Chap 5_Acts

To grasp Acts, we must recognize the difference between God’s ministry strategy in the Old Testament and the New. In the era before Christ, God’s people had to go to a certain place with specifically arranged religious ornamentation, be taught by a certain class of people (the priests), and carry out fastidious rituals to be acceptable to God. Sadly, some churches still practice Old Testament witness: “If you will come where we meet at the time we gather, we will tell you something that could change your life.”

OOOOOOOOOOO Acts 5:1–11 (HCSB) Lying to the Holy Spirit 5 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. 2 However, he kept back part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds from the field? 4 Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God!” 5 When he heard these words, Ananias dropped dead, and a great fear came on all who heard. 6 The young men got up, wrapped his body, carried him out, and buried him.

Keep in mind that this is a continuous letter without a chapter designations. Just before this incident [chap 4] we are told that Barnabus sold his field and gave it to the church and and this is contrasted with almost the same action from Ananias and his wife. Barnabus becomes the partner of Paul and Barnabas is the one took him and introduced him to the apostles [ vouched for him] (Acts 9:27. Whereas, Ananias and his wife are killed by the Holy Spirit.

Why such a harsh punishment? This is one of the arguments skeptics/atheists bring up that God is so anger, judgmenttal and downright dangerous if He exists.

The Temple as holy since that is where God would come to his Holy of Holies. But the church is not a place, It is an assembly of those he sent His son to give His life for. A group of people that the Holy Spirit resides in each person. The church of the New Kingdom can go directly to HIm with their requests and commune with him. The new church has a presence in heaven while still being on the earth.

Acts (Chapter V) Because the Church is called unto holiness, and sin must ever bring down the anger and judgment of God. The Church is now something new, it is a part of the New Kingdom. It is not just believers in a holy God, but the church itself is righteous and yet part of the world. The church is also holy as is God. It is set apart from the world.The authority and power is different, but also its behavior is expected to be different with different responsibilities and expectations. ....V4 You have not lied to men but to God!”

........Remember the punishment of Achan when he lied to God. Joshua 7:1 (HCSB)Defeat at Ai Joshua 7 The Israelites, however, were unfaithful regarding the things set apart for destruction. Achan son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart, and the Lord’s anger burned against the Israelites......Joshua 7:11 (HCSB)11 Israel has sinned. They have violated My covenant that I appointed for them. They have taken some of what was set apart. They have stolen, deceived, and put the things with their own belongings. When found guilty Joshua 7:24–25 (HCSB)24 Then Joshua and all Israel with him took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the cloak, and the bar of gold, his sons and daughters, his ox, donkey, and sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and brought them up to the Valley of Achor. 25 Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? Today the Lord will trouble you!” So all Israel stoned them to death. They burned their bodies, threw stones on them,

Misrepresentation, deceit, lying, in the ordinary affairs of life, are evils of incalculable magnitude; but this sin was the attempt to deceive and defraud God. At the heart of their sin was greed, love of money and this was the open door to Satan filling them. Just as with Judas and Jesus, Satan tries to tempt the believer.

Sin not only deceives but it also causes man to act irrationally. Aninias could have done other things, but he lied and he was dealt with immediately and finally.

But this sin was worse than greed.

This sin of deception might have remained hidden for some time, but the Holy Spirit within Peter exposed what Ananias in collusion with his wife had done.

Hypocrisy is the art of affecting qualities for the purpose of pretending to an undeserved virtue. Because individuals and institutions and societies most often live down to the suspicions about them, hypocrisy and its accompanying equivocations underpin the conduct of life. [Benjamin F. Martin, "France in 1938," 2005]

to behave as if something is true when you know that it is not, especially in order to deceive people or as a game:

It was hypocrisy. There are many types of lies and Satan is the Father of Lies- lies are usually to promote or protect yourself. But hypocrisy is using the appearance of virtue to cloak a lie. To appear good and gracious, tdiverts others from seeing the evil in the heart. But once the cover is lifted, then others look upon the so-called virtuous Christian as “see they are all like that. “ “ At least some sinners come right out and steal, etc. See Christians are no better than us, they just hide their wrongdoings better than us.” So it is not just the consequences of the lie, but thr compounding effect that stains a wider path. The hypocrite, can portray righteousness, but be practising evil. A common vice of all Christians, the church. God said it cannot be tolerated.

