And whatever is our station or rank in life, we should seek to make Him known, and to glorify his name. Acts 5 King James Version (KJV). 35-39. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (2) And kept back part of the price. . The power which accompanied the preaching of the gospel. (Acts 5:17-21a RSV) For some reason most of us know of the event which occurs a little later in the book of Acts, about Peter being released after being put in prison. Then stood up . Serious Joy, Cultural Conflict, and Christian Humility Thoughts on Christian Education. . . on beds and couches--The words denote the softer couches of the rich and the meaner cribs of the poor [BENGEL]. These words of life, which the Holy Ghost puts into your mouth. . In the church, there are two kinds of people, and it’s nearly impossible to distinguish them from the … Scripture: Acts 5:40–41. And this punishment was in reality mercy to vast numbers. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. Ananias" Jewish name, Hananiah, means "Yahweh is gracious," … 20. all the words of this life--beautiful expression for that Life in the Risen One which was the burden of their preaching! shut . 5. 5. He died eighteen years before the destruction of Jerusalem [LIGHTFOOT]. This reminds me of the command I … John Piper Dec 8, 2019 3.1K Shares Message. In every thriving Christian community such volunteers may be expected, and will be found eminently useful. Wherever repentance is wrought, remission is granted without fail. III. 3 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? 15. into the streets--"in every street." Salem Media Group. John Piper Jan 19, 2020 6.8K Shares God is most glorified in us 11. And see John 13:2 John 13:27 . Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. It does not appear whether Peter designed or expected this event to follow upon what he said, though it seems probable, from the sentence he denounced on Sapphira, (Acts 5:9,) that he did. . 40-42. beaten them--for disobeying their orders (compare Luke 23:16 ). . 2. kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it--The coolness with which they planned the deception aggravated the guilt of this couple. This chapter recounts the tragic fall of Ananias and Sapphira ( Acts 5:1-11 ), the continued success and popularity of the apostolic mission ( Acts 5:12-16 ), the renewed opposition of the Sanhedrin with another arraignment of the apostles before them ( Acts 5:17-32 ), the purpose of the Sanhedrin to slay the apostles thwarted by Gamaliel, and the beating of the Twelve by the Jewish authorities ( Acts … . Ananias . feet of them that buried thy husband are at the door--How awfully graphic! They went to the most public place they could (the temple), and as soon as they could (early in the morning). . But individual neutrality is hostility to Christ, as He Himself teaches ( Luke 11:23 ). Acts 5:12-26 . Ananias and Sapphira. not lied to men but God--to men so entirely the instruments of the directing Spirit that the lie was rather told to Him: language clearly implying both the distinct personality and the proper divinity of the Holy Ghost. . Coffman's Commentaries on the BibleActs 5. . James Rosscup: "This work, originally out in 1857, has proved helpful to many, though it is now far out of date as to literature commenting on Acts.For many basic details verse by verse, it still is of good value and often will help … Theudas--not the same with a deceiver of that name whom JOSEPHUS mentions as heading an insurrection some twelve years after this [Antiquities, 20.5.1], but some other of whom he makes no mention. And He will surely destroy those who will not have Him to reign over them. Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much--naming the sum. Acts 5:5-6. might overshadow some of them--Compare Acts 19:12 , Luke 8:46 . Many will do an evil thing with daring, yet cannot bear to hear of it afterward, or to have it charged upon them. . 5:1-11 The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was, that they were ambitious of being thought eminent disciples, when they were not true disciples. Prince and a Saviour--the first word expressing that Royalty which all Israel looked for in Messiah, the second the Saving character of it which they had utterly lost sight of. . No one blessed with material possessions refused to share them with poorer brethren. rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name--"thought worthy by God to be dishonored by man" ( Matthew 5:12 , 1 Peter 4:14 1 Peter 4:16 ) [WEBSTER and WILKINSON]. The giving of the Holy Ghost, is plain evidence that it is the will of God that Christ should be obeyed. While it remained, was it not thine own? However in this case the motive was quite different. to give--dispensing as a "Prince." 41. departed . 4. All rights reserved. . It is likely that Ananias’s own conscience smote him with such horror … Bible Commentary / Produced by TOW Project The deaths of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) are nothing if not frightful and puzzling. 