Acts Chapter 5

This chapter recounts the tragic fall of Ananias and Sapphira (5:1-11), the continued success and popularity of the Apostles’ mission (5:12-16), and the renewed opposition of the Sanhedrin with another arrest of the Apostles (5:17-32). The purpose of the Sanhedrin was to kill the Apostles, but this was prevented by the Rabbi Gamaliel and the beating of the twelve by the Jewish authorities (5:33-42).

Ananias and Sapphira wanted to look good before the other people (vs.1). They sold some land and kept back part of the money. They did not give it all to the church as they led the people to believe (vs.2). What was wrong here was that they lied. They wanted the Apostles and others in the church to think that they had given over all the money to them. The sin Ananias and Sapphira committed was not stinginess or holding back part of the money as they could have chosen whether or not to sell the land and how much to give. Their sin was lying to God and God’s people. Peter tells Ananias (vs.3) that the enemy has filled his heart. This act was judged harshly because dishonesty and covetousness are destructive in the church. God knows all things. We cannot lie to Him.

Peter’s rebuke of Ananias was administered in the Holy Spirit; and there is not the slightest hint that Peter struck Ananias dead, or even that God had told Peter that such a thing would occur. This was something God did independently of any of the Apostles. Peter probably was more surprise than any one. Fear spread among the church. The young men buried Ananias, but his wife did not know what had occurred. She came in three hours later. Peter asked her how much money they had from the sale of the land. In this way, Peter gave her a moment when she could have told the truth. Sadly, she repeated the lie her husband told. Sapphira was a knowing and willing participant in this scheme. God’s judgment was just as righteous for her as it was for him.

The community of believers knew it was a serious matter to be a follower of Christ. People were added to the Lord, not the church, not the pastor, nor any movement, but to the Lord Himself. The believers were so convinced of the power of the Apostles that they believed Peter’s shadow could heal them. It was not Peter’s shadow, but God’s power working through him. What did these miracles healing do for the early church? (1) They attracted new believers; (2) they confirmed the truth of the Apostles’ teachings; and (3) they demonstrated that the power of the Messiah, Who had been crucified and risen, and was now with His followers. The religious leaders were jealous as Peter and the Apostles were already commanding more respect than they had ever received. The difference, however, was that the religious leaders demanded respect and reverence for themselves while the Apostles’ goal was to bring respect and reverence for God.

The Jewish leaders did not like what they came to know about the church. They needed the honor which the people gave instead to the church and the Apostles. The Apostles were again arrested by the sect of Sadducees and again thrown in jail. The Apostles’ imprisonment did not last for long. The Apostles were supernaturally released from prison and were encouraged to continue witnessing to the people. The angel of the Lord gave them three commands: go, stand, and speak to the people in the temple. The Apostles filled with the Holy Spirit did as the angel commanded them; they went and preached in the temple to the people early in the morning. The temple at daybreak was a busy place. Many people stood at the temple to pray and worship at sunrise. When the people got there, the Apostles were already there. The Sanhedrin came together to discuss what to do with the Apostles and summoned them to be brought before the council. Not finding the Apostles in lockup, the council was informed of the Apostles where about, in the temple preaching. Peter and the Apostles where brought before the council quietly for fear of starting a riot. They feared the people but not God. The high priest was right (vs. 28). He had told them not to preach the good news. Yet the Apostles stated that they must obey God not men. The high priest did not want them to explain how they escaped from prison. He did not believe in angels anyway! The accusations by the Sanhedrin were a wonderful testimony to the effectiveness of the Apostles’ preaching. If the high priest believed the good news, then the blood of Jesus would cleanse him from his sins. God would forgive his guilt. If he did not believe, it is not the Apostles, but the Jewish leaders who would bring guilt upon themselves. They were rightly afraid that God will punish them for the death of Christ.

