Acts 5 – Annanias And Sapphira, The Apostles Arrested And Beaten

 

The Great Love And Unity Of The Believers In The Church

 

At the end of Acts 4 we read about the great love and unity of the believers in the new church. A divine love and unity poured into them by the Holy Spirit.

“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.” – Acts 4:32

They had approximately 20,000 believers in the young church, and yet they were “of one heart and soul”. And they had everything in common. That is pretty much impossible unless they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. And with God’s divine “agape” love and unity.

Agape love is the love that Jesus displayed when He gave up His place of glory in heaven. And became a humble servant in human form. And was willing to suffer and die a horrible death on the cross. All for our good, and to make it possible for us to be forgiven for our sins and saved.

Divine agape love is willing to sacrifice, and even suffer and die for the good of others.

 

The Great Love And Generosity Of The Believers

“There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” – Acts 4:34-37

Besides the believers in the church being filled with the divine agape love and unity from the Holy Spirit, they were also filled with a divine generosity. They had an incredible generosity that exceeds our human capacity to be unselfish and generous.

So much so that some believers were selling property and houses and giving all of the proceeds to the apostles. So the apostles could distribute the proceeds to take care of the needy people in the church.

There would have been many needy people in the church in Jerusalem at that time. The believers at that time all came from the Jewish religious system. They would have had to turn away from the Jewish religion and traditions, in order to turn to faith in Jesus.

And they would have been ostracized, and even kicked out of families. And some probably would even have lost jobs or the means of making a living.

But the believers in the church, filled with the Holy Spirit, and divine love and generosity, stepped up to take care of the needy. So much so that no one was needy because of the help and generosity of the believers.

 

Acts 5 – Annanias And Sapphira, The Apostles Arrested And Beaten

Properties And Houses Sold To Help The Needy

“for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” – Acts 4:34-37

The believers that owned land and houses were willingly selling them and giving the full proceeds to help the needy. Barnabas was an example of this.

These people were true and faithful followers of Jesus. They were the real deals.

Annanias And Sapphira

Now we get to Acts 5. It is important to know that the story of Annanias and Sapphira is a continuation of what we saw at the end of Acts 4.

And it is a contrast to what we saw in the true, faithful and generous believers that helped the needy. Their hearts were sincere and they had pure motives.

Annanias and Sapphira were a different story.

“But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” – Acts 5:1-2

“After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” – Acts 5:7-8

Annanias and Sapphira had conspired together to sell a property, and keep part of the proceeds for themselves. So far that would be ok and not sin.

The problem was that they conspired together to make it seem that they were giving all of the proceeds to help the needy. Not only were they guilty of lying to the people in the church and to God.

They were also guilty of hypocrisy. In their hearts they were not really what they appeared to be on the outside.

And their hearts and motives were not pure and right. They wanted the recognition and praise from the apostles and all the people in the church. Perhaps they wanted to have a loftier status in the eyes of the people in the church.

 

Acts 5 – Annanias And Sapphira, The Apostles Arrested And Beaten

God Hates Hypocrisy

God’s word is crystal clear about hypocrisy. God hates the sin of hypocrisy.

Jesus taught a lot about hypocrisy. Hypocrisy was very prevalent in the Jewish religion in His time on earth. Especially among the religious leaders.

“So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.” – Matthew 6:2

“When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.” – Matthew 6:5

“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.” – Matthew 23:1-7

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.” – Matthew 23:23

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.” – Matthew 23:25-26

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” – Matthew 23:27-28

Other Bible Verses About Hypocrisy

There are many other verses in God’s word that show that God hates hypocrisy.

“I do not sit with deceitful men, nor will I go with pretenders.” – Psalm 26:4

“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.” – 1 Peter 2:1

“And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men” – Isaiah 29:13

“Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.” – Malachi 1:14

“The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. 15 And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” – Luke 16:14-15

Hypocrisy is a serious sin. It does not honor or glorify God. In fact, it brings dishonor to God’s name.

 

Acts 5 – Annanias And Sapphira, The Apostles Arrested And Beaten

Peter Confronts Annanias

“But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” – Acts 5:3-4

Peter confronted Annanias about why he and his wife he tried to deceive and lie to the church, and to God. Led by the Holy Spirit, Peter got right to the heart of the matter.

He asked Annanias why Satan had filled his heart to lie. He was really asking Annanias why he let Satan fill his heart with hypocrisy, pride, and deception.