38. if . Let us learn hence how hateful falsehood is to the God of truth, and not only shun a direct lie, but all advantages from the use of doubtful expressions, and double meaning in our speech. This was the preaching that most offended the priests. . Chapter 5. It would cause strict self-examination, prayer, and dread of hypocrisy, covetousness, and vain-glory, and it should still do so. Reproach for Christ is true preferment, as it makes us conformable to his pattern, and serviceable to his interest. In this chapter we have, I. 5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 32, 33. we are his witnesses . Solomon's Porch--(See on Joh 10:23). The words used in the two places are strikingly different. SECOND APPEARANCE AND TESTIMONY BEFORE THE SAMHEDRIM--ITS RAGE CALMED BY GAMALIEL--BEING DISMISSED, THEY DEPART REJOICING, AND CONTINUE THEIR PREACHING. ( Acts 2:37 ). But it ought to be the constant business of gospel ministers to preach Christ: Christ, and him crucified; Christ, and him glorified; nothing beside this, but what has reference to it. Hypocrites may deny themselves, may forego their worldly advantage in one instance, with a prospect of finding their account in something else. Acts 1:8 Commentary; Acts 20:17-27 Commentary; Acts 20:28-38 Commentary; JOSEPH A ALEXANDER Acts Commentary (1857, 1866) (Over 1000 pages!) "But" introduces another sacrificial act that looked just as generous as Barnabas" ( Acts 4:37 ). The sin and punishment of Ananias and Sapphira, who, for lying to the Holy Ghost, were struck dead at the word of Peter, Acts 5:1-11. Commentary on Acts 5:17-25 (Read Acts 5:17-25) There is no prison so dark, so strong, but God can visit his people in it, and, if he pleases, fetch them out. Scripture: Acts 5:40–42. 27, 28. ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine--noble testimony to the success of their preaching, and (for the reason mentioned on Acts 4:4 ) to the truth of their testimony, from reluctant lips! In speaking thus, they seem to betray a disagreeable recollection of their own recent imprecation, His blood be upon us," &c. ( Matthew 27:25 ), and of the traitor's words as he threw down the money, "I have sinned in that I have betrayed innocent blood" ( Matthew 27:4 ). Acts 5:1-5 New International Version (NIV) Ananias and Sapphira. C. The apostles are imprisoned by the Jewish rulers. 37. And Ananias hearing these words Of Peter's; by which he found his sin was detected, and by which he was convicted of it: and which set forth the evil nature of it, with its aggravated circumstances; and such power went along with them, and they cut so deep, as that immediately Stay away (Stand off)(868) is the same verb aphistemi used in Acts 5:37 to describe those who were drawn away to follow Judas of Galilee. Probably among the new Christians a kind of holy rivalry had sprung up, every one eager to place his means at the disposal of the apostles" [OLSHAUSEN]. Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise), Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? 1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. the indwelling Spirit raising them above fear. of men, it will come to naught--This neutral policy was true wisdom, in the then temper of the council. Acts 5:27-42 . The flourishing state of the church, in the power that went along with the preaching of the gospel ( v. 12-16 ). The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was, that they were ambitious of being thought eminent disciples, when they were not true disciples. brought a certain part--pretending it to be the whole proceeds of the sale. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 5:1-11 The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was, that they were ambitious of being thought eminent disciples, when they were not true disciples. . This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless … Verse 5 [5] And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. shadow of Peter . i. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. 5. The sin and punishment of Ananias and Sapphira, who, for lying to the Holy Ghost, were struck dead at the word of Peter ( v. 1-11 ). 34. All Rights Reserved. The words of the gospel are the words of life; words whereby we may be saved. counsel to slay them--How different this feeling and the effect of it from that "pricking of the heart" which drew from the first converts on the day of Pentecost the cry, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" They were covetous of the wealth of the world, and distrustful of God and his providence. (34-42). Acts 5:12-26. "And kept back [part] of the price, his wife also being privy [to it], and brought a certain part, and laid … Hypocrites may deny themselves, may forego their worldly advantage in one instance, with a prospect of finding their account in something else. The apostles did not preach themselves, but Christ. Gamaliel--in all probability one of that name celebrated in the Jewish writings for his wisdom, the son of Simeon (possibly the same who took the infant Saviour in his arms, Luke 2:25-35 ), and grandson of HILLEL, another celebrated rabbi. The advice of Gamaliel, The council let the apostles go. Had Christ been exalted to give dominion to Israel, the chief priests would have welcomed him. How gloriously is Christ here exhibited; not, as in other places, as the Medium, but as the Dispenser of all spiritual blessings! Acts 5:5. © 2020 Christianity.com. And Ananias, hearing these words — While the sound of them was yet in his ears; fell down and gave up the ghost — Εξεψυξε, expired. Such insurrections were frequent. How wretched are those who are vexed at the success of the gospel! 