With the liberty of Christ, license and evil are not tolerated. This story is written down for us and all the gereations of Christ from that day. It is an important message, it is not a hoblled set of guides - this message is from God to the church.

God will not have his people in the name of the church, committing evil, lying. They must live in rightousness and holiness, just as Christ lived.

See what Jesus said about hypocrites ....Matthew 23:23–32 (HCSB) 23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay a tenth of mint, dill, and cumin, yet you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. These things should have been done without neglecting the others. 24 Blind guides! You strain out a gnat, yet gulp down a camel!

25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence! 26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so the outside of it may also become clean.

27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every impurity. 28 In the same way, on the outside you seem righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, 30 and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we wouldn’t have taken part with them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’ 31 You, therefore, testify against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ sins!

When sin is obvious, in your faceRevelation 3:14–20 (HCSB)The Letter to Laodicea 14 “Write to the angel of the church in Laodicea: “The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation says: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’ and you don’t know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent. 20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me.

The affect of sin is so horrendous, that complete justice is served. Also his wife was killed. Just as with Acahn , his family and property was destroyed.

OOOOOOOOOOO Acts 5:12–16 (HCSB) Apostolic Signs and Wonders 12 Many signs and wonders were being done among the people through the hands of the apostles. By common consent they would all meet in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 None of the rest dared to join them, but the people praised them highly. 14 Believers were added to the Lord in increasing numbers—crowds of both men and women. 15 As a result, they would carry the sick out into the streets and lay them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 In addition, a large group came together from the towns surrounding Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

The church, the gathering of the saints, met at a specific place- the regularly are meeting in the public eye at Solomon’s Colonnade. they are meetings open to the public. The praise of the common populace grew but the temple rulers, elders were intimidated and they would absolutely not attend these meetings.

The apostles were providing signs and wonders. Their reputation grew so much that large groups of people came from other towns to be healed. And growing among men and women.

They were so popular that people were coming to be healed, even if Peter shadow fell upon them they hoped to be healed.

Noe they were coming to the deliverer of miracles and not the maker of miracles or the Boss. Imagine given the coveted Michelin 5 star recognition and they gave the award to the waiter who brought the food instead of to the restaurant which produced the meals.

OOOOOOOOOOO Acts 5:17–21 (HCSB) 17 Then the high priest took action. He and all his colleagues, those who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18 So they arrested the apostles and put them in the city jail. 19 But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail during the night, brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple complex, and tell the people all about this life.” 21 In obedience to this, they entered the temple complex at daybreak and began to teach.

This could be different than their earlier detention. Before they were held until the next day. But now they are arrested. Was this a more formal detention?

The arrest was inevitable. They had been warned before and now it seems that not only did the apostles not cease and desist, but increased with more wonders and works. Reputation had gone out to other areas. The awareness of Jesus and His message had already gone out to other areas, but now his apostles are teaching the same things, but including the resurrection and proof of Jesus’s divinity. Plus doing some of the same miracles as Christ.

The same bad actors are involved - those that controlled and profited from the Temple> Everything they had came from maintaining the prestige of a spiritual Disneyworld. The location of the ultimate spiritual journey- Jerusalem and the Temple.

This chap and the previous one did not mention the Pharisees. They are the religious group, they are not as interested in things of this world. They did not have secular interests.

OOOOOOOOOOO Acts 5:21–32 (HCSB) The Apostles on Trial Again When the high priest and those who were with him arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin—the full Senate of the sons of Israel—and sent orders to the jail to have them brought. 22 But when the temple police got there, they did not find them in the jail, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing in front of the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” 24 As the commander of the temple police and the chief priests heard these things, they were baffled about them, as to what could come of this.

