Chapters 4-6
Wherever and whenever Christ is exalted, and the blessing of God is found, the enemy of our souls (Satan) will be there seeking to thwart and nullify it. In the next three chapters, we see this. The Spirit of God leads Luke to record a number of different attacks of the enemy against the newly established Christian testimony. The purpose of this is to show that while the Church would surely be under attack from this wily foe, God is greater than any force of evil, and can defeat every such ruse. The Apostle John tells us that it is because “greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:44Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)). It confirms what the Lord said to Peter: “Upon this Rock I will build My Church; and the gates of Hell [Hades] shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:1818And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)).
Since Satan is still assaulting the Church with the same intent to crush its testimony, these chapters serve as a divine lesson book wherein we are instructed as to how Satan attacks, so that we would not be “ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:1111Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:11)). These chapters also show us our resources at such times, which if relied upon, can defeat the designs of the enemy.
Peter and John’s Arrest
Chapter 4:1-4—Peter and John’s testimony to the people in the temple was suddenly interrupted by “the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees.” These were the official heads of the nation. Being of the sect of the Sadducees which did not believe in resurrection (Matt. 22:2323The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, (Matthew 22:23); Acts 23:88For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. (Acts 23:8)), these leaders were incensed at them preaching “Jesus” and “the resurrection from the dead” (vs. 2). They apprehended the two apostles and held them in custody until the next day.
Luke inserts into the narrative the fact that in spite of there being a great resistance from the leaders to their witness for Christ, many “believed.” He tells us that the number of believers at that time had grown from “about three thousand” (chap. 2:41) to “about five thousand” (chap. 4:4). Such is the working of God’s sovereign election of grace—no man or devil can frustrate His purpose to save souls (chap. 13:48).
The Tactic of Intimidation
Chap. 4:5-12—“Annas the high priest” and his son-in-law “Caiaphas,” who were joint high priests (Luke 3:22Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. (Luke 3:2); John 18:1313And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. (John 18:13)), with the other leaders of the nation, took up the matter the next day. They interrogated Peter and John, demanding of them an explanation as to “by what power” and “by what name” the healing of the lame man had been done. This led Peter to bear witness of “Jesus Christ of Nazareth”—the One whom they had rejected and crucified. He gives no uncertain word as to their guilt in the matter. This took incredible courage, for to speak in such a forthright manner was to take his life in his hands. These leaders were the very ones who had condemned the Lord to death—and they could easily do the same to them! But that didn’t stop Peter and John from speaking the truth.
Not only did Peter lay his finger on their guilt, but he also held out hope to them. There was mercy for the nation in spite of all that had happened. God was offering salvation in the very name of Him whom they rejected—Jesus of Nazareth. Peter says, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (vs. 12).
Vss. 13-22—The Sanhedrin (council) had no immediate response to Peter and John’s testimony. L. M. Grant said, “The council was virtually struck dumb. Not even the high priest had a response. They knew that these men were uneducated common laborers and marvelled at their knowledge and boldness; but were reminded that they had before companied with Jesus. The healed man standing with them was a witness they could not ignore. They were totally at a loss as to how to answer Peter and John, so they asked them to leave the room while the council conferred together” (Comments on the Book of the Acts, p. 26). The leaders knew that they couldn’t at that time do anything punitive to the apostles for fear of being hated and even “stoned” by the people (chap. 5:26). So, they decided to use intimidation and “threatened” them. They charged Peter and John with their ultimatum to cease and desist immediately from speaking to the people in the Lord’s name (vss. 17-18). However, Peter and John were not the least bit intimidated with such a demand and told the leaders that it was incumbent upon them to speak what God had shown them (vss. 19-20). Having further threatened them, “they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them” (vs. 21).
An Assembly Prayer Meeting
Chap. 4:23-31—“Being let go, they went to their own company” and rehearsed all that had happened to them. It’s beautiful to see that there was the fellowship of saints to which they could resort for comfort, encouragement, and moral support in such times. This fellowship was something that is separate and distinct from the world, both in its secular and religious aspects (2 Cor. 6:14-1814Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:14‑18)).