Peter once again reminded them that they crucified Christ the Messiah and hanged him from a tree. But God the Father raised Him from the dead to be a Prince and Savior and to be exalted to His right hand, to bring repentance to Israel, and the forgiveness of their sins. The Apostles proclamation was grounded in the fact that they had witnessed the things they spoke of. They did not speak as individuals, but their witness was empowered by the Holy Spirit, who spoke through them. The Holy Spirit was for all who obeyed God. In verse 33, Luke used a word to tell us how angry the Jewish leaders were. Luke said that it was as though someone had cut them through with a saw. The Apostles had a wonderful message of salvation yet they, the leaders, had a mind set to kill them.

The Sadducees could not just do what they liked. Gamaliel, a Pharisee and a teacher of the law spoke to the council without the Apostles being present. The council was not united and they did not want the Apostles to know this. In verses 36-37 Gamaliel used two examples of revolutionary movement that had amounted to nothing, so would this one. His reason is that (1) if this movement (CHRISTIANITY) was of a human origin it would be overthrown and come to nothing: (2) but if this was of God, then they would not be able to overthrow the movement, it would be acting against God himself. The Sanhedrin agreed with Gamaliel. To them it seemed important to agree with each other. They did not want the truth of the good news to divide them. Despite agreeing with Gamaliel, they had to get something out of all this. They had the Apostles beaten, believing that this might discourage them (How wrong they were). The Apostles left rejoicing. They were rejoicing because they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ. They were by no means discouraged for they continued their mission of preaching and teaching Christ, both publicly and in Christian homes.

Questions/Answers:
Who was Gamaliel?
Gamaliel was a prominent Jewish Rabbi, a Pharisees (teacher of the law). The Apostle Paul sat at his feet (anther term for being a student).

What is the good news?
The message and teaching of Jesus Christ

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Acts Chapter 4

The Sanhedrin Opposes Peter and John

The glorious success of the gospel at Pentecost and for sometime afterward could not last. The inherent hatred of the truth and righteousness on part of the power of the enemy was quickly manifested in the bitter opposition encountered by the Apostles. The first move against the church came suddenly. In the gospel accounts we read how Jesus argued with the Pharisees who were Jews that were strict legalist concerning the Law of Moses. In Acts the Pharisees were friendlier to the Christians. It was another party, the Sadducees, who were now the enemy. What we know of this sect is that they are rich, rude, and they did not believe in the resurrection, which meant they hated the followers of Christ.

Peter’s sermon was interrupted by the enemies of Christ, the Sadducees, who descended upon the Apostles with sufficient strength to stop their preaching and cast them into prison. The priests were from the tribe of Levi and were appointed by God to care for the spiritual needs of the people. They were in charge of the temple worship and sacrifices as well as being corrupt (MAL. 1:6-14; 2:1-9). The captain of the temple was in place to keep order in the temple and surrounding areas. The preaching and boldness of the Apostles was apparent, five thousand got saved. This jailing of the Apostles was illegal and no charges were placed against them as it was a highhanded abuse of authority. In light of this, they illegally held Jesus with no charges and put his trial over to the next day. This act on both occasions was not due to any concern for the holy law, but they simply needed time to figure out what they would do.

As they did with Jesus, the leaders came together to question the Apostles, they were anxious to know by what name and power these miracles were done. Peter being filled with the promised Holy Spirit spoke with boldness (1:8; 2:14). Peter knew that the Holy Spirit would speak for him. He explained that the judges who were to judge them were now being judged. While trying to convict them, they will be convicted of crimes against the risen Messiah. Instead of being defensive, the Apostles went on the offensive. In verse 9, Peter asked whether he was wrong to do good to the lame man and heal him. This did not seem to be a court of law because there were no clear charges for Peter and John to answer. Peter instructed them to listen well to what he was about to charge them with. Here is the answer you seek. The deeds (miracles) were done in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Surely you remember Him: He is the Christ whom you crucified and God raised Him from the dead.