A Shocking Consequence

“When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.” – Acts 5:5-6

After Peter confronted Annanias about he and his wife’s hypocrisy and deception, a shocking and frightening thing happened. Annanias instantly fell down and died.

This was the first recorded sin in the fairly new church. Remember the new church in Jerusalem was formed on the day of Pentecost, in Acts 2. Which was only 50 days after Jesus died on the cross.

And it was no small ordinary sin. It was the sin of hypocrisy, and lying to God and the Holy Spirit. To many people today this would seem very harsh punishment.

But remember that hypocrisy is very reprehensible to God. It is an abomination to God. And it has no place in the church of Jesus.

 

Acts 5 – Annanias And Sapphira, The Apostles Arrested And Beaten

Jesus Is Lord And The Head Of The Church

Remember that God is the Creator of all things. And the Lord of all, and all in the heavens and earth belong to Him.

And remember that God has made Jesus to be Lord and King over all. And God made Jesus to be the head of the church.

“He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” – Colossians 1:15-18

Only Jesus is the head of the church. The apostles were not the heads of the church. They were merely the servant leaders carrying out Jesus’ will and mission for the church.

Jesus knew the dangers of allowing hypocrisy to exist and grow in the church. And He knew the dangers of hypocrisy to the human heart and soul. So He dealt harshly with the hypocrisy and deception that sprung up in the hearts of Annanias and Sapphira.

Everyone Had A Great Fear

“And great fear came upon all who heard of it.” – Acts 5:5

The Greek word used in Acts 5:5 for fear is phobos. In English it is translated as fear. Which is accurate in a way.

But phobos means more than our English word fear. It is more of a respectful and reverant fear for God. Not just a fear of being punished by God.

Annanias and Sapphira allowed their selfish hypocrisy to cause them to have a lack of reverance and respectful fear of God in their hearts. That is why they were willing to lie to God.

After Annanias dropped dead by the hand of God, there was even greater reverence and respectful fear of God in the church.

 

Acts 5 – Annanias And Sapphira, The Apostles Arrested And Beaten

Peter Confronts Sapphira

“After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.” – Acts 5:7-10

3 hours after Annanias dropped dead, Peter confronted Sapphira. She did not know what had happened to Annanias.

Peter gave her a chance to tell the truth, but she followed their plan and she also lied. To the church, but more seriously to God.

And immediately Sapphira fell down dead, just like Annanias a few hours before. The young men of the church carried her out and buried her next to Annanias.

A Reverant Fear Of God Spread

“And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.” – Acts 5:11

After this a great “phobos” fear, a great reverance and respectful fear, come upon the whole church.

And not only on the whole church, which was approximately 20,000 people already, but also upon anyone that heard about what happened to Annanias and Sapphira.

It is interesting to note that in verse 11 we see the word church. It is the first time the word church, or “ekklēsian” in Greek, is used in the New Testament. The church was formed on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, but this is the first time it is called a church.

The Results Of The Tragic Sins Of Annanias And Sapphira

“Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.” – Acts 5:12-16

What would happen today in the church of America if someone’s hypocrisy was called out in front of everyone? And not only that, the person, after being confronted, instantly dropped dead by the hand of God?

There probably would be a great exodus of people out of the church. Many would probably be saying “my god would never do that”. Or “that’s not the kind of god I want to serve”.

That is the kind of Chritianity we have in the US, and in other parts of the world these days.

 

Acts 5 – Annanias And Sapphira, The Apostles Arrested And Beaten

Many Signs And Wonders

“Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem… so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.” – Acts 5:12-13

After the tragedy of Annanias and Sapphira the apostles, by the power of the Holy Spirit, were performing many great signs and miracles. The apostles were meeting regularly together at Solomon’s Portico or Solomon’s Porch, which was at the temple. At this point the church was still meeting at the temple. And at houses for fellowship and meals.

Luke points out that none of the rest of the people dared to join the apostles, but they held them in great esteem. There was a great respect for them among the people.

As word spread about the many signs and wonders being performed by God through the apostles, more and more people from Jerusalem and from other places were bringing the sick and those afflicted by demons and evil spirits to them.

The Purpose Of The Signs And Wonders

Jesus chose and annointed the apostles to be the leaders of the newly formed church of the followers of Jesus Christ.

And as the leaders, they were also in charge of carrying out the mission that Jesus began and then commanded them to continue. To take the Gospel to as many people as possible, all over the world (Matthew4:19, Mark16:15, Acts1:8). And to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).

