10-25-09
Sorry, you must have Windows Media Player 9 or higher. This is a large file which may take a few seconds to start Click here, or scroll down to view today's diagram (Acts 4:31-35) And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. (Acts 5:1-6) 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 apostles' feet. 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? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God [1]. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up [2], and carried him out, and buried him. 1. (Gen 39:9) There is none greater in this house than I [Joseph]; neither hath he [“Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian” Gen 39:1] kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? 2. “wound him up” = Gk: to send (draw) together, i.e. enwrap (enshroud a corpse for burial). (Acts 5:7-10) And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife [Sapphira], not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much [1]. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt [Gk: test] the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. 1. Commentary: “for so much” = most assuredly this was a stipulated amount at that time which is herein omitted from the biblical text by the author, presumably Luke, as an unimportant and distracting detail. By this omission, the Spirit through Luke conveys an indirect comment on the true value of money. (Acts 5:11-16) And great fear [1] came upon all the church, and upon as many [others] as heard these things. And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest [“who were not of their number” Amplif.] durst [Gk: dared] no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) 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 [2] some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits [fallen angels, devils, demons]: and they were healed every one. 1. (Jude 1:22,23) And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 2. “overshadow” = Gk: to cast a shade upon, i.e. (by anal.) to envelop in a haze of brilliancy; fig. to invest with supernatural influence: --overshadow. 3. (Job 28:28) And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. 4. (Psa 111:10) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. 5. (Prov 10:27) The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. a. (Exo 20:12) Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. 6. (Prov 15:16) Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. 7. (Prov 16:6) By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. (Acts 5:17-20) Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) [1] and were filled with indignation [Gk: envy, jealousy], And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common [Gk: public] prison. 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 [“the full message of this new life” NIV]. 1. Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary: Sadducees = The Sadducees came from the leading families of the nation – the priests, merchants and aristocrats. The high priests and the most powerful members of the priesthood were mainly Sadducees. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead or the immortality of the soul, since these doctrines are not mentioned in the Law of Moses. Neither did they believe in rewards or punishments handed out after death, as in the doctrines of heaven and hell. Acts 2:38 indicates that they did not believe in angels or spirits, either. They also believed in free will – that man is responsible for his own prosperity or misfortune. They interpreted the Law literally and tended to support strict justice as opposed to mercy toward the offender. (Acts 5:21-23) And when they [the disciples] heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came [to another place], 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. But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. (Acts 5:24,25) 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 [“wondering what would come of this” NIV]. Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. (Acts 5:26-28) Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and 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 [i.e., incite the people to work vengeance (retribution, retaliation) upon us for the crucifixion of Jesus]. (Acts 5:29-33) Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 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. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. (Acts 5:34-39) 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; And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. (Acts 5:40-42) And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them [1], they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 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. 1. (Exo 1:12) But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. Amen Click here, or on the diagram for a printable (pdf) version. Previous Chapter Table Of Contents Next Chapter Click here to download a printable version of this message Click here to download a DOC version of this message
This is a large file which may take a few seconds to start
(Acts 4:31-35) And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
(Acts 5:1-6) 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 apostles' feet. 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? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God [1]. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up [2], and carried him out, and buried him.
1. (Gen 39:9) There is none greater in this house than I [Joseph]; neither hath he [“Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian” Gen 39:1] kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
2. “wound him up” = Gk: to send (draw) together, i.e. enwrap (enshroud a corpse for burial).
(Acts 5:7-10) And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife [Sapphira], not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much [1]. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt [Gk: test] the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
1. Commentary: “for so much” = most assuredly this was a stipulated amount at that time which is herein omitted from the biblical text by the author, presumably Luke, as an unimportant and distracting detail. By this omission, the Spirit through Luke conveys an indirect comment on the true value of money.
(Acts 5:11-16) And great fear [1] came upon all the church, and upon as many [others] as heard these things. And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest [“who were not of their number” Amplif.] durst [Gk: dared] no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) 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 [2] some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits [fallen angels, devils, demons]: and they were healed every one.
1. (Jude 1:22,23) And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
2. “overshadow” = Gk: to cast a shade upon, i.e. (by anal.) to envelop in a haze of brilliancy; fig. to invest with supernatural influence: --overshadow.
3. (Job 28:28) And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
4. (Psa 111:10) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
5. (Prov 10:27) The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
a. (Exo 20:12) Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
6. (Prov 15:16) Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
7. (Prov 16:6) By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
(Acts 5:17-20) Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) [1] and were filled with indignation [Gk: envy, jealousy], And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common [Gk: public] prison. 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 [“the full message of this new life” NIV].
1. Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary: Sadducees = The Sadducees came from the leading families of the nation – the priests, merchants and aristocrats. The high priests and the most powerful members of the priesthood were mainly Sadducees. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead or the immortality of the soul, since these doctrines are not mentioned in the Law of Moses. Neither did they believe in rewards or punishments handed out after death, as in the doctrines of heaven and hell. Acts 2:38 indicates that they did not believe in angels or spirits, either. They also believed in free will – that man is responsible for his own prosperity or misfortune. They interpreted the Law literally and tended to support strict justice as opposed to mercy toward the offender.
(Acts 5:21-23) And when they [the disciples] heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came [to another place], 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. But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
(Acts 5:24,25) 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 [“wondering what would come of this” NIV]. Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
(Acts 5:26-28) Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and 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 [i.e., incite the people to work vengeance (retribution, retaliation) upon us for the crucifixion of Jesus].
(Acts 5:29-33) Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 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. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
(Acts 5:34-39) 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; And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
(Acts 5:40-42) And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them [1], they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 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.
1. (Exo 1:12) But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.
Amen
Previous Chapter