Peter accused them of rejecting the cornerstone of which the house of Israel must and will be built. They rejecting the cornerstone was a fulfillment of prophecy (Ps. 118:22-23; Isa. 28:16; Luke 20:18). Jesus the Messiah is Israel’s only hope (Matt. 1:21; John 14:6; Rom. 11:26). The religious leaders came to recognize that the evidence before them could not be refuted. The evidence was standing right in front of them. The leaders argued with Jesus and did not win; they now argued with Jesus’ Apostles and did not win. There was something different about these men. Yes, they had been with Jesus. Not wanting to discuss any conversations before them, the Apostles were told to leave. They admitted that a miracle had taken place, yet they continued to deny the presence of the Holy Spirit. Instead of accepting the power of Christ, they threaten the Apostles. They couldn’t even mention the name of Christ (…no man in His name – Acts 4:17). The apostles would not be deterred in all things that they heard and witnessed. They had the backing of all the eye witnesses. The leaders’ fears intensified. Christ had taught the Apostles and Disciples, that they would be delivered into the hands of the council and condemned for His name sake. But when these persecutions begin, rejoice and be exceedingly glad, because of their future rewards (Matt. 5:11-12; Luke. 21:12; John 15:20; I Pet. 4:16). Peter quotes the prophecy of King David (Ps. 2:1-2) which found fulfillment in the action of those who joined together in killing the Messiah. Peter leaves no one out. First, there were the king of the earth, Herod; second, the ruler, Pontius Pilate; third, the nations, the gentile authority; and last but not least the nation of Israel.

Throughout their ordeals the Apostles did not asked God to be spared of the persecution, but to grant them more boldness to preach the gospel. They prayed that God would continue to validate their ministry with signs and wonders. God reassured them by sending a visible sign (shaking of the place where they were) that His promise of miraculous power to the twelve would continue. A communal system was being established and was in compliance with Jesus’ earthly ministry (Matt.19:21). The believers were not only united spiritually (one in heart and mind), but also united materially (Acts 2:44-45). Their selling of their goods was voluntary and distributed by each person. They continued to preach with much boldness concerning the resurrection of Christ. The word Grace (vs.33) is one of the numerous times that the word grace occurs in Acts (11:23; 13:43: 14:3, 26; 15:11, 40; 18:27; 20:24, 32).

Luke introduces Barnabas as a role model from among those who sold their property and laid it at the Apostles feet. This Barnabas will become a traveling companion of the Apostle Paul.

Questions/answers:
1. What and who was the Sanhedrin?
The rulers, elders, scribes, and priests made up the Sanhedrin or Jewish “Judicial council”- the same council that condemned Jesus (Luke. 22:66). It had 70 members plus the current high priest, who presided. The Sadducees held a majority in this ruling group along with the Pharisees.

2. Who was Barnabas?
Barnabas was a Levite from the island of Cyprus who later became a traveling companion of the Apostle Paul. His name means “Son of Encouragement” or “The Son of Consolation”.

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Acts Chapter 3

Peter’s Miracle, Peter’s Second Sermon

As our study continues, the church at Pentecost has been established and God added to the church daily. Signs and wonders (miracles) were sent from heaven, the apostles received the promise of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues (known languages), dreams and visions occurred (in later chapters). Now in chapter 3 the working of the Holy Spirit (miracles) will continue. As the 9th hour (3 PM) was about them, the Apostles, Peter and John, readied themselves to enter the temple for prayer as was the Jewish custom. There at the temple gate a man lame from birth tried to solicit alms from Peter and John, this too was the custom. Peter’s words “look on us” demanded the man give them his undivided attention. The lame man is expecting money (alms) not a healing (miracle).Verses (1-7) has many significance factors (1) This lame man is strategically placed at the temple gate by God for his purpose (2) Just as on the day of Pentecost what better place and time to get multitude of people’s attention, they were thousands coming for the hour of prayer and they will be witnesses to what is about to happen, (signs and miracles),and (3) The stage is set for Peter’s second powerful sermon.


Informing the lame man that he (Peter) had no alms to give him (something he was expecting), Peter called on the name of the lord JESUS CHRIST and ordered the lame man to get up and walk. Luke being a physician gave a complete account of the physical miracle the lame received (immediately not eventually). There was no doubt of what just took place at the temple gate. People were amazed at what they just witnessed. Peter had the people’s undivided attention and he capitalized on the opportunity (just like Pentecost). Notice that Peter addressed a Jewish audience. Peter first wanted to make sure that they knew that the miracle they just witnessed was of God and not themselves. As he did in his Pentecostal sermon, Peter reminded them that they handed Jesus the messiah over to the Gentile authorities to be crucified, and when Pilate was going to release Jesus they protested and asked that Jesus take the place of a murderer (Matthew.27:15-26).

