Interpretive Study of Acts 5-6

Chapter links: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, God.

Acts Chapter 5

Chapter theme is: God's test.

links to sentences in this chapter:

C5-S1 (Verse 1-2), C5-S2 (Verse 3), C5-S3 (Verse 4), C5-S4 (Verse 4), C5-S5 (Verse 4), C5-S6 (Verse 4), C5-S7 (Verse 5), C5-S8 (Verse 6), C5-S9 (Verse 7), C5-S10 (Verse 8), C5-S11 (Verse 8), C5-S12 (Verse 9), C5-S13 (Verse 9), C5-S14 (Verse 10), C5-S15 (Verse 11), C5-S16 (Verse 12-14), C5-S17 (Verse 15), C5-S18 (Verse 16), C5-S19 (Verse 17-18), C5-S20 (Verse 19-20), C5-S21 (Verse 21), C5-S22 (Verse 21), C5-S23 (Verse 22-23), C5-S24 (Verse 24), C5-S25 (Verse 25), C5-S26 (Verse 26), C5-S27 (Verse 27-28), C5-S28 (Verse 28), C5-S29 (Verse 29), C5-S30 (Verse 30), C5-S31 (Verse 31), C5-S32 (Verse 32), C5-S33 (Verse 33), C5-S34 (Verse 34-35), C5-S35 (Verse 36), C5-S36 (Verse 37), C5-S37 (Verse 38-39), C5-S38 (Verse 40), C5-S39 (Verse 41), C5-S40 (Verse 42).

The account of Ananias and Sapphira is fairly well known but the other accounts of this chapter are less well preached and known.

In our chapter, we are told that God worked through all of the apostles to bring healing to the people and cast out devils and to save souls. And, this upset the religious leaders who arrested the apostles. But, God freed them and old them to teach the people in the Temple. Therefore, they were in the Temple teaching instead of being in the prison when the religious leaders sent for them. The religious leaders wanted to kill the apostles but were warned against that lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. Therefore, they had the apostles beat and let them go with our chapter ending with the report of: And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Thus, a significant part of this chapter is less well known. In our chapter, we have saved church members fighting against the truth and are killed for it by God. This sent a very clear warning to the rest of the saved people. The end of the account for that incident (Acts 5:11) says: And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

Next, we have the religious leaders also fighting against the truth, and even beating the apostles, but not getting punished by God. While it would look like God is not disapproving the actions of the religious leaders, God is actually giving a test to His people. It appears as if they can follow the religious leaders into error with no consequences. However, history tells us that God later destroys the nation and scatters the people and most of them who believed the lie, which the religious leaders told, were sent to Hell. Therefore, the people who appeared to get away with doing wrong did not have any immediate punishment but had delayed punishment. And the test is to see if we will do right or do wrong when there appears to be no consequence for doing wrong.

Acts 5:1-11 give us the account of Ananias and Sapphira.

Acts 5:12-22 tell us about God using the apostles to give God's people healing, truth and casting out devils.

Acts 5:23-25 tell us about the religious leaders arresting the apostles and God freeing them and telling them to teach in the Temple.

Acts 5:26-33 tell us about the apostles being before the Jewish Council of religious leaders

Acts 5:34-40 tell us about the Jewish Council deciding what to do to the apostles.

Acts 5:41-42 tell us the results of them meeting the Council.

Start of Chapter

C5-S1 (Verse 1-2) Ananias, with Sapphira his wife lied to the Holy Ghost.

But a certain man named Ananias,
with Sapphira his wife,
sold a possession,
And kept back part of the price,
his wife also being privy to it,
and brought a certain part,
and laid it at the apostle's feet.

Acts 5:1-11 give us the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Please be sure to keep all of the sentences of this account in context.

Our sentence, and chapter, starts with the word But. That means it is continuing the subject of the prior chapter while changing directions. The prior chapter told us how Barnabas sold land and gave the money to the church and was, later, rewarded by becoming the pastor of the church of Antioch. Now, this chapter starts with an account of another couple who also sold land and gave money to the church but lied about how much they gave. They were killed because Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost. Thus we see two different results directly resulting from the motivations of the heart.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C1S1 and Philippians 2:9-11 about the word name. The functional definition is: 'How a person or thing is identified. In the Bible, the power and authority which is associated with the name is always part of the message where this word is used'. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S4 about the phrase the name. That note has links to every place in the New Testament where the phrase in the name. occurs along with links to where similar phrases occur in the New Testament. Please see the note for 1Peter 4:14-LJC about the name of Christ. Please see the note for Luke 13:35 about the phrase name of the Lord. Please also see the Summary and verses documents about the use of this word for the Son of God. Please also see the note for Acts 1:23 about the word surname.

There are three men named Ananias in the Bible, but this man is only named in this chapter with the other two being named in two different chapters of Acts. Sapphira his wife is only named here.

Please see the note for Colossians C3S13 about the words wife / wives. The functional definition for this word is: 'The lawful consort of man; a woman who is united to man in the lawful bonds of wedlock; the correlative of husband'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:1-2; Acts 5:7; Acts 18:2; Acts 21:5; Acts 24:24.

Please see the note for Acts 2:44-45 about the word sold. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'the past-tense form of he word sell'. Please also see the note for Mark 10:21 about the word sell. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to transfer property or the exclusive right of possession to another for an equivalent in money. It is correlative to buy, as one party buys what the other sells. It is distinguished from exchange or barter, in which one commodity is given for another; whereas in selling the consideration is money, or its representative in current notes. to this distinction there may be certain exceptions. "Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a mess of pottage." But this is unusual. "Let us sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites- And they sold him for twenty pieces of silver." Gen. 37. Among the Hebrews, parents had power to sell their children. 2. to betray; to deliver or surrender for money or reward; as, to sell one's country. 3. to yield or give for a certain consideration. the troops fought like lions, and sold their lives dearly. that is, they yielded their lives, but first destroyed many, which made it a dear purchase for their enemies. 4. In Scripture, to give up to be harassed and made slaves. He sold them into the hands of their enemies. Judg. 2. 5. to part with; to renounce or forsake. Buy the truth and sell it not. Prov. 23'.

Please also see the note for Acts 2:44-45 about the word possession. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. the having, holding or detention of property in one's power or command; actual seizin or occupancy, either rightful or wrongful. One man may have the possession of a thing, and another may have the right of possession or property. If the possession is severed from the property; if A has the right of property, and B by unlawful means has gained possession, this is an injury to A. this is a bare or naked possession. In bailment, the bailee, who receives goods to convey, or to keep for a time, has the possession of the goods, and a temporary right over them, but not the property. Property in possession, includes both the right and the occupation. Long undisturbed possession is presumptive proof of right or property in the possessor. 1. the thing possessed; land, estate or goods owned; as foreign possessions. The house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. Obad.17. When the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Matt.19. 2. anything valuable possessed or enjoyed. Christian peace of mind is the best possession of life. 3. the state of being under the power of demons or invisible beings; madness; lunacy; as demoniacal possession. Writ of possession, a precept directing a sheriff to put a person in peaceable possession of property recovered in ejectment. Totake possession, to enter on, or to bring within one's power or occupancy. Togive possession, to put in another's power or occupancy'. Please also see the note for Mark 1:32 about the word possess. The functional definition for this word is: 'To have the just and legal title, ownership or property of a thing; to own; to hold the title of, as the rightful proprietor, or to hold both the title and the thing. A man may possess the farm which he cultivates, or he may possess an estate in a foreign country, not in his own occupation'.

Please see the note for Matthew 28:3-4 about the word keeper. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'of anything. 1. One who retains in custody; one who has the care of a prison and the custody of prisoners. 2. One who has the care of a park or other inclosure, or the custody of beasts; as the keeper of a park, a pound, or of sheep. 3. One who has the care, custody or superintendence of anything. In Great Britain, the keeper of the great seal, is a lord by his office, and one of the privy council. All royal grants, commissions and charters pass through his hands. He is constituted lord-keeper by the delivery of the great seal. the keeper of the privy seal is also a lord by his office, and a member of the privy council.'. The word kept is the past-tense form of the word keep. Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:22 about the word keep. The functional definition for this word is: 'To hold; to retain in one's power or possession; not to lose or part with; as, to keep a house or a farm; to keep anything in the memory, mind or heart. 2. to have in custody for security or preservation'. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments. This word is used, in this book, in: Acts 5:2; Acts 7:53; Acts 9:33; Acts 12:5; Acts 12:6; Acts 15:12; Acts 20:20; Acts 22:2; Acts 22:20; Acts 23:35; Acts 25:4; Acts 25:21; Acts 27:43; Acts 28:16.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C7S30 about the word price. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. L. pretium. See Praise. 1. the sum or amount of money at which a thing is valued, or the value which a seller sets on his goods in market. A man often sets a price on goods which he cannot obtain, and often takes less than the price set. 2. the sum or equivalent given for an article sold; as the price paid for a house, an ox or a watch. 3. the current value or rate paid for any species of goods; as the market price of wheat. 4. Value; estimation; excellence; worth. Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Prov.31. 5. Reward; recompense. that vice may merit; 'tis the price of toil; the knave deserves it when he tills the soil. the price of redemption, is the atonement of Jesus Christ. 1 Cor.6. A price in the hands of a fool, the valuable offers of salvation, which he neglects. Prov.17.'.

We find forms of the word privy in: Deuteronomy 23:1; 1Kings 2:44; Ezekiel 21:14; Acts 5:2. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a. L. privus. See Private. 1. Private; pertaining to some person exclusively; assigned to private uses; not public; as the privy purse; the privy confer of a king. 2. Secret; clandestine; not open or public; as a privy attempt to kill one. 3. Private; appropriated to retirement; not shown; not open for the admission of company; as a privy chamber. Ezek.21. 4. Privately knowing; admitted to the participation of knowledge with another of a secret transaction. He would rather lose half of his kingdom than be privy to such a secret. Myself am one made privy to the plot. His wife also being privy to it. Acts.5. 5. Admitted to secrets of state. the privy council of a king consists of a number of distinguished persons selected by him to advice him in the administration of the government. A privy verdict, is one given to the judge out of court, which is of no force unless afterward affirmed by a public verdict in court.
PRIV'Y, n. In law, a partaker; a person having an interest in any action or thing; as a privy in blood. Privies are of four kinds; privies in blood, as the heir to his father; privies in representation, as executors and administrators to the deceased; privies in estate, as he in reversion and he in remainder; donor and donee; lessor and lessee; privy in tenure, as the lord in escheat. 1. A necessary house. Privy chamber, in Great Britain, the private apartment in a royal residence or mansion. Gentlemen of the privy chamber are servants of the king who are to wait and attend on him and the queen at court, in their diversions, etc. they are forty eight in number, under the lord chamberlain.'. Please see the note for Acts 16:37 about the word privily.Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. from privy. Privately; secretly. --False teachers among you, who shall privily bring in damnable heresies. 2 Pet.2'. Please see the note for Mark 13:3-4 about the word privately. The functional definition for this word is: 'In a secret manner; not openly or publicly'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:76 about the word feet. Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'n. plu of foot. Sandals covered only the soles, so that the feet needed washing when coming from a journey. In Joh 13:10 a distinct Greek word expresses bathing the whole person and washing the feet; "he that is washed (leloumenos) needeth not save to wash (nipsasthai) his feet, but is clean every whit." When one has been, as Peter, once for all wholly forgiven in regeneration, and so received the bathing of the whole man, i.e. justification through faith in Jesus, he needs no repetition of this as Peter requested; all he needs is cleansing from the soils that his feet contract in his daily life walk. Hence we daily pray, "give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as," etc. (1Jo 1:9.) So the priests in entering the house of God (Ex 30:19). It was an act of humble deference to guests to wash the feet (Lu 7:38-44; 1Ti 5:10). Disciples, after Christ's example, were to wash one another's feet, "by love serving one another" (Ga 5:13). the sandals were taken off in entering a house, hence the command to Moses (Ex 3:5) and to Joshua (Jos 5:15); compare Ec 5:1. to put them on was to prepare for active duty (Eze 24:17); whereas mourners went barefoot (2Sa 15:30). to "cover the feet" was the delicate expression for easing oneself, preparatory to which the loose garment was let fall to cover the person (1Sa 24:3; compare margin 2Ki 18:27). Putting the feet on captives' necks, as Joshua did (Jos 10:24), symbolizes complete mastery (Ps 110:1; 1Co 15:25; Isa 60:14)'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Le 10:1-3; Jos 6:1; Mt 13:47-48; Joh 6:37; 2Ti 2:20 exp: Lu 14:33
kept. Jos 7:11-12; 2Ki 5:21-25; Mal 1:14; 3:8-9; Joh 12:6; 1Ti 6:10; 2Pe 2:14-15 his. Ac 5:9 laid. Ac 4:34-35,37; Mt 6:2-3; 23:5; Php 2:3 General references. exp: Lu 14:33.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S2 (Verse 3) Peter discerns the truth.

But Peter said,
Ananias,
why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost,
and to keep back part of the price of the land?.

Acts 5:1-11 give us the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Please be sure to keep all of the sentences of this account in context.

The summary of this sentence is:

The phrase But Peter said means: 'Peter disagreed with what Ananias said'. We are not told if someone told Peter the truth. But, since God killed Ananias and Sapphira because they lied to the Holy Ghost, it is most likely that God's Holy Ghost gave Peter spiritual discernment in this matter. God's Holy Ghost did not want saved people confused about why this couple was killed. Therefore, God's Holy Ghost had Peter tell us why they were killed.
The phrase Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost means: 'This is Peter's accusation and question'. While people can argue about how Peter knew the truth, they can not argue that he did not know. Notice that Peter says that Satan filled thine heart to lie. Peter said this to a saved man.
There is a big doctrinal argument, right now, because some people claim that saved people can not obey Satan and, thereby, be wicked. They are claiming that what this account literally tells us must be wrong. They justify this by claiming that 'the originals were inspired but not our preserved KJV1611'. There is a lot of Biblical evidence to prove that claim to be a lie from Satan. But, the simplest is the fact that when something is preserved it is 'kept in the same state as the original'. When they claim that 'the originals were inspired but not our preserved KJV1611', they are claiming that God is a liar. The word of God clearly says that it is God who preserves the word of God unto every generation for a thousand generation (Deuteronomy 7:9; 1Chronicles 16:15; Psalms 12:7; Psalms 105:8). That means that, since 'the originals were inspired', then 'the preserved must also be inspired'.
The phrase and to keep back part of the price of the land? means: 'This is what he did and is the basis for Peter's accusation' Again, we see a saved person acting the way that Satan told him to act and the purpose was to convince God's saved people that they could live in sin with no consequence. Since God killed him and his wife, there are, very obviously, consequences for the saved people living ins sin. And, as we read twice further in this account, great fear came on all them that heard these things. God wants His people to fear ongoing lifestyle sins.

Please carefully consider the doctrine above as it will keep God's people from a popular doctrinal error from Satan.

Please see the note for Galatians C2-S6 about Peter. The functional definition for this word is: 'pebble or little rock. Also, the head apostle and example of Christ'. Please also see the first half of the book called SbS-Preacher Missionaries about how God used Peter to show us how He trains a pastor / missionary.

There are three men named Ananias in the Bible, but this man is only named in this chapter with the other two being named in two different chapters of Acts. Sapphira his wife is only named here.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:10-11 about Satan. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines Satan as: 'Heb. an adversary. the grand adversary of man; the devil or prince of darkness; the chief of the fallen angels'.

Please see the note for Romans C15S11 about the word fill. The functional definition for this word is: 'the action which causes a container to be full'. Please alsosee the note for Philippians 4:18 about the word full. Please also see the note for Colossians 2:9 about the word fullness. The functional definition for this word is: 'Replete; having within its limits all that it can contain'. Please also see the notes for Romans C15S11 and Galatians C5-S15 about the word fulfill.

Please see the note for Romans C10S6; 2Corinthians C2S4 and Colossians C2S1 about the word heart. The functional definition for this word is: 'Our heart controls the same things as our soul only where the soul deals with the long term the heart deals with the short term and we control our heart directly while the soul is the accumulated actions of our heart. Both are the way we think (mind), the way we emotionally respond to circumstances (emotions) and the method we use to make decisions (will)'. Please also see the note for Galatians C6S6 about the phrase Lord looketh on the heart.

Please see the note for Galatians C1-S15 about the word liar. The functional definition for this word is: 'aston's Bible Dictionary defines lie as: 'an intentional violation of the truth. Lies are emphatically condemned in Scripture (Joh 8:44; 1Ti 1:9-10; Re 21:27; 22:15). Mention is made of the lies told by good men, as by Abraham (Ge 12:12-13; 20:2), Isaac (Ge 26:7), and Jacob ([ge 27:24|); also by the Hebrew midwives (Ex 1:15-19), by Michal (1Sa 19:14), and by David (1Sa 20:6). (See Ananias.)'. Please also see the note for Ephesians C4S8 about the phrase wicked heart. Please also see the Study called False things According to the Bible.

Please see the notes for Romans C7S16; 1Corinthians C3S17; Philippians 1:3-7 and Colossians C1S6 about the word holy. The functional definition for this word is: 'pure in heart, temper or dispositions; free from sin and sinful affections. Applied to the Supreme Being, holy signifies perfectly pure, immaculate and complete in moral character; and man is more or less holy, as his heart is more or less sanctified, or purified from evil dispositions. We call a man holy, when his heart is conformed in some degree to the image of God, and his life is regulated by the divine precepts. Hence, holy is used as nearly synonymous with good, pious, Godly'. Please see the Word Study on Spirit for links to every place in the Bible where we find the phrase Holy Spirit. Please see the Word Study on Holy Ghost for links to every place in the Bible where we find the phrase Holy Ghost. Please see the note for Matthew 4:5 about the phrase holy city. Please also see the note for 1John 2:20 about the phrase Holy One. Please also see the note for John 7:39 about the phrase Holy Spirit, indwelling.

Please the note for 1Timothy 5:22 about the word keep. The functional definition for this word is: 'To hold; to retain in one's power or possession; not to lose or part with; as, to keep a house or a farm; to keep anything in the memory, mind or heart. 2. to have in custody for security or preservation'. Please also see the note for Matthew 28:3-4 about the word keeper. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:3; Acts 5:27; Acts 10:28; Acts 12:4; Acts 12:6; Acts 12:19; Acts 15:5; Acts 15:24; Acts 15:29; Acts 16:4; Acts 16:23; Acts 16:27; Acts 16:36; Acts 18:21; Acts 21:24; Acts 21:25; Acts 24:23.

Please see the note for Mark 10:30 about the word land the functional definition for this word is: 'Earth, or the solid matter which constitutes the fixed part of the surface of the globe, in distinction from the sea or other waters, which constitute the fluid or movable part'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'why. Ge 3:13-17; 1Ki 22:21-22; 1Ch 21:1-3; Mt 4:3-11; 13:19; Lu 22:3; Joh 13:2,27; Eph 6:11-16; Jas 4:7; 1Pe 5:8; Re 12:9-11 exp: Mr 2:8. lie to. or, deceive. Ac 5:9; Job 22:13; Ps 94:7-9; Isa 29:15; Jer 23:24; Ho 11:12 to keep. Nu 30:2; De 23:21; Pr 20:25; Ec 5:4; Ro 2:21-22 General references. exp: Lu 14:33; Eph 4:27.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S3 (Verse 4) Peter asked a question with an obvious answer.

Whiles it remained,
was it not thine own?.

Acts 5:1-11 give us the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Please be sure to keep all of the sentences of this account in context.

This question means: 'Who could tell him to give it to the church other than God's Holy Ghost? therefore, what he did was against a commandment from God's Holy Ghost'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 4:6-7 about the word remain. The functional definition for this word is: 'To continue; to rest or abide in a place for a time indefinite'.

Please see the note for Acts 1:7 about the word own. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Belonging to; possessed; peculiar; usually expressing property with emphasis, or in express exclusion of others. It follows my, your, his, their, thy, her. God created man in his own image. Adam begat a son in his own likeness. Let them fall by their own counsel. He washed us from our sins in his own blood. In the phrases, his own nations, his own country, the word own denotes that the person belongs to the nation or country. 2. Own often follows a verb; as, the book is not my own, that is, my own book. 3. It is used as a substitute. That they may dwell in a place of their own. 2Sam. 7. in this use, a noun cannot follow own. 4. "He came to his own, and his own received him not," that is, his own nation or people; own being here used as a substitute, like many other adjectives.
OWN, v.t. from the adjective. 1. to have the legal or rightful title to; to have the exclusive right of possession and use. A free holder in the United states owns his farm. Men often own land or goods which are not in their possession. 2. to have the legal right to, without the exclusive right to use; as, a man owns the land in front of his farm to the middle of the highway. 3. to acknowledge to belong to; to avow or admit that the property belongs to. When you come, find me out and own me for your son. 4. to avow; to confess, as a fault, crime or other act; that is, to acknowledge that one has done the act; as, to own the faults of youth; to own our guilt. the man is charged with theft, but he has not owned it. 5. In general, to acknowledge; to confess; to avow; to admit to be true; not to deny; as, to own our weakness and frailty. Many own the gospel of salvation more from custom than conviction.'. Please also see the note for Acts 27:11 about the word owner.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'was it not thine. Ex 35:21-22,29; 1Ch 29:3,5,9,17; 1Co 8:8; 9:5-17; Phm 1:14 General references. exp: Ec 5:5; Lu 14:33.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S4 (Verse 4) Peter asked a second question with an obvious answer.

and after it was sold,
was it not in thine own power?.

Acts 5:1-11 give us the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Please be sure to keep all of the sentences of this account in context.

This question is added to the question in the prior sentence and means: 'Did he not have personal control over what was done with it?. Even God's Holy Ghost would not take away his free will in the matter'.

Please see the note for Romans C13S2 about the word power. The functional definition for this word is: 'the faculty of doing or performing anything; the faculty of moving or of producing a change in something; ability or strength. Power might be physical, spiritual, emotional, moral, religious or of some other nature'. Please also see the note for John 5:41 about the phrase power of God. Please also see the notes for Romans C8S40 and Ephesians C6S8 about the phrase spiritual powers.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S5 Peter asked a third question with an obvious answer.(Verse 4) why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?

Acts 5:1-11 give us the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Please be sure to keep all of the sentences of this account in context.

With this question, Peter reveals that it Notice that it is a heart sin and the action only reveals the attitude of heart.

Please see the note for Luke 1:24-25 about the word conceived. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Formed in the womb; framed in the mind; devised; imagined; understood'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'why. Ac 8:21-22; Jos 7:25-26; Job 15:35; Ps 7:14; Isa 59:4; Eze 38:10 (margin) Jas 1:15 General references. exp: Ec 5:5; Lu 14:33.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S6 (Verse 4) Peter reveals the true sin.

thou hast not lied unto men,
but unto God .

Acts 5:1-11 give us the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Please be sure to keep all of the sentences of this account in context.

Sin is: 'a violation of God's law' (1John 3:4). Therefore, he personally (thou) hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'thou hast. Ac 5:3; Ex 16:8; Nu 16:11; 1Sa 8:7; 2Ki 5:25-27; Ps 139:4; Lu 10:16; 1Th 4:8 General references. exp: Ec 5:5; Lu 14:33.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S7 (Verse 5) the results of his lie to God's Holy Ghost.

Equivalent Section: Ananias died.

And Ananias hearing these words fell down,
and gave up the ghost:.

Equivalent Section: the results of his death.

and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

Acts 5:1-11 give us the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Please be sure to keep all of the sentences of this account in context.

Our sentence tells us that God delivered immediate punishment for this sin. However, God delayed punishment for sins done by the religious people and reported later in the chapter. The difference is that God wants no confusion with His people. He wants them to know that sins, especially lying the Holy Ghost, carries a severe punishment. However, God let the religious leaders appear to get away with sin in order to use them as a test for lost and carnal people. They did not get away with a sinful lifestyle. The punishment was only delayed. However, the delay became a test to see if people would do right even though it appeared that there was no punishment for sin. And, the saved who did right, in spite of appearances, received everlasting rewards in Heaven for their attitudes and actions.

There are three men named Ananias in the Bible, but this man is only named in this chapter with the other two being named in two different chapters of Acts. Sapphira his wife is only named here.

The word heard is past-tense for the word hear. Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S14 and Galatians C3-S7 about the word hear. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Perceiving by the ear. This word is often used symbolically for hearing the spiritual message of the word of God, as sound. 1. Listening to; attending to; obeying; observing what is commanded. 2. Attending to witnesses or advocates in a judicial trial; trying'. Please pay attention to the word 'obey' within this definition. That is what most people refuse to do when the Bible says that they do not hear. Please also see the note for James 2:5 about the word hearken. Please also see the note for Mark 4:9 about the phrase He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Please see the note for Mark 15:37 about the word ghost (lower-case). The functional definition for this word is: 'the spirit of a physical man'.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S2 about the word word. The functional definition is: 'a single component part of human speech or language'. However, the word of God is the holy scriptures and in the English language, it is only the KJV-1611. Please also see the notes for Romans C10S22 and Word in 1John about the phrase word of God. Please also see the note for John 1:1 for an extensive note explaining the differences, and similarities, between the capitalized and the non-capitalized word word. When a Bible reference uses an uppercase word, it is referring to Jesus Christ. The uppercase makes this a formal name of the Son of God. However, while the exact definition is different, the properties are spiritually similar to the lowercase word. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 1:8 about the phrase word of the Lord. Please note that the word of the Lord is a sub-set of the word of God. the word of God contains all of God's written truth including recording the lies of Satan. The word of the Lord is that part of the word of God which will be used to judge us. The lies from Satan are not included within the word of the Lord.

The word fell is the past-tense form pf the word fall. Please see the note for 1Timothy 3:6 about the word fall. The functional definition for this word is: 'moving from a high position to a low position'. This word is often used symbolically for the spiritual meaning which is: 'apostasy: unexpectedly moving from a high spiritual position to a low spiritual position'.

The word gave is the past-tense form of the word give. Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 5:5 and Philippians 4:15 about the word give. The functional definition for this word is: 'Bestowing; conferring; imparting; granting; delivering'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word given. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:7 about the word giver. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about the phrase giving of thanks.

Please see the note for Mark 15:37 about the word ghost (lower-case). The functional definition for this word is: 'the spirit of a physical man'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:5; Acts 5:10; Acts 12:23.

Please see the notes for Romans C11S25 and Philippians 1:12-14 about the word fear. The functional definition for this word is: 'A painful emotion or passion excited by an expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger. Fear expresses less apprehension than dread, and dread less than terror and fright. the force of this passion, beginning with the most moderate degree, may be thus expressed, fear, dread, terror, fright. Fear is accompanied with a desire to avoid or ward off the expected evil. Fear is an uneasiness of mind, upon the thought of future evil likely to befall us'. Please also see the Study called Fear the Lord. In addition, please see the note for John 6:19 about the word afraid. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Impressed with fear or apprehension; fearful. this word expresses a less degree of fear than terrified or frightened. It is followed by of before the object of fear; as, to be afraid of death. Joseph was afraid to sin against God'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'hearing. Ac 5:10-11; 13:11; Nu 16:26-33; 2Ki 1:10-14; 2:24; Jer 5:14; 1Co 4:21; 2Co 10:2-6; 13:2,10; Re 11:5 great. Ac 5:11,13; 2:43; Le 10:3; Nu 16:34; 17:12-13; De 13:11; 21:21; Jos 22:20; 1Sa 6:19-21; 1Ch 13:12; 15:13; Ps 64:9; 119:120; 2Co 7:11; Re 11:13 exp: Re 11:11. General references. exp: Lu 14:33; Ac 5:11.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S8 (Verse 6) Young men, in the church, took him out and buried him immediately.

