First Baptist Church Laredo
Acts 5:12-42
- In this chapter of Acts, we have some significant developments. The apostles continue their ministry with the performance of signs and wonders. The are arrested and miraculously delivered from prison. They are brought before the Sanhedrin where Gamaliel offers some wisdom. They also suffer the first physical persecution.A new theme emerges in this chapter. The gospel triumphs over adversity.Theme: The gospel triumphs over adversity.This is something we need to remember today. The gospel triumphs over adversity. We will encounter difficulties and troubles. We will need to change our methods, but the gospel of Jesus Christ never changes. The gospel will triumph over adversity.1. Apostolic signs and wonders (Acts 5:12-16)A. The miracles performed by the power of God through the apostles continued to draw people to God. (Acts 5:12-14)
Acts 5:12–14 CSB 12 Many signs and wonders were being done among the people through the hands of the apostles. They were all together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared to join them, but the people spoke well of them. 14 Believers were added to the Lord in increasing numbers—multitudes of both men and women.Remember the purpose of miracles were not an end to themselves. They had the purpose of drawing people to God.B. The miracles intensified in wondrous display. (Acts 5:15-16)Acts 5:15–16 CSB 15 As a result, they would carry the sick out into the streets and lay them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 In addition, a multitude came together from the towns surrounding Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.God’s power was on such amazing display through Peter that even his shadow falling on people had healing effects. People were coming from neighboring towns to experience the power of God. We should be aware that this miracle working did not mean the gospel wasn’t the center of the ministry. The church did not lower its standard to attract people.2. The apostles were arrested and miraculously delivered from jail. (Acts 5:17-21)A. The results the apostles were experiencing caused jealousy in the Jewish leaders. (Acts 5:17)Acts 5:17 CSB 17 Then the high priest rose up. He and all who were with him, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.I guess this is not surprising. Sometimes ministry success causes other ministers to be jealous. The Jewish leaders were losing power and control over the people. They could not let this continue.B. The apostles are arrested. (Acts 5:18)Acts 5:18 CSB 18 So they arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.They decided to display their power by having the apostles arrested. They used political power to attack.C. The apostles are rescued from jail (Acts 5:19)Acts 5:19 CSB 19 But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail during the night, brought them out, and said,God sent an angel to deliver them from jail. He was sending a clear message. The Jewish leaders were not in control. God is in control.D. The angel directed them to return to preaching the gospel. (Acts 5:20-21)Acts 5:20–21 CSB 20 “Go and stand in the temple, and tell the people all about this life.” 21 Hearing this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. When the high priest and those who were with him arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin—the full council of the Israelites—and sent orders to the jail to have them brought.Basically, the angel was telling them to continue doing what they were doing. Hold nothing back because of fear. Tell the people the message of the gospel. be bold and don’t fear.3. The Apostles are summoned before the Sanhedrin (Acts 5:21-32)The Jewish leaders were unaware of what had transpired. They convened in the morning, expecting to bring the apostles out of jail and have them stand trial. However, God had other plans.A. The jail was secure, but empty. (Acts 5:21b-24)Acts 5:21b–24 CSB 21 Hearing this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. When the high priest and those who were with him arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin—the full council of the Israelites—and sent orders to the jail to have them brought. 22 But when the servants got there, they did not find them in the jail, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing in front of the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24 As the captain of the temple police and the chief priests heard these things, they were baffled about them, wondering what would come of this.The jail was secure. No one saw the apostles leave. They were transported, unseen out of the jail. This was baffling to the temple police and the Jewish authorities.B. The commander was sent to bring the apostles in for questioning. (Acts 5:25-26)Acts 5:25–26 CSB 25 Someone came and reported to them, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then the commander went with the servants and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them.The commander went to carry out the task himself. It is ironic that they are afraid of how the people would respond to the arrest of the apostles. They didn’t use force because they feared the response of the people.C. The Sanhedrin began their questioning. (Acts 5:27-28)Acts 5:27–28 CSB 27 After they brought them in, they had them stand before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest asked, 28 “Didn’t we strictly order you not to teach in this name? Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”They are accused of disobeying the instructions of the Sanhedrin. They were supposed to stop teaching the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They were supposed to stop teaching in Jesus’ name. They realized the implications of the apostle’s teaching. If Jesus is the Messiah, the Jewish leaders had killed Israel’s Messiah. The people would not follow them any longer. They would have a revolt on their hands.D. Peter responded to the charges from the Sanhedrin. (Acts 5:29-32)Acts 5:29–32 CSB 29 Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than people. 30 The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had murdered by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted this man to his right hand as ruler and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”Peter was probably the spokesperson for the group. The community is unified about how they will respond to the authorities. Notice how gospel-centered the response.i. Peter began by summarizing their position. (Acts 5:29)If God’s laws and man’s laws are in conflict, God’s laws must be obeyed. They were specifically told that they could not preach the gospel. This is never a command we can obey.ii. Peter presented the facts of Jesus. (Acts 5:30)God raised up Jesus from the dead. They had killed him, but God brought him back to life. God had brought them a Messiah, but they rejected the Messiah. They had crucified their Messiah. Jesus was hung on a tree. Cursed is anyone who is hung on a tree. (Deuteronomy 21:23) Jesus had become the curse for us to deliver us from the curse of God. God accepted this sacrifice and Jesus was raised from the dead.iii. Jesus has been exalted by God. (Acts 5:31)Jesus is now at the right hand of God the Father. Forgiveness and repentance is given by Jesus. Repentance comes from hearing God’s Word which brings conviction of sin. Forgiveness from sins is offered to the penitent.iv. They were personal eye witnesses of these events. (Acts 5:32)These are historical facts. They had seen it with their own eyes. There was no doubt in their minds what had happened.v. The Holy Spirit, who has been given to believers, also bears witness. (Acts 5:32)The Holy Spirit bears witness through believers.4. The enraged Sanhedrin is tapered by wise advise from Gamaliel. (Acts 5:33-40)A. The Sanhedrin wanted them dead. (Acts 5:33)Acts 5:33 CSB 33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.They wanted capital punishment for the apostles.B. Gamaliel, a highly respected Pharisee, urged caution and restraint. (Acts 5:34-39)Acts 5:34–39 CSB 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men to be taken outside for a little while. 35 He said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful about what you’re about to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his followers were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and attracted a following. He also perished, and all his followers were scattered. 38 So in the present case, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him.Gamaliel suspects that something might be happening which they we aware. He recalls two other leaders who led the people to rise up, but their movements came to nothing because they were just the efforts of man. These men had been remarkably delivered from prison and perhaps God is blessing a new movement. He urges caution and restraint.God is in control and if the new movement is from him, nothing will be able to stop it. If the new movement is by the strength of man, then it will come to nothing. In other words, by opposing what the apostles were doing, they might be opposing God himself.The NIV Application Commentary: Acts The Apostles Arrested, Tried, and Beaten (5:17–40)this advice is a reflection of sound Pharisaic doctrine. The rabbis believed that “men may disobey God, but his will would triumph notwithstanding. The will of men was not fettered, but what they willed would be overruled by God for the accomplishment of his own purposes.”10
C. The apostles are flogged and released. (Acts 5:40)Acts 5:40 CSB 40 After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them.The advise of Gamaliel persuaded them to drop capital murder, but the apostles still ended up getting flogged. Just so you understand, flogging was still a big deal. 39 lashes from a leather whip would be administered on the back of the offender.5. After the Beating (Acts 5:41-42)A. The left the Sanhedrin rejoicing (Acts 5:41)Acts 5:41 CSB 41 Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name.Their disgrace, the flogging, was their honor. They had been counted worthy to suffer for Jesus. This is another theme in Acts. Suffering for Jesus is an honor that brings joy.B. They did not change their behavior. (Acts 5:42)Acts 5:42 CSB 42 Every day in the temple, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.The continued to teach in the temple. The continued going house to house and witnessing to people. Far from reducing their activity, the beatings produced more evangelistic fervor! Acts 5:12–14CSB
Acts 5:12–14CSB
Acts 5:15–16CSB
Acts 5:15–16CSB
Acts 5:17CSB
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Acts 5:18CSB
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Acts 5:20–21CSB
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Acts 5:21b–24CSB
Acts 5:25–26CSB
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Acts 5:27–28CSB
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Acts 5:29–32CSB
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Acts 5:33–40CSB
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Acts 5:34–39CSB
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Acts 5:41–42CSB
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