25 Someone came and reported to them, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple complex and teaching the people.” 26 Then the commander went with the temple police and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them. 27 After they brought them in, they had them stand before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest asked, 28 “Didn’t we strictly order you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to bring this man’s blood on us!”

29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had murdered by hanging Him on a tree. 31 God exalted this man to His right hand as ruler and Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

The trial by the Sanhedrin is begun. As part of this group , the Pharisees are present.

They summon the accused who were under lock and key along with guards. But they are gone. The two main powers, the chief priests and the commander of the temple police are flummoxed. What is going on. Then in the midst of their confusion someone rushes in and says “Theuy’re back! Gone into the public area back to their same spot as if thumbing their nose at all Jewish power.

So they were asked to come again before the Sanhedrin. No force was used because they don’t want a riot of the people. stand before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest asked, 28 “Didn’t we strictly order you not to teach in this name? The high priest acted as the primary moderator in discussions. But the judgement came from the entire group. They are asked Didn’t you understand our orders. You are promoted civil unrest and accusing us, I guess they were not listening before or considered what Peter said on his previous appearance before the court- Acts 4:18–20 (ESV) 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” So the apostles reiterate again V29 “We must obey God rather than men.

But before Peter affirmed that Jesus was the cornerstone that was rejected and proclaimed that salvation and healing was in Jesus whom they crucified. Now Peter clearly states was for Acts 5:30–31 (ESV) 31 God exalted this man to His right hand as ruler and Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins....and you killed him . Different translations use leader or Prince. The Greek is “ archiereus” and is rooted in”archo”. This is interpreted as leader, origninator, chief, prince, founder. But these terms all address a position or something caused. This term really means the beginning, the first cause. He is the cause of all things - only God is uncaused. Today’s translation of this label is diluted, watered down.

Peter gives a definition of who Jesus is and also states that yhou -Sanhedin murdered him. Such a statement, murder was one of the worst sins, but to murder God!!! The words in scripture are almost bland, but they reality was that this accusation and affirmation was earthshaking. To stand before the most powerful body of all Judaism and hurl this accusation in their face publicly.

So Peter is saying that Jesus is God and Savior. And again states the we are witnesses. We saw and heard of what we speak. Their miracles also confirm that supernatural healings were not from them but from God.

OOOOOOOOOOO Acts 5:33–42 (HCSB)Gamaliel’s Advice 33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 A Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men to be taken outside for a little while. 35 He said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful about what you’re going to do to these men. 36 Not long ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about 400 men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his partisans were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and attracted a following. That man also perished, and all his partisans were scattered. 38 And now, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” So they were persuaded by him. 40 After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. 41 Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored on behalf of the Name. 42 Every day in the temple complex, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

The reaction was immediate and fierce. Then in the midst of the turmoil, the Sanhedrin was almost becoming a lych mob, one man speaks up. He is Gamaliel, the most repected rabbi in all of Israel. Pharisees don’t enter into political debates since they focused on pieistic matters speaks. He gives some backgound on earlier false messiahs, V36Theudas rose up, He was a Jeswish magician who gathered followers and who claimed he too was going to part the river Jordeen. The Roman governor Fadus sent troops who killed or captured most of his followers and then beheaded him. According to Josephus, this occurred about 10 years after Gamaliel’s speech.

Judas had led a tax revolt about 30 years earlier and then his sons led another revolt later.

So Gamaliel says that these revolutionaries fail. He doesn’t say this but usually it was the Romans who finished off revolutionaries.

But if 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. He doesn't say or address what the community would say that liked the Pharisees, or what the Romans might say. So his pios interruption did contain wisdom . The council stood down and imposed a departing flogging and again ordered them not to speak the name of Jesus.

..............41 Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored on behalf of the Name. The apostles did not rejoice that they were free or had won the court case, but they rejoiced to the honor they received as being worthy of the Name.

They returned to their spot in Solomaon’s porch and continued daily to preach the good news that Jesus is [ note now was] the Messiah. Not only testifying who Jesus was but also that he still is alive - He is!