And the young men arose,
wound him up,
and carried him out,
and buried him.

Acts 5:1-11 give us the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Please be sure to keep all of the sentences of this account in context.

Notice that there was no preparation of the body like was done for Jesus. This shows loss of respect for doing a sin unto death.

Please see the note for Luke 15:11-12 about the word young. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Not having been long born; being in the first part of life; not old; used of animals; as a young child; a young man; a young fawn. 2. Being in the first part of growth; as a young plant; a young tree. 3. Ignorant; weak; or rather, having little experience. Come, elder brother, thou art too young in this. YOUNG, n. the offspring of animals, either a single animal, or offspring collectively. the cow will take care of her young, as will the hen. Animals make provision for their young'. Please also see the note for Romans 9:10-12 about the word younger. Please also see the note for Mark 10:20 about the word youth.

Please see the note for Mark 10:1 about the words arise / arose. The functional definition for this word is: 'To ascend, mount up or move to a higher place; as, vapors arise from humid places'. The word arose is the past-tense form of the word arise. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Ac 5:6; Acts 6:1; Acts 6:9; Acts 7:18; Acts 8:26; Acts 8:27; Acts 9:8; Acts 9:11;Acts 9:6; Acts 9:18; Acts 9:34; Acts 9:39; Acts 9:40; Acts 10:20; Acts 11:7; Acts 11:19; Acts 12:8; Acts 19:23; Acts 20:30; Acts 22:10; Acts 22:16; Acts 23:7; Acts 23:9; Acts 23:10; Acts 27:14.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 8:12 about the word wound. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A breach of the skin and flesh of an animal, or of the bark and wood of a tree, or of the bark and substance of other plants, caused by violence or external force. the self-healing power of living beings, animal or vegetable, by which the parts separated in wounds, tend to unite and become sound, is a remarkable proof of divine benevolence and wisdom. 2. Injury; hurt; as a wound given to credit or reputation.'.

Please see the note for Acts 3:2 about the word carried. The functional definition for this word is: 'The past-tense form of the word carry'. Please also see the note for Acts 5:9 about the words carry / carrying.

Please see the note for Colossians 2:10-12 about the word buried. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this word as: 'To deposit a deceased person in the grave; to inter a corpse; to entomb. 2. to cover with earth, as seed sown. 3. to hide; to conceal; to overwhelm; to cover with anything; as, to bury any one in the ruins of a city. 4. to withdraw or conceal in retirement; as, to bury one's self in a monastery or in solitude. 5. to commit to the water; to deposit in the ocean; as dead bodies buried in the deep. 6. to place one thing within another. thy name so buried in her. 7. to forget and forgive; to hide in oblivion; as, to bury an injury. to bury the hatchet, in the striking metaphorical language of American Indians, is to lay aside the instruments of war, forget injuries, and make peace'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Le 10:4-6; De 21:23; 2Sa 18:17; Joh 19:40'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S9 (Verse 7) then came the accomplice in sin.

And it was about the space of three hours after,
when his wife,
not knowing what was done,
came in.

Acts 5:1-11 give us the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Please be sure to keep all of the sentences of this account in context.

To have buried the husband and not even notify the wife first is unusual in all cultures. This indicates that God was directing all that happened. God was not going to let a worldly or a devil motivated person upset the start of His new church.

Please see the note for John 2:4 about the word hour. The functional definition for this word is: 'a short period of time relative to the perspective. Thus, a thousand years can be considered to be an hour / short period of time from the perspective of eternity'.

Please see the notes for Romans C10S25; 1Corinthians C1S11; 2Corinthians C1S5; Galatians C3-S9; Colossians C1S3 and know in 1John about the word know. The word knew is the past-tense form of the word know. The functional definition is: 'A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact; and the perception of the connection and agreement, or disagreement between various truths and acts. Within the Biblical usage is the knowledge that comes only from personal intimate experience'. Please see the notes for 2Peter 1:2-LJC; 2Peter 2:20-LJC and Philippians 1:9-11 about the word knowledge. Please see the note for Romans 6:3 about the phrase Know ye not. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C16S17 about the word acknowledge. Please also see the note for Romans C11S4 about the word foreknow.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S10 (Verse 8) Peter confirmed her part.

And Peter answered unto her,
Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much?.

Acts 5:1-11 give us the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Please be sure to keep all of the sentences of this account in context.

Please see the note for Matthew 18:31 about the words tell / told. The word told is the past-tense form of the word tell. The functional definition for this word is: 'to communicate to others'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:8; Acts 5:22; Acts 5:25; Acts 9:6; Acts 10:6; Acts 11:14; Acts 12:14; Acts 15:27; Acts 16:36; Acts 16:38; Acts 17:21; Acts 22:10; Acts 22:26; Acts 22:27; Acts 23:16; Acts 23:17; Acts 23:19; Acts 23:22; Acts 23:30; Acts 27:25.

Please see the note for Matthew 9:5 about the word whether. The functional definition for this word is: 'Which of two'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 11:22 about the word church. The functional definition for this word is: 'a called out assembly of baptized believers'. Please also see the note for 2Thessalonians 1:4 about the phrase church(es) of God. The commonly accepted definition is 'a called out assembly of baptized believers' with most of the disagreement over people including buildings in the definition and people adding or denying different definitions for a 'universal church'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 12:18-24 about the word churches (plural). Please also note that 1Thessalonians gives us 'The Doctrine of the Church'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S11 (Verse 8) Her answer proved that she conspired in the sin.

And she said,
Yea,
for so much.

Acts 5:1-11 give us the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Please be sure to keep all of the sentences of this account in context.

Please see the notes for Philippians 2:17 and Luke 24:22-23 about the word yea. The functional definition for this word is: 'Yes; a word that expresses affirmation or assent. Yea is used only in the sacred and solemn style. It affirms much more strongly than a simple Yes'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S12 (Verse 9) Peter wonders how saved people could conspire to sin.

Then Peter said unto her,
How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord ?.

Acts 5:1-11 give us the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Please be sure to keep all of the sentences of this account in context.

This question makes it clear that they did a spiritual sin. By Peter including the role of Lord here, he is making it clear that they will be punished for violating God's law. Please use the links in the sentence outline, above, for more details related to this sentence.

Please see the note for Romans 11:1 about the phrase I say. The functional definition is: 'Uttering in articulate sounds or words; speaking; telling; relating; reciting'. Please also see the note for Romans C10S28 about the word gainsaying. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:1 about the word sayings (plural). Please also see the notes for Romans C15S15 and 2Corinthians 2:17 about the word speak. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:12-14 about the word speech. Please also see the notes for Ephesians C4S15 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase evil speaking. The words speaketh and saith mean that the person 'keeps on keeping on doing the saying'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the word agree. The functional definition for this word is: 'Concord; harmony; conformity'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Ac 5:9; Ac 5:40; Acts 15:15; Acts 23:20; Acts 28:25.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C10S6 about the word tempt. The functional definition for this word is: 'Trial; a being put to the test. thus, God tempted [Ge 22:1; R.V., 'did prove'] Abraham; and afflictions are said to tempt, i.e., to try, men (Jas 1:2,12; comp. De 8:2), putting their faith and patience to the test'. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 3:5 about the word tempter. Please also see the note for Luke 4:12 about the phrase tempt God. Please also see the note for Galatians C4-S11 about the word temptation. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:9; Acts 15:10; Acts 20:19.

Please use the link in the sentence above and see the notes for Romans C8S1; Galatians C6S8 and Hebrews 8:10-LJC about the word Spirit. The functional definition is: 'An intelligent being from the spiritual reality which is a super-set of the physical reality'. As seen in the summary part of the Study on Spirit, 'We are made spiritually alive when God's spirit quickens our spirit'. That study also provides links to many more verses which teach the same doctrine. Please use his link for links to every usage in the Bible where we find the phrase Spirit of the Lord. Please see the note for Romans C11S13 about the phrase spirit of slumber. Please see the note for Galatians 6:1 in Word Study on Spirit for links to every place where we find the word spiritual. Please see the notes for Romans C8S40; Ephesians C6S8 about the phrase spiritual powers. Please see the note for 1Peter C1S11 about the phrase spiritual verses physical. Please see the notes for Word Study on Spirit; Romans C14S20 and Colossians C3S5 about the phrase unclean spirits. Please see the note for please see the Word Study on Holy Ghost for links to every place in the Bible where we find the phrase Holy Ghost.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'How. Ge 3:9-13; Lu 16:2; Ro 3:19 have. Ac 23:20-22; De 13:6-8; Pr 11:21; 16:5; Ps 50:18; Mic 7:3 to tempt. Ac 5:3-4; Ex 17:2,7; Nu 14:22; Ps 78:18-20,40-41,56; 95:8-11; Mt 4:7; 1Co 10:9 General references. exp: Ps 139:7.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S13 (Verse 9) Peter told her the judgment of God for her lie.

behold,
the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door,
and shall carry thee out.

Acts 5:1-11 give us the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Please be sure to keep all of the sentences of this account in context.

Please see the note for Colossians C2S3 about the word behold. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this word as: 'to fix the eyes upon; to see with attention; to observe with care. Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1. 2. In a less intensive sense, to look upon; to see. When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Num. 21. BEHO'LD, v.i. to look; to direct the eyes to an object. And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne, a lambdas it had been slain. Rev.5. 1. to fix the attention upon an object; to attend; to direct or fix the mind. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Rev.3.word is much used in this manner for exciting attention, or admiration. It is in the imperative mode, expressing command, or exhortation; and by no means a mere exclamation.' Please also see the note for 2:18-19 about the word holding'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 3:9 about the words husband. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word is: '"The man of a woman" signified her husband. Very little is said of the legal form of marriage, but the marriage tie has been held sacred from the beginning and by mankind everywhere. Eve gave the forbidden fruit to her husband. Ge 3:6,16. Mary had been espoused to Joseph, and he is called her husband. Matt. 1: 19. the husband is the head of the wife, and as such stands in the place of responsibility and authority; he is exhorted to love his wife. It is involved in headship that he love her as his own body, and cherish her, as the Lord does the assembly. Eph 5:23-29; Col 3:18-19.
Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." 2Co 11:2. In Rev. 21 the new Jerusalem is seen coming down from heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband: that husband must be the Lord Jesus, for she is the bride, the Lamb's wife.
There will also be a union in a future day between Jehovah and Israel. there has been the putting away: Jehovah has said, "She is not my wife, neither am I her husband;" but there is a day coming when she will say, "I will go and return to my first husband." Jehovah responds, "Thou shalt call me Ishi," that is 'husband;' "and shalt call me no more Baali," 'master.' "I will betroth thee unto me for ever." Ho 2:2-20. Happy unions when the Lord Jesus will be owned and loved by Israel, as their Messiah and King, and the Church be owned and manifested as the bride of Christ!'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:12-13 about the word door. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word is: 'Besides the common use of the door as the means of entrance into a house, and of enclosing those within when shut, it is used in scripture symbolically for the way of entrance into blessing. the Lord said, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." Salvation is only by Him. He also said that as the true Shepherd He entered into the sheepfold by the door, that is, though Son of God, He entered as obedient by God's appointed means, being circumcised, presented in the temple, and baptized. Joh 10:1-9. God opened 'the door of faith' to the Gentiles by Paul and Barnabas. Ac 14:27. Opportunities for service are called opened doors. 1Co 16:9; 2Co 2:12; Col 4:3; Re 3:8. When the church is represented as in a Laodicean state the Lord is outside knocking for admission at the door of the assembly, so that the individual may hear, with a promise of blessing to those who open to Him. Re 3:20. Doors in the East are usually made of wood; but in the deserted cities of Bashan doors are found cut out of stone, with a projection top and bottom which served as pivots on which the door turned'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:9; Acts 5:19; Acts 5:23; Acts 12:6; Acts 12:13; Acts 12:16; Acts 14:27; Acts 16:26; Acts 16:27; Acts 21:30.

e find forms of the words carry / carrying occurring 98 times in 93 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Matthew 1:17; Mark 6:55; Mark 11:16; Luke 10:4; John 5:10; John 21:18; Acts 5:9; Acts 5:10; Acts 7:43; 1Timothy 6:7. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: ', v.t. 1. To bear, convey, or transport, by sustaining and moving the thing carried, either by bodily strength, upon a beast, in a vehicle, or in any kind of water-craft. In general, it implies a moving from the speaker or the place present or near, to a place more distant, and so is opposed to bring and fetch, and it is often followed by from, away, off, out. He shall carry the lambs in his bosom. Is. 40. When he dieth, he shall carry nothing away. Ps. 49. 2. To convey; as sound is carried in the air. 3. To effect; to accomplish; to prevail; to gain the object; as, to carry a point, measure, or resolution; to carry a prize; to carry a fortified town by force of arms; sometimes followed by it. Whose wills will carry it over the rest. 4. To bear out; to face through. If a man carries it off, there is so much money saved. 5. To urge, impel, lead or draw, noting moral impulse. Pride or passion will carry a man to great lengths. Men are carried away with imaginary prospects. See Eph. 4:14. Heb. 13:9. 6. To bear; to have. In some vegetables, we see something that carries a kind of analogy to sense. 7. To bear; to show, display or exhibit to view. The aspect of every one in the family carries satisfaction. 8. To imply or import. To quit former tenets carries an imputation of ignorance. 9. To contain or comprise. He thought it carried something of argument in it, to prove that doctrine. 10. To extend or continue in time, as to carry a historical account to the first ages of the world; but usually with a particle, as to carry up or carry back, to carry forward. 11. To extend in space, as to carry a line or a boundary; or in a moral sense, as to carry ideas very far. 12. To support or sustain. Carry camomile on sticks. 13. To bear or produce, as trees. Set them a reasonable depth, and they will carry more shoots upon the stem. 14. To manage or transact, usually with on; as, to carry on business. 15. To carry ones self, to behave, conduct or demean. He carried himself insolently. Sometimes with it; as, he carried it high. 16. To remove, lead or drive. And he carried away all his cattle. Gen. 31. 17. To remove; to cause to go. And the king of Assyria did carry away Israel to Assyria. 2 Kings 18. 18. To transport; to affect with extraordinary impressions on the mind. Rev. 17. 19. To fetch and bring. Young whelps learn easily to carry. 20. To transfer; as, to carry an account to the ledger. War was to be diverted from Greece by being carried into Asia. To carry coals, to bear injuries. To carry off, to remove to a distance; also, to kill, as to be carried off by sickness. To carry on, 1. to promote, advance, or help forward; to continue; as, to carry on a design; to carry on the administration of grace. 2. To manage or prosecute; as, to carry on husbandry. 3. To prosecute, continue or pursue; as, to carry on trade or war. To carry through, to support to the end; to sustain or keep from failing, or being subdued. Grace will carry a man through all difficulties. Hammond. To carry out, to bear from within; also, to sustain to the end; to continue to the end. To carry away, in seamanship, is to break; to carry sail till a spar breaks; as, to carry away a fore-topmast.
CARRY, v.i. 1. To run on rotten ground, or on frost, which sticks to the feet, as a hare. 2. To bear the head in a particular manner, as a horse. When a horse holds his head high, with an arching neck, he is said to carry well. When he lowers his head too much, he is said to carry low. 3. To convey; to propel; as, a gun or mortar carries well; but this is elliptical'. The functional definition for this word is: 'To bear, convey, or transport. In general, it implies a moving from the speaker or the place present or near, to a place more distant, and so is opposed to bring and fetch, and it is often followed by from, away, off, out'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the feet. Ac 5:6; 2Ki 6:32; Ro 10:15 General references. exp: Ps 139:7.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S14 (Verse 10) the result of her participation in the sin.

Equivalent Section: She died at Peter's feet.

Then fell she down straightway at his feet,
and yielded up the ghost:.

Equivalent Section: She was buried next to her husband.

and the young men came in,
and found her dead,
and,
carrying her forth,
buried her by her husband.

Acts 5:1-11 give us the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Please be sure to keep all of the sentences of this account in context.

This sentence is clear and simple to understand. The problem that people will have with it is that they don't want to believe what it clearly says. The Bible warns us that people will preach another god (Psalms 16:4) and another gospel (2Corinthians 11:4). And, people who have believed those lies rarely verify their beliefs against what the word of God actually says. Therefore, anyone who rejects the simple truth of this sentence probably has believed one of those lies.

The word fell is the past-tense form of the word fall. Please see the note for 1Timothy 3:6 about the word fall. The functional definition for this word is: 'moving from a high position to a low position'. This word is often used symbolically for the spiritual meaning which is: 'apostasy: unexpectedly moving from a high spiritual position to a low spiritual position'.

Please see the note for Mark 1:18 about the words straight / straightway. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'STRAIGHT, a. L., formed from the root of reach, stretch, right. It is customary to write straight, for direct or right, and strait, for narrow, but this is a practice wholly arbitrary, both being the same word. Strait we use in the sense in which it is used in the south of Europe. Both sense proceed from stretching, straining. 1. Right, in a mathematical sense; direct; passing from one point to another by the nearest course; not deviating or crooked; as a straight line; a straight course; a straight piece of timber. 2. Narrow; close; tight; as a straight garment. See strait, as it is generally written. 3. Upright; according with justice and rectitude; not deviating from truth or fairness.
STRAIGHT, adv. Immediately; directly; in the shortest time. I know thy generous temper well; fling but the appearance of dishonor on it, it straight takes fire, and mounts into a blaze'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Ac 5:10; Acts 9:11; Acts 9:20; Acts 16:11; Acts 16:33; Acts 21:1; Acts 22:29; Acts 23:30.

Please see the note for Romans C6S18 about the word yield. The functional definition for this word is: ' to give up the contest; to submit'.

Please see the note for Mark 15:37 about the word ghost (lower-case). The functional definition for this word is: 'the spirit of a physical man'.

Please see the note for Luke 15:11-12 about the word young. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Not having been long born; being in the first part of life; not old; used of animals; as a young child; a young man; a young fawn. 2. Being in the first part of growth; as a young plant; a young tree. 3. Ignorant; weak; or rather, having little experience. Come, elder brother, thourt too young in this. YOUNG, n. the offspring of animals, either a single animal, or offspring collectively. the cow will take care of her young, as will the hen. Animals make provision for their young'. Please also see the note for Romans 9:10-12 about the word younger. Please also see the note for Mark 10:20 about the word youth.

The word found is the past-tense form of the word find. Please see the note for John 1:41 about the word find. The functional definition for this word is: 'Literally, to come to; to meet; hence, to discover by the eye; to gain first sight or knowledge of something lost; to recover either by searching for it or by accident'.

Please see the notes for Romans C6S4; 2Corinthians 2:15; Philippians 1:19-20 and Colossians C1S4 about the words dead / death / die. The functional definition for this word is: 'Physical death is separation of soul and spirit from body and the second death is eternal separation from God'. Please also see the notes for Revelation 2:11; Revelation 20:6; Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8 about the phrase death, second.

Please see the note for Acts 5:9 about the words carry / carrying. The functional definition for these words is: 'To bear, convey, or transport. In general, it implies a moving from the speaker or the place present or near, to a place more distant, and so is opposed to bring and fetch, and it is often followed by from, away, off, out'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'fell. Ac 5:5'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S15 (Verse 11) Another result of the visible judgment by God.

And great fear came upon all the church,
and upon as many as heard these things.

Acts 5:1-11 give us the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Please be sure to keep all of the sentences of this account in context.

The people who preach a false gospel and a false God try to avoid this result. We are commanded to Fear the Lord so that we will stop our sinning. The people who preach a false gospel and a false God are motivated by devils who want God's people to keep sinning and lost possible everlasting rewards in Heaven. The rest of our chapter tells us how this church had results which are rarely heard of since that time. And, the results are because of a change in the attitudes and actions of the church members after they learned to fear the Lord.

Please note that this fear also came upon people outside of the church who were probably lost. When God's people are doing God's ministry, God will often protect them and cause lost people to fear threatening the true witness for God.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 5:5; 19:17; Ps 89:7; Jer 32:40; 1Co 10:11-12; Php 2:12; Heb 4:1; 11:7; 12:15,28; 1Pe 1:17; Re 15:4'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S16 (Verse 12-14) God's Holy Spirit worked through the apostles to show the people God's aproval on their doctrine.

First Step:

And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people;

Second Step: the included part has three sentences and gives us what was in the original message but what a word-for-word translation would leave out.

First Sentence: How the saved people reacted.

(and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

Second Sentence: How the lost people reacted.

And of the rest durst no man join himself to them:
but the people magnified them.

Third Sentence: Many lost became saved.

And believers were the more added to the Lord,
multitudes both of men and women.).

Acts 5:12-22 tell us about God using the apostles to give God's people healing, truth and casting out devils.

In 2Corinthians 3 Paul compares the Jewish religion with its veil in the Temple and the reading of Moses to a true Spirit led personal salvation. In 2Corinthians 3:16, Paul says Nevertheless when it [their mind] shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. That chapter and particular verse explain what is going on here in this chapter and in 2Corinthians 5:14.

In Acts 2 the Jewish leaders were confused and didn't know how to respond to the thousands getting saved on Pentecost. In Acts 3 Peter and John were witnessing again and 5,000 men (plus women and children) got saved. The devil had enough and he got the Jewish religious leaders to fight back and arrest and threaten Peter and John.

Since God was using the devil's people (the impotent man of Acts 3) in His spiritual war, the devil decided to copy God's tactics and use someone in the church to advance his cause. Ananias and Sapphira appeared to be doing the Lord's work but were really advancing the devil's spiritual cause. The Lord had brought a judgment of death on Ananias and Sapphira for trying to turn the Lord's witness into a religious lie. Later Satan will copy God again and have his people start killing the saved. We will get to that later but, right now we are dealing with God eliminating those who would be traitors in God's spiritual warfare.

The only way that these Jews (or any religious person) would give up their religion that they had been raised with since birth is if they recognized the greater authority and power of the Lord. They would not do it for the man named Jesus nor for the blessings available through Christ. However, given a Lord who was proving His power with miracles, and proving His judgment and intolerance for religious hypocrisy by bringing a judgment of death on His own people, these Jews didn't dare challenge that Lord.

One of the main reasons that we have so much religious error being taught is that the Lord's people don't ask the Lord to bring judgment and the religious hypocrites are sure that judgment won't come. The Lord's people know that For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God (1Peter 4:17). They don't want to risk their own death like Ananias and Sapphira did and, therefore, do not pray for the power of the Lord like the church did in the end of Acts 4. However, these people in Acts 5:14 saw the judgment of the Lord and still joined the church. They didn't 'say a prayer to Jesus and live for Hell' because they knew that the Lord would literally kill them for it. They understood that they were choosing sides in a spiritual war.

Where the early church had power, we are weak and anemic because we are unwilling to live a life of trust and obedience to the Lord. This verse uses Lord for power and judgment of God displayed through His role as Lord, like thesaved Jews of that day, as He leads us in this spiritual war.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S12 and Colossians C2S7 about the word hand. The functional definition for this word is: 'In man, the extremity of the arm, consisting of the palm and fingers, connected with the arm at the wrist; the part with which we hold and use any instrument. Often used symbolically for ability'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. Please also see the note for 1Peter 5:6-7 about the phrase hand of God. Please also see the note for Mark 16:19 about the phrase right hand of God. Please also see the note for Luke 1:38 about the word handmaid. Please also see the note for 1John 1:1-3 about the word handle. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:1-2 about the phrase at hand. This phrase is defined as: 'it will happen very soon'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. The functional definition for this word is: 'To physically grab with the intention of doing great harm which, usually, ends in death'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 12:12 about the word sign. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'A token, pledge, or proof, Ge 9:12-13; 17:11; Ex 3:12; Isa 8:18. Also a supernatural portent, Lu 21:11; and a miracle, regarded as a token of the divine agency, Ex 4:7-9; Mr 8:11. the "signs of Heaven" were the movements and aspects of the Heavenly bodies, from which heathen astrologers pretended to obtain revelations, Isa 44:25; Jer 10:2'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 12:12 about the word wonder. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'that emotion which is excited by novelty, or the presentation to the sight or mind, of something new, unusual, strange, great, extraordinary, or not well understood; something that arrests the attention by its novelty, grandeur or inexplicableness. Wonder expresses less than astonishment, and much less than amazement. It differs from admiration, in not being necessarily accompanied with love, esteem or approbation, nor directed to persons. But wonder sometimes is nearly allied to astonishment, and the exact extent of the meaning of such words can hardly be graduated. they were filled with wonder and amazement. Acts 3. Wonder is the effect of novelty upon ignorance. 2. Cause of wonder; that which excites surprise; a strange thing; a prodigy. to try things oft, and never to give over, doth wonders. I am as a wonder to many. Psalm 71. 3. anything mentioned with surprise. Babylon, the wonder of all tongues. Wonders of the world. the seven wonders of the world were the Egyptian pyramids, the Mausoleum erected by Artemisia, the temple of Diana at Ephesus, the walls and hanging gardens of Babylon, the colossus at Rhodes, the statue of Jupiter Olympius, and the Pharos or watch-tower of Alexandria. 4. A miracle. Exodus 3'. Please also see the note for Matthew 7:22 about the word wonderful. The functional definition for this word is: 'a. Adapted to excite wonder or admiration; exciting surprise; strange; astonishing. Job 42'. Please see the Minor Titles of the Son of God Section, of the Significant Gospel Events Study, for links to this nameans other titles for Jesus.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:5 about the word wrought. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Worked; formed by work or labor; as wrought iron. 2. Effected; performed. She hath wrought a good work upon me. Matthew 26. 3. Effected; produced. He wrought the public safety. A great change was wrought in his mind. this wrought the greatest confusion in the unbelieving Jews. 4. Used in labor. the elders of that city shall take a heifer that hath not been wrought with. Deuteronomy 21. 5. Worked; driven; as infection wrought out of the body. Not used. 6. Actuated. Vain Morat, by his own rashness wrought-- 7. Worked; used; labored in. the mine is still wrought. 8. formed; fitted. He that hath wrought us for the self-same thing is God. 2 Corinthi and 5. 9. Guided; managed. Not used. 10. Agitated; disturbed. My dull brain was wrought with things forgot. Wrought on or upon, influenced; prevailed on. His mind was wrought upon by divine grace. Wrought to or up to, excited; inflamed. their minds were wrought up to a violent passion. She was wrought up to the tenderest emotion of pity'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:12; Acts 15:12; Acts 18:3; Acts 19:11; Acts 21:19.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:1 about the word accord. The functional definition for this word is: 'Agreeing; harmonizing when two notes are in a music chord, they move together, up or down, to the next note''. Please also see the note for Psalms 119:23 about the phrase according to works.

Please see the note for Acts 3:11 about Solomon. The functional definition for this word is: 'Son of David and Bathsheba. Bath-sheba He reigned forty years over the united kingdom from B.C. 1015 to 975. David when near his death appointed Solomon his son, whom God had chosen to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of Jehovah, to be his successor, and he began his reign by executing righteous judgement, as Christ will when He comes to reign, followed by a reign of peace'.

