Home

Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

CHAPTER FIVE:
PREACHING AND PROBLEMS

[“Obey God as Ruler”]
Key word: Speak

Acts 5:1-6 – Ananias Plays False to the Pneuma

AC5:1 However, a certain Ananias by name, along with his wife Sapphira, 195 sold a property

195

Ananias by name, along with his wife Sapphira: Following the fine example of Barnabas, there now occurs an example of two Christians who were not “genuine disciples” and manifest their greed and covetousness. The Nazarene had warned, “Be on guard against every form of covetousness.” [Luke 12:15] Here in this example is the weakness of communism – greed. It is the same weakness of capitalism.

AC5:2 and kept part of the price to himself. 196 His wife was aware he did this. They brought a portion of the value 197 and laid it at the feet of the apostles.

196	Kept part of the price to himself: Peter shows below that these disciples were not forced to sell their property. It was on a voluntary basis, though one must admit the peer pressure brought on by the example of so many could cause greed to manifest itself.

197	They brought a portion of the value: This is a glowing example of hypocrisy. They tried to give one impression, while secretly possessed of another attitude.

AC5:3 But, Peter asked Ananias: “Why has Satan filled your heart 198 so that you lied to the holy Pneuma 199 by keeping part to yourself of the value of your property?

198

Why has Satan filled your heart: Peter is gifted by the Pneuma to know hypocritical deceit is before him. Peter is filled with the Pneuma and it is operative upon him in the gift of discernment and revelation. The couple have “allowed room for the Devil.” [Ephesians 4:27; Luke 22:3; Ecclesiastes 8:11]

199	You lied to the holy Pneuma: Or, TCN: defrauded the holy spirit; WEY: try to deceive. This phrase together with one below is often used to prove the holy spirit is God, or a person in the godhead. See notes below.

AC5:4 While your property belonged to you, was it not your possession? 200 Also, even when you sold it, was it still not in your authority? 201 Why was this deed put into your heart? You did not lie to humans, but to The God!” 202

200	Was it not your possession: Or, did it not belong to you? This likely indicates the communal sharing was voluntary.

201	Was it still not in your authority: They did not have to bring the funds to the apostles. Not only is greed their problem, but also the glory they wanted by so giving. The sad reality is that they would have lost this property anyway thirty years later at the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

202

You did not lie to humans, but to The God: The use of this by Trinitarians in an attempt to prove the Pneuma is God indicates the mischievous nature of the doctrine. The Pneuma rested upon Peter and the apostles as a divine pressure and authority. Though the falsehood was committed against the apostles, since they possessed God’s Pneuma, it was a sin against it. See notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on the subject of Error of the Trinity. Compare Deuteronomy 23:23 and 1 Samuel 2:25. See notes on 1 Corinthians 2:16 regarding the Pneuma.

AC5:5 Hearing these words, Ananias collapsed and died. Now great fear came upon all those listening. 203

203

Now great fear came upon all those listening: Or appalled, awe-struck, strange awe, terror struck all. This example put before the Nazarene Community the extreme seriousness of being two-faced and hypocritical. It stressed the authority of the apostles filled with God’s Pneuma. Compare notes on Acts 2:43 and Acts 5:11. The death of the two is also an example of how the apostles could “retain” their sins and withhold forgiveness. [John 20:23]

AC5:6 The young men came and wrapped him up and then carried him off to be buried.

Acts 5:7-11 – Sapphira Made a Test of the Pneuma

AC5:7 Now there was an interval of about three hours and [Sapphira] his wife, not realizing what had happened, entered [the place]. AC5:8 Peter inquired of her, asking: “Tell me, if you sold your land for so much?” And she answered: “Yes, for that much.” AC5:9 Then Peter said to her: “Why did you agree [with your husband] to test the YHWH’s Pneuma? 204 Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will also carry you out!”

204	To test the YHWH’s Pneuma: Or, tempt, put to the proof, provoke. Compare Exodus 17:2; Psalm 95:9; 1 Corinthians 10:9.