Having informed their brethren of this opposition from the religious leaders, they turned to their two great resources—prayer and the Word of God. These are still the Church’s two great resources. They found comfort in the Word from Psalm 2. What they had experienced was not a fulfilment of that psalm; the fulfilment of it will take place in a coming day when the godless heathen of this world will “rage” against “the Lord” and dispute His rights to the inheritance. They saw a correlation in that which they were experiencing and in the things mentioned in the psalm, because both were an outrage against “the Lord, and against His Christ” (vss. 25-26). The rulers in Israel were already showing that character of animosity which will be fully developed in a coming day.
It is of note that they did not pray for the persecution to cease. This shows that they understood that suffering for the Lord’s name is normal to Christianity, and hence, it should be expected. The Lord had forewarned the disciples of this, so it was no surprise to them (John 15:18-21; 16:1-318If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. (John 15:18‑21)
1These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. 2They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 3And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. (John 16:1‑3)). It’s beautiful to see that rather than focusing on what would be best for themselves, they were concerned about what would be best for the public honour of the Lord Jesus. It is clear that they had the interests of Christ before them, first and foremost. The fervency of their prayer was deepened by the persecution they experienced (vss. 27-28). They did ask for increased “boldness” so they might speak the “Word,” and that the miraculous “signs and wonders” would continue so that a testimony would be rendered to all of His “holy Servant Jesus” (vss. 29-30). God answered their prayer by shaking the place “where they were assembled together,” and they were “all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God with boldness” (vs. 31).
Thus, the enemy was defeated through the comfort and encouragement the apostles received from the Word of God. They took courage from it and pressed onward in their testimony of the Lord. This was the first taste of persecution that the infant Church would experience—and it would not be its last!
The Unity of the Spirit
Chap. 4:32-37—The latter verses of chapter 4 are a separate paragraph, giving us a picture of the general state of things among the saints in those early days. It was a happy scene indeed where “the unity of the Spirit” was kept in “the uniting bond of peace” (Eph. 4:33Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)). They were “of one heart and of one soul,” and none considered the things which he possessed his own, for “they had all things common” (vs. 32). The unity of the Spirit is a practical unity wherein the saints put into practice what is true in fact—that “there is one body” (Eph. 4:44There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (Ephesians 4:4)). It is not to be confused with the union of the members of the body to the Head (1 Cor. 12:12-1312For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:12‑13)), which is something that God alone keeps intact, and that eternally, through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Thus, we are called to “keep” the unity of the Spirit, but not the union of the body and the Head.
What we see in these verses is quite remarkable. These dear believers were putting into practice truth which they did not know yet, simply by being filled with the Holy Spirit! Moreover, the apostles were given “great power” to do miracles, etc., and there was “great grace” upon them all (vs. 33). They shared their possessions mutually and were happy to do so. Those who had “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.” As a result, no one lacked anything (vss. 34-35). Luke points to Barnabas as an example of the self-sacrifice that went on in those days. He sold a piece of property which he had in Cyprus and gave the money to the apostles (vss. 36-37).
It was a scene of love, self-sacrifice, and unity; and it was all a direct result of the saints being filled with the Holy Spirit. But sadly, it wouldn’t last long. The very next chapter shows that this happy scene was rudely interrupted by a manifestation of the flesh in their midst. In fact, this is the last time that it says that “all” the saints in the Church were “filled with the Holy Spirit.” Hereafter, we will read of individuals (chaps. 6:5; 7:55; 9:17; 13:9) and groups of individuals being filled with the Spirit (chap. 13:52), but not of all the members of the body of Christ.
Corruption Within the Christian Ranks
The apostles’ refusal to be intimidated and their persistence to witness of the Lord Jesus and His resurrection brought forth a change of tactics from the enemy. In the previous chapter, the apostles experienced persecution from without. Now in the 5th chapter, the enemy takes a different line of attack, working within the Christian ranks to stir up trouble through the flesh in certain of the saints. The tactic here was to get the saints to dishonour the Lord’s name with which they were identified, and thereby to discredit their testimony of Him. In both cases, the enemy’s tactics were defeated, but in an entirely different way.
In chapter 4:32-37, we have seen the unity of the Spirit kept, but now in chapter 5 we see that unity broken. This was the first time that it happened in the Church’s history—but it wouldn’t be the last! J. N. Darby was asked in a meeting, “When was the unity of the Spirit interrupted for the first time?” He answered, “Ananias and Saphira were the first to interrupt it (Acts 5). After that, you find the Hellenists murmuring against the Hebrews (Acts 6)” (Notes at Croydon, Sept. 1881).
