundamental to our faith. To be any less than "bigoted" in this way is to deny our faith. See also 1 John 5:11-12. You must have the Son.

· I wonder if they knew what "saved" meant. Peter had not explained that. Did those hearing this have a feeling they needed to be "saved"? We know this meant to be saved from the eternal penalty for sin.

(Acts 4:13) Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

· You may be tempted to excuse their boldness because they had a miracle to back them up. Explain then the boldness of Martin Luther, when he stood before the rulers of the Catholic Church, and refused to renounce belief in Scripture above the Catholic law.

· You[1] are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say - Martin Luther

· "I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen." - Martin Luther

· In the time of Luther, the Catholic Church did not allow the common people to read the Bible, because they said they must be the ones who interpret it. That is why it was revolutionary when Luther translated the Bible into common German language so the average person could read it. How sad, to have had truth so close, and not be allowed to grasp it. We think, how sad it would have been to be there with no Bible available. Or is it even sadder that today, we have the truth so close, in our own language, and we ARE allowed to grasp it, and yet we make practically no effort to do so. (How many people read the lesson this week?)

· Peter and John were uneducated and untrained. What was their secret for their boldness, skill, and words? Jesus. They realized He was their source. Not only could they not refute the healing of the lame man (vs 14), but they could not refute the skill and knowledge in speech seen in these 2 men.

· This is similar to Walt Zembriski, a steel worker by trade, when he started playing golf later in life on the Senior Golf Tour. He was very blue color, not one who was handed the perfect swing through lessons as he grew up. Once, when in a locker room with Lee Trevino, Lee asked Walt to get his clubs. Walt excused himself, noting that he also was playing in the tournament, and happened to be 2 strokes ahead of Trevino. It seems to be the same mentality with those who are "in" in a profession, when they are seriously challenged by one who does not seem like they belong. The same with Peter and John. May we never have any arrogance with a fellow employee or anyone of lesser skills, for we are all to do God's work as our primary focus, and our work as a conduit to that.

(Acts 4:14) And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

(Acts 4:15) But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

(Acts 4:16) saying, "What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

· Note that they did not attempt to refute what Peter and John were saying. If they could have, they would have readily done so. It's difficult to argue with truth laid out so boldly, in conjunction with the healing. Some of the Sanhedrin may have been tempted to believe in Jesus, yet they couldn't, like the rich young ruler (Mat 19:16-26). They could not:

- because of pride - how could these unlearned men teach them?

- because of power - they would lose their power and position if they followed Jesus (John 11:47-48)

- because of wealth - with the power goes wealth

- because the disciples were presenting a very different world view from everything they had been taught since they were young

· We pity the rich young ruler, and may be glad we don't have to face the same challenge. Yet, how much more difficult the challenge facing those on the Sanhedrin. It must have been too great, as we don't have record of anyone, except possibly Nicodemus (John 3:1-21), converting.

· How sad. Here they are being presented with truth, and they choose not to except it, to excuse it away. May we never do the same. May we accept only Scripture as truth, and everything else must align with it - even if some things are difficult to understand or accept (e.g. predestination, the need to be baptized, the need to tithe, the requirements of love and humility, etc.). Is there anything God has shown you in Scripture that you have refused to accept?

(Acts 4:17) "But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name."

(Acts 4:18) And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

(Acts 4:19) But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.

· What an internal struggle some of the Sanhedrin may have been having at this point! Did they realize what they were asking was actually opposed to what God wanted? Some of them may have, yet they could not turn. Do you fight God's will, because it's not what you want, or feel it would be too difficult to work out? Don't walk away from God's promptings the same way those on the Sanhedrin did. Do what Peter and John, and Martin Luther did - follow the truth of God despite great odds against them.

(Acts 4:20) "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."

· Ah, if only we could do the same - be compelled to share what we have seen and heard and know to be true. (Don't worry about what to say - God will help - Mark 13:11). Yet, we need to be prepared to at any moment explain our belief - 1 Peter 3:15. Do you know what you believe?

(Acts 4:21) So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.

(Acts 4:22) For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

(Acts 4:23) And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.

(Acts 4:24) So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,

· They addressed God as the sovereign Lord. The Sanhedrin is not in control - God is.

(Acts 4:25) "who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: 'Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things?

· See Psalm 2:1-2. David saw it back then, and the Christians were seeing it again - rulers fighting against God. What a scary thing, being in power and fighting against the things of God? That is a guaranteed recipe for failure. Could this be ever said of what we do, that we are planning vain things, and taking our stand on issues, when they are against God? The only way we can keep from doing this is by spending time with God.

(Acts 4:26) The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ.'

(Acts 4:27) "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together

(Acts 4:28) "to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.

(Acts 4:29) "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,

(Acts 4:30) "by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus."

· They saw what a huge effect the one healing had done, so they were praying for more.