Part of being apostles meant that Jesus had ordained them or anointed them with power and authority to perform signs and wonders. Mainly healing and casting out demons, like Jesus had done.

Only the apostles performed signs and wonders in the new church age that began on the day of Pentecost. You do not see other believers performing signs and wonders in the new church.

Miracles and signs were done for several key reasons. First, to confirm that the apostles were empowered and sent by God.

Just like they were meant to show that Jesus was the Messiah and was sent by God, when Jesus performed signs and wonders.

And the main reason for the signs and wonders performed by the apostles was that they were done to point people to Jesus Christ. To show them that Jesus is the promised Messiah and Savior that God sent to provide forgiveness of sins and salvation.

 

Acts 5 – Annanias And Sapphira, The Apostles Arrested And Beaten

The Ultimate Result Of The Annanias And Sapphira Tragedy, & The Signs And Wonders

“And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women” – Acts 5:14

What was the result of the Annanias and Sapphira tragedy? A mass exodus from the church like there would be today in the US and other parts of the world?

No. Even greater multitudes of people were repenting and coming to faith in Jesus. And committing to follow Jesus as Lord, and do whatever He commanded.

And the church began to spread beyond Jerusalem.

The Jewish Leaders Persecute The Church

“But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy 18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.” – Acts 5:17-18

In Acts 4 we saw Peter and John get arrested by the Jewish leaders. This happened after they healed a lame man, and then Peter had a great opportunity to preach about Jesus to a large crowd at the temple.

And the Sanhedrin, the council of Jewish leaders, ordered them to stop telling others about Jesus. And then they threatened Peter and John, most likely with their lives, and then let them go.

Now we see in Acts 5 many more people repenting and turning to faith in Jesus.

And we again see the high priest and the Jewish leaders coming against the church. This time they arrested all of the apostles.

Luke points out that the high priest and Jewish leaders were full of jealousy of the apostles. These same religious leaders were jealous of Jesus, and had him killed.

 

Acts 5 – Annanias And Sapphira, The Apostles Arrested And Beaten

Jealousy And Hate For Jesus

“So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.” – Matthew 27:17-18

Not only were the Jewish leaders jealous of Jesus. They hated Him.

“Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me.” – John 8:42-45

“Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’” – John 15:20-25

Jesus prepared His followers, and taught them that they too would be hated and persecuted. Because of their love for Jesus.

A Miraculous Escape

“But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” – Acts 5:19-20

After the Jewish leaders arrested the apostles, they were thrown in jail. Sometime during the night and angel of the Lord came, opened the doors of the jail, and freed the apostles.

After freeing the apostles from the jail, the angel of the Lord commanded them “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”

After being arrested, threatened, and released in Acts 4, Peter and John and the church prayed for boldness from God. So they could continue to share the Gospel message despite the threats to their lives.

And now after being arrested and jailed, and released miraculously by an angel, they are commanded to immediately go to the temple again and preach the Gospel.

 

Acts 5 – Annanias And Sapphira, The Apostles Arrested And Beaten

The Top Priority Of The Mission Of The Church

There was a laser like focus on the mission that Jesus started when He came to earth. And then He passed the mission on to the apostles and the church, because He knew He was going to die on the cross, rise again, and return to heaven.

Jesus had commanded all of His followers to “be fishers of men” in Matthew 4:19. And He commanded them to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation” in Mark 16:15. And He commanded them to “go and make disciples of all nations…” in Matthew 28:19-20.

And after Jesus rose again he spent 40 days with his followers, especially the apostles. He told them all they need to do for the kingdom. And Jesus’ last words before rising up to heaven were “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” in Acts 1:8

God’s word clearly shows that our relationship with Jesus, and the kingdom mission that He gave us, need to be our top priority too. Like it was for the apostles and the early church in Acts.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received (the Gospel): that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” – 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

The Passionate Devotion Of The Early Church

The apostles and the early church in Acts clearly understood their marching orders from Jesus. To share the Gospel with as many people as possible, everywhere they could. And to teach new believers and make disciples.

No matter what opposition they would run into. No matter the hate and persecution. And no matter the dangers.

All of the apostles, except John, would die for faithfully fulfilling the mission Jesus gave them. And for loving Jesus and being passionately devoted to Him. And many others died. Stephen died (we will see this in Acts 7). Paul died later on.

