STUDIES IN ACTS OF THE APOSTLES –PART 24

                                    August 8, 2004

 

     In the section studied here (5:12-16), we see Luke move from the emotions of:  fear of the Lord (vs.11), to that of jealousy of the disciples (vs. 17), fear of the people (vs.26) to joy of the disciples (vs.41).   Clearly, respect for the apostles followed the incident with

Anania/Sapphira- see vs. 12.

  Chap.5, verse 12- “signs [semeion= a miraculous action done to authenticate divine persons] and

wonders”-[teratas= something strange showing divine operations]

Vine suggests that “signs” appeal to the intellect and “wonders” to the imagination.  “were wrought”- imperfect tense- continued action in the past or ‘done from time to time’.

   “Solomon’s porch” was an exterior structure forming a covered

approach along the eastern wall in the Court of the Gentiles of

Herod’s Temple in Jerusalem – John 10:23, Acts 3:11, 5:12.

  Chap.5, verses 13-14-“of the rest durst no man join himself to them”- durst=etolma- not to fear, boldly take a stand- the NKJV has

“none of the rest dared join them…”- this group is likely other Jews

that did not believe- see vs.14 “believers were the more added..”

These two verse show the contrast between believers and unbelievers

was more marked.

  The signs & wonders had an impact on the Jerusalem crowd by

authenticating Peter and the apostles’ message about the resurrection

of Christ.

  Chap.5, verses 15-16- these early events with the apostles parallel the early ministry of Jesus- Matt. 4:23-25.  “sick”- astheneis=weak

The respect of Peter is so great that extreme efforts are made to

have contact with him by those ill.  Take note that this verse does not

say the shadow of Peter actually healed them.

  “they healed every one”- would indicate that the other apostles were involved in this ministry as well as Peter.

 

  Chap. 5, verses 17-40 describes further attempts to deal with the popularity of the apostles along with Peter’s short message and the

leadership of Gamaliel.

   Once again, the Sadducees were central to persecution (4:1)

motivated  by indignation-dzalous=burned with jealousy.  The popularity of the apostles, seen in the bringing of the ill to them for healing, has irritated these leaders.

 

 

 

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  Chap.5, verses 18-20 describe the arrest and imprisonment of the apostles, quickly followed by divine intervention for their release.

Since these leaders have exceeded their legal powers, driven by malicious jealousy, God does not send an appeal on behalf of His

apostles.  Rather, God simply releases them Himself and send them

back to the Temple as His spokesmen.

  Chap.5, verses 21-25- Confident that the apostles are locked away, the next day the leaders call for a council (Sanhedrin) and have the apostles ordered to appear.  In an almost comic fashion, the officers cannot find the “locked” up apostles.  Verse 24 says “doubted of them whereunto this would grow”=NKJV “wondered what the outcome would be”.  Then they are told the men are in the Temple

“teaching the people.”

   Verse 26 says “they feared the people….stoned”- the apostles have gained great popularity with the common people of Israel-

See 5:13--- but such popularity does not equal faith.  Yet, God would use this popularity to help providentially protect the apostles.

   Chap. 5, verse 28- finally brought to the council, the high priest challenges them with what they had been charged –see 4:17.

They not only have continued but have now “filled Jerusalem with ..doctrine…bring this man’s [Jesus] blood upon us.”  The fear and rage of these leaders is evident and the target of the same is Jesus, Himself- see John 15:18-21.

 

• note “church” in 5:11—first appearance (in Acts) of the word in NIV, NASV, RV, RSV and New World Translation (Jeh.Wit)—because “church” is omitted in 2:47 in all those translations.  “Church” is in the majority of manuscripts in 2:47 and in the

KJV and NKJV.