Up to this time, every believer in the body of Christ had been filled with the Holy Spirit, but it’s clear from this chapter that such was no longer the case. There were at least two who were not, and this led to a manifestation of sin in their midst. It interrupted that happy scene of love and fellowship.
The First Act of Discipline in the Church
The chapter begins with a pivotal “But,” and with it, the whole scene changes. “But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife also, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” The instruments the enemy used in this disturbance were “Ananias” and “Sapphira”—two believers who had not judged themselves in the presence of the Lord. This is something we all need to do regularly, without which we are sure to fail in the Christian path (1 Cor. 11:28-3128But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. (1 Corinthians 11:28‑31)). The exercise of self-judgment is illustrated typically in Israel’s frequent trips to Gilgal in their conquest of Canaan. Gilgal was where they cut off the flesh by circumcising themselves (Josh. 5). When they neglected to go to Gilgal and revisit that exercise (in spirit), they had no strength to stand before their enemies, and were thus defeated (Josh. 7). But when they did go to Gilgal, they were victorious over their enemies (Josh. 10:7-15, 437So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. 8And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee. 9Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal all night. 10And the Lord discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Beth-horon, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah. 11And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Beth-horon, that the Lord cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword. 12Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. 13And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. 14And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel. 15And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal. (Joshua 10:7‑15)
43And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal. (Joshua 10:43)).
Ananias and Sapphira’s failure to judge themselves opened the door for the flesh to lift up its ugly head in their lives. Their sins were threefold:
Spiritual pretention (hypocrisy).
Covetousness.
Lying.
As to spiritual pretention, they, like Barnabas, had a piece of property and sold it. But unlike Barnabas, they agreed to lay only part of the money at the apostles’ feet, while pretending to have given the whole sum. To surrender one’s possessions was purely a voluntary thing among the saints; the apostles hadn’t asked anyone to do it. Barnabas was likely praised for his self-sacrifice and this may have caught the notice of Ananias and Sapphira, and it stirred up a desire in their hearts to have the adulation that Barnabas received. They evidently wanted to appear before their brethren as being more devoted than they really were. This was nothing but hypocrisy and the seeking of human glory.
As to covetousness, not wanting to share all that they had with their brethren was a manifestation of fleshly selfishness. They loved earthly things and didn’t want to part with them. This sin has plagued many a person. The first failure in Israel after entering the land of Canaan was covetousness (Josh. 7:2121When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it. (Joshua 7:21)), and now the first failure in the Church was covetousness.
As to lying, they clearly lacked faith to believe that God would see their sin and expose it (Psa. 90:88Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. (Psalm 90:8); Prov. 15:33The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. (Proverbs 15:3)). It was a deception that they deliberately planned between them, with one difference; Ananias acted the lie (vss. 3-4), but Sapphira told the lie (vss. 8-9). Peter made it clear to Ananias that he had every right to keep the land; he didn’t have to sell it. Nor was he obligated to give the money to the apostles after selling the property. His sin was falsifying the amount for which it was sold—which was lying (vs. 4). If nothing else, we learn from this incident what God thinks of lying. The first man in the Church who lied dropped dead at the feet of the apostles! Ironically, this was the very place where Ananias should have laid the whole sum of the sale of their land. The incident also teaches us that to walk with God, as Christians profess to do, requires holiness in our lives. This was lacking with Ananias and Sapphira. Instead of being filled with the Spirit, Satan had “filled” their hearts “to lie to the Holy Spirit!”
The desire for human glory and money, and outright unbelief led to the downfall of Ananias and Sapphira. They died under the judgment of God that very day. This is another feature of the kingdom of the Messiah which was being offered to Israel at that time (Psa. 101:7-87He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. 8I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord. (Psalm 101:7‑8)). It was the first act of discipline in the Church. Their death under God’s hand does not mean that they lost their soul’s salvation, which is impossible (John 10:28-2928And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. (John 10:28‑29)). It was a governmental judgment, not an eternal judgment. Being genuine believers, their souls are safe in heaven with the Lord. As children of God, they still had their place in the family of God; He was still their Father (1 John 2:11My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (1 John 2:1)). But they had dishonoured the Lord’s name, and thus forfeited their privilege to be His witnesses on earth. It was “a sin unto death,” and accordingly, Peter does not pray that they would be delivered from dying under God’s hand (1 John 5:1616If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. (1 John 5:16)).