“And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.” – Acts 5:21

Despite being arrested and threatened previously in Acts 4, and arrested again now in Acts 5, the apostles never lost their passionate devotion to Jesus. And their passion for sharing the Gospel and reaching the lost.

When the angel released them from jail and told them to go share the Gospel at the temple, they immediately went and did it.

 

Acts 5 – Annanias And Sapphira, The Apostles Arrested And Beaten

The Mission Has Not Changed

Jesus has not changed the mission and it’s top priority since then. We today have the same kingdom mission and the same top priority.

But you would never know it. So many pastors, leaders, and churches have changed the mission.

And very few people in churches actively share the Gospel of Jesus with others in their daily lives. And many fewer churches are sending out their people on mission trips to other countries, to take the Gospel to a lost world.

And you rarely see the passionate devotion the early church had for Jesus, and for their God given kingdom mission.

Jewish Leaders And Temple Guards Were Perplexed

“Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to.” – Acts 5:21-24

The Sanhedrin assembled the next morning after the apostles were arrested. And they sent for the apostles, to question them about doing what they ordered them to stop doing. To stop talking and teaching others about Jesus.

The temple officers found the jail securely locked and the guards standing at the doors. But the apostles were somehow gone.

And they all were greatly perplexed about how they had escaped.

 

Acts 5 – Annanias And Sapphira, The Apostles Arrested And BeatenThe Apostles Brought To The Sanhedrin

 

“And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people. 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” – Acts 5:25-28

While the Sanhedrin and the temple guards and officers were wondering what how the apostles escaped, someone came and told them they were at the temple teaching the people again. They were doing the very thing they arrested them for, and commanded them not to do.

The captain of the temple guard and the officers went and brought the apostles to the Sanhedrin. And the high priest questioned them about being commanded by them to stop teaching about Jesus. And yet they “filled Jerusalem” with their teaching about Jesus.

Peter And The Apostles’ Response

“But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” – Acts 5:29

Once again the apostles were being persecuted and pressured to stop telling others about Jesus. How would most Christians today react to this type of persecution and threats? How would you react?

The truth is that most Christians today in the US, and in many other places in the world, would not even face this type of persecution and threats. Why?

Some research 20+ years ago by Campus Crusade For Christ, now known as Cru, showed that only 2% of Christians in America were actively sharing Jesus with others in their daily lives. Or in other words, as a lifestyle. Even though Jesus clearly commanded and called all believers to share the Gospel with others.

2%. That’s it. And that was over 20 years ago. Now it’s even less.

So what was Peter and the other apostles’ response? “We must obey God rather than men.”

This response came in the face of heavy persecution. And even threats against their lives.

 

Acts 5 – Annanias And Sapphira, The Apostles Arrested And Beaten

Peter Continues To Respond To The Sanhedrin

“The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” – Acts 5:30-32

Peter continued their response to the high priest and the Sanhedrin by talking about how the “God of our fathers” raised up and sent Jesus. By saying the God of our fathers, Peter was showing them that he was talking about the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel.

And Peter was saying that Jesus was raised and sent by God, that He is the Messiah. And that they, the Jewish leaders and people, had killed the Messiah sent by God. This is similar to how Peter preached in Acts 2 and 3.

Peter continued by saying that God exalted Jesus after His death and resurrection. And that Jesus is at God’s right hand in heaven.

And that God appointed Jesus to be “Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins”. Peter preached the Gospel to the Sanhedrin.

And Peter told them that they are witnesses to all that God had done through Jesus. And that the Holy Spirit was also a witness.

The Sanhedrin’s Reaction To Peter’s Response & Gospel Presentation

How did the Jewish leaders and Sanhedrin react? With soft, humble, repentant hearts?

” When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.” – Acts 5:33

Basically they reacted the same way they reacted to Jesus.

 

Acts 5 – Annanias And Sapphira, The Apostles Arrested And Beaten

Jesus Faced Great Persecution And Threats

“The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” 18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.” – John 5:15-18

“When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. 30 But passing through their midst, he went away.” – Luke 4:28-30

“And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” 18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching.” – Mark 11:17-18

Jesus’ Words Of Encouragement For Those Who Would Be Persecuted

Jesus told His followers they would be hated because the people of the world hated Him. And that they would be persecuted.

Jesus offered this encouragement for all who commit in their hearts to be passionately devoted to Him. And committed to obey His commands to share the Gospel with as many others as possible.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:11-12

Even though spiritual warfare and persecution is not pleasant, and can be very difficult, Jesus encouraged us to persevere. And stay committed and devoted. And we will be blessed. Here, and especially for eternity in heaven.

