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 5:25 mean?

Explanation

Acts 5:25 recounts a moment of astonishment and tension in the early Christian community. The apostles, who had been preaching about Jesus and performing miracles, were previously arrested by the high priest and the Sadducees and put in public prison.

However, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and instructed them to continue preaching at the temple.

The verse presents a scenario where a messenger arrives to report to the Jewish authorities that, contrary to their efforts to suppress the apostles’ activities, they are once again publicly teaching in the temple.

This verse is pivotal as it demonstrates the apostles' obedience to God's command rather than human authority, their commitment to their divine mission, and God's intervention on their behalf.

The phrase "standing in the temple and teaching the people" emphasizes the apostles' boldness and resilience in the face of opposition.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, authored by Luke, provides an account of the early Christian church and its expansion.

Acts 5:25 falls within a narrative describing the conflict between the apostolic community and the Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem.

The Temple was the center of Jewish religious life, and teaching within its precincts implied a certain legitimacy and authority.

The actions of the apostles would have been seen as directly challenging the authority of the Sadducees, the religious party which controlled the temple at the time and largely denied the supernatural aspects of religion such as resurrection, which the apostles were proclaiming.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Acts 5:25 reflects several key beliefs:

Divine Providence: It suggests that God actively intercedes for His servants, as seen in the angelic deliverance from prison.
Authority of God over human institutions: The apostles prioritized God’s command over human orders, highlighting a central Christian tenet that God's authority surpasses all others.
The invincibility of God's mission: Despite opposition, the Gospel cannot be stopped, as evidenced by the apostles' continuing their ministry even after being detained.

Different denominations may focus on various aspects of this theology. For some, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit is a focus, while others may concentrate on the adherence to divine law over human law.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can inspire contemporary believers in several ways:

Courage in Witness: Emulate the apostles' boldness in sharing their faith, even in the face of adversity.
Obedience to God: Prioritize divine guidance and commands when they come into conflict with societal pressures or laws.
Trust in Divine Support: Have faith that God will support and provide in the fulfillment of His work.
Advocacy for Justice: In the face of injustice, the actions of the apostles serve as a model for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience.

Cross-References

Acts 5:18-20: “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.”

Acts 4:19-20: “But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

Daniel 3:16-18: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego exhibit similar obedience to God over human authority.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words to study include:

"ἱστήκεισαν" (histēkeisan): Translated "standing," which in this context denotes a posture of readiness and boldness.
"διδάσκοντες" (didaskontes): Translated as "teaching," indicating the apostles were actively instructing the people.

This emphasizes the ongoing nature of their ministry.

"δῆμον" (dēmon): Translated as "people," refers to the general populace, signifying that the apostles’ message was meant for all.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Acts 5:25 can be compared with the defiance seen in other religious and mythological narratives where individuals defy human authority to obey a higher moral or divine law.

For example, in the Roman myth of Antigone, she defies the king's orders to perform the burial rites for her brother, justifying her actions by claiming allegiance to divine law over human decrees.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings as it discusses supernatural events (angelic intervention) and matters of faith.

However, one might explore the psychological aspects of courage and conviction, looking at what drives individuals to stand firmly for their beliefs despite potential consequences.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse note the unexpected and miraculous element of the apostles’ release and return to teaching.

For example:

Matthew Henry Commentary elaborates on the steadfastness of the apostles in their divine commission, despite human efforts to restrain them.
The Expositor's Greek Testament discusses the significance of the apostles being back in public immediately after their miraculous release, underscoring the visibility of their testimony to the resurrection of Christ.
John Gill's Exposition of the Bible reflects on the sovereignty of God in protecting and directing His servants for the purpose of spreading the Gospel.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:25 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 5:25 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?