Please see the note for Matthew 26:71 about the word porch. Smith's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Ulam, or ulam: 1Ch 28:11. 2. Misderon ulam: Jg 3:23. strictly a vestibule, was probably a sort of veranda chamber in the works of Solomon, open in front and at the sides, but capable of being enclosed with awnings or curtains. the porch: Mt 26:71. may have been the passage from the street into the first court of the house, in which, in eastern houses, is the mastabah or stone bench, for the porter or persons waiting, and where also the master of the house often receives visitors and transacts business'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:12-13 about the word rest. The functional definition for this word is: 'To cease from action or motion of any kind; to stop; a word applicable to any body or being, and to any kind of motion'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C6S26 about the word join. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines join as: 'v.t. L. jungo, jungere; jungo for jugo, jugum; Eng. yoke; Gr. a yoke, and a pair, to join. 1. to set or bring one thing in contiguity with another. Woe to them that join house to house, that lay field to field. Is.5. 2. to couple; to connect; to combine; as, to join ideas. 3. to unite in league or marriage. Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. 2 Ch.18. What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Matt.19. 4. to associate. Go near and join thyself to this chariot. Acts.8. 5. to unite in any act. Thy tuneful voice with numbers join. 6. to unite in concord. But that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment. 1 Cor.1. The phrase, to join battle, is probably elliptical, for join in battle; or it is borrowed from the Latin, committee proelium, to send together the battle. In general, join signifies to unite two entire things without breach or intermixture, by contact or contiguity, either temporary or permanent. It differs from connect, which signifies properly, to unite by an intermediate substance. But join, unite, and connect are often used synonymously.
v.i. to grow to; to adhere. the place where two bones of the body join, is called a joint or articulation. 1. to be contiguous, close or in contact; as when two houses join. 2. to unite with in marriage, league, confederacy, partnership or society. Russia and Austria joined in opposition to Buonaparte's ambitious views. Men join in great undertakings, and in companies for trade or manufacture. they join in entertainments and amusements. they join in benevolent associations. It is often followed by with. Any other may join with him that is injured, and assist him in recovering satisfaction. Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? Ezra 9.'. Please also see the note for Colossians 2S10 about the word joints. Please also see the note for Philemon 1:8 about the word enjoin. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:13; Acts 5:36; Acts 8:29; Acts 9:26; Acts 18:7.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:19-20 about the word magnified. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: ': 'v.t. L. magnifico; magnus, great, and facio, to make. 1. to make great or greater; to increase the apparent dimensions of a body. A convex lens magnifies the bulk of a body to the eye. 2. to make great in representation; to extol; to exalt in description or praise. the embassador magnified the king and queen. 3. to extol; to exalt; to elevate; to raise in estimation. thee that day thy thunders magnified. the Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly. 1 Chron. 29. to magnify one's self, to raise in pride and pretensions. He shall magnify in his heart. Dan.8'.

Please see the note for Luke 12:31 about the word added. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'pp. Joined in place, in sum, in mass or aggregate, in number, in idea or consideration; united; put together'. Please also see the note for Matthew 6:27 about the word add. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: ', v.t. L. addo, from ad and do, to give. 1. to set or put together, join or unite, as one thing or sum to another, in an agreegate; as, add three to four, the sum is seven. 2. to unite in idea or consideration; to subjoin. Towhat has been alledged, let this argument be added. 3. to increase number. Thou shalt add three cities more of refuge. Deut. 19. 4. to augment. Rehoboam said, I will add to your yoke. 1Kings, 12. Ye shall not add to the word which I command you. Deut. 4. As here used, the verb is intransitive, but there may be an ellipsis. Toadd to, is used in scripture, as equivalent to give, or bestow upon. Gen. 30, Matt. 6. In Gal. 2, the word is understood to signify instruction. "In conference they added nothing to me." In narration, he or they added, is elliptical; he added words, or what follows, or he continued his discourse. In general, when used of things, add implies a principal thing, to which a smaller is to be annexed, as a part of the whole sum, mass, or number'. The functional definition for this word is: 'The mathematical function. Ignoring either side of the word add changes what is said into doctrinal error'. Please also see the note for Galatians C3S22 about the phrase Mosaic Law added.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'by. Ac 2:43; 3:6-7; 4:30,33; 9:33,40; 14:3,8-10; 16:18; 19:11; Mr 16:17-18,20; Ro 15:19; 2Co 12:12; Heb 2:4 they. Ac 1:14; 2:42,46; 4:32 exp: Ac 2:1. in. Ac 3:11; Joh 10:23 General references. exp: Le 8:26; Joh 13:35; Ac 19:11.
of. Ac 5:5; Nu 17:12-13; 24:8-10; 1Sa 16:4-5; 1Ki 17:18; Isa 33:14; Lu 12:1-2; 14:26-35; Joh 9:22; 12:42; 19:38; 2Pe 2:20-22 but. Ac 2:47; 4:21; 19:17; Lu 19:37-38,48 General references. exp: Joh 13:35.
believers. Ac 2:41,47; 4:4; 6:7; 9:31,35,42; Isa 44:3-5; 45:24; 55:11-13 multitudes. Ac 8:3,12; 9:2; 22:4; Ex 35:22; De 29:11-12; 31:11-12; 2Sa 6:19; Ezr 10:1; Ne 8:2; 1Co 11:11-12; Ga 3:28 General references. exp: Joh 13:35.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S17 (Verse 15) How much the miracles of God's Holy Ghost affected the Jewish people.

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets,
and laid them on beds and couches,
that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

Acts 5:12-22 tell us about God using the apostles to give God's people healing, truth and casting out devils.

It can be argued, by strict rules of punctuation, that this verse is actually part of the prior sentence. However, I separated it in order to make understanding easier. Our sentence starts with the word Insomuch ('adv. in, so, and much. So that; to that degree'), which means it is qualifying how much the prior sentence was true. That is, God's Holy Spirit did so many miracles through the apostles that people brought the sick to lay in the street where the apostles walked so that their shadow would fall on the sick person and heal them. So, yes, this verse is technically part of the prior sentence but I separated it so that the structure would be easier to understand.

The phrases of this sentence can be explained as:

The phrase that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches means: 'This is what the common Jewish people did even though the religious rulers tried to hide the miracles and the doctrine taught by the apostles'.
The phrase that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them means: 'They hoped that Peter's shadow would heal people. I can not say if it did or did not. But, like the miracles that Jesus did in the Gospels, they were given to many, even lost people. The hope was that the miracle would lead the people to be saved but God did not demand true salvation before giving a miracle'.

Our next sentence starts with the word Then and tells us what happened next after people saw the miracles which God did through the apostles.

Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines the word sick as: 'a. Qu.Gr. squeamish, lothing. 1. Affected with nausea; inclined to vomit; as, sick at the stomach. this is probably the primary sense of the word. Hence, 2. Disgusted; having a strong dislike to; with of; as, to be sick of flattery; to be sick of a country life. He was not so sick of his master as of his work. L'Estrange. 3. Affected with a disease of any kind; not in health; followed by of; as to be sick of a fever. 4. Corrupted. Not in use nor proper. 5. the sick, the person or persons affected with the disease. the sick are healed.'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:15; Acts 5:16; Acts 9:33; Acts 9:37; Acts 19:12; Acts 28:8.

Please see the note for Luke 10:10-11 about the word street. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The street called "Straight" at Damascus (Ac 9:11) is "a long broad street, running from east to west, about a mile in length, and forming the principal thoroughfare in the city." In Oriental towns streets are usually narrow and irregular and filthy (Ps 18:42; Isa 10:6). "It is remarkable," says Porter, "that all the important cities of Palestine and Syria Samaria, Caesarea, Gerasa, Bozrah, Damascus, Palmyra, had their 'straight streets' running through the centre of the city, and lined with stately rows of columns. the most perfect now remaining are those of Palmyra and Gerasa, where long ranges of the columns still stand.", through Samaria, etc.'.

Please see the note for John 5:10 about the word bed. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(Heb. mittah), for rest at night (Ex 8:3; 1Sa 19:13,15-16, etc.); during sickness (Ge 47:31; 48:2; 49:33, etc.); as a sofa for rest (1Sa 28:23; Am 3:12). Another Hebrew word (er'es) so rendered denotes a canopied bed, or a bed with curtains (De 3:11; Ps 132:3), for sickness (Ps 6:6; 41:3). In the New Testament it denotes sometimes a litter with a coverlet (Mt 9:2,6; Lu 5:18; Ac 5:15).
The Jewish bedstead was frequently merely the divan or platform along the sides of the house, sometimes a very slight portable frame, sometimes only a mat or one or more quilts. the only material for bed-clothes is mentioned in 1Sa 19:13. Sleeping in the open air was not uncommon, the sleeper wrapping himself in his outer garment (Ex 22:26-27; De 24:12-13)'.

We find forms of the word couch in: Genesis 49:4; Genesis 49:9; Genesis 49:14; Numbers 24:9; Deuteronomy 33:13; Job 7:13; Job 38:40; Psalms 6:6; Amos 3:12; Amos 6:4; Luke 5:19; Luke 5:24; Acts 5:15. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. 1. A bed; a place for rest or sleep. 2. A seat of repose; a place for rest and ease, on which it is common to lie down undressed. 3. A layer of stratum; as a couch of malt. 4. In painting, a lay or impression of color, in oil or water, covering the canvas, wall, or other matter to be painted. 5. Any lay, or impression, used to make a thing firm or consistent, or to screen it from the weather. 6. A covering of gold or silver leaf, laid on any substance to be gilded or silvered.'.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S9 about the word shadow. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this word as: 'Shade within defined limits; obscurity or deprivation of light, apparent on a plane and representing the form of the body which intercepts the rays of light; as the shadow of a man, of a tree or a tower. the shadow of the earth in in an eclipse of the moon is proof of its sphericity. 2. Darkness; shade; obscurity. Night's sable shadows from the ocean rise. Denham. 3. Shelter made by anything that intercepts the light, heat or influence of the air. In secret shadow from the sunny ray, On a sweet bed of lilies softly laid. Spenser. 4. Obscure place; secluded retreat. to secret shadows I retire. Obs. Dryden. 5. Dark part of a picture. Obs. In the last two senses, shade is now used. 6. A spirit; a ghost. Obs. in this sense, shade is now used. 7. In painting, the representation of a real shadow. 8. An imperfect and faint representation; opposed to substance. the law of having a shadow of good things to come. Heb. 10. 9. Inseparable companion. Sin and her shadow, death. Milton. 10. Type; mystical representaion. Types and shadows of that destin'd seed. Milton. 11. Protection; shelter; favor. 12. Slight or faint appearance'. Please also see the note for Luke 9:34 about the word overshadow. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to throw a shadow over; to overshade. 2. to shelter; to protect; to cover with protecting influence'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they brought. Ac 19:11-12; Mt 9:21; 14:36; Joh 14:12 exp: Mt 8:16; 9:2. into the streets. or, in every street. General references. exp: Lu 9:6; Ac 19:12.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S18 (Verse 16) Word of what God's Holy Spirit was doing spread.

Equivalent Section: How the common people responded when miracles were available.

There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem,
bringing sick folks,
and them which were vexed with unclean spirits :.

Equivalent Section: What God's Holy Spirit did.

and they were healed every one.

Acts 5:12-22 tell us about God using the apostles to give God's people healing, truth and casting out devils.

When God truly acts, word spreads fast. And, the church used those opportunities to preach the Gospel.

Please see the note for John 6:2 about the word multitude. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'the state of being many; a great number. 2. A number collectively; the sum of many. 3. A great number, indefinitely. It is a fault in a multitude of preachers, that they utterly neglect method in their harangues. 4. A crowd or throng; the populace; applied to the populace when assembled in great numbers, and to the mass of men without reference to an assemblage. He the vast hissing multitude admires. the multitude have always been credulous, and the few artful'.

Please see the note for Mark 11:19 about the word city. The functional definition for this word is: 'An area where many people live together and have a local government rule over them'. Please also see the note for Romans C13S12 about the phrase city of refuge. Please also see the note for Matthew 4:5 about the phrase holy city. We find forms of this word, in this book, in: Acts 5:16; Acts 7:58; Acts 8:5; Acts 8:8; Acts 8:9; Acts 8:40; Acts 9:6; Acts 10:9; Acts 11:5; Acts 12:10; Acts 13:44; Acts 13:50; Acts 14:4; Acts 14:6; Acts 14:13; Acts 14:19; Acts 14:20; Acts 14:21; Acts 15:21; Acts 15:36; Acts 16:4; Acts 16:12; Acts 16:13; Acts 16:14; Acts 16:20; Acts 16:39; Acts 17:5; Acts 17:6; Acts 17:8; Acts 17:16; Acts 18:10; Acts 19:29; Acts 19:35; Acts 20:23; Acts 21:5; Acts 21:29; Acts 21:30; Acts 21:39; Acts 22:3; Acts 24:12; Acts 25:23; Acts 26:11; Acts 27:5; Acts 27:8.

Please see the note for Galatians C1-S12 about Jerusalem. The functional definition for this word is: 'the central place of worship of the true God'. Several Bible dictionaries have quite large entries about Jerusalem because it is so important within the Bible and within world history outside of the Bible.

Please see the note for Acts 5:15 about the word sick. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C11S34 about the word sickly. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this word is: 'a. Qu.Gr. squeamish, lothing. 1. Affected with nausea; inclined to vomit; as, sick at the stomach. this is probably the primary sense of the word. Hence, 2. Disgusted; having a strong dislike to; with of; as, to be sick of flattery; to be sick of a country life. He was not so sick of his master as of his work. L'Estrange. 3. Affected with a disease of any kind; not in health; followed by of; as to be sick of a fever. 4. Corrupted. Not in use nor proper. 5. the sick, the person or persons affected with the disease. the sick are healed.'.

Please see the note for Matthew 15:22 about the word vex. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'To irritate; to make angry by little provocations; a popular use of the word. 2. to plague; to torment; to harass; to afflict. Ten thousand orments vex my heart. 3. to disturb; to disquiet; to agitate. White curl the waves, and the vex'd ocean roars. 4. to trouble; to distress. I will also vex the hearts of many people. Ezek. 32. 5. to persecute. Act. 12.
VEX, v.i. to fret; to be teased or irritated'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 9:13-14 about the word unclean. The functional definition for this word is: 'polluted from the world; influenced by devils; never doing the right religious practice; doing anything that would make us less than 100% committed to obeying God; accepting anything that is even questionable as being right; accepting all influences that corrupt'. Please also see the notes for Word Study on Spirit; Romans C14S20 and Colossians C3S5 about the phrase unclean spirits. They are devils. Please also see the notes for Galatians C5S20 and Colossians C3S5 about the word uncleanness. Please also see the note for James 4:8 about the word cleanse. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:16; Acts 8:7; Acts 10:14; Acts 10:15; Acts 10:28; Acts 11:8; Acts 11:9; Acts 18:6.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S29 about the word heal. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. L. celo; Heb. to be whole or entire, all. 1. to cure of a disease or wound and restore to soundness, or to that state of body in which the natural functions are regularly performed; as, to heal the sick. Speak, and my servant shall be healed. Matt.8. 2. to cure; to remove or subdue; as, to heal a disease. 3. to cause to cicatrize; as, to heal a sore or wound. 4. to restore to soundness; as, to heal a wounded limb. 5. to restore purity to; to remove feculence or foreign matter. thus, saith the Lord, I have healed these waters. 2 Kings.2. 6. to remove, as differences or dissension; to reconcile, as parties at variance; as, to heal a breach or difference. 7. In Scripture, to forgive; to cure moral disease and restore soundness. I will heal their backsliding. Hos.14. 8. to purify from corruptions, redress grievances and restore to prosperity. Jer.14. 9. to cover, as a roof with tiles, slate, lead, etc.
HEAL, v.i. to grow sound; to return to a sound state; as, the limb heals, or the wound heals; sometimes with up or over; it will heal up or over'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'bringing. Mt 4:24; 8:16; 15:30-31; Mr 2:3-4; 6:54-56; Joh 14:12 healed. Ac 4:30; Mr 16:17-18; Lu 5:17; 9:11; 1Co 12:9; Jas 5:16'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S19 (Verse 17-18)

the reaction of lost religious authorities.

Then the high priest rose up,
and all they that were with him,
(See Below),
and were filled with indignation,
And laid their hands on the apostles,
and put them in the common prison.

The religious leaders denied the resurrection.

(which is the sect of the Sadducees).

Acts 5:12-22 tell us about God using the apostles to give God's people healing, truth and casting out devils.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him means: 'This is who reacted to God's working'.
The phrase and were filled with indignation means: 'This was their emotional reaction to God's working'.
The phrase And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison means: 'This was their physical reaction to God's working'.
The phrase which is the sect of the Sadducees means: 'The religious leaders denied the resurrection. That is why they were so upset with preaching which proved that their belief was doctrinal error from a devil'.

Notice that they blamed the apostles for what was obviously the work of God. Men can not do miracles. They can only make themselves holy vessels fit for God's use. However, since they could not do anything against God, they attacked the men of God. And, God allowed it because when His people willingly suffer for the truth of God, they put treasure in Heaven. That is: God adds to their personal Heavenly account according to how much they suffer (1Peter 4:16-19).

Further on in this chapter we read that the high priest said Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? (Acts 5:27). Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29). After that, the religious leaders had them beat even though they wanted to kill the apostles. However, the reference back to this sentence is that the high priest...and all they that were with him (were of the sect of the Sadducees). They denied resurrection and the apostles preaching in the name of Jesus Christ could only have power if He was truly resurrected. If He was not truly resurrected then His name could not have the power to do miracles. Therefore, they were filled with indignation because their cherished doctrine was proven to be a lie.

Our sentence says t6hat they also laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. That is, they abused their authority and arrested the apostles for telling the truth. This is the way of people who push a lie and religious error. They are not willing to personally suffer for their claims but are willing to hurt and even murder all of their opposition. That is why God tells His people to be willing to suffer for the truth. That difference in attitude is a witness that someone is telling the truth.

Please see the note for Hebrews 4:14 about the word priest. The functional definition for this word is: 'One who represents men before God'. Please also see the note for Mark 14:63 about the phrase high priest.

The word rose. is the paast-tense form of the word rise. Please see the note for Colossians C2-S7 about the word rise. The functional definition for this word is: ' to move to pass upward in any manner; to ascend; as, a fog rises from a river or from low ground; a fish rises in water; fowls rise in the air; clouds rise from the horizon towards the meridian; a balloon rises above the clouds'. Please also see the note for Mark 10:1 about the words arise / arose. Please also see the note for John 20:2-LJC about the phrase risen Jesus is Lord. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:17; Acts 5:36; Acts 5:37; Acts 10:41; Acts 14:20; Acts 15:5; Acts 15:7; Acts 16:22; Acts 26:30.

We find forms of the word sect only in: Acts 5:17; Acts 15:5; Acts 24:5; Acts 26:5; Acts 28:22. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(Gr. hairesis, usually rendered "heresy", Ac 24:14; 1Ch 11:19; Ga 5:20, etc.), meaning properly "a choice," then "a chosen manner of life," and then "a religious party," as the "sect" of the Sadducees (Ac 5:17), of the Pharisees (Ac 15:5), the Nazarenes, i.e., Christians (Ac 24:5). It afterwards came to be used in a bad sense, of those holding pernicious error, divergent forms of belief (2Pe 2:1; Ga 5:20)'.

Please see the note for Romans C15S11 about the word fill. The functional definition for this word is: 'the action which causes a container to be full'. Please also see the note for Philippians 4:18 about the word full. Please also see the note for Colossians 2:9 about the word fullness. The functional definition for this word is: 'Replete; having within its limits all that it can contain'. Please also see the notes for Romans C15S11 and Galatians C5-S15 about the word fulfill.

Please see the note for Mark 14:4 about the word indignation. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Anger or extreme anger, mingled with contempt, disgust or abhorrence. When Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. Esth.5. 2. the anger of a superior; extreme anger; particularly, the wrath of God against sinful men for their ingratitude and rebellion. 2 Kings.3. 3. the effects of anger; the dreadful effects of God's wrath; terrible judgments. Is.26. 4. Holy displeasure at one's self for sin. 2 Cor. 7'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C10S10 about the word common. The functional definition for this word is: 'Of no rank or superior excellence; ordinary and applies to the majority of any grouping. Not noble, not distinguished'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 5:1 about the word commonly.

Please see the note for Matthew 4:12 about the word prison. The functional definition for this word is: 'The place of detainment and confiment used by a government'. Please also see the note for Philemon 1:1 about the word prisoner. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:3 about the word imprisonment. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:18; Acts 5:19; Acts 5:21; Acts 5:22; Acts 5:23; Acts 5:25; Acts 8:3; Acts 12:4; Acts 12:5; Acts 12:6; Acts 12:7; Acts 12:17; Acts 16:23-24; Acts 16:25; Acts 16:26; Acts 16:27; Acts 16:36; Acts 16:37; Acts 16:40; Acts 22:4; Acts 22:19; Acts 23:18; Acts 25:27; Acts 26:10; Acts 27:1; Acts 27:42; Acts 28:16; Acts 28:17.

Please see the note for Luke 20:27-28 about the word Sadducees. The functional definition for this word is: '(followers of Zadok), Mt 3:7; 16:1,6,11-12; 22:23,31; Mr 12:18; Lu 20:27; Ac 4:1; 5:17; 23:6-7,8. a religious party or school among the Jews at the time of Christ, who denied that the oral law was a revelation of God to the Israelites. and who deemed the written law alone to be obligatory on the nation, as of divine authority. Except on one occasion. Mt 16:1,4,6. They also denied the resurrection from the dead'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the high. Ac 4:26; Ps 2:1-3; Joh 11:47-49; 12:10,19 all. Ac 4:1-2,6; 23:6-8 indignation. or, envy. Ac 7:9; 13:45; 17:5; 1Sa 18:12-16; Job 5:2; Pr 14:30; 27:4; Ec 4:4; Mt 27:18; Ga 5:21; Jas 3:14-16; 4:5; 1Pe 2:1 General references. exp: Jer 26:7.
General references. Ac 4:3; 8:3; 12:5-7; 16:23-27; Lu 21:12; 2Co 11:23; Heb 11:36; Re 2:10'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S20 (Verse 19-20) the Lord sent His angel to free them.

But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors,
and brought them forth,
and said,
Go,
stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

Acts 5:12-22 tell us about God using the apostles to give God's people healing, truth and casting out devils.

Please use the link in the sentence outline, above, to see why our sentence uses the phrase the angel of the Lord .

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

Please use this link to see why our sentence uses the phrase the angel of the Lord .
The word But means: 'The subject of this sentence is the same as the prior sentence while changing an attribute of the subject. Where the prior sentence says that the religious leaders locked up the apostles to shut them up, our sentence says that the angel of the Lord freed them and old them to go teach'.
The phrase But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth means: 'This is what the angel of the Lord did'.
The phrase and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people means: 'This is what the angel of the Lord commanded'.
The phrase all the words of this life means: 'This is what they were to teach'. The phrase the words of this life means: 'the Gospel'.

As we read later in this chapter, the religious leaders were warned to be careful about fighting against God. What is reported in this sentence should have told them that they were doing that. However, religious fools believe that can get away with saying No, God (Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:1). And, all who follow such religious fools also share in their judgment. As we see in this chapter, God allows such fools to seem to get away with their attitudes as a test for others.

in this sentence, we see the apostles demonstrating the power of God but suffering for telling the truth. People who followed the religious leaders seemed to get away with it but later suffered the judgment of God. Likewise, people who want the blessings of God but are not willing to suffer in order to stand and proclaim the Gospel will be led into doctrinal error like many of the Jews were led.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S1; Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events about the word angel. The functional definition for this word is: 'Literally, a messenger; one employed to communicate news or information '. Please also see the note for Jude 1:7 about the word archangel. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:19; Acts 6:15; Acts 7:30; Acts 7:35; Acts 7:38; Acts 7:53; Acts 8:26; Acts 10:3; Acts 10:7; Acts 10:22; Acts 11:13; Acts 12:7; Acts 12:8; Acts 12:9; Acts 12:10; Acts 12:11; Acts 12:15; Acts 12:23; Acts 23:8; Acts 23:9; Acts 27:23.

Please see the note for John 11:10 about the word night. Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines this word as '(1) the time of distress (Isa 21:12). (2) Death, the time when life's day is over (Joh 9:4). (3) Children of night, i.e. dark deeds, filthiness, which shuns daylight (1Th 5:5). (4) the present life, compared with the believer's bright life to come (Ro 13:12)'. Please also see the note for Matthew 25:6 about the word midnight. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:19; Acts 9:24; Acts 9:25; Acts 12:6; Acts 16:9; Acts 16:25; Acts 16:33; Acts 17:10; Acts 18:9; Acts 20:7; Acts 20:31; Acts 23:11; Acts 23:23; Acts 23:31; Acts 26:7; Acts 27:23; Acts 27:27.

Please see the note for John 18:20 about the words open / openly. The functional definition for this word is: ' Unclosed; not shut; as, the gate is open; an open door or window; an open book; open eyes'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:19; Acts 5:23; Acts 7:56; Acts 8:32; Acts 8:35; Acts 9:8; Acts 9:40; Acts 10:11; Acts 10:34; Acts 10:40; Acts 12:10; Acts 12:14; Acts 12:16; Acts 14:27; Acts 16:14; Acts 16:26; Acts 16:27; Acts 16:37; Acts 17:3; Acts 18:14; Acts 19:38; Acts 26:18.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S5 and 1Corinthians C15S1 about the word stand. The functional definition for this word is: 'to be upon the feet, as an animal; not to sit, kneel or lie'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:18 about the word notwithstanding. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C14S2 about the word understand. Please also see the note for Galatians C5S1 about the phrase stand fast.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 3:16 about the word temple. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'first used of the tabernacle, which is called "the temple of the Lord" (1Sa 1:9). In the New Testament the word is used figuratively of Christ's human body (Joh 2:19,21). Believers are called "the temple of God" (1Co 3:16-17). the Church is designated "an holy temple in the Lord" (Eph 2:21). Heaven is also called a temple (Re 7:5). We read also of the heathen "temple of the great goddess Diana" (Ac 19:27).
This word is generally used in Scripture of the sacred house erected on the summit of Mount Moriah for the worship of God. It is called "the temple" (1Ki 6:17); "the temple [R.V., 'house'] of the Lord" (2Ki 11:10); "thy holy temple" (Ps 79:1); "the house of the Lord" (2Ch 23:5,12); "the house of the God of Jacob" (Isa 2:3); "the house of my glory" (Isa 60:7); an "house of prayer" (Isa 56:7; Mt 21:13); "an house of sacrifice" (2Ch 7:12); "the house of their sanctuary" (2Ch 36:17); "the mountain of the Lord's house" (Isa 2:2); "our holy and our beautiful house" (Isa 64:11); "the holy mount" (Isa 27:13); "the palace for the Lord God" (1Ch 29:1); "the tabernacle of witness" (2Ch 24:6); "Zion" (Ps 74:2; 84:7). Christ calls it "my Father's house" (Joh 2:16)'.
The main purpose of a temple is to worship the God of the temple'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the phrase temple of the Lord. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the phrase temple of God.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 2:15; Philippians 1:19-20; Life in 1John about the word life. The functional definition is: 'Life is that by which a created being enjoys the place in which the Creator has set it'. Please also see the note for Life in 1John about the phrase eternal life. Please also see the notes for Hebrews 1:8-LJC; Philippians 1:27-LJC about the phrase life everlasting. Please note that eternal life is different from everlasting life in that while eternal life is 'Without beginning or end of existence', everlasting life 'has a beginning but is without end of existence'. Please see the note for John 5:24 about the phrase everlasting life. Please also see the note for Life in 1John about the phrase eternal life. Please also see the note for Romans C10S15 about the phrase belief changes life. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16 about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by lifestyle sins. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:10 about the word sinners. Please also see the notes for Romans C14S11; Galatians C2-S14 and Philippians 1:21 about the word live. Please also see the note for Colossians C3S4 about the phrase Christ lives through us. Please also see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please also see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith. Please also see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 12:7-11; 16:26; Ps 34:7; 105:17-20; 146:7; Isa 61:1 General references. exp: Pr 1:21; 8:3; Jer 17:19.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S21 (Verse 21) the apostles obeyed the commandment of God delivered by the angel.

