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 5:31 mean?

Explanation

Acts 5:31 speaks about Jesus Christ and his exalted position as given by God.

The verse proclaims Christ as both "Prince" and "Saviour," which are titles emphasizing authority and deliverance.

Being "exalted with his right hand" signifies a position of power and honor that God has bestowed on Jesus.

The purpose of this exaltation is so that Jesus might offer "repentance to Israel," which is a turning away from sin, and "forgiveness of sins," which is the removal of the guilt and penalty of sin.

This stresses the religious focus on Jesus' role in salvation history according to Christian belief.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is from the book of Acts in the New Testament, which was written by Luke, the same author of the Gospel according to Luke.

Acts is a continuation of Luke’s Gospel and tells the story of the early church and the spread of the Gospel following Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension.

Acts 5:31 occurs during a scene where the apostles are being questioned by the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, for preaching about Jesus in Jerusalem.

The verse reflects the tension between the nascent Christian movement and the Jewish religious authorities of the time.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse has been interpreted to demonstrate Jesus' divine authority and his role as the agent of God's plan of salvation.

The title "Prince" suggests sovereignty, leadership, and the power to rule.

In the context of the New Testament, it indicates Jesus' authority over life and death, symbolizing his messianic role.

As "Saviour," Jesus is seen as the one who delivers from sin.

The verse emphasizes that repentance and forgiveness are offered specifically to Israel, highlighting the belief that Jesus' mission was first to the Jewish people.

The concept of repentance is central to Christian theology; it implies a conscious decision to turn away from sin and towards God.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Acts 5:31 are manifold.

For believers, it is a reminder of the importance of repentance in the Christian life, indicating that turning away from sin is not only a one-time event but a continuous process.

It also serves as encouragement that forgiveness is available through Jesus, which can lead to a sense of liberation and peace.

Moreover, the verse teaches about humility and the recognition of Jesus' authority, which can influence how believers live their lives, interact with others, and spread their faith.

Cross-References

Acts 2:38 - "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Luke 24:47 - "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."
Hebrews 2:9 - "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, "exalted" is from the word "hypsosen," implying lifting up or elevating to a high status.

The term "right hand" (δεξιᾷ dexia) often symbolizes a place of favor and strength.

The word "Prince" (ἀρχηγόν archēgon) can be translated as leader, author, or pioneer, and "Saviour" (σωτῆρα sōtēra) refers to one who saves or delivers.

"Repentance" (μετάνοιαν metanoian) signifies a change of mind or direction, and "forgiveness" (ἄφεσιν afesin) implies a release from bondage or imprisonment, in this context, the liberation from the consequences of sin.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In numerous ancient cultures, exalted heroes or demigods often played significant roles as intermediaries between gods and humans or as saviors of humankind.

For example, in Greek mythology, figures like Hercules had godly attributes and performed extraordinary feats.

In Judaism, prophetic figures like Moses and David were seen as leaders chosen by God to guide and save Israel.

Compared to these, the Christian concept of Jesus as Prince and Saviour is unique in its focus on spiritual salvation rather than physical or political deliverance.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, as it deals primarily with spiritual and theological concepts.

However, the study of forgiveness and its effects on mental health is a subject of scientific interest.

Psychological research has shown that forgiveness can lead to benefits such as reduced stress and improved emotional well-being, aligning in some ways with the verse's presentation of forgiveness as a liberating force.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentators offer different perspectives on Acts 5:31.

For instance, Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the grace of Christ in his roles as Prince and Saviour, noting the importance of his exaltation in God's right hand as signifying the power and authority given to Christ.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible discusses the significance of Jesus being the author of spiritual life and that repentance is a gift he grants.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary highlights the apostolic witness to the resurrection and the transformative power of the gospel message in Acts.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:31 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 5:31 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?