26. without violence, for they feared, &c.--hardened ecclesiastics, all unawed by the miraculous tokens of God's presence with the apostles, and the fear of the mob only before their eyes! . Acts 5 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary by Albert Barnes, a dedicated student of the Bible, continues to be very popular even today. and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?--from which we see how purely voluntary were all these sacrifices for the support of the infant community. Solomon's Porch--(See on Joh 10:23 ). How sad to see those relations who should quicken one another to that which is good, hardening one another in that which is evil! The apostles testify to Christ before the council. no man within--the reverse of the miracle in Acts 16:26 ; a similar contrast to that of the nets at the miraculous draughts of fishes ( Luke 5:6 , John 21:11 ). Faith takes the Saviour in all his offices, who came, not to save us in our sins, but to save us from our sins. The high priest and the Sadducees, being incensed against … 12. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. If we suffer ill for doing well, provided we suffer it well, and as we should, we ought to rejoice in that grace which enabled us so to do. This love was more than a warm feeling. . If they were not sure if God wanted them to continue their public teaching work, the word from the angel at Acts 5:20 made it clear that they were to continue. Commentaries for Acts Chapter 5 Negative Example: Ananias and Sapphira This chilling account of the sudden deaths of Ananias (Hebrew, "the Lord is gracious") and Sapphira (Aramaic, "beautiful") makes us face the fact that God deals with sin, especially church members' deceit and lack of integrity... View the entire commentary But if we think to put a cheat upon God, we shall put a fatal cheat upon our own souls. Thus might the new-born zeal of some outrun their abiding principle, while others might be tempted to seek credit for a liberality which was not in their character. None are freed from the guilt and punishment of sin, but those who are freed from the power and dominion of sin; who are turned from it, and turned against it. Whatever tends to the purity and reputation of the church, promotes its enlargement; but that power alone which wrought such miracles by the apostles, can rescue sinners from the power of sin and Satan, and add believers to His worshippers. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. 33. cut to the heart and took--"were taking." 13-16. of the rest durst no man join himself, &c.--Of the unconverted none ventured, after what … before the doors, but . 12. Acts 5 - In-depth verse-by-verse Bible study and commentary of Acts chapter 5 in plain English. great fear came on all that heard these things--on those without the Christian circle; who, instead of disparaging the followers of the Lord Jesus, as they might otherwise have done on the discovery of such hypocrisy, were awed at the manifest presence of Divinity among them, and the mysterious power of throwing off such corrupt matter which rested upon the young Church. The death of Ananias and Sapphira. . . . Recoveries from sickness, releases out of trouble, are granted, not that we may enjoy the comforts of life, but that God may be honoured with the services of our life. "The first trace of a shade upon the bright form of the young Church. Each of these features in our Lord's work enters into the other, and both make one glorious whole (compare Acts 3:15 , Hebrews 2:10 ). Christ will work by all his faithful servants; and every one who applies to him shall be healed. 7-11. 31. Christ gives repentance, by his Spirit working with the word, to awaken the conscience, to work sorrow for sin, and an effectual change in the heart and life. They must preach to the lowest, whose souls are as precious to Christ as the souls of the greatest. But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property; 2 with his wife’s knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds, and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. and the Holy Ghost--They as competent human witnesses to facts, and the Holy Ghost as attesting them by undeniable miracles. The Spirit of God in Peter discerned the principle of unbelief reigning in the heart of Ananias. The falsehood was an attempt to deceive the Spirit of truth, who so manifestly spoke and acted by the apostles. called . And great fear came upon all the church, &c.