1. THE NEW COMMUNITY.

Acts 4:32-37.

(32) And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. (33) And with great power gave the apostles their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus (some ancient authorities add "Christ"): and great grace was upon them all. (34) For neither was there among them any that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, (35) and laid them at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto each, according as any one had need.

(36) And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas [which is, being interpreted, Son of exhortation (or, consolation ' r see Luke 2:25; ch. 9:31; 15:31; 2 Cor. 1:3-7, in the Gr.)], a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, (37) having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

The first Christian converts were distinguished by their steadfast attendance on the preaching of the Apostles, living together in fellowship, having the welfare of one another at heart, and frequently having love feasts, accompanied with the celebration of the Lord's Supper, and being together much in public prayer. A new stamp was upon this body of believers. They were no longer under the direction of the great council. They were absolutely and definitely under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and would be subject to the direction of no other body. They were moving out from Judaism, and God was moving with them. Under the influence of this great Power the Apostles magnified Jesus as the living Savior, and the whole community felt inspired under their teaching. Their teaching had a wonderful influence, as indicated by the self-sacrificing spirit of brotherly love, in which each esteemed the other better than himself. Many of those who owned houses and lands, of their own free will, prompted by the love of the brethren, did, from time to time, sell and bring their proceeds to the Apostles.

(1) It was voluntary, coming from the prompting of the inward spirit. 5:4.

(2) It was not universal; every one did not sell his property, nor was it required that every one sell his all. However, it acquired merit and honor for those engaged in these acts of self-sacrifice.

Two examples are cited to show that the selling was really voluntary, and the money from the sale could be used as thought best. The example, Barnabas, was an expression of honor and merit. The other example, at the opening of the next chapter, Ananias and Sapphira, dishonor and disgrace. For some time the Apostles had charge of the distribution of the funds in the common treasury.

"The fires of persecution were kindled to consume the church, but the church members then were like the three heroes in Nebuchadnezzar's furnace—it did not harm them because the Son of Man was their Companion."

QUESTIONS.

• Give second description of the early church. Cf. 2:42-47.

• What is said as to the progress of the church?

• What did the Apostles continue to do?

• Was this the community for which Christ prayed (John 17:21)?

• Should the church be the same now as it was then?

• Give meaning of "Great grace was upon them all."

• Tell what is said about Barnabas.

2. DISHONEST CHURCH MEMBERS.—Acts 5:1-11.

(1) The Fate of Ananias.—Acts 5:1-6.

(1) But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, (2) 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. (3) But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to (or, deceive) the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? (4) While it remained, did it not remain thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thy power? How is it that thou hast conceived this thing in thy heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. (5) And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost: and great fear came upon all that heard it. (6) And the young men arose and wrapped him round, and they carried him out and buried him.

In the closing verses of the second and third chapters we have beautiful pictures given to us of the love, union, and prosperity of the early church. The church was one in heart and life. The Holy Spirit filled the people. They were united in their efforts to work in harmony, as instructed by Jesus in the Great Commission. It was the work they must do before Jesus returns. The church was doing revival work three hundred and sixty-five days in the year. As this church was so rapidly growing, Satan realized the loss of his interest, and made every effort to fortify himself against the progress of the church. His first effort was from without—to destroy the church by persecution—as we learned in our last paragraph. But his attack was a failure and resulted in a greater manifestation of God. Their faith and courage increased and the church grew in membership. His second attempt to destroy the church was from within. He secured possession of two hearts full of evil motives, ambition and hypocrisy. When God had answered the prayers of the church, by the trembling of the earth, and the men and women truly filled with the Holy Spirit, it was not difficult to keep the common treasury filled with what they needed. A man by the name of Barnabas, born at Cyprus, a Jew by blood, of the priestly tribe of Levi, had land and sold it and laid the price at the Apostles' feet. This man's benevolent act, no doubt, was rewarded by some honor and praise from the congregation. Others would like to receive this honor, without giving the possessions. Ananias and Sapphira made an effort, by deception, to receive it. There are many other ways of securing honor and blessing in the church, not merely by money; and if done with a view of deceiving and not paying full value for it, then there is the spirit of Ananias and Sapphira. In some way, we do not know just how, Peter detected the fraud, and the accusation was, " Satan hath filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Spirit." Peter repeated the charge in different terms. " Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God." His punishment was death. He was carried forth and buried.

(2) The Fate of Sapphira.—Acts 5:7-11.

(7) And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. (8) And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much. And she said, Yea, for so much. (9) But Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to try the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them that have buried thy husband are at the door, and they shall carry thee out. (10) And she fell down immediately at his feet, and gave up the ghost: and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband. (11) And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all that heard these things.

About three hours later the wife came into the assembly, not knowing what had happened to her husband. Peter now asked her a question, and she answered. He declared to her that they had agreed upon this deception, and told her that the sin committed was against the Spirit of the Lord. She, too, fell dead, as did her husband, and the young men came forth and buried her by the side of her husband. This is the first account we have of church discipline. This is given as a warning to all who profess to belong to church, to be honest in their relation to the church treasury. All you need to do is to imitate Ananias and Sapphira if you want to know, by actual experience, what their punishment was. We should be very careful in making exaggerated statements as to our giving, and not be tempted to understate our value of wealth in order to escape what is really our part to give. Such rigid discipline would naturally bring fear upon the whole church. It would not be the church with which deceivers and hypocrites would want to unite. It gave the church a holy character.

QUESTIONS.

• What was the purpose of Ananias and Sapphira?

• Was it wrong for Ananias and Sapphira not to bring all their possessions?

• What was Ananias willing to pay for the same honor Barnabas had?