AC5:10 And instantly she collapsed at Peter’s feet and died. Now, having entered, the young men discovered her dead and they carried her out and buried her with her husband. AC5:11 As a result, great fear came upon the whole Church, 205 and everyone else who heard these things. 206

205	Great fear came upon the whole Church: See notes on Acts 2:43.

206	And everyone else who heard these things: The news of this experience must have spread like wildfire.

Acts 5:12-16 – Thousands Added as Peter Cures

AC5:12 Now by the hands of the apostles 207 many signs and wonders were being performed among the people. And all those gathered together at Solomon’s Portico were of one mind. 208

207	By the hands of the apostles: The healing gifts and other signs only occur through the apostles at this early strange of the Church. Later these gifts will be passed on to others. Even though others have been filled with the holy Pneuma, only the Twelve have these charismatic gifts.

208	One mind: Or, TCN: whose custom it was to meet all together; WEY: by common consent they all met; RIE: the community’s meeting-place. It demonstrates the original unity of the early Church. Fragmentation would occur over the next three decades.

AC5:13 Though none of the others dared to associate with them, 209 the people were speaking great things about [the apostles]. 210

209

Though none of the others dared to associate with them: Or, TCN: none of the rest ventured to stand by them; WEY: dared to attach themselves; MOF: not a soul from the outside; BEC: none of the others dared to come too near them. If the “them” here is limited to the apostles, the fear and awe referred to before must have made the crowds unwilling to approach. The fear may also included fear of the Jewish hierarchy. [John 19:30] This may be due in part of conscience, as these people knew the apostles could discern a hidden sin.

210	The people were speaking great things about [the apostles]: Or, magnified, full of praise, held in high honor, extolled, high regard, high esteem. This does not settle well with the Jewish hierarchy. There are no accusations against the apostles for they are blameless in their conduct. [Acts 2:47]

AC5:14 Also, more were continually being added to those believing in the Master, large numbers of both men and women. 211

211	Both men and women: This is the first mention of female believers being added to the community. Compare notes on Acts 6:7.

AC5:15 Because of this, people would bring out their sick and lay them on cots and pads, so that if Peter should come that way at least his shadow might fall upon them. 212

212	At least his shadow might fall upon them: We note only Peter is mentioned here. Many wanted only to touch the Nazarene [Matthew 9:21; 14:36; Mark 6:56], but here it is something greater, just as Jesus had promised to Peter. [John 14:12]

AC5:16 And, a great number of people from the towns around Jerusalem brought those sick and tormented by unclean [demons], 213 and they were all cured. 214

213	Tormented by unclean [demons]: Or, unclean spirits, impure spirits, evil spirits, foul demons.

214	They were all cured: Not just isolated individuals here and there, but “all” were cured.

Acts 5:17-21a – Priests Imprison but Angel Releases

AC5:17 As a result – filled with jealousy – the high priest rose with all those of the Sadducees sect. 215

215	The Sadducees sect: The Greek is HAIRESIS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #139] the root of the English word “heresy.”

AC5:18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. AC5:19 But, YHWH’s angel, 216 who during the night opened the doors of the jail, and after leading the apostles out, told them:

216	YHWH’s angel: The Greek is ANGELOS [angel] DE [but] KYRIOU [of Lord] and may suggest YHWH belongs here. The term is a Hebraism that occurs often in the Old Testament.

AC5:20 “Go, and standing in the Temple area, 217 keep speaking to all the people the words of this Life.” 218 AC5:21a Hearing this, the apostles entered the Temple area at dawn and began to teach. 219 When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin 220 as well as the entire assembly of elders 221 of the sons of Israel.

217	Standing in the Temple area: The angel tells them where to preach.

218	Keep speaking to all the people the words of this Life: Or, RHM: all the declaration of this Life; TCN: about the new Life; WEY: message of Life; RIE: this way of life. [John 6:68]

219	At dawn and began to teach: The apostles are early risers. They do not sleep in, but get right to their work.

220

Called together the Sanhedrin: The Jewish Court included 70 elders. The Mishnah (Sanhedrin 4:3) writes: “The Sanhedrin was arranged like the half of a round threshing-floor so that they all might see one another. Before them stood the two scribes of the judges, one to the right and one to the left, and they wrote down the words of them that favoured acquittal and the words of them that favoured conviction.” [Translated by H. Danby.]