And when they heard that,
they entered into the temple early in the mourning,
and taught.

Acts 5:23-25 tell us about the religious leaders arresting the apostles and God freeing them and telling them to teach in the Temple.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase And when they heard that means: 'This is when they obeyed. They did not delay but did exactly as they were told to do.'.
The phrase they entered into the temple early in the mourning means: 'This is the first thing that they did and when'.
The phrase and taught means: 'This is what they continued to do'.

Please see the note for John 10:9 about the word enter. The functional definition for this word is: 'to leave one place and go into another place'.

Please see the note for Matthew 20:1 about the word early. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'In advance of something else; prior in time; forward; as early fruit, that is, fruit that comes to maturity before other fruit; early growth; early manhood; early old age or decrepitude, that is, premature old age. So an early spring; an early harvest. 2. First; being at the beginning; as early dawn. 3. Being in good season; as, the court met at an early hour.
EARLY, adv. er'ly. Soon; in good season; betimes; as, rise early; come early; begin early to instill into children principles of piety. those who seek me early shall find me. Prov.8'.

Please see the note for John 21:4 about the word morning. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'the first part of the day, beginning at twelve o'clock at night and extending to twelve at noon. thus, we say, a star rises at one o'clock in the mourning. In a more limited sense, mourning is the time beginning an hour or two before sunrise, or at break of day, and extending to the hour of breakfast and of beginning the labors of the day. Among men of business in large cities, the mourning extends to the hour of dining. 2. the first or early part. In the mourning of life, devote yourself to the service of the Most High. mourn'ING, a. Pertaining to the first part or early part of the day; being in the early part of the day; as mourning dew; mourning light; mourning service. She looks as clear As mourning roses newly washed with dew'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S27 about the word teach / taught. The functional definition for this word is: 'To instruct; to inform; to communicate to another the knowledge of that of which he was before ignorant'. The word taught is the past-tense form of the word teach. Please also see the note for John 3:2 about the word teacher. Please also see the Study called False things According to the Bible about 'false teachers'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'stand. Isa 58:1; Jer 7:2; 19:14-15; 20:2-3; 22:1-2; 26:2; 36:10; Mt 21:23; Joh 18:20 all. Ac 11:14; Ex 24:3; Joh 6:63,68; 12:50; 17:3,8; 1Jo 1:1-3; 5:11-12 General references. exp: Pr 1:21; 8:3; Jer 17:19.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S22 (Verse 21) the religious leaders gathered all of their might in a display of opposing God.

But the high priest came,
and they that were with him,
and called the council together,
and all the senate of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought.

Acts 5:23-25 tell us about the religious leaders arresting the apostles and God freeing them and telling them to teach in the Temple.

Since their prior attempt at intimidation did not work, now they are gathering all of the political and religious leaders to let the apostles know how many leaders were against their obeying God. However, as the remainder of this report tells us, they weren't intimidated this time either.

Our sentence starts with the word But, which means that the religious leaders were, just like the apostles gathered, only they did not obey God like the apostles obeyed God. No, they called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel to show that all of the religious leaders of Israel were united in their opposition to God and God's Gospel. And, while it took time while God tested the other Jews to see who that would follow, God eventually brought judgment upon those religious leaders and all who followed them when God destroyed the nation and scattered the Jews.

Our sentence finished with and sent to the prison to have them brought. They had arrested the apostles. They had gathered all of the leaders in a display of their might. And, they failed to realize that God had already proven that their combined might was not sufficient when He had His angel free them from prison and command the apostles to teach in the Temple, which was supposed to be the center of the religious leaders position of control.

Just like the religious leaders failed to understand God's message that they were not truly in control, so also do political and religious leaders of today fail to understand the same message today. And, just like the angel told the apostles, so also does God want His people to take the Gospel to the world and not be intimidated by displays of power by worldly leaders who serve devils and oppose God.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S3 about the word call. That note has links to notes in every New Testament book where there are links to every place where the particular book uses this word. The functional definition is: 'To command another to help or to cry for help, hence to pray (Ge 4:26)'. Please also see the note for Romans 10:13; 2Thessalonians 3:1-LJC; Ephesians 5:8-LJC and 1John 4:14-LJC about the phrase call upon the Lord. The note for Romans 10:13 has links to every place in the Bible where we find the words call and Lord used together, along with a small note on each reference.

Please see the note for Mark 13:9 about the word council. The functional definition for this word is: 'An assembly of men summoned or convened for consultation, deliberation and advice'.

We find forms of the word senate only in: Psalms 105:22; Acts 5:21. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The 'assembly of the elders, priests,' etc. See SANHEDRIN'. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines the word SANHEDRIN as: 'Or BETHDIN, house of judgment, was a council of seventy senators among the Jews, usually with the addition of the high priest as president, who determined the most important affairs of the nation. It is first mentioned by Josephus in connection with the reign of John Hyrcanus II, B. C. 69, and is supposed to have originated after the second temple was built, during the cessation of the prophetic office, and in imitation of Moses' council of seventy elders, Nu 11:16-24. the room, in which they met, according to the rabbins, was a rotunda, half of which was built without the temple, that is, without the inner court of Israel, and half within, the latter part being that in which the judges sat. the Nasi, or president, who was generally the high-priest, sat on a throne at the end of the hall; the vice-president, or chief counselor, called Ab-bethdin, at his right hand; and the sub-deputy, or Hakam, at his left; the other senators being ranged in order on each side. Most of the members of this council were priests or Levites, though men in private stations of life were not excluded. See SADDUCEES.
The authority of the Sanhedrin was very extensive. It decided causes brought before it by appeal from inferior courts; and even the king, the high priest, and the prophets, were under its jurisdiction. the general affairs of the nation were also brought before this assembly, particularly whatever was in any way connected with religion or worship, Mr 14:55; 15:1; Ac 4:7; 5:41; 6:12. Jews in foreign cities appear to have been amenable to this court in matters of religion, Ac 9:2. the right of judging in capital cases belonged to it, until this was taken away by the Romans a few years before the time of Christ, Joh 18:31. the Sanhedrin was probably the "council" referred to by our Lord, Mt 5:22. there appears also to have been and inferior tribunal of seven members, in every town, for the adjudication of less important matters. Probably it is this tribunal that is called "the judgment" in Mt 5:22.'.

Please see the note for Galatians C4-S1 about the word child. The functional definition for this word is: 'Someone who has less physical or spiritual maturity than the speaker. This word has considerable latitude of meaning in Scripture. Thus, Joseph is called a child at the time when he was probably about sixteen years of age (Ge 37:3); and Benjamin is so called when he was above thirty years (Ge 44:20)'.. Please also see the note for Galatians C3S9 about the phrase children of Abraham. The functional definition is: 'The Jews claimed to be children of Abraham but Jesus said that the true children of Abraham would have his faith'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:7-8 about the phrase children of Israel. Please also see the note for Romans C8S14; God in Romans : Romans C4S12 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase children of God. Please also see the note for Galatians 4:19-20 about the phrase my little children. Please also see the note for Mark 2:19 about the phrase children of the bridechamber. Please also see the note for Colossians 3:8 about the phrase children of disobedience. The functional definition is: 'Saved people who live a life of disobedience to God'. Please also see the note for Colossians 3:8 about the phrase children of wrath.

Please see the note for Luke 1:16 about the word Israel. The functional definition for this word is: 'The name for Jacob when he was acting spiritual and the name for his descendants'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:7-8 about the phrase children of Israel. Please also see the note for Romans C11S30 about the phrase all Israel shall be saved.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'entered. Ac 5:25; Lu 21:37-38; Joh 8:2 But. Ac 5:17,24; 4:5-6; 22:2-3,15; Lu 22:66; Joh 18:35 senate. Ps 105:22 sent. Ac 4:7; 12:18-19'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S23 (Verse 22-23) the officers could not do as ordered.

Equivalent Section: the officers reported that they could not do as ordered to do.

But when the officers came,
and found them not in the prison,
they returned,
and old,
Saying,
The prison truly found we shut with all safety,
and the keepers standing without before the doors:.

Equivalent Section: Why they could not obey.

but when we had opened,
we found no man within.

Acts 5:23-25 tell us about the religious leaders arresting the apostles and God freeing them and telling them to teach in the Temple.

Our sentence starts with the word But. The prior sentence told us that the religious leaders all gathered together in a show of power in order to intimidate the apostles. And, after they gathered, they sent for the apostles to see their show. But, as our sentence says, the apostles were not in the prison. Therefore, the show of power failed to intimidate since the apostles were not brought from prison to see it. They had already been made free and God had already proven that they did not have the power which they tried to claim.

Imagine how upset the religious leaders had to be. Not only had their show failed to intimidate like they planned. But, their arresting the apostles the night before failed to prepare the apostles for intimidation. In addition, God had proven that their jail could not hold them if God wanted them free. While they refused to acknowledge the truth, God had proven that He was the one who was truly in control.

Please see the note for John 7:32 about the word officer. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. A person commissioned or authorized to perform any public duty. Officers are civil, military or ecclesiastical. there are great officers of state, and subordinate officers. Military and naval officers of the same grade usually take rank according to the dates of their commissions. Non-commissioned officers are nominated by their captains, and appointed by the commanding officers of regiments.
OF'FICER, v.t. to furnish with officers; to appoint officers over.'. Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'In New Testament used to translated hufretes "minister" (Mt 5:25), and practor "exacter" or "officer of the court," only in Lu 12:58'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:8-9 about the word office.

Please see the note for Acts 1:12 about the word return. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.i. L. torno. 1. to come or go back to the same place. the gentleman goes from the country to London and returns, or the citizen of London rides into the country and returns. the blood propelled from the heart, passes through the arteries to the extremities of the body, and returns through the veins. Some servants are good to go on errands, but not good to return. 2. to come to the same state; as, to return from bondage to a state of freedom. 3. to answer. He said, and thus the queen of heaven return'd. 4. to come again; to revisit. Thou to mankind be good and friendly still, and oft return. 5. to appear or begin again after a periodical revolution. With the year seasons return, but not to me returns day - 6. to show fresh signs of mercy. Return, O Lord, deliver my soul. Ps. 6. Toreturn to God, to return from wickedness, to repent of sin or wandering from duty'. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:1 about the phrase Jesus Christ will return in glory.

Please see the note for Matthew 18:31 about the words tell / told. The word told is the past-tense form of the word tell. The functional definition for this word is: 'to communicate to others'.

Please see the note for Matthew 25:10 about the word shut. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to close so as to hinder ingress or egress; as, to shut a door or gate; to shut the eyes or the mouth. 2. to prohibit; to bar; to forbid entrance into; as, to shut the ports of the kingdom by a blockade. Shall that be shut to man, which to the beast Is open? Milton. 3. to preclude; to exclude. But shut from every shore. Dryden. 4. to close, as the fingers; to contract; as, to shut the hand'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:23; Acts 21:30; Acts 26:10.

Please see the note for Philippians 3:1 about the word safe. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines safe as: 'a. L. salvus, from salus, safety, health. 1. Free from danger of any kind; as safe from enemies; safe from disease; safe from storms; safe from the malice of foes. 2. Free from hurt, injury or damage; as, to walk safe over red hot plowshares. We brought the goods safe to land. 3. confering safety; securing from harm; as a safe guide; a safe harbor; a safe bridge. 4. Not exposing to danger. Phil. 3. 5. No longer dangerous; placed beyond the power of doing harm; a ludicrous meaning. Banquo's safe. - Aye, my good lord, safe in a ditch. SAFE, n. A place of safety; a place for securing provisions from noxious animals'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:23; Acts 16:23; Acts 23:24; Acts 27:44.

The word kept is the past-tense form of the word keep. Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:22 about the word keep. The functional definition for this word is: 'To hold; to retain in one's power or possession; not to lose or part with; as, to keep a house or a farm; to keep anything in the memory, mind or heart. 2. to have in custody for security or preservation'. Please also see the note for Matthew 28:3-4 about the word keeper. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'The prison. Ac 5:19; Ps 2:4; 33:10; Pr 21:30; La 3:37,55-58; Da 3:11-25; 6:22-24; Mt 27:63-66; 28:12-15; Joh 8:59'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S24 (Verse 24) the religious leaders doubted if they could stop the work of God.

Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things,
they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

Acts 5:23-25 tell us about the religious leaders arresting the apostles and God freeing them and telling them to teach in the Temple.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word Now means: 'After you understand what came before this'. The religious leaders were sure that their show of power would intimidate the apostles. Instead, God proved that He had greater power and the apostles were bold instead of being intimidated.
The phrase when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things means: 'All of the religious leaders heard that their best efforts to contain the apostles failed. Likewise, they also understood that their best efforts to contain the message from God would also fail'.
The phrase they doubted of them whereunto this would grow means: 'They now doubted their ability to contain the working of God'.

Please see the note for Luke 22:4 about the word captain. The functional definition for this word is: 'the man who goes with a military or police force and is in charge of them'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:5 about the word chief. The functional definition for this word is: 'Highest in office or rank; principal; as a chief priest; the chief butler.'.

Please see the note for Romans C14S1 about the word doubtful. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Dubious; not settled in opinion; undetermined; wavering; hesitating; applied to persons; as, we are doubtful of a fact, or of the propriety of a measure. 2. Dubious; ambiguous; not clear in its meaning; as a doubtful expression. 3. Admitting of doubt; not obvious, clear or certain; questionable; not decided; as a doubtful case; a doubtful proposition; it is doubtful what will be the event of the war. 4. Of uncertain issue. We have sustained one day in doubtful fight. 5. Not secure; suspicious; as, we cast a doubtful eye. 6. Not confident; not without fear; indicating doubt. With doubtful feet, and wavering resolution. 7. Not certain or defined; as a doubtful hue'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 12:1 about the word doubtless.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the captain. Ac 5:26; 4:1; Lu 22:4,52 they. Ac 2:12; 4:16-17,21; Joh 11:47-48; 12:19 exp: Mt 22:34. This. Isa 9:7; 53:1-2; Da 2:34-35,44-45; Zec 6:12-13; Mr 4:30-32 exp: Mt 21:38.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S25 (Verse 25) the religious rulers were told where the apostles were at and what they were doing.

Then came one and old them,
saying,
Behold,
the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple,
and teaching the people.

Acts 5:23-25 tell us about the religious leaders arresting the apostles and God freeing them and telling them to teach in the Temple.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase Then came one and old them, saying means: 'Someone brought them a report'.
The word Behold means: 'Pay close attention'. The apostles did not run away and hide but were boldly doing what they were commanded to never do again.
The phrase the men whom ye put in prison means: 'Here's where you put them'.
The phrase are standing in the temple means: 'Here's where they are now'.
The phrase and teaching the people means: 'Here's what they are doing'.

Obviously, their earlier attempt at intimidation failed. And, as should be obvious, their actions were sure to make the religious rulers irate. However, they did not do that in order to upset the religious rulers. They were obeying God and any objection the rulers had should have been taken to God. However, since they would not win an argument with God, they attacked the apostles instead.

Please see the note for Matthew 18:31 about the words tell / told. The word told is the past-tense form of the word tell. The functional definition for this word is: 'to communicate to others'.

Please see the note for Mark 4:26-27 about the word grow. The functional definition for this word is: 'To enlarge in bulk or stature, by a natural, imperceptible addition of matter, through ducts and secreting organs, as animal and vegetable bodies; to vegetate as plants, or to be augmented by natural process, as animals'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Behold. Ac 5:18-21 General references. exp: Joh 11:46.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S26 (Verse 26) the captain and officers had an attitude adjustment.

Equivalent Section: they brought the apostles as they were commanded but without their usual attitude for people they arrested.

Then went the captain with the officers,
and brought them without violence:.

Equivalent Section: .

for they feared the people,
lest they should have been stoned.

Acts 5:23-25 tell us about the religious leaders arresting the apostles and God freeing them and telling them to teach in the Temple.

This sentence tells the public attitude while the next sentence tells the private attitude. This type of difference is typical for politicians.

Notice that they feared the people but had no fear of God. This is typical for religious hypocrites. Even while they claim to be experts on the Bible and all matters related to God, they truly have no knowledge of God. Their knowledge is based upon religion, not a personal relationship with God. 2Timothy 3 describes the type of religious leaders they were like and warns us that the church will also have the same type of religious leaders in the last days.

Please see the note for Luke 22:4 about the word captain. The functional definition for this word is: 'the man who goes with a military or police force and is in charge of them'.

We find forms of the word violence occurring 57 times in 56 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Matthew 11:12; Luke 3:14; Acts 5:26 Acts 21:35; Acts 24:7; Acts 27:41; Hebrews 11:34; Revelation 18:21. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: ', n. L. violentia. 1. Physical force; strength of action or motion; as the violence of a storm; the violence of a blow or of a conflict. 2. Moral force; vehemence. the critic attacked the work with violence. 3. Outrage; unjust force; crimes of all kinds. The earth was filled with violence. Gen. 6. 4. Eagerness; vehemence. You ask with violence. 5. Injury; infringement. Offer no violence to the laws, or to the rules of civility. 6. Injury; hurt. Do violence to no man. Luke 3. 7. Ravishment; rape. Todo violence to or on, to attack; to murder. But, as it seems, did violence on herself. Todo violence to, to outrage; to force; to injure. He does violence to his own opinions.'. Please also see the note for Mark 5:13 about the word violent.

Please see the note for 1Peter 2:4-5 about the word stone. The functional definition for this word is: 'he same composition as a rock or a pebble but with a size between them'. Please also see the note for Luke 17:28-29 about the word brimstone. Please also see the note for Ephesians 2:20 about the phrase corner stone. Please also see the note for Luke 17:2 about the word millstone. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C3S13 about the phrase precious stones.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they. Ac 5:13; Mt 14:5; 21:26; 26:5; Lu 20:6,19; 22:2 exp: Mt 22:34; Mr 11:32.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S27 (Verse 27-28) the council tried to regain their ability to intimidate the apostles.

Equivalent Section: .

And when they had brought them,
they set them before the council:.

Equivalent Section: the high priest tried to use all of their combined political power to intimidate.

and the high priest asked them,
Saying,
Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name?.

Acts 5:26-33 tell us about the apostles being before the Jewish Council of religious leaders.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase And when they had brought them means: 'This is after the captain and guards politely escorted the apostles into the room with the Jewish Council'.
The phrase they set them before the council means: 'This was more than seventy men with the highest religious and political influence of the Jewish society'.
The phrase and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? means: 'The high priest and a few others gave this command back in Acts 4:5-6, but they did not have the full Jewish senate backing them at that time. In addition, they had done a notable miracle, which required the power of God, was known by multiple thousands of Jews and could not be denied. Therefore, then, as at this time, the high priest was demanding that they disobey God and everyone knew that he was making this demand. That is why Peter gives the answer, that he does, in the next couple of sentences'.

Remember that they had the apostles arrested the prior day and spend the night in prison and planned for them to sit there until the council got around to them in order to make them worry about what the council planned to do to them. Instead, the angel of God freed them from prison and old them to go and teach in the Temple. And, where the high priest wanted the captain and guards to violently drag them before he council, they politely escorted them to the council. So, the high priest still wanted to intimidate the apostles, but all of his planned preparation failed to work and God had emboldened them instead. That is why, when the high priest asked this question, it did not have his desired effect.

Please see the note for Mark 13:9 about the word council. The functional definition for this word is: 'An assembly of men summoned or convened for consultation, deliberation and advice'.

Please see the note for Matthew 7:7 about the word ask. The functional definition for this word is: 'To inquire, to seek for counsel, to request'.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:23-24 about the word strait. The functional definition for this word is: 'Narrow, and difficult to pass, Mt 7:13-14. This word is not to be confounded with straight. to be "in a strait," is to have one's way beset with doubts or difficulties, to be at a loss, 1Sa 13:6; 2Sa 24:14; Php 1:23'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:12 about the word straiten.

Please see the note for Romans 7:8 about the word commandment. The functional definition for this word is: 'a mandate; an order or injunction given by authority; charge'.. Please note that a commandment is not always written down and often comes through the human person that God has placed in authority over us. Please see the note for Psalms 119:4 for the use of the word commandment within this Psalm and considerations from several other places within the Bible. Please see the note for Romans C7S11 about the word commandment. Please see the Doctrinal Study on the use Ten Commandments for links to where they are dealt with in the word of God. Please use This link to see the 'Ten (10) Commandments' and references to them in the New Testament. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'set. Ac 4:7; 6:12; 22:30; 23:1; Lu 22:66 General references. exp: Lu 12:11.
Did not. Ac 5:40; 4:18-21 General references. exp: Lu 12:11.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S28 (Verse 28) the high priest adds his accusations.

and,
behold,
ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine,
and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

Acts 5:26-33 tell us about the apostles being before the Jewish Council of religious leaders.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word behold means: 'pay close attention. This sentence tells us what truly upset the high priest'.
The phrase and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine means: 'They had been successful in obeying God's command to take the Gospel to Jerusalem'. The true Gospel proved his religious doctrines to be lies from devils and he was losing influence with the saved Jews.
The phrase and intend to bring this man's blood upon us means: 'This was the main truth which the Jewish Council lied about'. Matthew 27:25 says Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. The blood of Jesus Christ was already on their record in Heaven. Their denying it on Earth did not matter. The only record that mattered was the legal record in Heaven. However, he, and most of the council, were Sadducees (Acts 5:17-18) and refused to believe in the resurrection. Therefore, he was sure that death ended his existence and did not fear the judgment of God. The only thing which he was concerned about was his personal power and influence here in this life.

The high priest had planned a big way the intimidate the apostles. But, as explained in prior notes for this chapter, his plan for intimidation failed because of the working of God. And, even with that failure, he still made his accusations before the Jewish Council. As already mentioned, he was not concerned about God. His only concern was his influence with men and the council that he was speaking for were the main people whom he wanted to influence. So, we see him still trying to make a show of his accusation. However, the answer which we read in the next few sentences makes it clear that he failed in his purpose to intimidate. Therefore, his influence on the council was less than he desired. That is why we read, further on, that the council took counsel to slay them. (No doubt that He gave this council.) However, God had a man there to offset his influence and the apostles were only beaten and not murdered, which was against the Roman law at that time.

Our sentence starts with the word And, which means it is added to the prior sentence. In the prior sentence the high priest accused the apostles of disobeying his personal command for them to disobey God. And, that is the first thing that Peter gives in his answer which starts in the next sentence. And, as upset as he was with their disobedience, he was more upset with the influence of the truth. He, and the rest of the council, had tried to hide their guilt for the blood of Jesus when they had Him crucified. However, the true Gospel revealed their sin and guilt. And, that is the next thing which Peter deals with in his answer. Finally, Peter also deals with resurrection and claims we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. The high priest, and most of the council, denied resurrection and the true Gospel showed their main doctrine to be from a devil. Therefore, Peter's answer dealt with each of the accusations made by the high priest. And, that is why he wanted to kill all of the apostles and, he thought, shut the mouths of people preaching the Gospel. However, what he did not realize, was that God would get others of the thousands of saved Jews to also give out the Gospel. His plan to stop the Gospel failed because he was fighting against God.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S6 and 2Timothy C3S10 about the word doctrine. The functional definition for this word is: 'religious teaching about God'. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. L., to teach. 1. religious teaching which claims to be from God. Hence, a principle or position in any science; whatever is laid down as true by an instructor or master. the doctrines of the gospel are the principles or truths taught by Christ and his apostles. the doctrines of Plato are the principles which he taught. Hence a doctrine may be true or false; it may be a mere tenet or opinion. 2. the act of teaching. He taught them manythings by parables, and said to them in his doctrine. Mark 4. 3. Learning; knowledge. Whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Isaiah 28. 4. the truths of the gospel in general. that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. Titus 2. 5. Instruction and confirmation in the truths of the gospel. 2 Timothy 3'. Please also see the note for Lord Jesus Christ Overview about the phrase doctrine of Christ.

Please see the note for Luke 14:28 about the word intend. The functional definition for this word is: ' Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.t. L. intendo; in and tendo, to stretch or strain, from teneo; Gr. to stretch. 1. to stretch; to strain; to extend; to distend. By this the lungs are intended or remitted. this literal sense is now uncommon. 2. to mean; to design; to purpose, that is, to stretch or set forward in mind. this is now the usual sense. forthey intended evil against thee. Ps.21. 3. to regard; to fix the mind on; to attend; to take care of. Having no children, she did with singular care and tenderness intend the education of Phillip. this use of the word is now obsolete. We now use tend and superintend or regard. 4. to enforce; to make intense'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C10S3 about the word intent. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:28; Acts 5:35; Acts 12:4; Acts 20:13.

Please see the note for Colossians C1S3 about the word blood. The functional definition for this word is: 'The fluid which circulates through the arteries and veins of the human body, and of other animals, which is essential to the preservation of life'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:28 about the phrase blood of Christ. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 10:16-LJC about the phrase Christ and blood.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'intend. Ac 2:23-36; 3:15; 4:10-11; 7:52; 1Ki 18:17-18; 21:20; 22:8; Jer 38:4; Am 7:10 blood. Jer 26:15; Mt 21:44; 23:35-36; 27:25; 1Th 2:15-16 General references. exp: Lu 12:11.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S29 (Verse 29) this sentence is only the start of their answer. In their answer, they answered every accusation.

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said,
We ought to obey God rather than men.

Acts 5:26-33 tell us about the apostles being before the Jewish Council of religious leaders.

in this sentence, they first answered the accusation from the high priest that he, and others, had straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name?. (The word straitly means: 'constricted'. His commandment could not be misunderstood.) And, in their answer, the apostles made it clear that his command directly opposed the commandment of God. He claimed to be the top representative of God but proved that he was the top representative of religious doctrines from devils.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase Then Peter and the other apostle means: 'Peter did the talking but the apostles were all united behind this answer'.
The phrase answered and said means: 'This is what they said to the entire council'.
The phrase We ought to obey God rather than men means: 'Implied in this answer is that they were given two opposing commands. One was from God and the other was from man. They could not obey both commands and had to choose which command to obey. Since God is greater and more powerful and determines the everlasting result for everyone while men can only affect this life, they chose to obey God rather than men'.

