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 5:17 mean?

Explanation

Acts 5:17 describes a moment of intense emotional response from the high priest and the members of the Sadducees, a Jewish sect.

The verse portrays their reaction to the Apostles' activities, specifically their successful ministry and the attendant signs and wonders.

The high priest, who is not named but was likely Caiaphas, and his associates become "filled with indignation" or jealousy.

This reaction leads to subsequent actions against the Apostles, who were spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ and gaining a following that threatened the religious status quo.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts chapter 5 is set during a period shortly after Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension into heaven.

The early Christian community in Jerusalem is rapidly growing, and the Apostles are actively spreading the gospel.

During this time, the high priest held significant religious authority, and the Sadducees were a prominent Jewish sect.

Unlike the Pharisees, the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead and held only to the written Law of Moses.

They were also connected to the temple's operations and aristocracy.

The Apostles' teachings, which centered around the resurrection of Jesus, would have been particularly threatening to Sadducean doctrine and authority.

Theological Insights

The verse reflects various theological themes, such as the conflict between the new Christian movement and established Jewish religious authority.

From a Christian perspective, it demonstrates the inevitable opposition faced by those proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. Also, the Sadducees' response can be seen as a fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies about the persecution his followers would face.

Theologically, the incident can be interpreted as a manifestation of spiritual conflict, with the reaction of the Sadducees representing resistance to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Applications

One practical application of this verse is the understanding that new movements and ideas, especially those concerning faith, can often face resistance from established institutions.

It also encourages individuals to be steadfast in their convictions, despite opposition.

Further, this verse can serve as a reminder that jealousy and fear of losing influence can lead to irrational actions, which can be a caution for both religious and secular leaders.

Cross-References

John 11:48: "If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation."
Matthew 10:17: "But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;"

Language Study

The word "indignation" in Acts 5:17 comes from the Greek "zelos," which can be translated to "zeal," "jealousy," or "envy." This reflects a deep emotional response that is rooted not only in anger but also in a protective or envious disposition regarding one's status or beliefs.

This word indicates an intense reaction to the Apostles' success and is pivotal in understanding the motivations of the high priest and the Sadducees.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The high priest and Sadducees' opposition to the early Christian movement resembles other religious leaderships' reactions to new prophets or doctrines in various other cultures and religions.

An example is the Roman response to the rise of Christianity or Buddhist leaders' initial skepticism towards new interpretations of Buddhist doctrines.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology might interpret the high priest and Sadducees' reaction as an example of cognitive dissonance, where individuals experience psychological stress upon encountering new information that contradicts their beliefs.

Their subsequent actions could also be viewed through the lens of group behavior, where the threat to status quo leads to a collective aggressive defense mechanism.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators interpret Acts 5:17 as an example of the early challenges faced by the Christian church.

They note the irony in the Sadducees' reaction, as their zeal for maintaining their authority led to actions that only furthered the spread of Christianity.

As the Gospels conveyed, they see this persecution as paradoxically being a catalyst for the church's growth, reflecting the power of the Apostolic message and the unstoppable nature of the movement even in the face of determined opposition.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:17 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 5:17 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?