221	The entire assembly of elders: The assembled group was sizeable, and thus these men are without excuse.

Acts 5:21b-26 – Before the Sanhedrin

AC5:21b They then sent to the jail for the prisoners to be brought before them. AC5:22 However, having arrived, the lesser officials 222 did not find them in the jail. So, they returned and reported the matter.

222	Lesser officials: Or, officers, servants.

AC5:23 They said: “We found the jail locked with all the security and the guards standing by the doors [to the apostles’ cell], but when it was opened, we found no one inside!” AC5:24 Now, when they heard this, both the captain of the Temple area as well as the chief priests, were all perplexed regarding the apostles and what might be taking place. AC5:25 Then others arrived and reported to them: “Behold, the men you put in the jail are standing in the Temple area and teaching the people!” AC5:26 The captain of the Temple area along with the lesser officials put the apostles under custody, but without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them. 223

223	They were afraid the people might stone them: Just as the hierarchy fear the people because of John, and also Jesus, they know fear them because of the apostles.

Acts 5:27-32 – We Must Obey God as Ruler

AC5:27 Having brought the apostles, they stood them before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest questioned them, AC5:28 saying: “Did we not command you with strict orders not to teach in this name, but look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching! You seem determined to bring the blood of this person on us!” AC5:29 Peter and the apostles responded and said: “It is a necessity that we obey God rather than humans. 224

224	We obey God rather than humans: Or, we must obey. Obedience to God must become all religious or civil authorities. The Christians have recognized The God as DESPOTA, or Absolute Ruler, Sovereign Lord.

AC5:30 The God of our forefathers 225 raised up Jesus whom you killed 226 and hung on a tree. 227

225	The God of our forefathers: That is, Yehowah. [Exodus 6:3]

226	You killed: Again Peter lays the responsibility for Messiah’s death on the Jewish hierarchy.

227	Hung on a tree: Or, stake, pole, wood. The Greek is XYLOU and is a rare reference to a tree as the means of Christ’s execution. Compare Acts 10:39; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24.

AC5:31 The God exalted [Jesus the Nazarene] as a prince and a savior 228 to his right hand [Psalm 110:1] in order to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.

228	The God exalted [Jesus the Nazarene] as a prince and a savior: Compare notes on Acts 3:15. See notes on Philippians 2:9-11.

AC5:32 And we are witnesses of these matters, as is the holy Pneuma, 229 which The God gave to those obeying Him.” 230

229	We are witnesses of these matters, as is the holy Pneuma: Compare 1 John 1:1-3 and 1 John 5:7, 8.

230	God gave to those obeying Him: The holy Pneuma is only given to those who obey God.

Acts 5:33-40 – Leave Them Alone

AC5:33 Now when [the Jewish hierarchy] heard this they were infuriated and determined to do away with the apostles. 231

231	Determined to do away with the apostles: Just as the Jewish hierarchy was behind the execution of Jesus Christ, they are now determined to do the same to the apostles. On the matter of this persecution see notes on Galatians 4:29.

AC5:34 However, a particular Pharisee of the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel 232 – a teacher of the Law [of Moses] and respected by all the people – commanded the apostles to be taken outside for a moment.

232

Gamaliel: The Jewish Mishnah mentions this teacher and he is the first to be given the title greater than Rabbi, that is Rabban: “When Rabban Gamaliel the Elder died, the glory of the Law ceased and purity and abstinence died.” [Sotah 9:15; translated by H. Danby] Paul states that he was a student of Gamaliel. [Acts 22:3]

AC5:35 Then he said to them: “Men, Israelites, you should be careful about what you intend doing with these persons. AC5:36 For in the past Theudas 233 rose up claiming he was someone [important], and a number of men, about four hundred, inclined toward him. He was done away with, and all those obeying him were scattered and it all came to nothing.

233	Theudas: Thought to have existed before 6 AD. Josephus mentions a person of this name about the time of Christ’s birth.

AC5:37 After this arose Judas the Galilean 234 during the days of the census, and he misled people to follow after him. But, that one perished and all those obeying him were scattered.