The next three sentences are also part of this answer and, between all of the sentences, we read answers to all of the accusations made against them. Again, we are told that all of the apostles agreed with these answers.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:12 about the word answer. The functional definition for this word is: 'To speak in return to a call or question, or to a speech, declaration or argument of another person; as, "I have called and ye have not answered." "He answered the question or the argument."'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:12 about the word obey. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. L. obedio; Gr. 1. to comply with the commands, orders or instructions of a superior, or with the requirements of law, moral, political or municipal; to do that which is commanded or required, or to forbear doing that which is prohibited. Children, obey your parents in the Lord. Eph. 6. Servants, obey in all things your masters. Col. 3. He who has learned to obey, will know how to command. 2. to submit to the government of; to be ruled by. All Israel obeyed Solomon. 1Chron. 29. Dan. 7. 3. to submit to the direction or control of. Seamen say, the ship will not obey the helm. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Rom. 6. James 3. 4. to yield to the impulse, power or operation of; as, to obey stimulus. Relentless time, destroying power, whom stone and brass obey'. Please also see the notes for Romans C6S12 and 2Corinthians C2S9 about the word obedience. Please also see the note forRomans C2S5 about the phrase obeying unrighteousness. Please also see the note for Colossians 3:8 about the phrase children of disobedience. The functional definition is: 'Saved people who live a life of disobedience to God'. Please also see the note for Romans C1S16 about the word disobedient. Please also see the note for Romans C6S12 about the word disobedience. Please also see the note for Romans C1S16 about the phrase disobedient to parents. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:29; Acts 5:32; Acts 5:36; Acts 5:37; Acts 6:7; Acts 7:39; Acts 26.

Please see the note for Luke 12:31 about the word rather. The functional definition for this word is: ' Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'The use is taken from pushing or moving forward. L. ante, before. But he said, yea rather, happy are they that hear the word of God and keep it. Luke 11. 1. More readily or willingly; with better liking; with preference or choice. My soul chooseth strangling and death rather than life. Job. 7. Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John 3. Ps. 84. 2. In preference; preferably; with better reason. Good is rather to be chosen than evil. See acts 5. 3. In a greater degree than otherwise. He sought throughout the world, but sought in vain, and no where finding, rather fear'd her slain. 4. More properly; more correctly speaking. this is an art which does mend nature, change it rather; but the art itself is nature. 5. Noting some degree of contrariety in fact. She was nothing better, but rather grew worse. Mark 5. Matt. 27. the rather, especially; for better reason; for particular cause. You are come to me in a happy time, the rather for I have some sport in hand. Had rather, is supposed to be a corruption of would rather. I had rather speak five words with my understanding - 1Cor. 14. this phrase may have been originally, "I'd rather," for I would rather, and the contraction afterwards mistaken for had. Correct speakers and writers generally use would in all such phrases; I would rather, I prefer; I desire in preference'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'We. Ac 4:19; Ge 3:17; 1Sa 15:24; Mr 7:7-9; Re 14:8-12 General references. exp: Ge 27:8; Nu 23:26; 2Ki 16:16; Lu 12:11.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S30 (Verse 30) Peter told them that they murdered God's Christ.

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus,
whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Acts 5:26-33 tell us about the apostles being before the Jewish Council of religious leaders.

In the ongoing fight between the religious leaders and the Lord / church, the religious leaders steadfastly refuse to acknowledge the power of the Lord. John 4:24 tells us God is a Spirit and the high priest was joined with the Sadducees (Acts 5:17) and the Sadducees ...say that there is no resurrection (Matthew 22:23). Therefore, the high priest could not acknowledge that a spirit had the power to raise the dead, not even of the Lord. Indeed, Acts 5:26 tells us that they were restrained for fear of the people and not fear of the Lord.

In keeping with this view, the high priest was mainly concerned with being condemned for This man's blood (Acts 5:28) and not concerned about any judgment by the Lord. We also see the foolishness of religion in this joining of the Pharisees and Sadducees in context of the times. The resurrection of Jesus and of the other saints was still in the people's memory. In addition, Peter and John had performed a miracle that resulted in 5,000 men (plus women and children) getting saved (Acts 4) and after being arrested they refused to be intimidated. In 4:27 they prayed ...that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. Now, they were going around doing lots of miracles by the name of...Jesus which resulted in And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women (Acts 5:14) and Acts 5:15-16 says that not only were people in Jerusalem seeking miracles by Peter but There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem to get miracles.

All of this made the religious leaders (and Satan) desperate. So, they tried arresting Peter and the other apostles one more time (Acts 5:17-18). But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life (Acts 5:19-20). (Please see the note for Acts 5:19 under Lord.) Acts 5:21-26 says that they started preaching in the Temple again and they were arrested again, but this time the Temple guards had an attitude adjustment and the leaders were losing even the support of their paid followers.

With that background in mins, we read that the high priest asked them Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. they are demonstrating the blindness that occurs quite often in religion. God gave many evidences that their religious doctrine was wrong. However, their pride has so blinded then that they can't see the evidence from God even when God rubs their nose in it. However, the attitudes and actions of these religious leaders gave absolute proof to God that they didn't care what God thought or wanted. All of us will meet this type of evidence when we face God, but many fools insist that God is too stupid to use the evidence that they give Him.

Since the council were concerned only about men and the judgment of men, Peter answered them about God proving His existence and power by raising a man from the dead. That is clearly stated in this sentence, which is part of Peter's answer. Here, Peter uses Jesus to identify a man, not 'God in human flesh' because the high priest and council will only accept that Jesus was a literal physical man. At the same token Peter is clearly rebuking them for thinking that the physical is more important than the spiritual. The rebuke can be seen in their initial response of: When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them (Acts 5:33).

With these things in mind, we can now consider the points of Peter's answer in Acts 5:29-32 .

(Acts 5:29) We ought to obey God rather than men. The very first section of their answer is that God (Spiritual) is to be obeyed instead of men (physical) any time there is a dispute between the two.
(Acts 5:30) The God of our fathers: The God of our fathers is the One who employed these men and provided everything that they had. Ignoring Him was a good way to loose everything.
(Acts 5:30) raised up Jesus, whom ye slew:. They murdered Jesus and God's answer was to raise Him from the dead. They were so sure that the physical was all that mattered that they were sure that the dispute would be ended once they killed Jesus. However, God raised up Jesus and made it clear that the physical does not over-ride the Spiritual. You can not get more blatant evidence that God's purpose can not be thwarted by physical men and that God (Spiritual) is more powerful than physical men.
(Acts 5:30-31) raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. they not only murdered Jesus but they also did what their religion assured them would curse Him (hanged on a tree). God's answer was not only to raise Him from the dead but also God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour (Acts 5:31) . Like every religion in existence today, they assured their followers that God had no choice but had to do what they demanded (like some kind of personal slave). They hanged [Jesus] on a tree to force God to curse Him and God responded by exalting Him to Heaven and putting Him in the highest position next to God the Father. You can not get more blatant evidence that God is not the personal slave of religious leaders and that God (Spiritual) is more powerful than physical men.
(Acts 5:31) Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. (Please see the note, in the Lord Jesus Christ Study, for Acts 5:31 about this doctrine. Please also see the Study defining the true Biblical use of the word Saviour.).
As a Prince, Jesus would have far more authority and power, in the kingdom of God, than this entire council had. In addition, these Jewish leaders knew, and agreed, that only God could forgive sins. In Mark 2:1-12 and Luke 5:17-26 Jesus had proved to them, in front of witnesses, that His ability to do miracles proved that he had the power to forgive sin. Now the apostles were doing miracles in the name of Jesus and these religious leaders knew that they can't argue that the miracles prove that people can also get their sins forgiven in the name of Jesus. They understand the doctrinal meaning of Saviour and know that they can not dispute that the spiritual action of forgiving from sins is greater than miracles that fix the physical.
Acts 5:31 dsys: And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. Anything that man can talk you into, Satan can have another man talk you out of it. However, no man can overcome the witness of the Holy Ghost and these religious leaders understood that fact because they were well aware of all of the prophets who had the witness of the Holy Ghost and chose physical death over giving up the witness of the Holy Ghost. Again, Peter makes it clear to these men that the Spiritual is greater than the physical.

Please see the note for Hebrews 1:5 about the word father. The functional definition for this word is: 'the man who passes his character to the son'.

Please see the note for 1Peter C1S2 about the word resurrection. The functional definition for this word is: 'returned to live from the dead by the power of God'. Please also see the Prophecies and Prophecy Fulfilled Sections for Bible references to resurrection. Please also see the note for Romans C8S11 about the phrase resurrection of Jesus. Please also see the note for Romans C8S11 about the phrase resurrection of Christ. Please see the Appearances of Jesus Christ After the Resurrection Section within the Time Sequence of Gospel Events Study.

Please see the note for Matthew 2:16 about the word slew. The functional definition for this word is: 'The proper sense is to strike, and as beating was an early mode of killing, this word, like smite, came to signify to kill'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; Acts 22:20.

Please see the note for Galatians C3-S15 about the word hanged. Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Criminals were usually put to death before hanging, for ignominy (Jos 10:26). the bodies were removed before nightfall in order not to defile the land (De 21:22-23). Hence our Lord's body as those of the two thieves was taken from the cross before the high day of the approaching sabbath (Joh 19:31)'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; Acts 28:4.

Please see the note for Mark 11:13 about the word tree. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. 1. the general name of the largest of the vegetable kind, consisting of a firm woody stem springing from woody roots, and spreading above into branches which terminate in leaves. A tree differs from a shrub principally in size, many species of trees growing to the eighth of fifty or sixty feet, and some species to seventy or eighty, and a few, particularly the pine, to a much greater eighth. Trees are of various kinds; as nuciferous, or nut-bearing trees; bacciferous, or berry-bearing; coniferous, or cone-bearing, etc. Some are forest-trees, and useful for timber or fuel; others are fruit trees, and cultivated in gardens and orchards; others are used chiefly for shade and ornament. 2. Something resembling a tree, consisting of a stem or stalk and branches; as a genealogical tree. 3. In ship-building, pieces of timber are called chess-trees, cross-trees, roof-trees, tressel-trees, etc. 4. In Scripture, a cross. --Jesus, whom they slew and hanged on a tree. Act.10'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S28 about the phrase olive / olive tree. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:30 Acts 10:39; Acts 13:29.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'God. Ac 3:13-15; 22:14; 1Ch 12:17; 29:18; Ezr 7:27; Lu 1:55,72 raised. Ac 3:26; 13:33 exp: Ac 13:23. ye slew. Ac 2:22-24,32; 4:10-11; 10:39; 13:28; Ga 3:13; 1Pe 2:24 General references. exp: Lu 12:11; 24:20; Ac 13:30.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S31 (Verse 31) What God the Father did in response to their murdering God's Christ.

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour,
for to give repentance to Israel,
and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 5:26-33 tell us about the apostles being before the Jewish Council of religious leaders.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour means: 'God the Father made Jesus Christ the most powerful being (Prince) after God and the only preson Who can cave us (Saviour)'. . . .
The phrase for to give repentance to Israel means: 'He changes our character and gets us to stop sinning and turn towards God in obedience'.
The phrase and forgiveness of sins means: 'He is the Pne Who blots out the record of our sin in Heaven's court'.

This verse is part of Peter's answer to the Jewish religious leaders which is explained in the note for the prior sentence.

Within this context, Peter is telling these religious leaders, and us, that the Son of God provides repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins within His role of Saviour. As already discussed in the note above, forgiveness of sins requires the power of God and Jesus proved that He had that power when He was living on this Earth. However, true Biblical repentance is not just saying I'm sorry but (as has been discussed in many other notes) is turning from our selfish/religious beliefs of good and evil to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind (Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). We tell people to repent in order to be saved. But, at that time, what they really do is agree to repent because it takes the ongoing personal relationship with Christ to bring true Biblical repentance into the life of a believer. Thus we see that as Saviour, Jesus gets us the immediate forgiveness of sins and starts the ongoing personal relationship that will bring true Biblical repentance into the life of a believer.

We find in Hebrews 4:14-15 that Jesus is currently in Heaven acting as our high priest and giving God understanding of our human infirmities. Jesus is no longer on Earth and we can not talk to the man named Jesus except through the Holy Spirit. While I am in the U.S., I can not talk to my nephew who is in China except through a communication means such as phone or internet. Likewise, a lost person must establish communication with God, by accepting Jesus as their personal Lord, before God listens to other prayers from them.

In addition, this sentence says Him hath God exalted. None of us act in a new position until after we receive that position. When we receive a promotion that requires us physically moving a long way away, we can no longer do the job we used to do before the promotion. That is, Jesus is no longer doing what He did while He was on Earth, He can not do what He used to do because He is physically moved a long way away, and He will not return to that position. The Jesus of the Gospels showed us how to live in the flesh by the power of the Holy Ghost, but He is done with that job. Now, Jesus is in Heaven fulfilling the roles of Saviour by representing the saved when Satan accuses them of sin and by telling the Holy Ghost what to do for each person so that they mature spiritually. That is the ongoing part of His job as Saviour and it is the part that religion likes to deny.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word exalt. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to raise high; to elevate. 2. to elevate in power, wealth, rank or dignity; as, to exalt one to a throne, to the chief magistracy, to a bishopric. 3. to elevate with joy or confidence; as, to be exalted with success or victory. We now use elate. 4. to raise with pride; to make undue pretensions to power, rank or estimation; to elevate too high or above others. He that exalteth himself shall be abased. Luke 14. Matt.23. 5. to elevate in estimation and praise; to magnify; to praise; to extol. He is my father's God, and I will exalt him. Ex. 15. 6. to raise, as the voice; to raise in opposition. 2 Kings 19. 7. to elevate in diction or sentiment; to make sublime; as exalted strains. 8. In physics, to elevate; to purify; to subtilize; to refine; as, to exalt the juices or the qualities of bodies'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C2S5 about the word prince. The functional definition for this word is: 'One of the highest levels of rulers but not the very highest level. Lord Jesus Christ gives spiritual life which belongs to God the Father. He is the Prince of life because His authority is under that of God the Father'. Please also see the notes for Romans C8S40 and Ephesians C6S8 about the word principalities. Please also see the note for Hebrews 6:1 about the word principles.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 5:5 and Philippians 4:15 about the word give. The functional definition for this word is: 'Bestowing; conferring; imparting; granting; delivering'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word given. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:7 about the word giver. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about the phrase giving of thanks.

Please see the note for Romans C11S32 about the word repentance. The functional definition for this word is: 'A turning away from the attitudes and actions of sin and turning towards God and accepting His attitudes and actions about sin'.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 2:7 and Colossians C1S3 about the word forgive. The functional definition for this word is: 'for God to blot out the legal record in Heaven of out violating His law (sin)'. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. forgiv'. pret. forgave; pp. forgiven. L. remitto. See Give. 1. to pardon; to remit, as an offense or debt; to overlook an offense, and treat the offender as not guilty. the original and proper phrase is to forgive the offense, to send it away, to reject it, that is, not to impute it, put it to the offender. But by an easy transition, we also use the phrase, to forgive the person offending. forgive us our debts. If we forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly father will also forgive you. Matt. 6. As savages never forget a favor, so they never forgive an injury. It is to be noted that pardon, like forgive, may be followed by the name or person, and by the offense; but remit can be followed by the offense only. We forgive or pardon the man, but we do not remit him. 2. to remit as a debt, fine or penalty'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:31; Acts 8:22; Acts 13:38; Acts 26:18.

Please see the note for Romans C7S26 about the word sin. The functional definition is: 'a violation of God's law' (1John 3:4). Please see the notes for Sin in 1John; Romans C2S4; 1Corinthians 8:11-LJC and Galatians C3-S26 about the phrase sin unto death. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16 about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by lifestyle sins. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:10 about the word sinners.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'hath. Ac 2:33,36; 4:11; Ps 89:19,24; 110:1-2; Eze 17:24; Mt 28:18; Eph 1:20-23; Php 2:9-11; Heb 2:10; 12:2; 1Pe 3:22 exp: Ac 3:13. a Prince. Ac 3:15; Ps 2:6-12; Isa 9:6; Eze 34:24; 37:25; Da 9:25; 10:21; Re 1:5 a Saviour. Ac 13:23; Isa 43:3,11; 45:21; 49:26; Mt 1:21; Lu 2:11; Php 3:20; Tit 1:4; 2:10,13; 3:4-6; 2Pe 1:1,11; 2:20; 3:18; 1Jo 4:14; Jude 1:25 to give. Ac 3:26; 11:18; Jer 31:31-33; Eze 36:25-38; Zec 12:10; Lu 24:47; Ro 11:26-27; 2Ti 2:25-26 forgiveness. Ac 3:19; 13:38-39; Mr 2:10; 4:12; Joh 20:21-23; 2Co 2:10; Eph 1:7; Col 1:14 General references. exp: Mr 2:10; Lu 5:32; 12:11; 24:20; Ac 13:30.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S32 (Verse 32) Peter identifies the legal witnesses to these truths.

First Step: Peter identifies the human witnesses.

And we are his witnesses of these things;

Second Step: Peter identifies the Spiritual witnesses.

and so is also the Holy Ghost,
whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Acts 5:26-33 tell us about the apostles being before the Jewish Council of religious leaders.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase And we are his witnesses of these things means: 'Peter identifies the apostles as legal witnesses. Their law required them to accept the true testimony of two witnesses and there were eleven apostles who were there as witnesses'.
The phrase and so is also the Holy Ghost means: 'In addition to human witnesses, Peter tells them that God's Holy Ghost was also a witness. Since it took the power of God's Holy Ghost to do the miracles, they could not, legally, deny that testimony'.
The phrase whom God hath given to them that obey him means: 'Here Peter is telling them that more than the apostles have God's Holy Ghost. Therefore, murdering all of the apostles will not get rid of the witness from God's Holy Ghost'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 11:4 about the word witness. The functional definition for this word is: 'someone who is qualified to testify in court and is available to do so if the court requests'. In addition, we have the definition, as it applies to the Bible, of: 'Basically, if the Bible literally says something in at least two places, that is a law that will be enforced by the court of God and is something that all must accept and obey'. Please also see the notes for John 8:17; 2Corinthians 13:1 and Colossians C3S13 about the phrase witnesses, two or the. Please also see the note for John 5:1 about the phrase witnesses given by Jesus to show that He is God.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'are. Ac 5:29; 1:8; 2:32; 10:39-41; 13:31; Lu 24:47-48; Joh 15:27; 2Co 13:1; Heb 2:3 and so. Joh 15:26; 16:7-14; Heb 2:4; 1Pe 1:12 whom. Ac 2:4,38-39; 10:44; Joh 7:39 General references. exp: Lu 12:11; 24:48.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S33 (Verse 33) the initial reaction of the religious leaders to hearing the truth.

When they heard that,
they were cut to the heart,
and took counsel to slay them.

Acts 5:26-33 tell us about the apostles being before the Jewish Council of religious leaders.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase When they heard that means: 'This was when, and why, they reacted'. . . .
The phrase they were cut to the heart means: 'This was the result of God's Holy Ghost working on their hearts'.
The phrase and took counsel to slay them means: 'This was the result of the high priest and others who were motivated by devils and their own sin nature'.

What we see here are typical reactions to a God filled preaching. Some are moved by God's Holy Ghost working on their hearts. Others harden their hearts and resist God's Holy Ghost. 2Corinthians 2:15-16 says: For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?. The phrase death unto death means: 'the ongoing corruption, of spirit and soul, by those people who resist God's Holy Spirit, makes it harder for them to accept the truth in the future'. (These are them that perish.) the phrase life unto life means: 'the ongoing spiritual growth and maturing, of spirit and soul, by those people who accept the ministering of God's Holy Spirit'.(These are them that are saved.) the ministering of Christ, according to our reference, promise both results. And, we can see the religious leaders resisting the ministering of God's Holy Spirit while the end of out chapter tells us the results of the apostles accepting the ministering of God's Holy Spirit.

Please see the note for Luke 12:45-46 about the word cut. The functional definition for this word is: 'To separate the parts of any body by an edged instrument. It signifies also, to cut into pieces; to sever or divide; as, to cut timber in the forest'. Please also see the note for Galatians C5-S13 about the phrase cut off. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:33; Acts 7:54; Acts 27:32.

Please see the note for John 11:53 about the word counsel. The functional definition for this word is: 'advice; opinion, or instruction, given upon request or otherwise, for directing the judgment or conduct of another; opinion given upon deliberation or consultation. Every purpose is established by counsel. Proverbs 20'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S38 about the phrase counseller.

Please see the note for Luke 9:22 about the word slain. The functional definition for this word is: 'pp. of slay; so written for slayen. Killed'. Please also see the note for Luke 11:49-51 about the word slay.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they. Ac 2:37; 7:54; 22:22; Lu 4:28-29; 6:11; 11:50-54; 19:45-48; 20:19 exp: Lu 23:5; Joh 11:53. Took. Ac 9:23; Ge 4:5-8; Ps 37:12-15,32-33; 64:2-8; Mt 10:21,25; 23:34-35; 24:9; Joh 15:20; 16:2 General references. exp: Mt 28:12.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S34 (Verse 34-35) A God motivated man spoke a warning.

First Step: Who spoke up.

Then stood there up one in the council,
a Pharisee,
named Gamaliel,
a doctor of the law,
had in reputation among all the people,
and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;.

Second Step: what he said.

And said unto them,
Ye men of Israel,
take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

Acts 5:34-40 tell us about the Jewish Council deciding what to do to the apostles.

Our sentence tells us that God had this man stand up and give a warning to the council. And, they had to listen to him. First, he was one in the council. Therefore, they could not deny his right to speak. Next, he was a Pharisee while the head priest, and all of his friends, were Sadducees. The fights between Pharisees and Sadducees were known t6o become so fierce that the council could not resolve a problem and decide on an action. Therefore, they had to let him speak, and seriously consider what he said, or they would not get a resolution and they wanted to murder the apostles. They would accomplish nothing, and have to let the apostles go, unless they received the support of the Pharisees.

Next, he was a doctor of the law and he was the man who trained Paul. Thus, he was considered one of the top experts when it came to the law. In addition, he had a reputation among all the people. They were already afraid that the people would stone them. If they refused to listen, and seriously consider what he said, there was a good chance that they would still get stoned.

So, they had to listen and consider.

The first thing that he did was commanded to put the apostles forth a little space. That made their discussion private and allowed the various people to express themselves honestly. No one had to posture for the common people.

Once he did that, then he delivered his warning. The Second Step of our sentence is the first part of his warning. The phrase take heed to yourselves means: 'seriously consider this warning and to possible personal consequences if you ignore it'. These men were all wrapped up in the physical reality and what they personally had in it. Therefore, this warning was designed to get their attention and make them consider the warning.

The word stood is the past-tense form of the word stand. Please see the notes for Romans C14S5 and 1Corinthians C15S1 about the word stand. The functional definition for this word is: 'to be upon the feet, as an animal; not to sit, kneel or lie'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:18 about the word notwithstanding. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C14S2 about the word understand. Please also see the note for Galatians C5S1 about the phrase stand fast.

Please see the note for Mark 13:9 about the word council. The functional definition for this word is: 'An assembly of men summoned or convened for consultation, deliberation and advice'.

Please see the note for John 3:1 about the word Pharisee. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'separatists (Heb persahin, from parash, "to separate"). they were probably the successors of the Asside and (i.e., the "pious"), a party that originated in the time of Antiochus Epiphanes in revolt against his heathenizing policy. the first mention of them is in a description by Josephus of the three sects or schools into which the Jews were divided (B.C. 145). the other two sects were the Essenes and the Sadducees. In the time of our Lord they were the popular party (Joh 7:48). they were extremely accurate and minute in all matters appertaining to the law of Moses (Mt 9:14; 23:15; Lu 11:39; 18:12). Paul, when brought before the council of Jerusalem, professed himself a Pharisee (Ac 23:6-8; 26:4-5).
There was much that was sound in their creed, yet their system of religion was a form and nothing more. theirs was a very lax morality (Mt 5:20; 15:4,8; 23:3,14,23,25; Joh 8:7). On the first notice of them in the New Testament (Mt 3:7), they are ranked by our Lord with the Sadducees as a "generation of vipers." they were noted for their self-righteousness and their pride (Mt 9:11; Lu 7:39; 18:11-12). they were frequently rebuked by our Lord (Mt 12:39; 16:1-4).
From the very beginning of his ministry the Pharisees showed themselves bitter and persistent enemies of our Lord. they could not bear his doctrines, and they sought by every means to destroy his influence among the people'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:34; Acts 15:5; Acts 23:6; Acts 23:7; Acts 23:8; Acts 23:9; Acts 26:5.

This Gamaliel was the man who trained Paul to be a Pharisee.

Please see the note for Luke 2:46 about the word doctor. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(Lu 2:46; 5:17; Ac 5:34), a teacher. the Jewish doctors taught and disputed in synagogues, or wherever they could find an audience. their disciples were allowed to propose to them questions. they assumed the office without any appointment to it. the doctors of the law were principally of the sect of the Pharisees. Schools were established after the destruction of Jerusalem at Babylon and Tiberias, in which academical degrees were conferred on those who passed a certain examination. those of the school of Tiberias were called by the title "rabbi," and those of Babylon by that of "master."'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C6S1; Galatians C2-S10 and Psalms 119 about the word law. The functional definition for this word is: 'the set of written or commonly understood rules for acceptable behavior and which can be used by a legal system for punishing offenders'. Please also see the note for Galatians 3:10 about the phrase book of the law. Please also see the note for Revelation 13:8-LJC about the phrase book of the life. Please also see the notes for Romans C3S31 and 1Corinthians 9:21-LJC about the phrase kinds of laws that apply to us tday. Please also see the note for Romans C3S27 about the phrase law of works. Please also see the note for Romans C3S25 about the phrase law and faith. Please also see the note for Galatians C3S22 about the phrase Mosaic Law added. Please also see the note for Hebrews 10:28-29 about the phrase New Testament replaces only the religious part of the Mosaic Law. Please also see the note for Hebrews 19:29-LJC about the phrase religious part of Mosaic Law. Please also see the note for Ephesians 4:7-LJC about the phrase righteousness of the Law. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Ac 5:34; Acts 6:13; Acts 7:53; Acts 10:28; Acts 13:15; Acts 13:39; Acts 15:5; Acts 15:24; Acts 16:21; Acts 18:13; Acts 18:15; Acts 19:38; Acts 19:39; Acts 21:20; Acts 21:24; Acts 21:28; Acts 22:3; Acts 22:12; Acts 22:25; Acts 23:3; Acts 23:29; Acts 24:6; Acts 24:14; Acts 25:8; Acts 28:23.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:5-8 about the word reputation. The functional definition for this word is: 'y 7 times in the Bible, in: Job 18:3; Ecclesiastes 10:1; Daniel 4:35; Acts 5:34; Galatians 2:2; our current sentence and 2:29. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines reputation as: 'n. L. reputatio. 1. Good name; the credit, honor or character which is derived from a favorable public opinion or esteem. Reputation is a valuable species of property or right, which should never be violated. With the loss of reputation, a man and especially a woman, loses most of the enjoyments of life. the best evidence of reputation is a man's whole life. 2. Character by report; in a good or bad sense; as, a man has the reputation of being rich or poor, or of being a thief'.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 4:16 about the word heed. The functional definition for this word is: 'Pay close attention; watch out. Ge 31:24'.