(Acts 4:31) And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

· Before this point:

- Peter and John healed the man lame from birth (Acts 3:1-8)

- The people marveled at it, and Peter preached Christ to the crowd (Acts 3:9-26)

- Peter and John were arrested by the Sanhedrin to give an account and were asked to stop preaching. They refused, but were still set free by pressure from the people because of the miracle (Acts 4:1-21)

- They returned to their companions to give a report and rejoice, and Peter prayed (Acts 4:22-30)

· Just as at Pentecost (Acts 2:4), they again received a special filling of the Holy Spirit.

· Prayer is fundamental for any success, and it must be the first order of business.

· The Holy Spirit is given to those who ask - Luke 11:13. And it is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can teach the Word of God. It is also the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that gives us the character that results in unity (Gal 5:22-23).

(Acts 4:32) Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.

· What a definition of unity - "of one heart and one soul". Every relationship issue is solved with this as the basis. See the notes on 1 Cor 1:10 and Eph 4:3 at the bottom of this document. God's desire is for believers to be in unity (Psa 133:1).

· In addition to sustenance, we support each other in trials - 1 Cor 12:25-27.

· Amazingly, this was a very new family. Most probably had just become members of the family of God - Acts 4:4.

· And this was a very successful family (not so dysfunctional like we see so much). Acts 5:12 says they continued with one accord. Of course, they still had their problem (Ananias and Sapphira - Acts 5:1-11).

· In most families, are siblings willing to share with each other so that all is in common? What a remarkable family they had. Are things like this even remotely possible in today's age? What types of things could happen today if each Christian was willing to give as God wants them to?

(Acts 4:33) And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

· This great power was given to them by the Holy Spirit - see verse 31.

· Any time you honor God and obey with your heart, God will honor that with his grace (2 Cor 9:6-8). God does not necessarily bless with earthly riches as a result of right giving, but He does bless with His grace. They did not do it to receive His grace, but that is how God reacts when the heart goes with the obedience.

· And what did they receive because of grace? See Rom. 2:4, Eph. 1:7, Phil 4:19, Col. 2:2. See also Matt 13:12 - give to God and grace grows, withhold and grace diminishes. Note that salvation is a free gift of God (Eph 2:8-9, 4:7), but in our Christian life we are given different measures of grace (Psa 84:11, Prov 3:34, Rom 12:6).

(Acts 4:34) Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,

· It appears this fellowship, this "church", had over 5,000 Christians (4:4). It's great to see that both wealthy and needy came to Christ, and were able to join together as brothers, when formerly they may easily have not had any sort of relationship. Some may have even been masters and slaves, and were now brothers.

· They were able to do this because the value of the riches could not compare to the value of knowing Christ and helping others do the same. They had died to self, and died to the world, to live for Christ (Col 2:20, 1 Pet 2:24).

· Those who gave this way did not have to struggle much with their choice. They were willing, even eager, to give this way. Are you eager to give? Do you give cheerfully (2 Cor 9:6-7)? Or is it painful, and you are always second-guessing whether to give? Is it a battle, or do you have freedom?

(Acts 4:35) and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

· "As anyone had need" implies from time to time, as needs arose. This was not a one time occurrence, but an ongoing practice. This was not an event - this was how they lived.

· This, in some cases, was a large amount of money, for people were bringing money from the sale of real estate (4:36, 5:3).

· See note on 2 Cor 8:4 about lending / giving.

(Acts 4:36) And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,

· Here is a specific example of others who had done the same (verse 34). I expect this specific example was listed to contrast it to the giving of Ananias and Sapphira (5:1-11).

· This is the same Barnabas that went with Paul, and had a great influence on the church (Acts 9:27, 12:25) and helped in Paul's missionary labors (13:2).

(Acts 4:37) having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

· Giving should not be done for your glory, and preferably in secret (Matt 6:3-4).

(Acts 5:1) But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.

· See notes in 2 Cor 8:4 and 2 Cor 9:6.

(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.

(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?

· Give without duplicity. Duplicity: the disguising of one's true intentions by deceptive words or action.

· Note that generally there was nothing wrong with only giving half, but it was their lying that was the grievous sin.

· There is no such thing as secret sin. Everything is laid bare before God, the only one you truly have to give an account to (Psa 69:5, Heb 4:13). Are there sins that are unconfessed, that you freely repeat or ignore, that you feel you've gotten away with? This shows what God feels about that. And, grace (4:33) is withheld.

· Ananias either did not pay attention to how God felt about this, or he did not care. When you choose to sin, aren't these the only choices?

(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."

· Giving is an act of worship. What does this mean? Do you agree? Giving is an act of worship, obedience, and love.

· The attitude that we have about giving reveals much about our hearts and our relationship with God, possibly more than few other things can.

· Peter makes it clear this was not Communism - what you had was yours, until you offered to give it to God and the church.

(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.