Governmental judgment has to do with God’s dealings with His people who willfully go astray (1 Cor. 11:3232But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. (1 Corinthians 11:32); 1 Peter 1:17; 3:117And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: (1 Peter 1:17)
1Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; (1 Peter 3:1)2b; 4:17). The extent of His governmental actions pertain to their lives on earth only; it has nothing to do with their eternal destiny. Governmental judgment may be felt in a person’s life by God providentially allowing certain negative things to happen to him so that he reaps what he sows (Gal. 6:7-87Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6:7‑8)). Since the Lord has all power in heaven and earth, and controls everything (Matt. 28:1818And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)), He is able to touch our lives in a thousand ways, if He chooses. For the believer, this kind of judgment is designed to arrest his attention and cause him to pass judgment on whatever it may be that the Lord is addressing in his life that is inconsistent with His holiness. The worst-case scenario in this kind of judgment is death (1 Cor. 11:3030For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. (1 Corinthians 11:30)). This was the lot of Ananias and Sapphira.
The Candlestick Burns Brighter
Chap. 5:11-16—The immediate result of this governmental judgment was that “great fear came upon all the Church.” No one dared to entertain sin in their lives, even for a moment, out of respect for the holiness of God. This was felt among the saints in those days in a remarkable way. People outside the Church “heard” of it too, and it gave them a healthy respect for what God was doing through the apostles. Luke says, “Of the rest durst no man join himself to them.” Dishonest persons would think twice before joining themselves to them (vs. 13).
Thus, the enemy was defeated again in his attempt to thwart the Christian testimony. In fact, God, who knows how to bring good out of evil (Psa. 76:1010Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. (Psalm 76:10)), caused the candlestick of the Church to burn brighter than ever before! Instead of spoiling their testimony before the world, the incident strengthened it! Besides there being a general respect for Christians and Christianity, “signs and wonders” were done by the apostles that were “greater works” than those which the Lord Himself did in His earthly ministry. The Lord had told the apostles that this would happen after He ascended to the Father and sent the Spirit (John 14:1212Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (John 14:12)). Sick people were brought on beds into the streets of Jerusalem so that “the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them”—and they were all healed! (vs. 15) Moreover, people from the surrounding districts came in droves to be healed, and none were disappointed. “They were healed every one” (vs. 16). The result was that the Lord was glorified, and blessing went out in all directions.
The Leaders of the Nation Imprison the Apostles
Chap. 5:17-25—The leaders were incensed more than ever at this display of power and grace (vs. 17), and in desperation to stop the apostles from giving any further testimony, they laid their hands on them and “put them in the common prison” (vs. 18). Their plan was to remove the apostles from among the people so that they couldn’t testify to them. Incarceration has been used much by the enemy throughout Church history (Acts 5:18; 12:3-5; 16:23; 22:4, 19; 24:2718And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. (Acts 5:18)
3And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 5Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. (Acts 12:3‑5)
23And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: (Acts 16:23)
4And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. (Acts 22:4)
19And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: (Acts 22:19)
27But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. (Acts 24:27); 2 Cor. 11:2323Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. (2 Corinthians 11:23), etc.). However, “the angel of the Lord” came by night and opened the prison doors and exhorted the apostles to go and “speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life” (vss. 19-20). When the leaders called for the apostles and found them gone from the prison, they were perplexed as to what had become of them—until a messenger informed them that they were in the temple “teaching the people” (vss. 21-25). Thus, the enemy’s designs to stop the apostles from testifying of the Lord were defeated again.
The Leaders of the Nation Plot to Kill the Apostles
Chap. 5:26-42—The apostles were then brought by the captain and the officers before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish council), and they were ordered again to cease and desist from filling Jerusalem with their doctrine (vss. 26-28). Strangely, the leaders accused them of bringing “this Man’s blood” upon the nation. In reality, they were the ones who had done that! They said to Pilate, “His blood be on us and our children,” and called for His death (Matt. 27:2525Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. (Matthew 27:25)). But now, they were trying to escape their guilt by trying to shift the blame onto the apostles. It is interesting that in commanding them not to speak, they would not even so much as use the name Jesus. They refer to Him only as a Man. A day is coming when all will be forced to confess that name (Phil. 2:1111And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:11)). They were clearly feeling their guilt, but were not owning it before God in repentance.
