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 5:16 mean?

Explanation

Acts 5:16 describes the thriving ministry of the apostles in Jerusalem following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.

The verse indicates a significant gathering of people from nearby towns who brought the sick and those troubled by evil spirits to Jerusalem in the hope of healing.

It emphasizes two critical points: the extent of the apostles' influence beyond Jerusalem, and the universal nature of the healing they offered, as "they were healed every one."

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is situated in the early days of the Christian church, as described in the Acts of the Apostles, attributed to Luke.

The setting is the period shortly after Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.

Jerusalem was the epicenter of the Christian movement, and the apostles continued Jesus' mission.

The city was a melting pot of Jewish beliefs and Roman influence, and it drew people from various regions, especially during religious festivals.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse showcases the continuation of Jesus' work through his disciples, affirming the healing and redemptive authority given to them.

Christian theology sees these events as a confirmation of Jesus' promise that his followers would do works like his and even greater (John 14:12).

This verse also accentuates the compassion of God and His willingness to heal and deliver those who are in need, irrespective of their background.

Practical Applications

In a contemporary setting, this verse can inspire acts of compassion and service towards those in need.

It reminds believers of the transformative power of faith communities and the importance of outreach.

The apostles' example can encourage Christian individuals and churches to be places where people find physical, emotional, and spiritual healing and support.

Cross-References

Matthew 4:24: "And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them."
Mark 16:17-18: "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include:

"Multitude" (πλῆθος - plethos): indicating a large number of people, emphasizing the widespread impact.
"Sick folks" (ἀσθενεῖς - astheneis): referring to those who are physically weak or ill.
"Vexed" (ὀχλούμενοι - ochloumenoi): meaning those who are disturbed or tormented, commonly used in the New Testament for those troubled by evil spirits.
"Unclean spirits" (πνεύματα ἀκάθαρτα - pneumata akatharta): referring to evil spirits, an expression that signifies spiritual impurity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient world, including Greek and Roman cultures, healing was often associated with gods such as Asclepius or rituals in pagan temples.

The healing accounts in Acts 5:16 draw contrasts with these practices, instead attributing healing power to the Christian God through the apostles, without requiring rituals or payment.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science often views reports of miraculous healings with skepticism, favoring natural explanations and the evidence-based approach of medicine.

However, some scientific studies explore the psychological and physiological effects of faith and prayer on wellness, acknowledging that religious beliefs and community support can positively influence health.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer varied explanations for the Acts 5:16 narrative.

Some, like Matthew Henry, view it as a testament to the divine legitimacy of the apostolic mission, while others examine the socio-cultural implications of such gatherings.

Nearly all commentaries agree on the verse's demonstration of the disciples' newfound authority in the early Christian community and its impact on spreading the Christian faith.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:16 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 5:16 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?