 

Acts 5 – Annanias And Sapphira, The Apostles Arrested And Beaten

A Wise Word From Gamaliel

“But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice” – Acts 5:34-39

After the high priest and members of the Sanhedrin were enraged and wanted to kill the apostles, one of the council members spoke up. His name was Gamaliel, a Pharisee.

Gamaliel was an Old Testament scholar and teacher. Saul studied under Gamaliel before he met Jesus. And before he became Paul, and a passionately devoted follower of Jesus.

Gamaliel talked about a couple of men, Theudas and Judas from Galilee, that had gotten some people to turn away from the Jewish religion and follow them. And how they both were killed and that was the end of that.

The best part of Gamaliel’s advice was this: “if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.”

He convinced them that if the apostles were only men trying to be important and get followers, that ultimately they would fail. But if they were of God then no one could stop them. And they would actually be opposing God then.

Gamaliel was not a believer at this time. And there is nothing in Scripture or any religious writings of that time period that show he became a believer.

But by the sovereignty of God he gave the advice that convinced the high priest and Sanhedrin to not kill the apostles, and to let them go.

The Apostles Beaten And Released

“So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.” – Acts 5:39-40

The high priest and Sanhedrin, although very angry and ready to kill the apostles, decided to take Gamaliel’s advice. But before they let the apostles go they beat them.

And just like they did with Peter and John in Acts 4, they ordered them to stop talking and teaching about Jesus.

 

Acts 5 – Annanias And Sapphira, The Apostles Arrested And Beaten

Rejoicing For Being Arrested, Threatened, And Beaten

“Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” – Acts 5:41

After they were arrested, threatened with their lives, and beaten, the apostles did an extraordinary thing. It shows us where their hearts were.

Amazingly the apostles were rejoicing and praising God. Were they crazy? They just spent the night in jail. And they almost were killed. And they were beaten. All for faithfully serving Jesus.

How many “believers” today would walk away from Jesus if this happened to them? If things got really bad like it did for the apostles.

Passionately Devoted To Jesus

As we showed in Acts 2:42, the apostles and other followers of Jesus were passionately devoted. Not to doing religious things like study the Bible, prayer, fellowship… They were passionately devoted to Jesus.

The Greek word for devoted in Acts 2:42 is “proskarterōn”. It means to continually latch onto or grab ahold of, and refuse to let go. It is the strongest word in Greek for commitment.

The apostles and followers of Jesus in the early church weren’t devoted to doing religious things, or to a church. They were passionately devoted and committed to Jesus. And to doing and obeying everything that Jesus commanded them to do.

Especially when it came to doing the kingdom mission that Jesus gave them. They were going to do it no matter the opposition. And no matter the dangers, or threats, or persecution.

Considered Worthy To Suffer For Jesus

One of the reasons the apostles were rejoicing for having been arrested, threatened, and beaten is because of how they reacted when Jesus was arrested. Remember what they did? They all ran away and hid like frightened mice. And Peter even denied Jesus 3 times.

And they were ashamed and broken after they did it.

“But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.” – Luke 22:60-62

But Jesus restored Peter and the apostles after He rose from the grave. And Jesus gave them the privilege and honor of carrying out His kingdom mission after, and leading the early church in Acts.

“Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” – John 21:15-19

So this time around Peter and the apostles were joyful that the Lord had restored them and gave them another chance to serve Him and His kingdom. They were willing to pay any price for the privilege and joy of serving their Lord and First Love Jesus.

 

Acts 5 – Annanias And Sapphira, The Apostles Arrested And Beaten

Persevering In The Kingdom Mission

“And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” – Acts 5:42

So what did the apostles and the church do after their close call with death? Lay low for awhile until things cooled off?

No. In fact they did the opposite. They did what Jesus commanded them to do. Without hesitation.

Jesus commanded them in Acts 1:8 to be witnesses for Him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. And that is what they and the church did.

Every day in the temple, and going house to house, they continued to teach about Jesus and preach the Gospel. They were fully committed and devoted to Jesus.

And nothing was going to stop them from doing what Jesus commanded them to do. Except death.

 

 

Continue Growing Closer to God

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The goal isn’t simply to learn more about God.

The goal is to know God personally, love Him deeply, hear His voice, walk with Him daily, and experience a growing intimacy with Him.

 

 

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