Peter and the apostles responded with: “We ought to obey God rather than men” (vs. 29). That is, a higher authority had enjoined them to testify of the Lord Jesus Christ and that they, therefore, should not disobey that command of God. The apostles took the opportunity to give a further word as to the facts concerning the nation’s guilt regarding the Lord’s death. In no uncertain terms, they stated the truth: “The God of our fathers has raised up Jesus, whom ye have slain, having hanged on a cross!” (vs. 30) Again, the apostles’ burden was that even though that great sin had been committed, God was still holding out blessing to the people through Him. He had placed the Lord Jesus at His right hand on high as “a Prince and a Saviour,” and as such, He was ready and willing to grant them “the forgiveness of sins” to them—even the sin of crucifying Him! Moreover, God would give “the Holy Spirit” to all who would “obey” His call (vss. 31-32). Such was God’s grace and mercy toward the guilty nation.
The result was that the leaders were “cut to the heart.” This means that their consciences were touched. How different they were from the people who believed on the day of Pentecost! They were “pricked in their heart” (chap. 2:37). This means that there was a work done in their hearts that went beyond their consciences being reached. The Spirit of God strives with all men, and therefore, all men are responsible to receive and believe the testimony that God gives of Himself—be it through creation or through the gospel of His grace. But true conversion requires more than having the conscience stirred, the Spirit of God must do a work in a person’s heart, quickening his soul. This inward striving of the Spirit was willfully resisted by these leaders, as Stephen confirms in chapter 7:51. Saul of Tarsus was also one who resisted the Spirit’s striving before the love and grace of God broke through and saved him (chap. 26:14).
Instead of allowing the Spirit of God to work in their hearts, the leaders resorted to violence and plot to “kill” the apostles! (vs. 33) In the following verses, Luke tells us how God defeated the designs of the enemy through the working of His providence. “Gamaliel,” an unbelieving Pharisee and doctor of the Law, stood up in the council and reminded his fellow councillors that, historically, whenever men rose up and tried to start some new sect among the people, it ran out of impetus and came to nothing, because it was not of God. He cited two examples—“Theudas” (vs. 36) and “Judas” (vs. 37). The Lord forewarned that such thieves and robbers would arise and lead away the unwary (John 10:11Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. (John 10:1)). Gamaliel, therefore, advised that since they “doubted” that this movement of the apostles would “grow” (vs. 24), they should give it some time and it would come to nothing, as the others did (vs. 38). He even spoke of the sovereign, overruling hand of God in the matter, stating: “If it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God” (vs. 39). Little did he know how right he was—they were fighting against God by resisting the testimony of the Holy Spirit through the apostles.
The leaders consented to Gamaliel’s advice, but before releasing the apostles, they couldn’t refrain from venting their anger and hatred, and beat them. They then gave them another ultimatum not to speak to the people about the Lord Jesus (vs. 40). The apostles left the council “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (vs. 41). Compare Matthew 5:11-1211Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Matthew 5:11‑12) and 1st Peter 4:14. They were not dissuaded in the least and continued “daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (vs. 42).
Thus, by the providence of God, the apostles were spared from being killed—but still, they did have to suffer for the Lord’s name’s sake by being beaten.
Discontent Within the Christian Company
Chap. 6:1-8—Having been defeated in every attack against the Church thus far, we might think that the enemy would have given up, but that was not the case. Our adversary is relentless. In this 6th chapter, he turns to work within the Christian company again. His plan this time was to divide the saints over a simple matter concerning temporal things. It is significant that the first two troubles in the Church involved money! The first had to do with taking money in (chap. 5) and the second had to do with doling money out (chap. 6). Satan knows that this is where people (even Christians) are vulnerable and concentrates his attacks there (1 Tim. 6:1010For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10)). Voltaire said sarcastically: “When it comes to money, all men belong to the same religion!” The result of this disturbance was that “the unity of the Spirit” was broken again (Eph. 4:33Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)). However, in the following verses, we see how God defeated this ploy of the enemy and healed the breach.