Please see the note for Colossians C2-S11 about the word touch. The functional definition for this word is: ' to come in contact with; to hit or strike against. He touched the hollow of his thigh. Gen. 32. Matt.9'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:35; Acts 21:25; Acts 24:21; Acts 26:2; Acts 27:3.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'stood. Ac 23:7-9; Ps 76:10; Joh 7:50-53 Gamaliel. Ac 22:3 a doctor. Lu 2:46; 5:17 and commanded. Ac 4:15 General references. exp: Jer 26:16; Mt 28:12.
take. Ac 19:36; 22:26; Jer 26:19; Mt 27:19 exp: 2Ch 19:6. General references. exp: Jer 26:16.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S35 (Verse 36) Remind them of a historical incident.

Equivalent Section: Remind them of the facts.

First Step: Remind them of the person who caused the incident.

For before these days rose up theudas,
boasting himself to be somebody;.

Second Step: Remind them of the number of people who followed him.

to whom a number of men,
about four hundred,
joined themselves:.

Equivalent Section: Remind them of the results.

First Step: the leader was killed.

who was slain;

Second Step: His followers were scattered.

and all,
as many as obeyed him,
were scattered,
and brought to nought.

Acts 5:34-40 tell us about the Jewish Council deciding what to do to the apostles.

This is his first of two examples of people who seemed to be leaders but ended up becoming nothing. Gamaliel is using two examples because, under Jewish law, there must be two witnesses for something to be declared true. Jesus also used this requirement when arguing doctrine with the Pharisees (John 8:17). Therefore, as a doctor of law, Gamaliel is using legal principals to tell them how God will probably judge their actions. In his two examples, God turned these two incidents into nothing. However, the senate was also aware of how God had judged the Jews, in the past, when they went against the will of God. After his legal examples, Gamaliel advises them in the second next sentence. Thus, he is not just expressing an opinion but is citing legal examples of judgment by God and applying the proper legal principals.

There is no significant doctrine in this sentence beyond what was just mentioned and what is found in the word definitions.

Please see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word day. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The Jews reckoned the day from sunset to sunset (Le 23:32). It was originally divided into three parts (Ps 55:17). "The heat of the day" (1Sa 11:11; Ne 7:3) was at our nine o'clock, and "the cool of the day" just before sunset (Ge 3:8). Before the Captivity the Jews divided the night into three watches, (1) from sunset to midnight (La 2:19); (2) from midnight till the cock-crowing (Jg 7:19); and (3) from the cock-crowing till sunrise (Ex 14:24). In the New Testament the division of the Greeks and Romans into four watches was adopted (Mr 13:35). (See Watches.) the division of the day by hours is first mentioned in Da 3:6,15; 4:19; 5:5. this mode of reckoning was borrowed from the Chaldeans. the reckoning of twelve hours was from sunrise to sunset, and accordingly the hours were of variable length (Joh 11:9). The word "day" sometimes signifies an indefinite time (Ge 2:4; Isa 22:5; Heb 3:8, etc.). In Job 3:1 it denotes a birthday, and in Isaiah 2:12; Acts 17:31; 2Timothy 1:18, the great day of final judgment.'. The functional definition, of the phrase last day is: '(end of the) Church Age. However, in the life of the individual, it can be used for the day that he dies'. Please see the note for Hebrews 3:13 about the word today. The functional definition is: 'obey immediately'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:55 about the word daily. Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:6-LJC and 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of the Lord. Please also see the note for John 20:1 about the phrase first day of the week.

Please see the note for Romans C3S21 about the word boast. The functional definition for this word is: 'What we are to do for what the Lord has done and for nothing else'. That note explains every usage in the Bible along with showing this Biblical distinction. Please also see the notes for Romans C1S16 and Romans C3S21 about the word boasters.

Please see the note for Matthew 10:30 about the word number. The functional definition for this word is: 'Used to count things Also used symbolically in the Bible'. That note is extensive and includes 'Numbers are used as Symbols' from the Morrish Bible Dictionary. Be very careful about the use of this information. Much doctrinal error and division has been caused in God's church by preachers claiming that the symbolicl meaning of numbers provided the single interpretation of the word of God and that the symbolic meaning actually corrected the word of God. All symbolic meanings provide the many applications, must be understood within the context where they are found, and can vary from one application to another. Be careful to not use these symbols beyond their God-given purpose.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:12 about the word obey. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. L. obedio; Gr. 1. to comply with the commands, orders or instructions of a superior, or with the requirements of law, moral, political or municipal; to do that which is commanded or required, or to forbear doi He who has learned to obey, will know how to command. 2. to submit to the government of; to be ruled by. All Israel obeyed Solomon. 1Chron. 29. Dan. 7. 3. to submit to the direction or control of. Seamen say, the ship will not obey the helm. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Rom. 6. James 3. 4. to yield to the impulse, power or operation of; as, to obey stimulus. Relentless time, destroying power, whom stone and brass obey'. Please also see the notes for Romans C6S12 and 2Corinthians C2S9 about the word obedience. Please also see the note forRomans C2S5 about the phrase obeying unrighteousness. Please also see the note for Colossians 3:8 about the phrase children of disobedience. The functional definition is: 'Saved people who live a life of disobedience to God'. Please also see the note for Romans C1S16 about the word disobedient. Please also see the note for Romans C6S12 about the word disobedience. Please also see the note for Romans C1S16 about the phrase disobedient to parents.

Please see the note for John 16:32 about the word scatter. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to disperse; to dissipate; to separate or remove things to a distance from each other. From thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. Gen. 11. I will scatter you among the heathen. Lev. 26. 2. to throw loosely about; to sprinkle; as, to scatter seed in sowing. Teach the glad hours to scatter, as they fly, soft quiet, gentle love and endless joy. 3. to spread or set thinly. Why should my muse enlarge on Libyan swains, their scatter'd cottages, and ample plains.
SCAT'TER, v.i. 1. to be dispersed or dissipated. the clouds scatter after a storm. 2. to be liberal to the poor; to be charitable. Prov. 11'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:36; Acts 8:1; Acts 8:4; Acts 11:19.

Please see the note for Romans C14S15 about the word nought. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. Nothing. Doth Job serve God for naught? Job 1. thou sellest thy people for naught. Psalm 44. to set at naught, to slight, to disregard or despise. Ye have set at naught all my counsel. Proverbs 1.
NAUGHT, adv. In no degree. to wealth or sovereign power he naught applied.
NAUGHT, a. Bad; worthless; of no value or account. things naught and things indifferent. It is naught, it is naught, says the buyer. Proverbs 20'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'boasting. Ac 8:9; Mt 24:24; 2Th 2:3-7; 2Pe 2:18; Jude 1:16; Re 17:3,5 to whom. Ac 21:38; 2Pe 2:2 obeyed. or, believed. Mt 24:26 General references. exp: Jer 26:16.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S36 (Verse 37) this is the second, of two examples.

Equivalent Section: the second incident happened after the first incident.

After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing,
and drew away much people after him:.

Equivalent Section: the same results happened.

First Step: the man died.

he also perished;

Second Step: His followers scattered.

and all,
even as many as obeyed him,
were dispersed.

Acts 5:34-40 tell us about the Jewish Council deciding what to do to the apostles.

This is the second, of two examples, of people who seemed to be leaders but ended up becoming nothing. Gamaliel is using two examples because, under Jewish law, there must be two witnesses for something to be declared true. Jesus also used this requirement when arguing doctrine with the Pharisees (John 8:17). Therefore, as a doctor of law, Gamaliel is using legal principals to tell them how God will probably judge their actions. In his two examples, God turned these two incidents into nothing. However, the senate was also aware of how God had judged the Jews, in the past, when they went against the will of God. After his legal examples, Gamaliel advises them in the second next sentence. Thus, he is not just expressing an opinion but is citing legal examples of judgment by God and applying the proper legal principals.

There is no significant doctrine in this sentence beyond what was just mentioned and what is found in the word definitions.

Please see the note for John 1:43 about the word Galilee. The functional definition for this word is: 'Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Galilee from galil. "A circle" or "circuit" around Kedesh Naphtali, in which lay the 20 towns given by Solomon to Hiram, king of Tyre, in payment for his having conveyed timber from Lebanon to Jerusalem (Jos 20:7; 1Ki 9:11). the northern part of Naphtali (which lay N. of Zebulun) was inhabited by a mixed race of Jews and Gentiles of the bordering Phoenician race (Jg 1:30; 1Ki 9:11). Tiglath Pileser carried away captive its Israelite population to Assyria; then Esarhaddon colonized it with pagan (2Ki 15:29; 17:24; Ezr 4:2,10). Hence called (Isa 9:1) "Galilee of the nations," or "Gentiles" (Mt 4:13,15-16). During and after the captivity the Gentile element became the preponderating population, and spread widely; and the province included in our Lord's days all the ancient Issachar, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali'. (The note at the link has more information about this place.)

Please see the note for Luke 2:2 about the word tax. Smith's Bible Dictionary defines this word as:: 'The English word now conveys to us more distinctly the notion of a tax or tribute actually levied; but it appears to have been used in the sixteenth century for the simple assessment of a subsidy upon the property of a given county, or the registration of the people for the purpose of a poll-tax. Two distinct registrations, or taxings, are mentioned in the New Testament, both of them by St. Luke. the first is said to have been the result of an edict of the emperor Augustus, that "all the world (i.e. the Roman empire) should be taxed," Lu 2:1 and is connected by the evangelist with the name of Cyrenius Quirinus. [CYRENIUS] the second and more important, See Cyrenius Ac 6:15 is distinctly associated, in point of time, with the revolt of Judas of Galilee'. We always have had taxing so long as there has been an organized government. Therefore, this was a special and significant taxing such as when Jesus was born.

Please see the note for Matthew 15:7-8 about the words draw / drawn / drew. The word drawn and drew. are past-tense forms of the word draw. The functional definition for this word is: 'To pull along; to haul; to cause to move forward by force applied in advance of the thing moved or at the fore-end, as by a rope or chain. It differs from drag only in this, that drag is more generally applied to things moved along the ground by sliding, or moved with greater toil or difficulty, and draw is applied to all bodies moved by force in advance, whatever may be the degree of force. Draw is the more general or generic term, and drag, more specific'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Ac 5:37; Acts 7:17; Acts 7:31; Acts 10:9; Acts 11:10; Acts 14:19; Acts 16:19; Acts 16:27; Acts 17:6; Acts 19:33; Acts 20:30; Acts 21:30; Acts 27:27.

Please see the note for James 1:10 about the word away. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Absent; at a distance; as, the master is away from home. Have me away, for I am wounded. 2Chron. 35. 2. It is much used with words signifying moving or going from; as, go away, send away, run away, etc.; all signifying departure, or separation to a distance. Sometimes without the verb; as, whither away so fast. Love hath wings and will away. 3. As an exclamation, it is a command or invitation to depart; away, that is, be gone, or let us go. "Away with him." Take him away. 4. With verbs, it serves to modify their sense and form peculiar phrases; as, to throw away, to cast from, to give up, dissipate or foolishly destroy. to trifle away, to lose or expend in trifles, or in idleness. to drink away, to squander away, etc., to dissipate in drinking or extravagance. to make away, is to kill or destroy. 5. Away with has a peculiar signification in the phrase, "I cannot away with it." Isa. 1. the sense is, "I cannot bear or endure it."'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S19 about the phrase cast away. Please also see the note for Romans C11S1 about the phrase God will not cast away his people. Please also see the note for John 6:67 about the phrase go away. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:17 about the phrase passed away. Please also see the note for Matthew 19:3 about the phrase put away.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 2:15-16 and 2Corinthians 4:16 about the word perish. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines perish as: '1. to die; to lose life in any manner; applied to animals. Men perish by disease or decay, by the sword, by drowning, by hunger or famine, etc. 2. to die; to wither and decay; applied to plants. 3. to waste away; as, a leg or an arm has perished. 4. to be in a state of decay or passing away. Duration, and time which is part of it, is the idea we have of perishing distance. 5. to be destroyed; to come to nothing. Perish the lore that deadens young desire. 6. to fail entirely or to be extirpated. 2 Kings.9. 7. to be burst or ruined; as, the bottles shall perish. Luke 5. 8. to be wasted or rendered useless. Jer.9. 9. to be injured or tormented. 1 Cor.8. 10. to be lost eternally; to be sentenced to endless misery. 2 Pet.2'. the functional definition is: 'literally, to depart wholly'. The Bible uses this word for people who not only 'departed' the physical realm in death but who also suffered the second death. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:37; Acts 8:20; Acts 13:41.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word dispersed. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Scattered; driven apart; diffused; dissipated '.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Judas. Lu 2:1; 13:1 he also. Job 20:5-9; Ps 7:14-15; 9:15-16; Mt 26:52; Lu 13:1-2 General references. exp: Jer 26:16; Lu 20:22.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S37 (Verse 38-39) Gamaliel gives his legal advice.

Equivalent Section: What he recommended.

And now I say unto you,
Refrain from these men,
and let them alone:.

Equivalent Section: the first reason why.

for If this counsel or this work be of men,
it will come to nought:.

Equivalent Section: the second reason why.

First Step: You can not win.

But if it be of God,
ye cannot overthrow it;.

Second Step: You will start a fight with God.

lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

Acts 5:34-40 tell us about the Jewish Council deciding what to do to the apostles.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase And now I say unto you means: 'He is adding this recommendation after making them understand his warning'.
The phrase Refrain from these men, and let them alone means: 'This is what he tells them to do'.
The phrase For If this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought means: 'Nothing will come from it if it is purely a religion made up by men'.
The phrase But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it means: 'On the other hand, if God is working through these men then you can not win a fight against God'.
The phrase lest haply ye be found even to fight against God means: 'If you start a fight against God, then you, all of your followers and your children to at least the third generation will be sorry'.

Notice that he starts with the phrase And now. He is adding his recommendation after making them understand his warning. I personally believe that he said more that what Luke reports, but there is no evidence of that and people are free to disagree. I just have a hard time believing that politici and were convinced to change their pl and from murder with only these few words. Personally, I believe Luke gave us a summarized version. But, what God had Luke report is sufficient to understand that it took the power of God to change the hearts of those men. And, the reader probably will not get that understanding unless the reader prayerfully considers all that was happening.

Please see the note for 1Peter 3:10 about the word refrain. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.t. L. refaeno; re and fraeno, to curb; fraenum, a rein. See Rein. to hold back; to restrain; to keep from action. My son - refrain thy foot from their path. Prov. 1. then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by. Gen. 45.
REFRA'IN, v.i. to forbear; to abstain; to keep one's self from action or interference. Refrain from these men and let them alone. Acts 5.
REFRA'IN, n. the burden of a song; a kind of musical repetition'.

Please see the note for Matthew 4:4 about the word alone. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'person or thing. It is not good that man should be alone. Gen. 2. this adjective follows its noun. 2. It is applied to two or more persons or things, when separate from others, in a place or condition by themselves; without company. And when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4. 3. Only. thou whose name alone is Jehovah. Ps. 83. this sense at first appears to be adverbial, but really is not; whose name single, solitary, without another, is Jehovah. to let alone is to suffer to rest; to forbear molesting or meddling with; to suffer to remain in its present state. Alone, in this phrase, is an adjective, the word to which it refers being omitted; let me alone; let them alone; let it alone; that is, suffer it to be unmolested, or to remain as it is, or let it remain by itself.
ALO'NE, adv. Separately; by itself'.

Please see the notes for Romans C9S8; 1Corinthians C3S13; 2Corinthians 4:8-12; Galatians C2-S10 and Philippians 1:1 about the word works. The functional definition for this word is: ' In a general sense, to move, or to move one way and the other; to perform'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men. Please also see the note for Psalms 119:23 about the phrase according to works. Please also see the note for Philippians 3:2 about the phrase evil workers. Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about the phrase evil heart. Please also see the notes for Romans 8:1-LJC; Galatians C5-S6 and Revelation 19:2-LJC about the phrase judged by works. Please also see the note for Romans C3S27 about the phrase law of works. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:1 about the word workers. Please also see the note for Matthew 10:9-10 about the word workman.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C10S2 about the words overthrown / overthrew. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines these words as: 'v.t. See throw. 1. to turn upside down. His wife overthrew the table. 2. to throw down. 3. to ruin; to demolish. When the walls of thebes he overthrew. 4. to defeat; to conquer; to vanquish; as, to overthrow an army or an enemy. 5. to subvert; to destroy; as, to overthrow the constitution or state; to overthrow religion'.

Please see the note for 1Peter 3:14 about the word happy. People regularally claim that: 'happiness comes from happenings'. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word ashe functional definition for this word is: 'Lucky; fortunate; successful. Chimists have been more happy in finding experiments, than the causes of them. So we say, a happy thought; a happy expedient. 2. Being in the enjoyment of agreeable sensations from the possession of good; enjoying pleasure from the gratification of appetites or desires. the pleasurable sensations derived from the gratification of sensual appetites render a person temporarily happy; but he only can be esteemed really and permanently happy, who enjoys peace of mind in the favor of God. to be in any degree happy, we must be free from pain both of body and of mind; to be very happy, we must be in the enjoyment of lively sensations of pleasure, either of body or mind. Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed. Gen.30. He found himself happiest, in communicating happiness to others. 3. Prosperous; having secure possession of good. Happy is that people whose God is Jehovah. Ps.144. 4. that supplies pleasure; that furnishes enjoyment; agreeable; applied to things; as a happy condition. 5. Dexterous; ready; able. One gentleman is happy at a reply, another excels in a rejoinder. 6. Blessed; enjoying the presence and favor of God, in a future life. 7. Harmonious; living in concord; enjoying the pleasures of friendship; as a happy family. 8. Propitious; favorable'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 7:5 about the word fight. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines fighting as: '1. Contending in battle; striving for victory or conquest. 2. a. Qualified for war; fit for battle. A host of fighting men. 2Chron. 26. 3. Occupied in war; being the scene of war; as a fighting field.
FIGHTING, n. Contention; strife; quarrel. Without were fightings, within were fears. 2Cor. 7'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Refrain. Ac 5:35; Joh 11:48 for. Ne 4:15; Job 5:12-14; Ps 33:10-11; Pr 21:30; Isa 7:5-7; 8:9-10; 14:25; La 3:37; Mt 15:13; 1Co 1:26-28; 3:19 General references. exp: Jer 26:16; Mt 7:20.
if. Ac 6:10; Ge 24:50; 2Sa 5:2; 1Ki 12:24; Job 34:29; Isa 43:13; 46:10; Da 4:35; Mt 16:18; Lu 21:15; 1Co 1:25; Re 17:12-14 to fight. Ac 7:51; 9:5; 23:9; Ex 10:3-7; 2Ki 19:22; Job 15:25-27; 40:9-14; Isa 45:9; 1Co 10:22 General references. exp: Pr 21:30; Jer 26:16; Ac 12:24.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S38 (Verse 40) their final decision.

Equivalent Section: they agreed with what the lawyer told them to do.

and to him they agreed:

Equivalent Section: What they actually did.

and when they had called the apostles,
and beaten them,
they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus,
and let them go.

Acts 5:34-40 tell us about the Jewish Council deciding what to do to the apostles.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase and to him they agreed means: 'The rest of this sentence tells us that it was not a complete agreement. He had told them Refrain from these men, and let them alone. Yet, our sentence says that they beat the apostles'.
The phrase and when they had called the apostles means: 'This was their first action after agreeing with the lawyer'.
The phrase and beaten them means: 'This was their second action after agreeing with the lawyer'.
The phrase they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus means: 'This was their third action after agreeing with the lawyer'.
The phrase and let them go means: 'This was their forth action after agreeing with the lawyer'.

If you pay attention, you should see that they made an agreement to do what the lawyer told them to do and immediately, in the same sentence, we are told that they did differently. This is what should be expected from politici and and all people who believe there will be no personal consequences to their lying to God.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the word agree. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Concord; harmony; conformity. What agreement hath the temple of God with idols? 2Cor. 6. 2. Union of opinions or sentiments; as, a good agreement subsists among the members of the council. 3. Resemblance; conformity; similitude. Expansion and duration have this farther agreement. 4. Union of minds in regard to a transfer of interest; bargain; compact; contract; stipulation. Make an agreement with me by a present. 2Kings 18. He made an agreement for the purchase of a house'.

Please see the note for Mark 13:9 about the word beaten. The functional definition for this word is: 'Struck; dashed against; pressed or laid down; hammered; pounded; vanquished; make smooth by treading; worn by use; tracked'. Please also see the note for Mark 12:5 about the word beat. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:40; Acts 16:22; Acts 16:37; Acts 18:17; Acts 21:32; Acts 22:19.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'when. Ac 4:18 exp: Ac 4:21. beaten. Pr 12:10; Mt 10:17; 23:34; Mr 13:9; Lu 20:10; Joh 19:1-4; 2Co 11:24 they commanded. Ac 5:28; 4:17-21; Isa 30:10; Am 2:12; Mic 2:6 General references. exp: De 25:2; Jer 36:19; Mt 28:12; Lu 23:16; Ac 16:35.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S39 (Verse 41) the apostles departed rejoicing at being allowed to suffer for thre name of Jesus.

And they departed from the presence of the council,
rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Acts 5:34-40 tell us about the Jewish Council deciding what to do to the apostles.

Imagine getting people, who claim to be saved, to rejoice at being beaten.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 12:8 about the word depart. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to go or move from. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire. Matt. 25. It is followed by from, or from is implied before the place left. I will depart to my own land, that is, I will depart from this place to my own land. Num. 10. 2. to go from; to leave; to desist, as from a practice. Jehu departed not from the sins of Jeroboam. Jehoshaphat departed not from the way of Asa his father'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:12 about the word presence. The functional definition for this word is: 'The existence of a person or thing in a certain place; opposed to absence'.

Please see the note for Mark 13:9 about the word council. The functional definition for this word is: 'An assembly of men summoned or convened for consultation, deliberation and advice'.

Please see the notes for Romans C12S8; Galatians C4-S24 and Philippians 4:4-LJC about the word rejoice. The functional definition for this word is: 'To experience joy and gladness in a high degree; to be exhilarated with lively and pleasurable sensations; to exult'. Please also see the notes for John 1:4 lists 16 attributes of joy; John 15:11; Romans C14S23 and 1John C1S2 about the word joy. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:17-19 about the word enjoy.

We find forms of the word worthy occurring 68 times in 66 verses of the Bible, 54 times in 52 verses of the New Testament and, in this book, in: Acts 5:41; Acts 13:25; Acts 13:46; Acts 23:29; Acts 24:2; Acts 25:11; Acts 25:25; Acts 26:31. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a. G. 1. Deserving; such as merits; having worth or excellence; equivalent; with of, before the thing deserved. She has married a man worthy of her. Thou art worthy of the sway. I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies--Genesis 32. 2. Possessing worth or excellence of qualities; virtuous; estimable; as a worthy citizen; a worthy magistrate. Happier thou mayst be, worthier canst not be. This worthy mind should worthy things embrace. 3. Suitable; having qualities suited to; either in a good or bad sense; equal in value; as flowers worthy of paradise. 4. Suitable to anything bad. The merciless Macdonald, worthy to be a rebel. 5. Deserving of ill; as things worthy of stripes. Luke 12.
WORTHY, n. A man of eminent worth; a man distinguished for useful and estimable qualities; a man of valor; a word much used in the plural; as the worthies of the church; political worthies; military worthies.'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C11S31 about the words worth / worthily.

Please see the notes for Romans C8S17 and 1Corinthians C4S13 about the word suffer. The functional definition for this word is: 'To feel or bear what is painful, disagreeable or distressing, either to the body or mind; to undergo. We suffer pain of body; we suffer grief of mind'. Please also see the note for Romans 9:22 about the word longsuffering. Please also see the Study called Significant Gospel Events, for references to verses related to the suffering of Jesus Christ.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 6:5 about the word shame. shame as: 'This word as: 'n. A painful sensation excited by a consciousness of guilt, or of having done something which injures reputation; or by of that which nature or modesty prompts us to conceal. Shame is particularly excited by the disclosure of actions which, in the view of men, are mean and degrading. Hence it is often or always manifested by a downcast look or by blushes, called confusion of face'. Please also see the notes for Romans C5S2 about the word ashamed. Please also see the note for Romans C10S12 about the phrase faith makes us not ashamed.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'rejoicing. Ac 16:23-25; Isa 61:10; 65:14; 66:5; Mt 5:10-12; Lu 6:22; Ro 5:3; 2Co 12:10; Php 1:29; Heb 10:34; Jas 1:2; 1Pe 4:13-16 shame. Heb 12:2 General references. exp: Lu 23:16; Heb 13:13.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C5-S40 (Verse 42) .

And daily in the temple,
and in every house,
they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ .

Acts 5:41-42 tell us the results of them meeting the Council.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase And daily in the temple means: 'They did their actions in the very place that, supposedly, was controlled by the religious leaders'.
The phrase and in every house means: 'This is the basis for home Bible Studies. This is a more personal situation than preaching and teaching in the Temple. Most likely, this is where discipleship lessons occurred'.
The phrase they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ means: 'This is what they were beaten for doing and commanded to not do. The use of the name of Jesus Christ means that they not only told the lost how to be saved but they taught the saved how to mature spiritually'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word house. The functional definition for this word is: ' In a general sense, a building or shed intended or used as a habitation or shelter for animals of any kind; but appropriately, a building or edifice for the habitation of man; a dwelling place, mansion or abode for any of the human species. It may be of any size and composed of any materials whatever, wood, stone, brick, etc. This word is also used, symbolically within the Bible, for the descendants of a person'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:17 about the phrase house of God. Please also see the note for Luke 1:26-27 about the phrase house of David. Please also see the note for Luke 1:32-33 about the phrase house of Jacob. Please also see the note for Matthew 10:25 about the words household / householder.

Please see the note for Hebrews 10:2 about the word cease. The functional definition for this word is: ' to stop moving, acting or speaking; to leave of; to give over; followed by from before a noun'. Please also see the note for Luke 9:30 about the word decease.. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 5:42; Acts 6:13; Acts 12:5; Acts 13:10; Acts 20:1; Acts 20:31; Acts 21:14.

Please see the notes for Romans C16S33; 1Corinthians C15S1; Galatians C1-S4 and 2Timothy 4:1-LJC about the word preach. The functional definition for this word is: 'To pronounce a public discourse on a religious subject, or from a subject, or from a text of Scripture. the purpose of preaching is to get people to obey God's word'. Please also see the note for Romans 10:14 about the word preacher. Please also see the Study called False things According to the Bible about 'false preachers'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'daily. Ac 5:20-21; 2:46; 3:1-10; Lu 21:37; 22:53; 2Ti 4:2 in. Ac 20:20 exp: Lu 24:53; Php 1:28. They. Ac 4:20,29; 2Sa 6:22; Ro 1:15-16; Ga 6:14 preach. Ac 8:5,35; 9:20; 17:3; 1Co 2:2; Eph 4:20-21 exp: Php 1:15.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

Acts Chapter 6

Chapter theme is: Creation of the office of deacon.

links to sentences in this chapter:

C6-S1 (Verse 1), C6-S2 (Verse 2), C6-S3 (Verse 3), C6-S4 (Verse 4), C6-S5 (Verse 5-6), C6-S6 (Verse 7), C6-S7 (Verse 8), C6-S8 (Verse 9), C6-S9 (Verse 10), C6-S10 (Verse 11), C6-S11 (Verse 12-14), C6-S12 (Verse 15)'.