· If anyone there had second thoughts about how they were going to handle their giving, I bet they didn't after this! If you saw this happen recently, how would this change your approach to giving and worship?

(Acts 5:6) And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

(Acts 5:7) Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.

· God makes it clear she is responsible for her own sin, but yet this also shows the influence of a godly or sinful man as leader of the house.

(Acts 5:8) And Peter answered her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?" She said, "Yes, for so much."

(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."

· I wonder how Peter knew what was going to happen, how God had revealed it to him. Or, if Peter caused it, in the same way they may was healed in Acts 3:6?

(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.

(Acts 5:11) So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

· I imagine this helped some of those present to refocus on doing the right thing, and changing them to refocus their heart to God. Will it do the same for you?

(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.

· See notes on Acts 3:11 regarding Solomon's Porch.

(Acts 5:13) Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.

(Acts 5:14) And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,

(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.

(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.

(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,

· Amazing how Peter was doing countless deeds for people, true miracles, things no other could do, yet the Sadducees did not like what he was doing - probably because it was not they themselves who were doing it. Ah, the challenge we all face to see others being successful in ways we are not, and to be glad for them, and not be envious or jealous. Envy is listed in Rom 1:28-32 as one of the sins that are not fitting and deserving of death.

(Acts 5:18) and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison.

· The Jewish leaders had told Peter (Acts 4:18, 21) not to teach any more in the name of Jesus.

(Acts 5:19) But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,

(Acts 5:20) "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life."

· They were told by the Jewish leaders not to teach about Jesus, and God told them to teach about Jesus. God made it clear to them who they were to listen to, and who had the power to take care of them. If you are ever in a situation where you have to choose between obeying someone or doing what you know God wants you to do, you can be confident that the same God who opened the prison doors can and will work in your life. You simply need to say, as Peter explained, you are to obey God rather than men, when they are in conflict (5:29). I can visualize Martin Luther saying the same.

(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 Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

(Acts 5:22) But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported,

(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!"

(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.

(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!"

(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.

(Acts 5:27) And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them,

(Acts 5:28) saying, "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!"

· The Jewish leaders had told Peter (Acts 4:18, 21) not to teach any more in the name of Jesus.

· They did not like not only the doctrine they were teaching about Jesus, but the guilt laid on them for the death of Jesus.

(Acts 5:29) But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men.

(Acts 5:30) "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.

(Acts 5:31) "Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.

(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."

(Acts 5:33) When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.

(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.

· For info on Gamaliel, see 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.

(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.

(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.

(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;

(Acts 5:39) "but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it; lest you even be found to fight against God."

· What wisdom, what insight Gamaliel had.

(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.

(Acts 5:41) So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

(Acts 5:42) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

· As they said (vs 29), they had to obey God rather than men. So often we weigh the consequences, but it sure seems Peter did not give much mind to it. Oh, how difficult, and oh may we find a way to do the same.

(1 Cor 1:10) Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

· After acknowledging their foundation that will stand forever, to the end, he now begins his reproof.

· Note that he calls them brethren, putting them on the same level, instead of claiming his authority over them. As an apostle he has the authority, but he exhorts in the authority of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. This also is because they have placed him too high in their eyes (verses 12-13).

· Calling them brethren also shows his unity with them, and the unity that they should have.

· His request is that they all say the same thing, that the things they say are in agreement.

· Disunity hinders free worship, and quenches the Spirit (1 Thess 5:19). It is one of Satan's chief means to attack Christianity - from within.

· The reproof must be in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to help avoid it be a selfish thing.

· What is being asked of them? That those in the church be in complete unity, every member, in both attitudes and decisions.

· Unity does not mean uniformity.

· When a disagreement arises, agree that it's okay to disagree, and don't be disagreeable in the disagreement. But, come out of the discussion in agreement, so others don't see disunity. (E.g. a couple once a year spends 4 days of vacation, and the first few hours of each day praying over issues and discussion their personal and family vision, until they come out with the same vision).

· Ways disunity can arise:

- Demanding our "rights"

- Our opinion is right, others is wrong; inflexibility

- Lack of perspective (remember that people are built differently)

· How can we expect to have unity in the church if we don't have unity in the home? A deacon is supposed to be one who "manages his own household well" (1 Tim 3:4).

(Eph 4:3) endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

· Endeavoring - to give diligence to do your best in persistent effort. It combines the ideas of eagerness and zeal.

· "To keep" - the unity has been placed there by the Spirit, i.e. He has given us this unity, that in obedience we are to keep, to guard.

· If we have the unity of the Spirit, we draw the world to belief in Jesus (John 17:21-23). This unity is from the Spirit - it cannot be legislated or produced by an organization. When you are willing to submit to the control of the Holy Spirit in all areas of your life, unity results.

· The peace (from God by faith - Rom 5:1) produced bonds us - we are firmly joined together with strands that cannot be broken (Eccl 4:12).

· Psalm 34:14 says we are to "run after" peace.