Stirred up by Satan, no doubt, there arose “a murmuring” (a complaint) among the Hellenist believers against the Hebrew believers regarding the distribution of funds to the widows (vs. 1). The Hellenists believed that their widows were being “neglected in the daily ministration” and cried out against the partiality. Both murmuring and partiality are decried by the Apostle Paul because they are a catalyst for trouble among brethren (Phil. 2:1414Do all things without murmurings and disputings: (Philippians 2:14); 1 Tim. 5:2121I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. (1 Timothy 5:21)).
The KJV says that those who complained were “Grecians.” This might lead us to think that they were Gentiles, but it should be translated “Hellenists.” Hellenists were Greek-speaking Jews who were born in other countries during the dispersion, whereas, the “Hebrews” were home-born Jews. There had been considerable jealousy between these two classes of Jews in their unconverted days, and it was only a matter of time before that rivalry would manifest itself in the assembly. Satan was aware of this and sought to use it to divide the saints and spoil their public testimony.
The problem was brought before the apostles who gave their advice (vs. 2). They realized that they shouldn’t leave spiritual matters of “prayer” and “the ministry of the Word” to handle temporal affairs in the Church. The apostles, therefore, gave directions to the brethren to “look out” for “seven men of honest report” who were “full of the Holy Ghost [Spirit] and wisdom,” and they would “appoint” them over “this business” (vss. 3-4). The pronouncement of the apostles “pleased the whole multitude” of brethren, and they “chose” seven men whom they thought would be best suited for that work and set them “before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them” (vss. 5-7). (Handling temporal things in the assembly falls into the category of a deacon’s work – 1 Timothy 3:8-138Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:8‑13). In fact, the root word in the Greek for “serve,” in verse 2, is “minister” or “deacon.”)
It is noteworthy that in Scripture, assemblies are never told to choose and ordain their elders/overseers. This is because God has not given the powers of ordination to assemblies. In spite of this, the churches in Christendom universally choose and ordain their elders—but they have no real power from God to do it. In every case in Scripture they were chosen by an apostle, or by a delegate of an apostle and ordained by them (Acts. 14:23; Titus 1:55For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: (Titus 1:5)). Thus, elders were chosen for an assembly, but not by an assembly. The wisdom of God is seen in this: if an assembly were to choose its elders, it might be biased and inclined to pick men who would favour its preferences. This leads to the assembly having control over its leaders; and when there is not a clear understanding of Scriptural principles in assembly matters (which most in the assembly often don’t have), the assembly could easily take itself off track. Being an apostolic function, the assembly would be preserved from this danger. The apostles would choose men with the right moral and spiritual qualifications, and the assembly was to follow their lead and submit to them (1 Cor. 16:15-1615I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) 16That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboreth. (1 Corinthians 16:15‑16); 1 Thess. 5:12-1312And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. (1 Thessalonians 5:12‑13); Heb. 13:1717Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17)).
In the case of deacons, however, local assemblies are to choose them. This was the case here in Acts 6. (See also 2nd Corinthians 8:19.) Men were chosen by the assembly at Jerusalem to do the work of a deacon, but even though chosen, those men could not be officially appointed (ordained) to that office by the assembly, simply because the assembly doesn’t have that power. Only apostles could ordain deacons. We see the wisdom of God in having the saints choose these men. Who better would know those among their number who were faithful in handling finances, etc., than those in the local assembly who have seen the person’s track record—for a deacon must prove himself first before being chosen for that work? (1 Tim. 3:1010And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. (1 Timothy 3:10))
Judging by the names of those chosen, all of them were Hellenists—except Nicolas, a Gentile proselyte (vs. 5). These were from the group that had complained! A spirit of grace evidently prevailed among the Hebrew believers, and they were content to yield to the Hellenists and let them have this place to do that work. They didn’t insist on having some from their number chosen, and didn’t complain when none were. Thus, the working of God’s grace in their hearts defused the dissension, and the whole thing was settled peacefully and to the glory of God. The adversary who was behind this discord was foiled again. Not only was the enemy defeated here, but his attack rebounded to greater blessing. “The Word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great number of the priests were obedient to the faith” (vs. 7). This step of faith on the part of the priests would have cost them dearly, for all who confessed that Jesus was the Christ (the Messiah) were “excommunicated” from the synagogue (John 9:2222These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. (John 9:22)).