After indicting them, Peter reminded them of the fact that God raised Jesus from the dead, in which they were witnesses. Peter explained the basis of the miracle. Jesus, not them was to receive the glory for the miracle. Peter explained that it was the name of our Christ that gave him the authority and the power to heal. Peter’s point is that it is not what they could do, but what Christ could through them. Jesus name must not be used as magic; it must be used in faith. Peter informed them that the death of Christ was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Ps.22; Isa.50:6 and Chapter 53). John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ by preaching repentance. The Apostles called for salvation also included repentance. “The time of restitution” of all things refers to “The second coming of Christ” the last judgment, and the removal of sin in the world. Peter affirmed the inspiration of the Old Testament prophets, just as in verses 18 and 21. This is to say that they all testified with a single voice concerning the things of Christ, even though they killed the prophets (Matthew 24:37; Acts 7:52). Peter now traced their ancestral heritage and that all people of the earth were to be blessed through them (Gen.12:3; 22:18; 26:4; Gal.3:16). Israel had the first opportunity to receive the blessings from Christ and turned away from their iniquities (sins).

Questions/Answers
What was the beautiful gate of the temple?
This was a gate located east of the temple area.

What is Solomon Porch?
Solomon Porch was the raised outermost part of Herod’s temple with columns that went all the way around the outer court (John 10:23; Acts. 3:11).

What was the Jewish hour of prayer?
6 AM is the first hour, 9 AM is the third hour, 12 Noon is the sixth hour, and 3 PM is the ninth hour (sunset).

What does the biblical term repentance mean?
In a more general sense repentance means to “change one’s mind. True repentance is a “Godly sorrow” for sin, an act of turning around and going in the opposite direction. This type of repentance leads to fundamental change in a person’s relationship to God.


Who was the man that the Jewish people wanted to be released?
His name was Barabbas, a murderer.

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Acts Chapter 2

The Holy Spirit and the Day of Pentecost

Held 50 days after Passover (Lev.23:15-21), Pentecost was also called the feast of weeks and feast of harvests. It is one of the major annual feast (Deuteronomy 16:16), a festival of Thanksgiving for the harvest crops. Jesus was crucified at the Passover, and he ascended to heaven 40 days after his resurrection. The Holy Spirit came 50 days after his resurrection, 10 days after his ascension. The term “fully come” implies the arriving of a period or point of time. As the believers were assembled in the upper room suddenly God gives signs of sound and sight. Their divine origin and supernatural character is clear. Both of these events were attention getters. The miracles were to communicate and convince the people by signs and wonders that what they were witnessing was of God. It is important at this point for us to understand that only the twelve spoke in tongues (known languages). This is confined by the Holy Scriptures. In chapter one verse 11 the Apostles are referred to as “ye men of Galilee” by the angels, again in verse 7 of this chapter the Apostles are referred to as speaking Galileans, but most important it is these twelve Galileans that Jesus selected to carry the gospel message to the world. What better place and time than on the day of Pentecost, where there would be hundred of thousands of Jews and Proselytes in attendance to hear the gospel message. Remember, they were told to start in Jerusalem.

The Jews and Proselytes from these difference nations were people from the dispersion vss.9-12 (James 1:1; 1 Peter.1:1). The Apostles literally spoke in other languages that the people present fully understood what they were saying (vss.6-7). This was not some form of gibberish that is spoken in some churches today. Paul said that tongues would cease (1.cor.13:8). This speaking was known languages, a miraculous attention getter. These signs were so supernatural; the people accused them of being drunk. Seizing the moment in the midst of the crowd’s bewilderment and confusion, Peter stands up with the eleven to address the crowd. Being filled with the Spirit (vs.4) Peter addresses the crowd with a formal address by addressing his brethren as men of “Judea” and “men of Israel”. Peter’s sermon will explain the events of Pentecost as God’s saving events. Peter addresses the statement of vs.13, in that they were not drunk because it was of the third hour of the day (9am), and that they did not drink at the first morning service.