In the prior chapter, we read that Satan tried to use the Jewish government to intimidate to apostles. That failed. So now, in this chapter, we read that he is introducing problems into the church. Satan causes a dispute between the Jews who lived in Jerusalem and Judaea against the saved Jews from other lands. The dispute is over providing for the physical needs of people in the church. As a result, the church created the office of deacon to handle physical needs within the church. And, over time, Satan has used this office to cause further disputes by convincing some people that the deacon can dictate spiritual matters to the preacher. in this chapter, we read about a very clear division of labor. The preachers are to deal with spiritual matters and the deacons are to deal with physical matters.

In Acts 6:1-4, we read the reason why the office of deacon was created.

In Acts 6:5-6, we read the names of the first deacons.

In Acts 6:7, we read the results within the church to their settling the dispute.

In Acts 6:8, we read the testimony of Stephen.

In Acts 6:9-15, we read how some Jews picked a doctrinal fight with Stephen. Then they hauled him before the Jewish Council and old lies about him. This leads into our next chapter which reports the message that Stephen preached to the Jewish Council. That resulted in Stephen becoming the first martyr of the church.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides a chapter outline as:

1-2. the apostles, desirous to have the poor regarded for their bodily sustenance, as also careful themselves to dispense the word of God, the food of the soul, 3-4. recommend,
5-6. and with the church's consent ordain seven chosen men to the office of deaconship.
7. the word of God prevails,
8-15. Stephen, full of faith and the Holy Ghost, confuting those with whom he disputed, is brought before the council, and falsely accused of blasphemy against the law and the temple.'.
Start of Chapter

C6-S1 (Verse 1) the problem defined.

And in those days,
when the number of the disciples was multiplied,
there arose a murmuring of the Greci and against the Hebrews,
because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

When you get a large enough group of people you will eventually have someone treating their favorites better than other people. If the reader adds up the true numbers (including women and children who are not numbered) of people who were saved, it should total close to twenty thousand church members. So, yes, some things would not be completely right and the apostles would not know about it until someone brought it to their attention. And, that is what our chapter is reporting.

Yes, everyone in the church was a saved Jew, but they would have come from different cultures, speak different primary languages and the Greeks would have an accent that sounded funny to Jews from Judaea. They would also have other cultural differences and, to finish it off, the Jews, in general, were highly prejudicial people. Remember that they started out insisting that only Jews could be saved and even after God clearly corrected their doctrine three times, God had to kill and scatter the members of this church. Therefore, it should be understandable that Satan could use those attitudes to cause divisions and problems in the church.

Please see the note for John 1:35-36 about the word disciple. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'a scholar, sometimes applied to the followers of John the Baptist (Mt 9:14), and of the Pharisees (Mt 22:16), but principally to the followers of Christ. A disciple of Christ is one who (1) believes his doctrine, (2) rests on his sacrifice, (3) imbibes his spirit, and (4) imitates his example (Mt 10:24; Lu 14:26-27,33; Joh 6:69)'. Please also see the note for John 6:67 about the phrase twelve disciples / apostles.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word multiply. The functional definition for this word is: 'To increase in number with multiple additions'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 6:1; Acts 6:7; Acts 7:17; Acts 9:31; Acts 12:24.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C10S7 about the word murmur. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.i. L. murmuro. 1. to make a low continued noise, like the hum of bees, a stream of water, rolling waves, or like the wind in a forest; as the murmuring surge. the forests murmur and the surges roar. 2. to grumble; to complain; to utter complaints in a low, half articulated voice; to utter sullen discontent; with at, before the thing which is the cause of discontent; as, murmur not at sickness; or with at or against, before the active agent which produces the evil. the Jews murmured at him. John 6. the people murmured against Moses. Ex.13'.

We find the word Grecians in: Joel 3:6; Acts 6:1; Acts 9:29; Acts 11:20. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Hellenists, Greek-Jews; Jews born in a foreign country, and thus did not speak Hebrew (Ac 6:1; 9:29), nor join in the Hebrew services of the Jews in Palestine, but had synagogues of their own in Jerusalem. Joe 3:6.'. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Sons of Javanim, Greeks. the children of Israel had been sold to them by Tyre and Sidon. Joe 3:6. 2. Ἑλληνιστής, Hellenists. Greek-speaking Jews, not to be confounded with Gentile Greeks. they stand in contrast to the Hebrews in Ac 6:1. Paul disputed with them at Jerusalem. Ac 9:29. the gospel was preached to them at Antioch, Ac 11:20; but in this last passage many MSS read 'Greeks.''.

Please see the note for John 5:2 about the word Hebrews. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'a name applied to the Israelites in Scripture only by one who is a foreigner (Ge 39:14,17; 41:12, etc.), or by the Israelites when they speak of themselves to foreigners (Ge 40:15; Ex 1:19), or when spoken of an contrasted with other peoples (Ge 43:32; Ex 1:3,7,15; De 15:12). In the New Testament there is the same contrast between Hebrews and foreigners (Ac 6:1; Php 3:5). Derivation. (1.) the name is derived, according to some, from Eber (Ge 10:24), the ancestor of Abraham. the Hebrews are "sons of Eber" (Ge 10:21). (2.) Others trace the name of a Hebrew root-word signifying "to pass over," and hence regard it as meaning "the man who passed over," viz., the Euphrates; or to the Hebrew word meaning "the region" or "country beyond," viz., the land of Chaldea. this latter view is preferred. It is the more probable origin of the designation given to Abraham coming among the Canaanites as a man from beyond the Euphrates (Ge 14:13). (3.) A third derivation of the word has been suggested, viz., that it is from the Hebrew word 'abhar, "to pass over," whence 'ebher, in the sense of a "sojourner" or "passer through" as distinct from a "settler" in the land, and thus applies to the condition of Abraham (Heb 11:13)'.

Please see the note for Romans C1S10 about the word because. The functional definition for this word is: 'provides a cause where the cause and effect are both in the past'. Please also see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of the truth.

Please see the note for Mark 12:38-40 about the word widow. The functional definition for this word is: '(1) the ordinary widow.
(2) the widow indeed, i.e. destitute, and therefore to be relieved by the church, not having younger relatives, whose duty it is to relieve them (let them, the children or descendants, learn first, before calling the church to support them; to show reverent dutifulness toward their own elder destitute female relatives)'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 6:1; Acts 9:39; Acts 9:41.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S12 about the word neglect. The functional definition for this word is: 'To omit by carelessness or design; to forbear to do, use, employ, promote or attend to; as, to neglect duty or business; to neglect to pay honest debts; to neglect our interest or policy; to neglect the means in our power'.

Please see the notes for Romans C13S6; 1Corinthians C3S5 and 2Corinthians 3:3 about the word minister. The functional definition for this word is: 'The act of performing service as a subordinate agent; agency; intervention for aid or service. --Because their widows were neglected in the daily ministrations. Acts.6. 1. Office of a minister; service; ecclesiastical function. As soon as the days of his ministration were ended. Luke 1'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:23 about the word ministration. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C12S5 about the word administration.Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 6:1; Acts 13:2; Acts 13:5; Acts 19:22; Acts 20:34; Acts 24:23; Acts 26:16.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'when. Ac 6:7; 2:41,47; 4:4; 5:14,28; Ps 72:16; 110:3; Isa 27:6; Jer 30:19 there. 1Co 10:10; Heb 13:1; Jas 4:5; 5:9 Grecians. Ac 9:29; 11:20 Hebrews. 2Co 11:22; Php 3:5 their. Ac 9:39,41; De 24:19-21; 26:12; Job 29:13; 31:16; Isa 1:17; Eze 22:7; Mal 3:5; Mt 23:14; 1Ti 5:4-5,9; Jas 1:27 the daily. Ac 2:45; 4:35'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C6-S2 (Verse 2) the apostles explained their reasoning to the entire church.

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them,
and said,
It is not reason that we should leave the word of God,
and serve tables.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:.

The phrase Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said means: 'They assembled everyone to explain their reasoning'.
The phrase It is not reason that we should leave the word of God means: 'Their main job was to represent God to people and to concentrate on what the word of God said'.
The phrase and serve tables means: 'They should not neglect that in order to take care of physical needs'.

What we have here, that most people miss, is a division of spiritual labor from physical labor. A lot of churches have problems because deacons, and people in other offices within the church, want to dictate doctrine to the preacher. As our sentence says, he is to get doctrine from God and the word of God, and not from men. We also have a problem with people regarding the pastor as an employee of the church and believe that they can order him around because of that opinion. He is truly an employee of God and only God is to order him around. The church members are to provide for the physical and financial needs of the church and pastor as their own responsibilities to their Lord. The church members will not be blessed by God if they neglect their own responsibilities. Finally, some people expect the pastor to do all spiritual laboring the church. Lord Jesus Christ gave the 'Great Commission' to all saved people saying that each and every one of us personally will answer to God for how we personally answered that commandment. The pastor is to guide the efforts of the church in that effort but he is not the only one to labor in that spiritual field.

Our sentence uses the count of twelve because it includes Matthias who was numbered with the eleven apostles (Acts 1:26). Please see the note for Luke 24:42 about the word twelve. The functional definition for this word is: 'The sum of two and ten; twice six; a dozen. Twelve men compose a petty jury'. Please also see the note for John 6:67 about the phrase twelve disciples / apostles. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 6:2; Acts 7:8; Acts 19:7; Acts 24:11; Acts 26:7.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 3:10 about the word reason. The functional definition for this word is: 'A person is not reasonable, but is a Biblical fool, when they refuse to allow a valid reason to change their opinion on a matter'. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word is: 'n. re'zn. L. ratio, which is from ratus, and which proves reor to be contracted from redo, redor, and all unite with rod, L. radius, etc. Gr. to say or speak, whence rhetoric. See Read. 1. that which is thought or which is alleged in words, as the ground or cause of opinion, conclusion or determination. I have reasons which I may choose not to disclose. You ask me my reasons. I freely give my reasons. the judge assigns good reasons for his opinion, reasons which justify his decision. Hence in general, 2. the cause, ground, principle or motive of anything said or done; that which supports or justifies a determination, plan or measure. Virtue and vice are not arbitrary things; but there is a natural and eternal reason for that goodness and virtue, and against vice and wickedness. 1Peter 3. 3. Efficient cause. He is detained by reason of sickness. Spain in thin sown of people, partly by reason of its sterility of soil the reason of the motion of the balance in a wheel-watch is by motion of the next wheel. 4. Final cause. Reason, in the English language, is sometimes taken for true and clear principles; sometimes for clear and fair deductions; sometimes for the cause, particularly the final cause. 5. A faculty of the mind by which it distinguishes truth from falsehood, and good from evil, and which enables the possessor to deduce inferences from facts or from propositions. Self-love, the spring of motion, acts the soul, reason's comparing balance rules the whole - that sees immediate good by present sense, reason the future and the consequence. Reason is the director of man's will. 6. Ratiocination; the exercise of reason. But when by reason she the truth has found - 7. Right; justice; that which is dictated or supported by reason. Every man claims to have reason on his side. I was promised on a time to have reason for my rhyme. 8. Reasonable claim; justice. God brings good out of evil, and therefore it were but reason we should trust God to govern his own world. 9. Rationale; just account. this reason did the ancient fathers render, why the church was called catholic. 10. Moderation; moderate demands; claims which reason and justice admit or prescribe. the most probable way of bringing France to reason, would be by the making an attempt on the Spanish West Indies - In reason, in all reason, in justice; with rational ground. When anything is proved by as good arguments as a thing of that kind is capable of, we ought not in reason to doubt of its existence'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 6:2; Acts 17:2; Acts 18:4; Acts 18:14; Acts 18:19; Acts 24:25; Acts 25:27; Acts 28:29.

Please see the note for Acts 2:27 about the word leave. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. 1. Permission; allowance; license; liberty granted by which restraint or illegality is removed. No friend has leave to bear away the dead. David earnestly asked leave of me. 1Sam. 20. 2. Farewell; adieu; ceremony of departure; a formal parting of friends; used chiefly in the phrase to take leave. Acts 18'.

Please see the note for Romans C16S21 and 2Timothy C1-S2 about the word serve. The functional definition for this word is: 'To work for; to bestow the labor of body and mind in the employment of another'. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:17 about the word service. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 6:2; Acts 7:7; Acts 13:36; Acts 20:19; Acts 26:7; Acts 27:23.

Please see the note for Luke 1:63 about the word table. The functional definition for this word is: '"Table" is derived from the Latin tabula, meaning primarily "a board," but with a great variety of other significances, of which "writing-tablet" is the most important for the Biblical use of "table." So in English "table" meant at first "any surface" and, in particular, "a surface for writing," and further specialization was needed before "table" became the name of the familiar article of furniture ("object with a horizontal surface"), a meaning not possessed by tabula in Latin. After this specialization "table" in the sense of "a surface for writing" was replaced in later English by the diminutive form "tablet." But "surface for writing" was still a common meaning of "table," and in this sense it represents luach (Ex 24:12, etc.), a word of uncertain origin, plax, "something flat" (2Co 3:3; Heb 9:4'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the twelve. Ac 21:22 It. Ac 4:19; 25:27 we should. Ex 18:17-26; Nu 11:11-13; De 1:9-14; Ne 6:3; 2Ti 2:4 General references. exp: Ac 15:6.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C6-S3 (Verse 3) How the church is to select deacons.

Wherefore,
brethren,
look ye out among you seven men of honest report,
full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom,
whom we may appoint over this business.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word Wherefore gives the conclusion of the prior reasoning. That is, the rest of this sentence is the direct result of what preceded it in this chapter.
The word brethren means: 'Saved, baptized and serving church members'. Others, such as visitors, have no business in selecting deacons.
The phrase look ye out among you seven men of honest report means: 'A deacon must be one of the members of the local church and fulfill all of the requirements specified in 1Timothy 3 '.
The phrase full of the Holy Ghost means: 'Deacons must have dedicated their entire life to the service of God and let God's Holy Ghost control all of their life, including the small every day things, or they do not fulfill this requirement'. Unfortunately, picking men for this office has become a political event which totally ignores God's Holy Ghost, in most churches.
The phrase and wisdom means: 'They need to know how to apply what God's Holy Ghost shows them in the word of God when they deal with problems that God's people have in this life'.
The phrase whom we may appoint over this business means: 'The apostles were the ones who appointed the deacons but it was based upon the selection of the church'. . . .
The phrase means: ''. One reason for this is that there are times when the pastor knows something, which disqualified a man for this position, but which the rest of the church does not know. In those circumstances, the pastor needs to refuse to appoint the man without revealing secret knowledge. Often, this can be accomplished by the man, himself, refusing the nomination without revealing his reason for doing so.

Our sentence tells us the concluding command from the apostles for how the physical needs of the church were to be met. Unfortunately, too many people and churches abuse this office. The end result is that God's people do not have the blessings that God wants to give them.

Please see the note for Romans intro about the word wherefore. The functional definition for this word is: 'what follows the wherefore is a future result that is based upon what came before the wherefore and seen wherever you look'.

Please see the note for Matthew 1:2 about the word brethren. The functional definition for this word is: 'Spiritually used for God's people: the Jews and the people are saved, baptized and active members of the church'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:4 about the word look. The functional definition for this word is: 'To direct the eye towards an object, with the intention of seeing it'. Please also see the note for Galatians C6S6 about the phrase LORD looketh on the heart.

Please see the note for Matthew 15:34 about the word seven. Part of the Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word is: 'Spiritual completeness, generally in good but occasionally in evil. It is the compound of three and four, and the highest single indivisible number'. Please also see the note for Luke 10:1 about the phrase seventy. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 6:3; Acts 13:19; Acts 19:14; Acts 20:6; Acts 21:4; Acts 21:8; Acts 21:27; Acts 28:14.

Please see the note for Romans C12S15 about the word honest. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines as: 'a. on'est. L. honestus, from honos, honor. 1. Upright; just; fair in dealing with others; free from trickishness and fraud; acting and having the disposition to act at all times according to justice or correct moral principles; applied to persons. An honest man's the noblest work of God. An honest physician leaves his patient, when he can contribute no farther to his health. 2. Fair; just; equitable; free from fraud; as an honest transaction; an honest transfer of property. 3. Frank; sincere; unreserved; according to truth; as an honest confession. 4. Sincere; proceeding from pure or just principles, or directed to a good object; as an honest inquiry after truth; an honest endeavor; honest views or motives. 5. Fair; good; unimpeached. Seek seven men of honest report. Acts.6. 6. Decent; honorable; or suitable. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Rom.12. 7. Chaste; faithful. Wives may be merry, and yet honest too'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:1-2 about the word dishonesty.

Please see the note for Hebrews 11:2 about the word report. The functional definition for this word is: 'To make a statement of facs'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S12 about the word wisdom. Part of the definition, from Webster's 1828 dictionary defines, for this word is: 'The right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them. this is wisdom in act, effect, or practice. If wisdom is to be considered as a faculty of the mind, it is the faculty of discerning or judging what is most just, proper and useful, and if it is to be considered as an acquirement, it is the knowledge and use of what is best, most just, most proper, most conducive to prosperity or happiness. Wisdom in the first sense, or practical wisdom, is nearly synonymous with discretion'. . The functional definition, from the Bible, for this word is: 'The right application of knowledge from the word of God as revealed by God's Holy Spirit'. Please also see the notes for Romans C16S23 and 1Corinthians C1S12 about the word wise. Please also see the note for Romans 1:14 about the word unwise. Please also see the note for Luke 2:49 about the words wist / wit. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 6:3; Acts 6:10; Acts 7:10; Acts 7:22.

Please see the note for Luke 3:13 about the word appoint. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to fix; to settle; to establish; to make fast. When he appointed the foundations of the earth. Prov. 8. 2. to constitute, ordain, or fix by decree, order or decision. Let Pharoah appoint officers over the land. Gen. 41. He hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world. Act. 17. 3. to allot, assign or designate. Aaron and his sons shall appoint every one to his service. Num 4. these cities were appointed for all the children of Israel. Josh. 20. 4. to purpose or resolve; to fix the intention. forso he had appointed. Acts 20. 5. to ordain, command or order. thy servants are ready to do whatever my Lord the King shall appoint. 2Sam. 15. 6. to settle; to fix, name or determine by agreement; as, they appointed a time and place for the meeting'.

Please see the note for Romans C12S8 about the word business. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. biz'ness. See Busy. Employment; that which occupies the time, attention and labor of men, for the purpose of profit or improvement--a word of extensive use and indefinite signification. Business is a particular occupation, as agriculture, trade, mechanic art, or profession, and when used of a particular employment, the word admits of the plural number, businesses. Business is also any temporary employment. 1. Affairs; concerns; as, a man leaves his business in an unsettled state. 2. the subject of employment; that which engages the care and attention. You are so much the business of our souls. 3. Serious engagement; important occupation, in distinction from trivial affairs. It should be the main business of life to serve God, and obey his commands. 4. Concern; right of action or interposing. "What business has a man with the disputes of others?" 5. A point; a matter of question; something to be examined or considered. Fitness to govern is a perplexed business. 6. Something to be done; employment of importance to one's interest, opposed to amusement; as, we have no business in town. they were far from the Zidoni and and had no business with any one. 7. Duty, or employment that duty enjoins. A lawyer's business is to do justice to his clients. to do the business for a man, is to kill, destroy or ruin him'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'brethren. Ac 9:30; 15:23; Mt 23:8; 1Jo 3:14-16 look. Ac 1:21; Nu 11:16; De 1:13; 1Co 16:3; 2Co 8:19-21 honest. Ac 10:22; 16:2; 22:12; 1Ti 3:7-8,10; 5:10; 3Jo 1:12 exp: Php 4:8. full. Ac 2:4; Ge 41:38-39; Nu 11:17-25; 27:18-19; Job 32:7-8; Isa 11:2-5; 28:6,26; 1Co 12:8; Eph 5:18; Jas 1:17; 3:17-18 exp: Eze 28:12; Ac 6:8; 7:55; 11:24. whom. Ac 6:6; 13:2-3; 1Ti 3:8-15'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C6-S4 (Verse 4) What the apostles (preachers) will concentrate on doing.

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer,
and to the ministry of the word.

Our sentence starts with the word But, which means it is still talking about the same subject as the prior sentence while changing directions. Where our prior sentence told us what the deacons were to do, this sentence tells us what the preachers were to do. Where our prior sentence told us that the deacons were to take care of the physical needs of the church, this sentence tells us that the preachers were to take care of the spiritual needs of the church. It is amazing, to me, that so many people have a hard time understanding this difference and using it.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:25-26 about the word continue. The functional definition for this word is: 'keep doing what they were doing before. The dictionary does not make the distinction between the words continue and continueth. Webster's 1828 actually gives the Biblical definition of continueth for the word continue. In the Bible, the word continue is used for when the action stopped at some point and uses the word continueth for when the action does not stop in this life'. Please also see the note for James 1:25 about the word continueth. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 7:5 about the word incontinent.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S25 and 2Corinthians C1S6 about the word pray. The functional definition for this word is: 'talking to God'. Please also see the Doctrinal Study called Pray for links to papers on prayer.

Please see the notes for Proverbs 9 Study and Ephesians C4S7 about the word ministry. The functional definition for this word is: 'The god-given work to build the kingdom of God here on earth'. All of life is choices. The main purpose of a ministry for God is the help people understand the need to be wise and then help them to become wise. That starts with salvation but continues with sanctification. Then people had to learn how to make choices which will get theme the blessings of God.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'give. Ac 2:42; 20:19-31; Ro 12:6-8; 1Co 9:16; Col 4:17; 1Ti 4:13-16; 2Ti 4:2 prayer. Ac 1:14; 13:2-3; Ro 1:9; Eph 1:15-17; 3:14-21; Php 1:4,9-11; Col 1:9-13; 2:1; 4:12'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C6-S5 (Verse 5-6) the ordaining and naming of the first deacons.

Equivalent Section: the church was happy with the creation of the office of deacon.

And the saying pleased the whole multitude:

Equivalent Section: the ordaining and naming of the first deacons.

and they choose Stephen,
a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost,
and Philip,
and Prochorus,
and Nicanor,
and Timon,
and Parmenas,
and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:.

Equivalent Section: the first deacons were brought to be ordained.

Whom they set before the apostles :

Equivalent Section: How they were ordained.

and when they had prayed,
they laid their hands on them.

Our sentence has four Equivalent Sections, with the titles making the meaning of each Section clear. As we see here, the apostles / pastor led the ceremony which consist of praying and laying their hands on them. The prayed, they laid laying on of hands is symbolic agreement with the decisions of the church.

Please see the notes for 2Timothy 2:4 and Galatians 1:10-LJC about the word please. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to excite agreeable sensations or emotions in; to gratify; as, to please the taste; to please the mind. their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem, Hamor's son. Gen.34. Leave such to trifle with more grace than ease, Whom folly Please s, and whose follies Please. 2. to satisfy; to content. What next I bring shall Please thy wish exactly to thy heart's desire. 3. to prefer; to have satisfaction in; to like; to choose. Many of our most skilful painters were pleased or recommend this author to me. to be pleased in or with, to approve; to have complacency in. Matt.3. to please God, is to love his character and law and perform his will, so as to become the object of his approbation. they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom.8.
Please , v.i. s as z. to like; to choose; to prefer. Spirits, freed from mortal laws, with ease Assume what sexes and what shapes they Please. 1. to condescend; to comply; to be pleased; a word of ceremony. Please you, lords, In sight of both our battles we may meet. the first words that I learnt were, to express my desire that he would please to give me my liberty. Please expresses less gratification than delight'. Please also see the note for Luke 8:14 about the word pleasure. Please also see the note for Matthew 21:15 about the word displeased. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 6:5; Acts 12:3; Acts 12:20; Acts 15:22; Acts 15:34.

Please see the note for Mark 10:52 about the word whole. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'All; total; containing the total amount or number, or the entire thing; as the whole earth; the whole world; the whole solar system; the whole army; the whole nation. 2. Complete; entire; not defective or imperfect; as a whole orange; the egg is whole; the vessel is whole. 3. Unimpaired; unbroken; uninjured. My life is yet whole in me. 2 Samuel 1. 4. Sound; not hurt or sick. they that are whole need not a physician. Matthew 9. 5. Restored to health and soundness; sound; well. thy faith hath made thee whole. Mark 5. His hand was restored whole. Mark 3.
WHOLE, n. 1. the entire thing; the entire or total assemblage of parts. the whole of religion is contained in the short precept, Love God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12. 2. A system; a regular combination of parts'. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:3 about the word wholesome.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 2:4 about the words chosen. The functional definition for it is: 'Past-tense form of choose'. Please see the note for Philippians 1:22 about the word choose. The functional definition for it is: 'To pick out; to select; to take by way of preference from two or more things offered; to make choice of'.

We find Stephen mentioned in: Acts 6:5; Acts 6:8; Acts 6:9; Acts 7:59; Acts 8:2; Acts 11:19; Acts 22:20. He was one of the first deacons and was the first reported martyr.

Please see the note from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, below, for Bible references to these men.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C1S3; 2Corinthians C1S17; Galatians C3S27; Ephesians 6:23-LJC; Philippians 1:25-26 and 2Timothy C1S2 about the word faith. The functional definition is: 'an action word that is based upon a belief in a promise found within the Bible with the action dictated by the Bible and the understanding that our action does not force God to act nor determines when or how God acts but proves that of our own free will we are giving God permission to act in and through our life to do what He promised within His Word'. Please also see the notes for Colossians 1:1 and Titus 1:1 about the word faithful. The functional definition is: 'Firm in adherence to the truth and to the duties of religion. Full of faith, trustful, and not simply trustworthy. being true to oneself, to one's nature, to any promise given, and to any trust committed'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 3:1-LJC about Christ Jesus is faithful. Please also see the notes for Romans 4 and James 2:21-LJC about Abraham's faith. Please also see the note for 2Timothy C1S2 about the phrase faith: unfeigned. Please also see the note for 2Peter 2:3 about the word feign. Please also see the note for Romans C10S12 about the phrase faith makes us not ashamed. Please also see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please also see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith. Please also see the note for Romans C3S29 about the phrase justification by faith. Please also see the note for Romans C3S25 about Law and faith. Please also see the note for Romans C9S28 about live / walk by faith.

Please see the note for Matthew 23:15 about the word proselyte. The functional definition for this word is: 'The name given to any from among the nations who embraced Judaism.'.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 3:11 about Antioch. The functional definition for this word is: 'The place of the first missionary church and the church which sen out Paul as a missionary'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 6:5; Acts 11:19; Acts 11:20; Acts 11:22; Acts 11:26; Acts 11:26; Acts 11:27; Acts 13:1; Acts 13:14; Acts 14:19; Acts 14:21; Acts 14:26; Acts 15:22-23; Acts 15:30; Acts 15:35; Acts 18:22.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the saying. Ac 15:22; Ge 41:37; Pr 15:1,23; 25:11-12 Stephen. Ac 6:3,8,10; 7; 8:1-2; 11:24; Mic 3:8 Philip. Ac 8:5-13,26-40; 21:8 Nicolas. Re 2:6,15 a proselyte. Ac 13:1 General references. exp: Ex 18:25.
when. Ac 1:24; 8:17; 9:17; 13:3; 1Ti 4:14; 5:22; 2Ti 1:6 General references. exp: Nu 8:10.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C6-S6 (Verse 7) the results of fixing a devil caused problem in the church.

First Step: Saved people increased their faith and obedience to the word of God.

