Acts 5

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

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.

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?

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.

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

And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

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

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

Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

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.

And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

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 of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

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

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

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,

And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought.

But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,

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.

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.

Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

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.

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

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

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.

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

When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

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;

And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

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.

After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

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:

But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

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

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

What does Acts 5:13 mean?

Explanation

Acts 5:13 describes a situation in the early Christian community where, despite the great reverence and respect the apostles commanded among the people, there was an apprehension about joining them.

This verse occurs in the context of a narrative about the early Church growing in number and the apostles performing many signs and wonders among the people.

The phrase "And of the rest durst no man join himself to them" implies that although the broader community esteemed the apostles, there was a fear or hesitation about closely associating with them, possibly due to the potential for persecution or the awe-inspiring power that the apostles demonstrated.

However, the latter part of the verse, "but the people magnified them," indicates that despite their fear, the general public held the apostles in high regard and praised them for their works.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is situated in the New Testament's Book of Acts, which details the formation and growth of the early Christian Church after the ascension of Jesus Christ.

Acts 5:13 is part of a larger narrative that includes the account of Ananias and Sapphira, a husband and wife who lied about their donation to the community and were struck dead as a consequence.

This event likely contributed to the fear and caution surrounding the apostles.

During this time, the early Church was subject to suspicion and persecution by religious authorities and was operating in a context where religious adherence had significant social implications.

Theological Insights

Theological interpretations of Acts 5:13 can differ among denominations and scholars.

Some see this passage as a testament to the holiness of the early Christian community, suggesting that the fear of joining the apostles was a sign of reverence for the presence of God's power among them.

Others may view this as an indication of the clear distinction that was to be made between true followers of Christ and those who were insincere, as exemplified by the story of Ananias and Sapphira just prior to this verse.

Practical Applications

Acts 5:13 can serve as a reminder of the importance of approaching one's faith community with sincerity and reverence.

It can also encourage individuals to be mindful of their motivations when seeking to join a faith-based group and the importance of holding religious leaders in esteem while also understanding the responsibilities and risks that may accompany such associations.

Cross-References

Acts 2:43 – "And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles."
Acts 4:31 – "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness."
Acts 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."

Language Study

The key words in Acts 5:13 from the original Greek include:

"durst" (translated from "ἐτόλμα" etolma): to dare, be bold enough.
"join" (translated from "κολλάω" kollao): to adhere, cleave, join or glue to.
"magnified" (translated from "μεγαλύνω" megaluno): to magnify, exalt, or esteem highly.

The language choice emphasizes the boldness that would be required to join the apostles, suggesting an extraordinary commitment, and contrasts it with the esteem that the community at large had for them.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be made to other ancient religious groups that were held in high regard yet feared by the general population, such as the Vestal Virgins in Roman religion or the reverence and fear of prophets in various ancient cultures.

Such individuals or groups often commanded respect due to their perceived closeness to the divine, and with that respect came a degree of separation or otherness.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology may offer insights into the group dynamics at play in this verse.

The concept of social proof, where people copy the actions of others in an attempt to undertake behavior in a given situation, may apply to the manner in which the general populace viewed the apostles.

The fear and magnification could be seen as a response to the social and psychological influences at the time, where the apostles' actions and the consequent reactions of Ananias and Sapphira created a powerful group influence that discouraged casual affiliation.

Commentaries

Commentators provide various interpretations of Acts 5:13:

John Calvin emphasizes the legitimacy and purity of the church as the reason for the fear of joining the apostles, suggesting that only those who were truly serious about their commitment would do so.
Matthew Henry views this hesitation as a divine strategy to keep the church pure from hypocrites, especially after the incident with Ananias and Sapphira.
The Pulpit Commentary notes that the fear was not only a result of the judgment on Ananias and Sapphira but also the awe inspired by the miraculous signs and wonders performed by the apostles.
William Barclay mentions the dichotomy of the early Church's appeal and the fear of association owing to the seriousness of the commitment required and the potential persecution faced by Christians.

These commentaries all speak to the complexity of the early Christian community, where divine power, communal integrity, and the cost of discipleship were prominent issues.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:13 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 5:13 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?