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 5:14 mean?

Explanation

Acts 5:14 speaks of the rapid growth of the early Christian community in Jerusalem following the establishment of the Church at Pentecost.

The verse states that many came to believe in the Lord and joined the believers, with a noticeable emphasis on both genders being represented in this new following. The reference to "multitudes" indicates not just a few individuals but a large number of conversions.

While the verse acknowledges numerical growth, there is also a deeper meaning, suggesting that the community was growing in spiritual depth and commitment as well.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 5:14 is part of the Book of Acts in the New Testament, traditionally attributed to Luke the Evangelist.

The Book of Acts details the early history of the Christian church immediately following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.

Acts 5 falls within a section of the text that describes the communal life of the first believers, their confrontations with Jewish authorities, and the various signs and wonders performed by the apostles.

The time frame is around 30-33 AD, and the verse reflects the powerful impact that the apostolic ministry was having on the people of Jerusalem despite the opposition and persecution from the Sanhedrin and other Jewish leaders.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Acts 5:14 can represent the irresistible power of the Holy Spirit moving through the early church.

It supports the view that the gospel possesses the inherent power to draw people to faith and create a transformative community.

This passage is also seen as a fulfillment of Jesus' Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), which mandates the disciples to make new disciples of all nations.

Moreover, it emphasizes that salvation and membership in the Christian community are open to all, irrespective of gender.

Practical Applications

Applying Acts 5:14 to daily life involves recognizing the importance of evangelism and community in the Christian experience. It encourages believers to participate actively in spreading their faith and to embrace inclusivity within their congregations.

Moreover, it compels Christians to consider the impact their collective witness can have on society, especially when accompanied by genuine acts of faith and integrity.

Cross-References

Acts 2:41 – "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
Acts 4:4 – "Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand."
Acts 6:7 – "And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "added" is "προσετίθεντο" (prosetithento), which means "were added" or "were joined." This is a passive verb form, indicating that the action was received by the believers, something was happening to them, likely implying that God was the one doing the adding.

The word for "believers" is "πιστεύοντες" (pisteuontes), which denotes those who are trusting in or having faith in the Lord.

"Multitudes" is translated from "ὄχλοι" (ochloi), signifying large crowds or throngs of people. These language elements highlight both the divine initiative and the collective human response in the growth of the early church.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader Greco-Roman world, religious movements and philosophical schools often competed for adherents, and a group's size could be seen as an indicator of its success or truth.

In Jewish tradition, the gathering of Israel and inclusion of the Gentiles were themes present in the prophetic literature.

Acts 5:14 echoes these broader cultural and religious themes but applies them within a new covenant context where belief in Jesus Christ is the defining factor for inclusion.

Scientific Perspectives

Empirical data in sociology and anthropology have demonstrated patterns in how religious movements grow and gain followers.

While scientific perspectives would not confirm the spiritual reasons for the church's growth described in Acts 5:14, they might analyze the social dynamics, community cohesion, and appeal of the Christian message that could have contributed to the early church's expansion.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentaries reflect on Acts 5:14 as an indication of the Holy Spirit’s work in the early church.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes that the addition of believers was a result of the apostles' steadfastness in doctrine and miracles despite persecution.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary highlights that the church's growth, even as it faced opposition, showcases the power of conviction and the appeal of the early Christian community's lifestyle.

John Calvin comments on the significance of both men and women being part of this new fellowship as evidence of the inclusivity of the gospel message.

These commentaries generally underscore the verse's demonstration of the church's divine blessing and ability to thrive against all odds.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:14 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 5:14 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?