Peter informed the crowd that what they had witnessed was a demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit prophesied by the prophet Joel in the scriptures (Joel 2:28-32). The disciples of Jesus, inspired by the Holy Spirit, had dreamed dreams and seen visions, and they could not help prophesying. Visions and dreams was God’s means of communication with those whom He called for His service (10:1-3; 10:9-17; 21:9). At the death of Christ, the day had suddenly become night, an earthquake had struck Jerusalem, the veil in the temple had been rent in two, and the graves had given up their dead (Matt.27:51-53). Peter told them that this Jesus, who had demonstrated that God approved Him by miracles and wonders, had been arrested and convicted by the very same people whom He was preaching to, and they caused Him to be crucified by the hands of the wicked gentiles (Roman authority). They killed their own Messiah. But God raised Jesus from the dead, as King David himself had prophesied. What read like a statement by David about himself (psalm.16:8-11) Peter interpreted as David’s description of what would happen to the messiah. Peter told the crowd that David could not have been talking of himself, because David had died and been buried and his tomb was visible to them in Jerusalem. It was He (Jesus) whom God raised up to sit at God’s right hand in glory, and God would not let His soul rest in hell. Peter closed his sermon out by proclaiming that the Person, whom they crucified, was designated by God as their lord and Messiah. Peter’s words had convinced them of the truth of what he had said and also convicted them of their sins. The people response was quick and immediate. They asked the most compelling question in Christendom “what should we do”. They wanted to be told how to amend their lives and become acceptable to God, they wanted to know how they could be saved.

Peter informed them the only way, was for them to repent of what they had done, and to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. They would receive a double gift: their sins would be forgiven, and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Three thousand were converted on the day of Pentecost as a result of Peter’s sermon. As they took their place as new member of the emerging church, the pattern of organization of the believing community began to gradually to take shape. The kingdom church that Christ spoke of in the gospel account was now a reality. The church was a place of fellowship where members shared a common meal as often as they could and where, as part of the worship, they ate bread and drank wine ceremoniously in remembrance of their Lord’s death. They did not break with the Jewish past, they still worshiped in the temple, but they also met in people's homes that they might gain more insight into the Apostles’ doctrine. As the church unfolds, new converts were added daily.

Questions/Answers: 1. What is a Proselyte?
A Gentile who converted to Judaism.

2. What is another name for the Holy Spirit?
The Comforter (see John.14:16, 26).

3. What does the word church means?
The New Testament was written in Greek. The Greek word is “Ekklesia” which means “a called out assembly of people”. It is sometimes called an assembly or congregation (see acts.1:4; 11:26; 15:25).

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Acts Chapter 1

Acts chapter 1 opens with the beloved Luke addressing his friend Theophilus, concerning the things “that Jesus did and taught” until he was taken up to heaven. Acts is the sequel to the Gospel of Luke. After Jesus’ resurrection he spent forty days on earth with the Apostles teaching them of things to come pertaining to the Kingdom of God. The fact that Jesus was seen after His resurrection, is undisputed by many scriptures (Matt.28:16, John.20:11-18, 19-30, 21:1, I Cor.15:1-9). In the Gospel accounts Christ spoke of sending the Holy Spirit to be with them, and to give them power to carry out their mission. That day was soon approaching. Jesus instructed them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait until they received power from on high. Without Jesus’ urging, they would have returned home to Galilee.

It is interesting that Jesus did not instruct them to tarry nor pray for the Holy Spirit (as many people do today), but to just wait. Wait, because the Holy Spirit had been promised by our Christ, to come and dwell with believers (John.14:17, 1 Cor.6:19, 2 Cor.6:16). As the Apostles came together on the Mount of Olives (east of Jerusalem), this would be the last time they would see Jesus face to face. They posed a question to Jesus if he would restore the Kingdom to Israel. Jesus did not rebuke them for such a question, because it was a valid question. Christ had been teaching them things of the coming kingdom (Matt.25:34, Luke.6:20; 22:28-30). Jesus’ insistence that “it is not for you to know” echoes His teachings in Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32-33. The fact that God set things by His authority and time suggest that they are not subject to speculation by believers.

