Summary
Acts 5:1–11 – Ananias and Sapphira Fall Dead
What happens:
A man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira’s knowledge, sells a piece of property and brings part of the proceeds to the apostles while claiming to donate all. Peter confronts Ananias about lying to the Holy Spirit, and Ananias falls down and dies. Shortly after, Sapphira arrives, repeats the deceit, and also falls dead when challenged. Great fear seizes the entire church and all who hear of these events.
What it means:
Integrity before God is paramount. Pretending to serve God while hiding sin brings swift judgment. The unity and purity of the Spirit’s community depend on honest hearts and transparent obedience.
Acts 5:12–16 – Signs and Wonders by the Apostles
What happens:
The apostles perform many miraculous signs and wonders among the people, and believers gather in Solomon’s Colonnade. A crowd brings sick and oppressed individuals, and they are all healed by Peter’s shadow as he passes. People from the cities of Judea, Jerusalem, and beyond bring the infirm to be cured.
What it means:
God authenticates the apostles’ message through supernatural power. The Spirit continues Jesus’ healing ministry, drawing many to faith and demonstrating the kingdom’s present reality.
Acts 5:17–32 – Apostles Arrested and Freed
What happens:
The high priest and Sadducees, filled with jealousy, arrest the apostles and throw them into the public jail. During the night, an angel of the Lord opens the prison doors and commands them to stand in the temple courts to preach. At dawn, the religious leaders search for them and find them teaching. The apostles are seized and brought before the council, where Peter proclaims that they must obey God rather than human authorities, testifying to Jesus’ resurrection and exaltation.
What it means:
Obedience to God’s call overrides human prohibition. Divine intervention frees God’s messengers to continue their mission. The resurrection of Jesus remains the foundation for faithful witness in the face of persecution.
Acts 5:33–42 – Gamaliel’s Counsel and Apostles’ Release
What happens:
The council becomes enraged and wants to put the apostles to death. Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, advises caution, citing past movements whose leaders died and followers dispersed. The council is persuaded, releases the apostles after flogging them, and commands them not to speak in Jesus’ name. The apostles rejoice that they are counted worthy to suffer disgrace for the Name and continue daily teaching and proclaiming that Jesus is the Christ, both in the temple and from house to house.
What it means:
Wisdom and restraint in leadership can protect the church’s mission. Suffering for Christ is a cause for joy, affirming fellowship with his suffering and dedication to proclaiming the gospel regardless of opposition.
Application
- Remain honest before God in all you do, avoiding hypocrisy that undermines community trust
- Trust God’s power to work through ordinary means—including your obedience—to bring healing and hope
- Obey God rather than fearing human authority when they conflict with divine commands
- Rejoice in sharing Christ’s sufferings, knowing that honor in suffering reflects participation in his mission
- Persist in teaching and living out the gospel daily, both publicly and in personal relationships
