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 5:26 mean?

Explanation

Acts 5:26 discusses an event where the captain of the temple guard, along with his officers, went to arrest the apostles.

The apostles had been teaching the people in the temple about Jesus Christ, despite being previously ordered not to do so by the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of Jewish leaders.

The verse emphasizes that the captain and officers arrested the apostles "without violence" because they were concerned about the reaction of the crowd.

They feared being stoned if they treated the apostles harshly, as stoning was a common form of execution for blasphemy or significant wrongdoing in Jewish law.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, written by Luke, is a historical account detailing the spread of Christianity in the early days after Christ's resurrection and ascension.

The historical context of this verse is set in Jerusalem shortly after the Pentecost.

At this time, the early Christian church was rapidly expanding, and its leaders, including the apostles, were performing miracles and preaching about Jesus.

Such activities were causing concern and anger among the Jewish religious authorities, as they perceived them as a challenge to their authority and a deviation from traditional Jewish beliefs.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse can be interpreted in several ways.

From a Christian perspective, it demonstrates the power and favor of God on the apostles, as they were protected from harm despite the opposition. It also illustrates the fear and respect that the people had for the apostles based on the works they performed and the truth they preached.

From a Jewish perspective at the time, the apostles were seen as a dangerous sect disrupting social order, thus necessitating intervention by the temple guard.

However, their respect for the public opinion and fear of violent backlash shows a practical side to their theology, indicating a concern for self-preservation.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, practical applications from this verse could involve the importance of peaceful actions, the consideration of public opinion in leadership decisions, and the consequences of fear on decision-making.

It reminds individuals in leadership and authority to balance law enforcement with compassion and to recognize the power of collective sentiment.

Cross-References

Acts 4:21: "So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done."
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 21:26: "But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text include:

"Captain" (στρατηγὸς, stratēgos): A military term referring to a commander or leader, giving this event a tone of authority and law enforcement.
"Officers" (ὑπηρέται, hypēretai): This term is often used for attendants or assistants, suggesting that these were subordinates to the captain.
"Without violence" (ἄκρατος, akratos): This indicates that the approach was gentle or without force.

The word can imply self-control.

"Feared" (φοβέομαι, phobeomai): This verb reveals an emotional response of fear or apprehension, indicating a concern for potential harm.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this verse to other ancient texts, we see a tension between religious authority and popular opinion that is common across cultures.

For example, in ancient Egypt, the pharaohs were considered divine, but still had to consider the views of the priests and the people.

Similarly, Greco-Roman mythology often depicted gods as being mindful of human belief and sentiment.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with modern science, sociological research has demonstrated the impact of crowd psychology and mass sentiment on human behavior.

Fear of popular reaction can heavily influence how authorities handle various situations, which is consistent with the actions described in Acts 5:26.

Commentaries

Commentators like Matthew Henry have noted that the apostles were treated with a measure of respect despite their defiance, indicating a degree of recognition for their influence among the people.

Others, like John Calvin, have reflected on the divine protection over the apostles, suggesting that their peaceful arrest was a sign of God's hand at work.

Theologian Adam Clarke emphasized the fear that the Jewish leaders had of the people's opinion, showing their awareness of the fragile balance of power and public sentiment.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:26 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 5:26 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?