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 5:35 mean?

Explanation

This verse from the Book of Acts captures a pivotal moment during the early days of the Christian church.

The "men of Israel" mentioned are members of the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish council and court at the time.

The "these men" referenced are the apostles, who were actively preaching about Jesus Christ and his resurrection, leading to their arrest.

The speaker of the quoted text is Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, known for his wisdom.

He advises the council to consider carefully their actions regarding the apostles.

The underlying message is one of caution against hastily persecuting individuals whose actions may ultimately be aligned with divine will.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, attributed to Luke, chronicles the early Christian community following the ascension of Jesus.

It focuses particularly on the spread of the gospel and the challenges faced by the apostles.

During the time of Acts chapter 5, Jews were under Roman rule, and the Sanhedrin was granted limited authority over Jewish religious matters.

However, the spread of Christianity was seen as a threat to both Jewish traditions and Roman imperial stability.

This verse is part of the larger narrative of the apostles’ arrest for preaching about Jesus, reflecting the tensions between the nascent Christian movement and established religious authorities.

Theological Insights

In this verse, Gamaliel appears to advocate for a position of theological prudence.

From a Christian viewpoint, his advice resonates with the belief in God’s sovereignty, that if a movement is of human origin, it will fail, but if it's from God, it can't be stopped and opposing it would be tantamount to opposing God.

This reflects a concept of divine providence, where earthly actions are within the purview of divine will.

From a Jewish perspective, Gamaliel's caution might be viewed as maintaining the integrity and purity of Jewish law, ensuring that any judgment passed is just and in accordance with God’s law.

Practical Applications

The advice Gamaliel gives suggests a principle applicable beyond the specifics of the historical situation: the importance of deliberation before action.

It encourages individuals to consider the consequences and implications of their reactions, especially in matters of justice and faith.

It reminds the faithful to be patient and discerning to understand if events are moving according to a divine plan.

Moreover, it warns against the dangers of rash decisions made in fear or opposition to change.

Cross-References

Related verses include:

Proverbs 14:15: "The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going."
Proverbs 16:9: "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps."
Acts 5:38-39: "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."

Language Study

The word "take heed" in the Greek is προσέχετε (prosechete), which carries the idea of "paying attention" or "being cautious." The original language emphasizes the act of careful consideration and vigilance.

The term "intend" (βουλεσθε - boulesthe) suggests a deliberate will or purpose, signifying the council's conscious decision-making in dealing with the apostles.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this with other ancient texts, one may look at stoic philosophy where careful deliberation and logic were highly esteemed.

In several religious traditions, wise and measured decision-making is a virtue.

For instance, Buddhism emphasizes mindfulness and careful thought to avoid harm.

Similarly, religious leaders in other traditions often counselled their followers to deliberate on significant decisions, demonstrating a common value across cultures for wisdom and restraint.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific inquiries, it can be connected to modern understandings of decision-making and social behavior.

Psychology, for instance, studies how beliefs and social pressures can influence group decisions.

It also shows that caution and open-mindedness, as suggested by Gamaliel, can lead to better outcomes in problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars have generally viewed Gamaliel's intervention as an example of moderation and wisdom.

Many see his speech as establishing a precedent for tolerance and suggest that it displays sagacity by proposing a 'wait and see' approach to new religious movements. His words are reminiscent of other Jewish literature that praises discernment and patience.

Furthermore, many Christian interpretations view Gamaliel’s advice as prophetic, acknowledging the unstoppable growth of Christianity as having divine endorsement.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:35 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 5:35 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?