The apostles had witness Jesus’ resurrection, now they will be witnesses to His ascension. The two men in white apparel (Angels) reassured them that Christ will return in the same manner. The Apostles immediately returned to Jerusalem as the Lord instructed, and gathered in the upper room, where they were together in prayer waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. This upper room may have been the home of Mary the mother of John Mark (Gospel of Mark). Later in Acts the believers will assembly at her house (Acts.12:12). The women in the upper room could have been the women who had helped financed Jesus’ ministry (Luke.8:1-3), they were at the foot of the cross (Luke.23:59), and at the empty tomb (Luke.24:1-2).

Peter being the leader of the Twelve, not the final authority, stood up to address those in the room (this will not be Peter’s last time addressing a crowd). Jesus had opened the minds of Peter and the other Apostles to understand the Scriptures (Luke.24:44-45). Peter understood that another must take the place of Judas as twelve Apostles must be in place to carry out the Lord’s marching orders. Two men who met the qualifications (vss.21-21) were chosen from the men in the upper room. After praying (something as believers we must always do when seeking guidance from our risen Savior), and casting lots*, the Holy Spirit led them to Matthias. With the choosing of Matthias and with the twelve in place, the stage is now set.

*Note: Lots was a divine method allowed by God to render His divine will (See Lev.16:8, Num.26:55, Josh.18:6, 8, Neh.10:34, Ps.22:18, Prov.16:33, Matt.27:35).

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An Introduction to the Book of Acts

The Book of Acts and the Book of Luke were written by Luke. Some historians have called the Book of Acts “Acts of the Apostles”. Luke addresses both of his books to a person whom we only know as Theophilus (Luke 1:3, Acts 1:1). The Gospel of Luke records the ministry of Jesus before His ascension, while the Acts gospel records the events after Jesus’ ascension “…and all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day He was taken up to Heaven” (Acts 1:2-2).

Acts is a continuation of Luke’s gospel. The writing of these two books covers a span of 30 years from the time of our Lord’s death to the covering of the church AD 33 to AD 63. Some commentators have outlined acts geographically using the formula Jesus gave His disciples “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). Now although Luke begins his story in Jerusalem, he does not stick to a precise geographical sequence. He moves back and forth from Antioch to Jerusalem, from Europe back to Asia, back to Jerusalem etc. Geography is important to Luke, yet he also has an ethnic interest – he wants to explain how Christianity moves from its Jewish foundation and spread to the Gentile world.

Though there are many people of interest in Acts, the Apostle Peter and the Apostle Paul are more pronounced. Luke was a companion of Paul throughout his ministry. This is indicated by the “we” section of his writings (Acts 16:10-17, 20:5-15, 21:1-18, 27:1-37, 28:16). Luke records information he personally witnessed, from other eyewitnesses account, and by the Holy Spirit (all Scripture is given by inspiration (1 Tim. 3:16).


Some highlights of the Book of Acts:

• Jesus' ascension
• The choosing of Matthias as the twelfth Apostle (not Paul)
• Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost
• The establishment of the early church
• Signs and wonders by Peter
• Opposition from the Sanhedrin
• Appointment of the seven deacons
• Stoning of Stephen
• Persecution against the church
• Conversion of Saul of Tarsus
• Etc.

Acts closes with Paul imprisoned in Rome.

Questions/Answers:
1. What does the name Theophilus mean?
The name means “One who loves God”

2. What was Luke’s profession?
Luke was a physician (Colossians 4:14)

3. Were the eleven apostles correct in wanting a twelfth apostle to replace Judas?
Yes! First they prayed (something we must always do when seeking guidance) Second, twelve apostles must sit on the twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Luke 22:30, Matthew 19:28). Twelve is symbolic of the people of God.

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