And the word of God increased;

Second Step: there was a great increase in the number of disciples winning souls.

and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly;

Third Step: Priests, who were against the Gospel, received salvation.

and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Our sentence gives us three Steps in a procedure which results in priests being converted from their traditional doctrines to the truth of the New Testament. However, God's people had to first increase their personal knowledge and obedience to the word of God. Then they had to personally get involved in doing the 'Great Commission'.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S10 about the word increase. The functional definition for this word is: 'To become greater in bulk or quantity; to grow; to augment; as plants. Hence, to become more in number; to advance in value, or in any quality good or bad. Animal and vegetable bodies increase by natural growth; wealth increases by industry; heat increases, as the sun advances towards the meridian; a multitude increases by accession of numbers; knowledge increases with age and study; passion and enmity increase by irritation, and misery increases with vice. the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another. 1 thess.3. 2. to become more violent; as, the fever increases; the pain increases; cold, wind or a storm increases. 3. to become more bright or vivid; as, the light increases. 4. to swell; to rise. the waters increased and bore up the ark. Gen.7. 5. to swell; to become louder, as sound. 6. to become of more esteem and authority. He must increase, but I must decrease. John.3. 7. to enlarge, as the enlightened part of the moon's disk'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 6:7; Acts 9:22; Acts 16:5.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word multiply. The functional definition for this word is: 'To increase in number with multiple additions'.

Please see the note for John 6:5 about the word company. The functional definition for this word is: ' Any assemblage of persons or other animals, in a very indefinite sense'. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:25 about the word companion. Please also see the note for Hebrews 6:9 about the word accompany. All of these words have a similar basic meaning while the technical details vary.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the word. Ac 12:24; 19:20; Col 1:6; 2Ti 2:9 exp: 2Th 3:1. The number. Ac 21:20 (Gr) the priests. 2Ch 29:34; 30:24; Ps 132:9,16; Mt 19:30; Lu 2:34; Joh 12:42 exp: Ac 4:1. obedient. Ro 1:5; 16:26; 2Th 1:8; Heb 5:9; 11:8 General references. exp: Joh 7:48; Ac 12:24; 19:20.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C6-S7 (Verse 8) Stephen became a notable witness among the deacons.

And Stephen,
full of faith and power,
did great wonders and miracles among the people.

The rest of our chapter tells us about devil motivated men who stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council. There, he preached the Gospel and was stoned for it as reported in the next chapter.

Please see the note for Acts 6:5 about Stephen. He was one of the first deacons and was the first reported martyr.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S28; Matthew 14:16-LJC; Luke 4:41-LJC about the word miracle. The functional definition for this word is: 'An action in the physical world which is not possible within the laws of nature and required spiritual power to override the laws of nature'. Please also see the Doctrinal Studies called Miracles in Gospels; miracles in OT and the Miracles section of the Significant Events in the New Testament.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'full. Ac 6:3,5,10,15; 7:55; Eph 4:11; 1Ti 3:13 exp: Ac 11:24. did. Ac 2:17-18; 4:29-30; 8:6'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C6-S8 (Verse 9) Different divisions among the Jews banded together to fight against Stephen.

Then there arose certain of the synagogue,
which is called the synagogue of the Libertines,
and Cyrenians,
and Alexandrians,
and of them of Cilicia and of Asia,
disputing with Stephen.

Some of the people from the regions mentioned continued to cause religious disputes even after God revealed the truth to them. Some of the people from the regions mentioned let God correct their doctrine. Thus, some people who fight against the truth do so out of ignorance and can be converted to the truth with prayer and information about the truth. However, some people have a closed mind and remain Biblical fools who resist all evidence of the truth.

Please see the note for John 6:59 about the word synagogue. The functional definition for this word is: 'The word synagogue (sunagoge), which means a "congregation," is used in the New Testament to signify a recognized place of worship. A knowledge of the history and worship of the synagogues is of great importance, since they are the characteristic institution of the later phase of Judaism. they appear to have arisen during the exile, in the abeyance of the temple-worship, and to have received their full development on the return of the Jews from captivity. the whole history of Ezra presupposes the habit of solemn, probably of periodic, meetings.'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Ac 6:9; Acts 9:2; Acts 9:20; Acts 13:5; Acts 13:14; Acts 13:15; Acts 13:42; Acts 14:1; Acts 15:21; Acts 17:1; Acts 17:10; Acts 17:17; Acts 18:4; Acts 18:7; Acts 18:8; Acts 18:17; Acts 18:19; Acts 18:26; Acts 19:8; Acts 22:19; Acts 24:12; Acts 26:11.

The places mentioned in this sentence were other regions around the Mediterranean Sea. The Jews were so prejudicial that they separated Jews from other regions and made them have their own synagogues. Please see the references in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, below, for more than given in this note.

The Jews of Cyrene are mentioned in a good way within the Bible. The man who carried the cross of Jesus was from there. His sons were important in the early church. Jews from this region were involved in starting the church of Antioch and in sending Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey. Please see the note for Luke 23:26 for links to other places where this region is mentioned.

The main mention of Alexandria, in the Bible, is that Apolos was from there. He was eloquent, but had an incomplete doctrine for salvation. He only preached John's baptism and rep[sentence but not the personal relationship with Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, the people from there were sincere but ignorant of the full truth.

Please see the note for Galatians 1:21-23 about the place of Cilicia. The functional definition for this word is: 'This is the area surrounding Paul's home city of Tarsus. (Every mention of Tarsus in the Bible is related to Paul.) Paul was with the people from his home region when he was there to participate in the martyrdom of Stephen.'. This region is mentioned, in this book, in: Acts 6:9; Acts 15:23; Acts 15:41; Acts 21:39; Acts 22:3; Acts 23:34; Acts 27:5.

The people from Cilicia were among those disputing with Stephen, when he was martyred. Thus, Paul was with the people from his home region when he was there to participate in the martyrdom of Stephen. There are no links provided by others beyond the verses already mentioned but the commentators have some trivia that might interest some people.

The functional definition for the word Asia is: 'An area of the world where Paul started churches. While these people in Asia were saved through the ministry of Paul, they were willing to forsake him and choose religion which excused their sin'.

The Jews of Asia are frequently mentioned as causing trouble for the church. On Paul's first missionary trip, he was forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia (Acts 16:6). They were also involved in causing the arrest of Paul by telling lies about his teaching in the Jerusalem Church. Even today, people in this region are involved in never-ending religious wars. Please see the note for 2Timothy C1S9 about Asia. It has linke to every place where the Bible mentions Asia. along with a short note about each reference.

Please see the notes for Mark 9:33; Romans C14S1 and Philippians 2:14-16 about the word dispute. The functional definition for this word is: 'ontested; opposed by words or arguments; litigated'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 6:9; Acts 9:29; Acts 15:2; Acts 15:7; Acts 17:17; Acts 19:8; Acts 19:9; Acts 24:12.

Please see the note for Acts 6:5 about Stephen. He was one of the first deacons and was the first reported martyr.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'there. Ac 13:45; 17:17-18 the synagogue. Ac 22:19; 26:11; Mt 10:17; 23:34; Mr 13:9; Lu 21:12 Cyrenians. Ac 2:10; 11:20; 13:1; Mt 27:32 Alexandrians. Ac 18:24; 27:6 Cilicia. Ac 15:23,41; 21:39; 22:3; 23:34; 27:5; Ga 1:21 Asia. Ac 2:9; 16:6; 19:10,26; 21:27 exp: 1Pe 1:1. disputing. 1Co 1:20 General references. exp: 1Co 1:27.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C6-S9 (Verse 10) Stephen learned the word of God sufficiently enough to be able to win all disputes.
And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake

In our sentence, we see that God's Holy Spirit told Stephen what to say and how to say it. Saying things in an acceptable way can be as important as saying the right thing. However, as we see further on in this report, with some people what is said and how it is said makes no difference. There are always religious fools around who have closed minds and who would rather murder someone than consider the truth.

Please notice that our sentence uses a lower-case spirit. Yes, God's Holy Spirit taught Stephen's spirit, but he used his own knowledge and convictions in these disputes. God wants all saved to learn the word of God sufficiently to be able to do the same.

Please see the note for Romans C9S18 about the word resist. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. rezist'. L. resisto; re and sisto, to stand. 1. Literally, to stand against; to withstand; hence, to act in opposition, or to oppose. a dam or mound resists a current of water passively, by standing unmoved and interrupting its progress. An army resists the progress of an enemy actively, by encountering and defeating it. We resist measures by argument or remonstrance. Why doth he yet find fault? for who hath resisted his will? Rom. 9. 2. to strive against; to endeavor to counteract, defeat or frustrate. Ye do always resist the Holy Spirit. Act. 7. 3. to baffle; to disappoint. God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. James 4'.'. As mentioned in that note, this sentence is a fulfillment of the promise that Jesus made in Luke 21:15.

We find forms of the word able occurring 160 times in 155 verses of the Bible, 61 times in 57 verses of the New Testament and, in this book in: Acts 6:10; Acts 15:10; Acts 20:32; Acts 25:5. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a'bl. L. habitis 1. Having physical power sufficient; having competent power or strength, bodily or mental; as a man able to perform military service - a child is not able to reason on abstract subjects. 2. Having strong or unusual powers of mind, or intellectual qualifications; as an able minister. Provide out of all Israel able men. Ex. 18. 3. Having large or competent property; or simply have property, or means. Every man shall give as he is able. Deut. 16. 4. Having competent strength or fortitude. He is not able to sustain such pain or affliction. 5. Having sufficient knowledge or skill. He is able to speak French. She is not able to play on the piano. 6. Having competent moral power or qualifications. An illegitimate son is not able to take by inheritance.'. The functional definition for this word is: 'Having physical power or strength to perform'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'able. Ac 5:39; 7:51; Ex 4:12; Isa 54:17; Jer 1:18-19; 15:20; Eze 3:27; Mt 10:19-20; Lu 12:11-12; 21:15; Joh 7:46 the spirit. Job 32:8,18; Mic 3:8; Lu 1:17; 1Co 2:4 exp: Eph 1:17. General references. exp: Lu 12:12; 14:6; 1Co 1:27.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C6-S10 (Verse 11) the backers of doctrinal error convinced men to swear lies under oath in court.

Then they suborned men,
which said,
We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses,
and against God.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase Then they suborned men means: 'The backers of doctrinal error convinced men to swear lies'. (Please see the Detailed Note for the definition of the word suborn.)
The phrase which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses means: 'They swore that they had heard Stephen tell lies against the writing of Moses found in scripture. The report of the message from Stephen, in the next chapter, proves that claim to be a lie. In addition, the murder of Stephen, at the end of the next chapter, proves that these men, and the entire Jewish Council, were all controlled by a devil. We are required to verify what someone tells us about God and the word God because the world is filled with religious liars'.
The phrase and against God means: 'This is a claim that Stephen blasphemed against God. He would not have seen the Son of God sitting next to God the Father, as he died a martyr's death, if that was true'.

Our next sentence reports the lies of these men and the note for that sentence explains their lies.

Since Satan is the father of lies, there should be no doubt that these men were motivated by devils. Jesus accepted lies told against Him without answering. He trusted God to properly judge the liars. We are commanded to follow His example. Any time that someone is tempted to lie, hurt, murder of do any similar action in the name of religion, we can be sure that they are motivated by a devil and the doctrine that they are fighting for is wrong.

We find forms of the word suborn are only in this sentence. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'pp. Procured to take a false oath, or to do a bad action'. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'To procure witnesses secretly for the purpose of false declarations. Ac 6:11'.

Please see the notes for Mark 2:6-7 about the word blasphemy. The functional definition for this word is: 'Speaking evil of God'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 6:11; Acts 6:13; Acts 13:45; Acts 18:6; Acts 19:37; Acts 26:11.

Please see the note for Hebrews 3:1 about Moses. The functional definition for this word is: 'While this name is often used for the physical man, it is also used in the Bible to refer to the Law that God gave to His people through the man. In the New Testament, the Law for the saved comes from the Lord Jesus Christ'. in this sentence, the name of Moses is used for his writing within the word of God.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they. Ac 23:12-15; 24:1-13; 25:3,7; 1Ki 21:10,13; Mt 26:59-60; 28:12-15; Joh 16:3; Ro 3:8 blasphemous. Ac 6:13; 18:6; 26:11; Le 24:16; 1Ki 21:10-13; Joh 10:33-36; 1Ti 1:13 against Moses. Ac 7:37-39; 15:21; 21:20-22,28; Joh 1:17; 5:45-47; 9:29; Heb 3:2-5 General references. exp: Ac 24:9.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C6-S11 (Verse 12-14) the lies of false witnesses.

Equivalent Section: What they did.

And they stirred up the people,
and the elders,
and the scribes,
and came upon him,
and caught him,
and brought him to the council,
And set up false witnesses,
which said,
This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place,
and the law:.

Equivalent Section: the lies that they claimed.

For we have heard him say,
that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place,
and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

The they, at the start of this sentence, is referring to the men identified in the prior sentences.

Notice that they first stirred up the people. One thing that we see reported repeatedly, in the Bible, is that the common Jews started a riot when they wanted the rulers to do something. So, these devil motivated liars started by stirring up the people. Next, they did the same with the elders and the scribes. They did this with their lies. The elders and the scribes wanted a legal excuse to move against the church, and the doctrine which they taught. But they could not legally do so unless an outsider charged the church with violating Jewish law. Therefore, when the men identified in the prior sentences brought false accusations, the elders and the scribes had their legal excuse to move against the church.

Next, we see that they arrested Stephen (and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council) and dragged him before the Jewish Council for a trial.

After that, we read that these men And set up false witnesses. The phrase false witnesses let is know that they were rewarded to deliberately lie under oath in court.

Notice that their claim was: This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law. The first thing that they mentioned, which was their primary concern, was This holy place. But you can not truly blaspheme against a place. That can only be done against God and what truly represents God, which is the word of God. In addition, when they said and the law they did not truly mean the word of God, or they would not be telling lies. No, the law, which they were talking about, was their interpretation of the word of God which justified their lives of sin.

Next we read their main lie. Our sentence says: For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place. Now, first of all, the next chapter let us know that Stephen did not lie. And, the phrase shall destroy is future-tense where anything that Stephen said about Jesus of Nazareth would have been past-tense since He had physically returned the Heaven at the time that Stephen spoke. Next, as a saved man, Stephen would have known that Jesus of Nazareth said This tabernacle when He was speaking of His own body. Stephen would also have known about the resurrection and the fulfillment of the prophecy. Therefore, Stephen would have testified the true prophecy, the true meaning of the prophecy and the true fulfillment of the prophecy. No, these Jews knew of the lie which was used to try Jesus, and they would have known of His crucifixion. Therefore, they used the same lie before the same court in order to get the court to order the murder of Stephen.

The last phrase of our sentence tells us what these men were really upset about. It says: and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. They objected to anyone, including God, changing their religious traditions. They rejected the New Testament and the New Covenant (See Hebrews 8.) Like all lost religious people who are motivated by devils, they were eager to murder anyone who dared disagree with their religious opinions.

Please see the note for 2Peter 1:13 about the word stir. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to move; to change place in any manner. My foot I had never yet in five days been able to stir. 2. to agitate; to bring into debate. Stir on the questions of jurisdiction. 3. to incite to action; to instigate; to prompt. An Ate stirring him to blood and strife. 4. to excite; to raise; to put into motion. And for her sake some mutiny will stir.
To stir up, 1. to incite; to animate; to instigate by inflaming passions; as, to stir up a nation to rebellion. the words of Judas were good and able to stir them up to valor. 2 Maccabees. 2. to excite; to put into action; to begin; as, to stir up a mutiny or insurrection; to stir up strife. 3. to quicken; to enliven; to make more lively or vigorous; as, to stir up the mind. 4. to disturb; as, to stir up the sediment of liquor''. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 6:12; Acts 12:18; Acts 13:50; Acts 14:2; Acts 17:13; Acts 17:16; Acts 19:23; Acts 21:27.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:1 about the word elder. The functional definition for this word is: 'An older saved person within the church who has Godly wisdom and is accepted as a leader in the church even if he has no formal position within the church'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:20 about the word scribe. The functional definition for this word is: 'anciently held various important offices in the public affairs of the nation'.

The word caught is the past-tense form of the word catch. Please see the note for Luke 5:10 about the word catch. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to seize or lay hold on with the hand; carrying the sense of pursuit, thrusting forward the hand, or rushing on. And they came upon him and caught him. Acts 6. 2. to seize, in a general sense; as, to catch a ball; to catch hold of a bough. 3. to seize, as in a snare or trap; to ensnare; to entangle. they sent certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. Mark 12. 4. to seize in pursuit; hence simply to overtake; a popular use of the word. He ran, but could not catch him companion. 5. to take hold; to communicate to. the fire caught the adjoining building. 6. to seize the affections; to engage and attach to; as, to catch the fair. 7. to take or receive by contagion or infection; as, to catch the measles or small pox. 8. to snatch; to take suddenly; as, to catch a book out of the hand. 9. to receive something passing. the swelling sails no more catch the soft airs and wanton in the sky. Trumbull. to catch at, to endeavor to seize suddenly. to catch at all opportunities of subverting the state. to catch up, to snatch; to take up suddenly.'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Ac 6:12; Acts 8:39; Acts 16:19; Acts 19:29; Acts 26:21; Acts 27:15.

Please see the note for Mark 13:9 about the word council. The functional definition for this word is: 'An assembly of men summoned or convened for consultation, deliberation and advice'.

Please see the note for Luke 3:14 about the word false. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Not true; not conformable to fact; expressing what is contrary to that which exists, is done, said or thought. A false report communicates what is not done or said. A false accusation imputes to a person what he has not done or said. A false witness testifies what is not true. A false opinion is not according to truth or fact. the word is applicable to any subject, physical or moral. 2. Not well founded; as a false claim. 3. Not true; not according to the lawful standard; as a false weight or measure. 4. Substituted for another; succedaneous; supposititious; as a false bottom. 5. Counterfeit; forged; not genuine; as false coin; a false bill or note. 6. Not solid or sound; deceiving expectations; as a false foundation False and slippery ground. 7. Not agreeable to rule or propriety; as false construction in language. 8. Not honest or just; not fair; as false play. 9. Not faithful or loyal; treacherous; perfidious; deceitful. the king's subjects may prove false to him. So we say, a false heart. 10. Unfaithful; inconstant; as a false friend; a false lover; false to promises and vows. the husband and wife proved false to each other. 11. Deceitful; treacherous; betraying secrets. 12. Counterfeit; not genuine or real; as a false diamond. 13. Hypocritical; feigned; made or assumed for the purpose of deception; as false tears; false modesty. the man appears in false colors. the advocate gave the subject a false coloring. False fire, a blue flame, made by the burning of certain combustibles, in a wooden tube; used as a signal during the night. False imprisonment, the arrest and imprisonment of a person without warrant or cause, or contrary to law; or the unlawful detaining of a person in custody.
FALSE, adv. Not truly; not honestly; falsely.'. Please also see the Study called False things according to the Bible.

Please see the notes for Mark 2:6-7 about the word blasphemy. The functional definition for this word is: 'Speaking evil of God'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:26-27 about Nazareth. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'separated, generally supposed to be the Greek form of the Hebrew netser, a "shoot" or "sprout." Some, however, think that the name of the city must be connected with the name of the hill behind it, from which one of the finest prospects in Palestine is obtained, and accordingly they derive it from the Hebrew notserah, i.e., one guarding or watching, thus designating the hill which overlooks and thus guards an extensive region. this city is not mentioned in the Old Testament. It was the home of Joseph and Mary (Lu 2:39), and here the angel announced to the Virgin the birth of the Messiah (Lu 1:26-28). Here Jesus grew up from his infancy to manhood (Lu 4:16); and here he began his public ministry in the synagogue (Mt 13:54), at which the people were so offended that they sought to cast him down from the precipice whereon their city was built (Lu 4:29). Twice they expelled him from their borders (Lu 4:16-29; Mt 13:54-58); and he finally retired from the city, where he did not many mighty works because of their unbelief (Mt 13:58), and took up his residence in Capernaum. Nazareth is situated among the southern ridges of Lebanon, on the steep slope of a hill, about 14 miles from the Sea of Galilee and about 6 west from Mount Tabor. It is identified with the modern village en-Nazirah, of six or ten thousand inhabitants. It lies "as in a hollow cup" lower down upon the hill than the ancient city. the main road for traffic between Egypt and the interior of Asia passed by Nazareth near the foot of Tabor, and thence northward to Damascus. It is supposed from the words of Nathanael in John 1:46 that the city of Nazareth was held in great disrepute, either because, it is said, the people of Galilee were a rude and less cultivated class, and were largely influenced by the Gentiles who mingled with them, or because of their lower type of moral and religious character. But there seems to be no sufficient reason for these suppositions. the Jews believed that, according to Mic 5:2, the birth of the Messiah would take place at Bethlehem, and nowhere else. Nathanael held the same opinion as his countrymen, and believed that the great "good" which they were all expecting could not come from Nazareth. this is probably what Nathanael meant. Moreover, there does not seem to be any evidence that the inhabitants of Galilee were in any respect inferior, or that a Galilean was held in contempt, in the time of our Lord. (See Dr. Merrill's Galilee in the Time of Christ.) the population of this city (now about 10,000) in the time of Christ probably amounted to 15,000 or 20,000 souls. "The so-called 'Holy House' is a cave under the Latin church, which appears to have been originally a tank. the 'brow of the hill', site of the attempted precipitation, is probably the northern cliff: the traditional site has been shown since the middle ages at some distance to the south. None of the traditional sites are traceable very early, and they have no authority. the name Nazareth perhaps means 'a watch tower' (now en-Nasrah), but is connected in the New Testament with Netzer, 'a branch' (Isa 4:2; Jer 23:5; Zec 3:8; 6:12; Mt 2:23), Nazarene being quite a different word from Nazarite'.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S22 and 1Corinthians C3S17 about the word destroy. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines as: 'v.t. L. to pile, to build. 1. to demolish; to pull down; to separate the parts of an edifice, the union of which is necessary to constitute the thing; as, to destroy a house or temple; to destroy a fortification. 2. to ruin; to annihilate a thing by demolishing or by burning; as, to destroy a city. 3. to ruin; to bring to naught; to annihilate; as, to destroy a theory or scheme; to destroy a government; to destroy influence. 4. to lay waste; to make desolate. Go up against this land, and destroy it. Is. 36. 5. to kill; to slay; to extirpate; applied to men or other animals. Ye shall destroy all this people. Num. 32. All the wicked will he destroy. Ps. 145. 6. to take away; to cause to cease; to put an end to; as, pain destroys happiness. that the body of sin might be destroyed. Rom 6. 7. to kill; to eat; to devour; to consume. Birds destroy insects. Hawks destroy chickens. 8. In general, to put an end to; to annihilate a thing or the form in which it exists. An army is destroyed by slaughter, capture or dispersion; a forest, by the ax, or by fire; towns, by fire or inundation, etc. 9. In chimistry, to resolve a body into its parts or elements'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 10:10 about the word destroyer.

Please see the note for Romans C13S10 about the word custom. The functional definition for this word is: 'Frequent or common use, or practice; a frequent repetition of the same act; hence, way; established manner; habitual practice'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 6:14; Acts 16:21; Acts 21:21; Acts 26:3; Acts 28:17.

Please see the note for Mark 9:31 about the word delivered. The functional definition for this word is: 'Freed; released; transferred or transmitted; passed from one to another; committed; yielded; surrendered; rescued; uttered; pronounced'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they stirred. Ac 13:50; 14:2; 17:5,13; 21:27; Pr 15:18 and caught. Ac 4:1-3; 5:18,27; 16:19-21; 17:5-6; 18:12; Mt 26:57 General references. exp: Ac 24:9.
set. Ac 6:11; Ps 27:12; 35:11; 56:5 General references. exp: Ex 20:16; Mt 23:38; Ac 18:13; 24:9.
we have. Ac 25:8 that. Isa 66:1-6; Jer 7:4-14; 26:6-9,12,18; Da 9:26; Mic 3:12; Zec 11:1; 14:2; Mt 24:1-2; Mr 14:58; Lu 13:34-35; 21:6,24; Joh 4:21 change. Isa 65:15; 66:19-21; Ho 3:4; Ga 3:19,23; 4:3-5; Heb 7:11-19; 8:6-13; 9:9-11; 10:1-18; 12:26-28 customs. or, rites. General references. exp: Mt 23:38.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

C6-S12 (Verse 15) God gave the Jewish Council a visual sign that Stephen spoke for God.

And all that sat in the council,
looking stedfastly on him,
saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

God was giving the men on the council no excuse nor any way to claim that they did not realize that the message from Stephen was from God. In our next chapter, the high priest asked Stephen if the claims from the false witnesses were true. And, instead of arguing against the lies, Stephen rehearsed the Jewish history and used that as a basis for telling the council that they had sinned against God. But, instead of truly Biblically repenting, they acted like their own history told them that their fathers acted against the prophets. And, our next chapter ends with the report of the murder of Stephen.

Thus, we see the relationship between the message of this chapter and the message of the next chapter. And, we have seen this continuation of related reports from the start of this book but we need to look at the spiritual war between God and Satan in order to see that relationship. In addition, the evidence is that we become proxies for God or proxies for Satan in this spiritual war. Men think that they control their own lives, and they do to some extent. However, with that free will, they are also influenced by God or by Satan. And the main true choice of free will is which influence we choose to respond to.

Our sentence tells us that the council membe4rs saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. They each personally knew that God used angels as His messengers. So, God was, effectively, giving them a vision to let them know that the message from Stephen was actually a message from God. But, like religious people everywhere, they chose to ignore the message from God.

Please see the note for Mark 13:9 about the word council. The functional definition for this word is: 'An assembly of men summoned or convened for consultation, deliberation and advice'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C15S54 about the word stedfast. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word is: 'stead and fast. 1. Fast fixed; firm; firmly fixed or established; as the stedfast globe of earth. 2. Constant; firm; resolute; not fickle or wavering. Abide stedfast to thy neighbor in the time of his trouble. Him resist, sted fast in the faith. 1 Peter 5. 3. Steady; as stedfast sight'. Please also see the note for Galatians C5S1 about the phrase stand fast.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S9; 2Corinthians 2:17 and Colossians C1S6 about the words see / sight. The functional definition is: 'perception of objects by the eye; view. this word is often used symbolically for spiritual understanding'. Please also see the note for John 6:40-LJC about the phrase see the Son. Please also see the note for Acts 2:25 about the words foresee / foresaw. Please also see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 4:6 about the word face. The functional definition for this word is: 'The power, position, authority and presence of the being that is presented to us'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'saw. Ex 34:29-35; Ec 8:1; Mt 13:43; 17:2; 2Co 3:7-8,18 General references. exp: Lu 9:29.'.

Home, Start Web Page, Start of Chapter Chapter Summary

Acts Chapter 5

Chapter theme is: God's test.

links to sentences in this chapter:

Acts Chapter 6

Chapter theme is: Creation of the office of deacon.

links to sentences in this chapter:

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides a chapter outline as:

Contact: Webmaster@LJC1611KJV.com. Member of Tower Road Baptist Church, Abq., NM, U.S.A., 87121. Copyright 2009 Lord Jesus Christ in the 1611KJV. All rights reserved. Revised: 03/11/24.