Acts 5:32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.
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Ananias and Sapphira
• Ananias and Sapphira: Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold a piece of property but kept back part of the money for themselves, lying to the apostles about the full amount. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronted Ananias about this deceit, and Ananias fell down dead. Later, Sapphira came in, not knowing what had happened to her husband, and when she too lied about the price, she suffered the same fate. This event instilled great fear among the believers.
• Apostles’ Miracles and Persecution: The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, leading to an increase in believers. People brought their sick into the streets hoping that Peter’s shadow might fall on them for healing. The high priest and the Sadducees, jealous of the apostles’ popularity, arrested them.
• Escape from Prison: An angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail at night, and the apostles were instructed to continue teaching in the temple courts. When the Sanhedrin found the prison empty, they were baffled, only to learn that the apostles were again teaching in the temple.
• Trial Before the Sanhedrin: The apostles were brought before the Sanhedrin, where they were accused of defying the temple authorities’ earlier orders to stop teaching in Jesus’ name. Peter’s defense was that they must obey God rather than men. This led to a heated debate about what should be done with them, with Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, advising caution, suggesting that if this movement was of human origin, it would fail, but if it was from God, they could not stop it. The apostles were then beaten, commanded not to speak in Jesus’ name again, but they left rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name, continuing to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.
Point of the Chapter:
• Holiness and Integrity: The chapter highlights the importance of honesty and integrity within the Christian community, as seen in the severe judgment on Ananias and Sapphira. This underscores the seriousness with which God views deceit, especially within the church.
• Persecution and Divine Protection: It demonstrates the ongoing conflict between the new Christian movement and the established religious authorities, showing how God protects and vindicates His servants, even turning persecution into opportunities for witness.
• Witness and Obedience: The key verse emphasizes the role of the apostles as witnesses to Christ’s resurrection, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The chapter reinforces the theme of obedience to God over human authority when there’s a conflict, promoting courage in faith amidst opposition.
