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 5:42 mean?

Explanation

Acts 5:42 speaks to the relentless commitment of the apostles in the early Christian church to spread the message of Jesus Christ.

This verse highlights their unwavering determination to share the gospel despite experiencing persecution.

The verse implies that the apostles were engaging in teaching and proclaiming Christ's message not only in a formal setting, such as the temple, but also informally, from house to house.

It suggests a comprehensive and systematic effort to teach the Christian message no matter the environment or circumstances.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is set in the context of the early Church in Jerusalem after the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven.

During this time, the apostles were actively spreading Jesus' teachings, often facing opposition from the religious authorities of the day, mainly the Jewish Sanhedrin.

These authorities had already attempted to silence the apostles, fearing the growing influence of the Jesus movement.

The book of Acts, authored by Luke, is primarily a historical account detailing the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to Rome. Acts 5:42 is at the end of a chapter that includes the apostles performing miracles, being arrested, and later released by an angel.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is about perseverance and faithfulness in the mission given by Christ to His followers. It reflects the early Christians' obedience to Jesus' Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, to make disciples of all nations.

The verse underscores the idea of evangelism as a core activity of the faith and the belief in the transformative power of the message they were sharing. This acts as an inspiration to modern believers about the importance and priority of teaching and spreading the Christian faith.

Practical Applications

The practical application of Acts 5:42 is an encouragement for individuals to be unwavering in their dedication to their convictions, especially in the face of adversity.

Christians may find inspiration in this verse to consistently and courageously share their faith with others, both in formal settings and in casual, everyday interactions. It also points to the effectiveness of personal, relational outreach alongside corporate or public evangelism.

Cross-References

Acts 2:46-47: "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,"
Acts 20:20: "And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,"
Matthew 28:19-20: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse warrant examination:

"Daily" (καθ' ἡμέραν, kath' hēmeran): indicates a persistent, day-by-day activity.
"Ceased not" (οὐκ ἐπαύσαντο, ouk epausanto): a strong double negative implying a continuous action, without stopping.
"Teach" (διδάσκειν, didaskein): means to instruct or impart knowledge or beliefs.
"Preach" (εὐαγγελίζεσθαι, euangelizesthai): comes from the word for gospel (εὐαγγέλιον, euangelion) and means to announce or bring good news, specifically about Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse, while uniquely Christian in its context, can be compared to other ancient practices where religious teachings were spread from place to place, such as the itinerant philosophers of Greece or the rabbis among the Jewish diaspora.

Similarly, other religious traditions emphasize the importance of a mission or duty to spread their message, such as the Islamic concept of dawah, or the Buddhist practice of dispensing the dharma.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the dedication to a cause and community cohesion demonstrated in this verse could be analyzed in terms of social psychology, examining how shared beliefs and common goals contribute to group solidarity and individual resilience.

Additionally, the extensive teaching from house to house has societal implications, showing the early social spread of ideas, akin to modern understanding of meme theory and the dissemination of information.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have provided various interpretations of Acts 5:42.

John Stott, in his commentary 'The Message of Acts', emphasizes the apostles' braveness and public witness.

Matthew Henry's commentary acknowledges the zeal and diligence of the apostles in fulfilling their mission.

F.F.

Bruce, in his work 'The Book of the Acts', discusses the strategic importance of both public and private evangelism for the early church.

These experts recognize the commitment of the apostles to their calling, their systematic approach to teaching, and the rapid growth of the early Christian community as a direct result of their efforts.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:42 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 5:42 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?