Stephen and Philip were exceptional in their work as deacons. They illustrate what Paul taught in 1st Timothy 3:13: “Those (deacons) who shall have ministered well obtain for themselves a good degree, and much boldness in [the] faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Having fulfilled their deacon ministry, they waxed bold in the ministry of the Word, and God used them mightily. Stephen notably, did many “great wonders and miracles” (vs. 8). He is the first believer to do such things, other than the apostles. He evidently had the gift of a teacher (chap. 7), and Philip was an evangelist (chap. 8:5-40; 21:8).
Disputing the Truth With Intellectual Arguments
Chap. 6:9-10—Unrelenting, the enemy came against the Church with another method of attack which he had not heretofore used—disputing the truth. The disciples used the Scriptures in their testimony (chaps. 2:25-28, 34-35; 3:22-23; 4:11, etc.), “proving” from them that the Lord Jesus is the Messiah (chaps. 9:22; 17:2-3). It is, in fact, what gave their message power (Rom. 10:1717So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)). The enemy (Satan) took note of this and sought to disprove the truth with clever intellectual arguments from the Scriptures. Luke says: “Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, of them of Cilicia, and of Asia, disputing with Stephen” (vs. 9). The “Libertines” were Jews who had been taken to Rome as slaves, but subsequently had been released. Their descendants had returned to the land of Israel and were part of the synagogue in Jerusalem. Likewise, the others mentioned here were also unbelieving Hellenists who had also settled in Jerusalem. Saul of Tarsus would have been among the number from “Cilicia”—Tarsus being a city in that province of Asia (Acts 22:33I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. (Acts 22:3)). He, perhaps, was among those who disputed with Stephen, for he was in Jerusalem at that time (chap. 7:58).
Expositors say that those in this synagogue were known for their learning, having men who loved to debate divine subjects. They would search the Scriptures daily (John 5:3939Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (John 5:39)), but they would not allow the Scriptures to search them (Psa. 139:23-2423Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23‑24)). As a result, they knew the letter of the Word, but not its true meaning. This had been hidden from them due to the governmental judgment of blindness that was laid over the mass of the people, which the Lord prayed for on the cross (Psa. 69:22-2322Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap. 23Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake. (Psalm 69:22‑23)). Satan used these poor benighted teachers of the Law to oppose the truth with clever arguments. Let us make no mistake, this wily foe is never more satanic than when he uses the Scriptures. He knows the Word of God and can misuse it to deceive the unwary (Matt. 4:66And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. (Matthew 4:6)). This insidious line of attack has been Satan’s most effective tactic of all! Church history bears witness of this. Christendom is full of teachers who are putting forth erroneous teaching on every Biblical subject, whom the enemy is using to keep people from the truth. It is of paramount importance, therefore, that we be found well grounded in the doctrines of Scripture; it will “save” us from these satanic deceptions (1 Tim. 4:6, 166If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. (1 Timothy 4:6)
16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Timothy 4:16); 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:1515Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15)).
All the learning of the Rabbis was no match for a man filled with the Holy Spirit. “They were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit with which he (Stephen) spoke” (vs. 10). It was not because he had superior argumentive skills, but that the power of the Spirit was operating in him, giving him the wisdom. Hence, this intellectual class of opposers of the truth were defeated by the wisdom of the Spirit of God. In the process, they exposed their own ignorance! Compare Matthew 22:15-4615Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. 16And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. 17Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? 18But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. 20And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. 22When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way. 23The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, 24Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. 25Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: 26Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. 27And last of all the woman died also. 28Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. 29Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. 30For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. 31But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, 32I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. 33And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine. 34But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. 41While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David. 43He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, 44The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? 45If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? 46And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions. (Matthew 22:15‑46).
Making False Accusations
Chap. 6:11-15—Having his designs overthrown yet again, the enemy becomes more desperate than ever. He incites the men from the Hellenist synagogues, who couldn’t withstand Stephen’s wisdom, to band together and condemn him before the council (the Sanhedrin). They “suborned” (persuaded by corrupt means) certain unscrupulous individuals to accuse Stephen of blasphemy. They said: “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God” and he “ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the Law” (vss. 11-13). It was a fourfold indictment that was entirely baseless. It is evident that they were twisting Stephen’s words, as those who oppose the truth usually do (vs. 14). This is often the way with our adversary; if he can’t prevent the Lord’s servants from preaching and teaching the truth, he will try to blacken their character by slanderously presenting them as dubious fellows whom the public should avoid.