Bible Commentaries
Acts 5

Verses 1-42

Here we have a terrible story. The account of Ananias and Sapphira stands in vivid contrast to that of Barnabas. The sin was dishonest dealing with the Holy Spirit. The judgment was swift and terrible.

The salutary effect of it was seen in the people's fear of joining this new community. Notwithstanding these things, the work went forward. Multitudes of both men and women were added to the Lord.

The opposing forces are now seen face to face. The enemies of Christ were roused to action. The apostles were arrested and imprisoned, and were supernaturally released. The scene of their appearance before the judges is vivid. On the one side was the most august and representative assembly that could be gathered. On the other, a handful of men who by all human standards were mere nonentities. As the spokesman of the whole Church, Peter addressed the assembly. The Sadducees were filled with anger. Gamaliel was a Pharisee, and really found himself more in agreement with the doctrine of the apostles than with the rationalism of the Sadducees. He advised, therefore, that these men should be left alone. The picture of them going forth rejoicing in suffering is filled with beauty, showing their experience of relationship with Christ.