234

Judas the Galilean: Josephus mentions the same: “[About 6 AD] [He] incited his countrymen to revolt, upbraiding them as cowards for consenting to pay tribute to the Romans and tolerating mortal masters, after having God for their lord. This man was a sophist who founded a sect of his own, having nothing in common with the others.” [The Jewish War, II, 118 (viii, 1)]

AC5:38 And, now I tell all of you, keep your distance from these persons 235 and leave them alone. Because if this is some human scheme or plan 236 it will be overthrown.

235	Keep your distance from these persons: Or, refrain from, not to interfere, stand aloof, keep away, having to do with.

236

If this is some human scheme or plan: Or, counsel, designs of human origin, idea or movement. We wonder how Gamaliel felt years later when this Nazarene “movement” did endure. How could he have known Christianity would cover the globe and become the single largest religious belief in the earth? Many will see this as proof that God was behind it.

AC5:39 On the other hand, if [this movement] is from God, you will never be able to overthrow them. Also, you might become God-opposers!” 237 So, he persuaded all of them.

237	God-opposers: Or, fighting against God, at war with. The Greek is THEO-MAKHOI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2311, god-fighters, god resisters].

AC5:40 So, having assembled together the apostles, they beat them 238 and warned them not to speak in the name of Jesus. Then they released them.

238

They beat them: Such was foretold by Jesus. [Matthew 10:17; Mark 13:9; Luke 20:10] The Mosaic allowed for such corporal punishment in public. [Deuteronomy 22:13-19; 25:2, 3] Proverbs 20:30 encourages flogging or whipping. Paul also was beaten. [2 Corinthians 11:24] The Jewish Mishnah describes such: “They bind his two hands to a pillar on either side, and the minister of the synagogue lays hold on his garments-if they are torn they are torn, if they are utterly rent they are utterly rent-so that he bares his chest. A stone is set down behind him on which the minister of the synagogue stands with a strap of calf-hide in his hand, doubled and re-doubled, and two [other] straps that rise and fall [are fastened] thereto. The handpiece of the strap is one handbreadth long and one handbreadth wide; and its end must reach to his navel. He gives him one-third of the stripes in front and two-thirds behind; and he may not strike him when he is standing or when he is sitting, but only when he is bending low, for it is written, The judge shall cause him to lie down. And he that smites, smites with his one hand with all his might… If he dies under his hand, the scourger is not culpable. But if he gave him one stripe too many and he died, he must escape into exile because of him. How many stripes do they inflict on a man? Forty save one, for it is written, By number forty; [that is to say,] a number near to forty.” – Makkot 3:12-14, 10; translated by H. Danby.

Acts 5:41-42 – Daily Teaching

AC5:41 As a result of this, the apostles left rejoicing from the presence of the Sanhedrin 239 because they were considered worthy to suffer shame for this Name. 240

239	The apostles left rejoicing from the presence of the Sanhedrin: This must have irritated the Jewish hierarchy even more. After such a flogging they do not leave as beaten cowards, but jubilant.

240	Worthy to suffer shame for this Name: Or, dishonor, disgrace, humiliation, indignity. “This name” is that of Jesus Christ the Nazarene. Paul was also to suffer in the same name. [Acts 9:16]

AC5:42 And so every day in the Temple area, 241 as well as in private homes, 242 they did not stop teaching and preaching Christ Jesus. 243

241	Every day in the Temple area: Likely right back at Solomon’s Portico. This takes tremendous courage, still carrying the bruises and wounds of their beatings.

242

In private homes: Or, KJV: in every house; ASV: at home; TCN: in private houses; KNX: from house to house. The Greek KAT’ OIKON is claimed by some to mean the apostles preached from door to door. The only occurrence of the actual phrase “from house to house” is at Luke 10:7 where Jesus tell his apostles not to do it. The Greek is EX [from] OIKIAS [house] EIS [unto] OIKIAN [house]. That KAT’ OIKON means “in private homes” is seen at Acts 2:46 where the same Greek phrase occurs. Compare also Acts 20:20.

243

They did not stop teaching and preaching Christ Jesus: The apostles set the example of tirelessly preaching and teaching about the Messiah in both public and private places. Thus, the 8,000 plus men [and unnumbered women] had the apostolic role model. With such a concentrated teaching program these thousands of people journeyed back to their homelands throughout the Roman world fully trained as disciple-makers. [Matthew 28:19; 2 Timothy 2:2]

Review Questions on Chapter Five