Acts5
English Standard Version
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Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Acts 5.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The death of Ananias and Sapphira. (1–11). The power which accompanied the preaching of the gospel. (12–16). The apostles imprisoned, but set free by an angel. (17–25). The apostles testify to Christ before the council. (26–33). The advice of Gamaliel, The council let the apostles go. (34–42).
vv1-11
The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was, that they were ambitious of being thought eminent disciples, when they were not true disciples. Hypocrites may deny themselves, may forego their worldly advantage in one instance, with a prospect of finding their account in something else. They were covetous of the wealth of the world, and distrustful of God and his providence. They thought they might serve both God and mammon. They thought to deceive the apostles. The Spirit of God in Peter discerned the principle of unbelief reigning in the heart of Ananias. But whatever Satan might suggest, he could not have filled the heart of Ananias with this wickedness had he not been consenting. The falsehood was an attempt to deceive the Spirit of truth, who so manifestly spoke and acted by the apostles. The crime of Ananias was not his retaining part of the price of the land; he might have kept it all, had he pleased; but his endeavouring to impose upon the apostles with an awful lie, from a desire to make a vain show, joined with covetousness. But if we think to put a cheat upon God, we shall put a fatal cheat upon our own souls. How sad to see those relations who should quicken one another to that which is good, hardening one another in that which is evil! And this punishment was in reality mercy to vast numbers. It would cause strict self-examination, prayer, and dread of hypocrisy, covetousness, and vain-glory, and it should still do so. It would prevent the increase of false professors. 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.
vv12-16
The separation of hypocrites by distinguishing judgments, should make the sincere cleave closer to each other and to the gospel ministry. 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. Christ will work by all his faithful servants; and every one who applies to him shall be healed.
vv17-25
There is no prison so dark, so strong, but God can visit his people in it, and, if he pleases, fetch them out. 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. 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. They must preach to the lowest, whose souls are as precious to Christ as the souls of the greatest. Speak to all, for all are concerned. Speak as those who resolve to stand to it, to live and die by it. Speak all the words of this heavenly, divine life, in comparison with which the present earthly life does not deserve the name. These words of life, which the Holy Ghost puts into your mouth. The words of the gospel are the words of life; words whereby we may be saved. How wretched are those who are vexed at the success of the gospel! They cannot but see that the word and power of the Lord are against them; and they tremble for the consequences, yet they will go on.
Key Words
δέ (dé): but, and, etc.
τὶς (tìs): some or any person or object
ἀνήρ (anḗr): a man (properly as an individual male)
ὄνομα (ónoma): a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Ἀνανίας (Ananías): Ananias, the name of three Israelites
σύν (sýn): with or together (but much closer than G3326 (μετά) or G3844 (παρά)), i.e. by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, addition, etc.
αὐτός (autós): the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
γυνή (gynḗ): a woman; specially, a wife
Σαπφείρη (Sappheírē): Sapphire, an Israelitess
πωλέω (pōléō): to barter (as a pedlar), i.e. to sell
Cross References
Acts 5Direct reiteration of the apostolic maxim to obey God rather than human authorities.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Achan's covenant-violating theft matches Ananias keeping back (Greek 'nosphisato') part of the dedicated price.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Divine immediate judgment at the dawn of a new administration to establish holy fear.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallels the extraordinary healing power associated with physical proximity or contact with the Apostles.
Supported by JFB
Miraculous angelic liberation from prison, demonstrating God's sovereign protection over His messengers.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Identical hostile reaction of being 'cut to the heart' by the convicting testimony of the Spirit.
Supported by John Calvin
Contrast between their self-invoked blood guilt at Jesus' trial and their fear here.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Refers to the curse of Deuteronomy 21:23 by specifying hanging on a tree.
Supported by John Calvin
No wisdom, understanding, or counsel can succeed against the sovereign purpose of Yahweh.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Continues the portrait of the early church's intense unity and 'one accord' fellowship.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Fulfillment of Christ's commission that repentance and remission of sins be preached in His name.
Supported by JFB
Historical anchor for the census/taxing under which Judas of Galilee arose.
Supported by JFB
Fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy that disciples would be beaten in the councils for His sake.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Direct contrast to Barnabas's genuine, complete donation described at the end of Chapter 4.
Supported by JFB