Acts Chapter 5 — Integrity and the Apostles' Witness
Acts Chapter 5 recounts the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira for their dishonesty and the apostles' continued ministry despite intensifying opposition.
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Notable Verses
Acts 5:29
“But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.””
This verse establishes the priority of divine instruction over human mandates in the face of opposition.
Acts 5:38-39
“Now I tell you, withdraw from these men and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown. But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God!””
Gamaliel's reasoning highlights the perspective that divine purposes are unstoppable by human efforts.
Chapter Summary
Acts Chapter 5 begins with the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who lie about the proceeds of a property sale and subsequently fall dead after being confronted by Peter. This event brings great fear to the early church and the surrounding community. Meanwhile, the apostles perform many signs and wonders, leading to a significant increase in the number of believers. The high priest and the Sadducees, filled with jealousy, arrest the apostles and put them in public custody. However, an angel of the Lord releases them at night, instructing them to continue preaching in the temple. When brought before the council again, Peter asserts their commitment to obeying God over human authority. Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, advises the council to leave the men alone, suggesting that if their work is from God, it cannot be overthrown. The apostles are beaten and released, yet they rejoice in their suffering and continue to teach about Jesus every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
They died after lying to the Holy Spirit and the early church regarding the money they received from selling land. Peter explained that their sin was not in keeping the money, but in deceptively claiming they had given the full amount to appear more generous than they were.
Gamaliel was a Pharisee and a respected teacher of the law within the Jewish council. He advised the other leaders to be cautious, suggesting that if the apostles' movement was truly from God, the council would be unable to stop it and might even be fighting against God.
An angel of the Lord opened the prison doors during the night and brought the apostles out. The angel then commanded them to return to the temple at daybreak to continue teaching the people the words of life.
Study Note
The reference to Solomon's Porch in verse 12 identifies a specific colonnade on the eastern side of the Temple where the early Christians frequently gathered for public teaching.
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