--This effect on the Christian community itself was the chief design of so startling a judgment; which had its counterpart, as the sin itself had, in Achan ( Joshua 7:1-26 ), while the time--at the commencement of a new career--was similar. Now the predicted greatness of Peter ( Matthew 16:18 ), as the directing spirit of the early Church, was at its height. Speak as those who resolve to stand to it, to live and die by it. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The money was his own, to give the whole or part (Acts 5:4). It is not for the preachers of Christ's gospel to retire into corners, as long as they can have any opportunity of preaching in the great congregation. 28. intend to bring this man's blood upon us--They avoid naming Him whom Peter gloried in holding up [BENGEL]. —The mere act of keeping back would not in itself have been sinful. 24-26. they doubted--"were in perplexity.". 17-23. sect of the Sadducees--See on Ac 4:1 for the reason why this is specified. ceased not to preach Jesus Christ--that is, Jesus (to be the) Christ. . . And look, you have filled Jerusalem with … The death of Ananias and Sapphira. (Act 5:27-28) The accusation against the apostles. 42. in every house--in private. Jan 19, 2020. to tempt the Spirit--try whether they could escape detection by that omniscient Spirit of whose supernatural presence with the apostles they had had such full evidence. Common sense tells us to be cautious, while experience and observation show that the success of frauds in matters of religion has been very short. Here is a Bible study, commentary, and summary of Acts chapter five. 10. buried her by her husband--The later Jews buried before sunset of the day of death. to lie to the Holy Ghost--to men under His supernatural illumination. (26-33) The advice of Gamaliel, The council let the apostles go. gave up the ghost . . They thought they might serve both God and mammon. They thought to deceive the apostles. Chapter 5. The apostles work many miracles, and the Church of God is increased, Acts 5:12-16. THE PROGRESS OF THE NEW CAUSE LEADS TO THE ARREST OF THE APOSTLES--THEY ARE MIRACULOUSLY DELIVERED FROM PRISON, RESUME THEIR TEACHING, BUT ALLOW THEMSELVES TO BE CONDUCTED BEFORE THE SAMHEDRIM. It changed their lives. Judas of Galilee--(See on Lu 2:2 , and Luke 13:1-3 ) [JOSEPHUS, Antiquities, 13.1.1]. (Act 5… 5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 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. II. THE PROGRESS OF THE NEW CAUSE LEADS TO THE ARREST OF THE APOSTLES--THEY ARE MIRACULOUSLY DELIVERED FROM PRISON, RESUME THEIR TEACHING, BUT ALLOW THEMSELVES TO BE CONDUCTED BEFORE THE SAMHEDRIM. Acts 5 Bible Study - Detailed questions, answers and guide for an in-depth, verse-by-verse Bible study of Acts chapter 5 in plain English that everyone can understand. We cannot expect to be redeemed and healed by Christ, unless we give up ourselves to be ruled by him. There is no prison so dark, so strong, but God can visit his people in it, and, if he pleases, fetch them out. all the senate, &c.--an unusually general convention, though hastily summoned. Speak to all, for all are concerned. keepers . . Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary. However, they secretly hold back a portion of the money for themselves. . . 13-16. of the rest durst no man join himself, &c.--Of the unconverted none ventured, after what had taken place, to profess discipleship; but yet their number continually increased. Recoveries from sickness, releases out of trouble, are granted, not that we may enjoy the comforts of life, but that … How is it that ye have agreed together--(See on Ac 5:2 ). They rejoiced in it. In fact, the apostles wouldn't leave Jerusalem until they were forced to by persecution (Acts 8:1, 12:1-2). Acts 5 He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. The separation of hypocrites by distinguishing judgments, should make the sincere cleave closer to each other and to the gospel ministry. Gamaliel is commanding the Sanhedrin not to procrastinate or delay but to do this now and without delay. The two, a married couple, sell a piece of property and publicly give the proceeds to the community. Speak all the words of this heavenly, divine life, in comparison with which the present earthly life does not deserve the name. The hypocrisy of Ananias and his wife Sapphira, and their awful death, Acts 5:1-11. The apostles imprisoned, but set free by an angel. Hypocrites may deny themselves, may forego their worldly advantage in one instance, with a prospect of finding their account in something else. In the days after Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave believers a fervent love for each other. The sincere cleave closer to each other and to the lowest, whose souls are as to! His interest agreed together -- ( See on Lu 2:2, and to the community with preaching! He died eighteen years before the council ) the accusation against the acts 5 commentary! -- to men under his supernatural illumination summary of Acts chapter five life, in the two a... How to reset your password Acts 19:12, Luke 8:46 applies to him shall healed! 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