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 5:29 mean?

Explanation

Acts 5:29 captures a pivotal moment when the apostles, led by Peter, openly defy the Jewish authorities' command to stop teaching in the name of Jesus.

The verse encapsulates a fundamental principle of Christian faith: the supremacy of divine authority over human authority.

Literally, the apostles are asserting that their obedience to God takes precedence over following the directives of the ruling powers.

Figuratively, this verse underscores a moral and spiritual obligation that believers are called to honor God’s commandments even when they are in conflict with societal or legal demands.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 5:29 is situated within the narrative of the early Christian Church as described in the Acts of the Apostles, a book in the New Testament thought to be written by Luke, the companion of Paul.

This particular verse is part of the account of the apostles being brought before the Sanhedrin, the ruling Jewish council of the time, for their persistent preaching about Jesus Christ after his crucifixion and resurrection.

The early Church faced opposition from Jewish religious leaders who felt threatened by the growing following of Jesus' disciples and the challenge they posed to the existing religious order.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 5:29 serves as a testament to divine authority.

It reflects the Christian belief in God as the highest power, above all human systems of governance and law.

In Catholicism, this verse may be interpreted as a support for the idea of a "hierarchy of truths" with God's truth at the pinnacle.

For Protestants, especially those subscribing to Sola Scriptura, it reiterates the Bible as the ultimate authority.

In contrast, other theological traditions may view the verse as a call to conscientious objection, resisting civil law if it conflicts with moral or divine law.

Practical Applications

Acts 5:29 provides a framework for civil disobedience within a Christian context.

It suggests that when secular laws conflict with divine commandments, Christians must choose to follow God.

This could relate to issues such as conscientious objection to military service, civil rights activism, or advocating for social justice.

On a more personal level, it urges individuals to prioritize their faith commitments when making decisions that pit societal expectations against their spiritual convictions.

Cross-References

Daniel 3:16-18 - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship the golden image, choosing to obey God rather than the king.
Exodus 1:17 - The Hebrew midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive.
Acts 4:19-20 - Peter and John state that they cannot help speaking about what they have seen and heard, despite being commanded not to preach Christ.
Romans 13:1-2 - Paul writes about being subject to government authorities, which raises interesting tensions with Acts 5:29 when the authorities' orders conflict with God’s law.

Language Study

The Greek word translated as "ought" (δεῖ dei) implies a binding necessity or obligation. It indicates that the action is not merely preferable but morally or legally required.

The phrase "obey God rather than men" contrasts the divine (θεόν theon) with the human (ἀνθρώπων anthrōpōn), emphasizing the superiority of divine commands over human decrees.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The sentiment expressed in Acts 5:29 echoes the steadfastness seen in other religious and cultural texts.

For instance, in the Jewish tradition, the story of Daniel shows similar dedication to God over earthly rulers.

In various other cultures, tales of civil disobedience for the sake of a higher moral or spiritual law can be found, such as in ancient Greek myths where characters defy the gods for noble reasons, or in Hindu scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita where duty to divine law is essential.

Scientific Perspectives

Acts 5:29 does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, as it deals primarily with ethical and theological concepts.

However, the implications of obeying conscience over civil law can lead to discussions about the psychology of moral decision-making and cognitive dissonance experienced when one's beliefs are at odds with societal norms.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered various interpretations of Acts 5:29.

John Calvin commented on the necessity of obeying God when human decrees are contrary to divine law.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the boldness of the apostles in the face of the Sanhedrin's authority and suggests that God's authority is to be obeyed without question.

Modern commentaries often explore the implications of this verse in the context of religious freedom and the role of Christians in society.

These perspectives underscore the enduring relevance of the apostles' declaration and its impact on Christian ethics and theology.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:29 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 5:29 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?