• Against whom did Ananias and Sapphira lie?

• Can people lie against the same Person now?

• How much later did Sapphira go to the meeting? How was she kept ignorant of the death and burial of her husband?

• What effect had this severe punishment upon the church and people?

• Give a full description of this first case of discipline in the early church.

3. SACREDNESS OF THE CHURCH.

Acts 5:12-16.

(12) 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 (or, portico). (13) But of the rest durst no man join himself to them: howbeit the people magnified them; (14) and believers were the more added to the Lord (or, and there were the more added to them, believing on the Lord), multitudes both of men and women:(15) insomuch that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that, as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might overshadow some one of them. (16) And there also came together the multitude from the cities round about Jerusalem, bringing sick folk, and them that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Satan made his attack from within, by getting into the heart of this family; but his presence being immediately detected, and his subjects punished by death and burial, the church was again in a position to grow in spirit and power. The Apostles, with the disciples, were on Solomon's porch, and many signs and wonders were done by the Apostles. They were still holding their position of authority. The sick were healed, unclean spirits were driven out, the reputation of this powerful church spread to the neighboring towns and brought the sick and they were healed. Peter was held in such high esteem that his very shadow was coveted by the people. The church is not a human creation; it is the House of God. Such a church is what the earnest seeker looks for as his spiritual home.

QUESTIONS.

• Name some of the signs and wonders of the Apostles.

  Give meaning of "of the rest durst no man join themselves to them."

  After the hypocrites were so severely punished by the church, others who pretended to be what they were not, were afraid to unite with the sacred church.

• What effect had the discipline on the revival?

• Why more miracles than before?

• How may sickness be an advantage to the church now?

• Was there any power in Peter's shadow to heal?

4. IMPRISONMENT AND PROOF OF APOSTLES' CREDENTIALS.

Acts 5:17-20.

(17) But the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy, (18) and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public ward. (19) But an angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them out, and said, (20) 'Go ye, and stand and speak in the temple all the words of this Life.

He made his third attack from without by arousing the dignified Sanhedrim to go forth as an army to enforce the command that the church must no longer teach in the name of Jesus. The disciples had said in the council, " We can not but speak the things we have seen and heard. " The Apostles were arrested, treated as common criminals, and put into the public prison. The Sadducees were quite prominent in making this second arrest. God, however, gives His unmistakable approval of the course of His Apostles; during the night He sends an Angel to open the doors of the prison, and brings them forth and says, " Go, stand and speak in the temple, to the people, all the words of this life." They had been given Divine credentials as Heaven's authorized teachers of the truth.

QUESTIONS.

• Who was the high priest?

• What had offended the Sadducees?

• How many Apostles were imprisoned this time? Compare this imprisonment with the former imprisonment.

• What is the source of preachers' and teachers' credentials now?

• Give proof of Divine credentials.

  (1) God's miraculous care of them. "The Angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors and brought them forth";

  (2) Ensuing consciousness of their own exalted position. The Apostles had commands from the Angel—" Go, stand and speak in the temple, to the people, all the words of this Life."

5. APOSTLES ON TRIAL.

Acts 5:21-28.

(21) And when they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak, and taught. 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-house to have them brought. (22) But the officers that came found them not in the prison; and they returned, and told, (23) saying, The prison-house we found shut in all safety, and the keepers standing at the doors; but when we had opened, we found no man within. (24) Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were much perplexed concerning them whereunto this would grow. (25) And there came one and told them, Behold, the men whom ye put in the prison are in the temple standing and teaching the people. (26) Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them, but without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. (27) And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, (28) saying, We strictly charged you not to teach in this name: and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

The council had threatened them, that they might speak no more in the name of Jesus. They disobeyed. By their teaching their influence was spreading. The council arrested them again, put them into prison, but some one released them. They found them in the morning in the very temple, teaching in the name of Jesus. The Sanhedrim was perplexed because of the disappearance of the prisoners. This was to them a mystery, and they could not help attributing it to the working of the Miraculous Power with which they knew the Apostles were endowed. They questioned among themselves, "What will be the final outcome?" They received the report that they were found teaching in the temple. They were invited to appear before the council. They were brought in without violence because of the influence of the common people.

Here all the Apostles learn by experience that the One whom they serve is mightier in power than the united strength of the enemy. They did not stop teaching in the name of Jesus because of opposition. The truth that the disciples taught troubled the Jews.

QUESTIONS.

• When and what did they teach?

• Why did the keeper not know of their escape?

• Where did they find the Apostles?

• Why did they bring them without violence?

• What was the charge against them?

  Contrast: The Apostles feared God, but not even the greatest of the Jewish rulers. The Sanhedrim feared the people, but did not fear God.

6. APOSTLES PREACH GOSPEL TO THE RULERS.

Acts 5:29-32.

(29) But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men. (30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, hanging him on a tree. (31) Him did God exalt with (or, at) his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. (32) And we are witnesses (some ancient authorities add " in him ") of these things (Gr. sayings); and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God hath given to them that obey him (some ancient authorities read " and God hath given the Holy Spirit to them that obey him").

The Sanhedrim made two charges against the Apostles. First, they had been disobedient to the Sanhedrim in not heeding the command, not to teach any more in the name of Jesus. Second, they had made an attempt to bring upon the Sanhedrim the blood of Jesus. The Sanhedrim realized the fact that if the present teaching would be continued and miracles would be wrought, the influence would grow so rapidly and take such a hold on the common people, that the Sanhedrim itself might be taken to task for having condemned Jesus of Nazareth. They spoke of Jesus as " This Man " and " This Name." The Apostles plead guilty to the charge of being disobedient to the Sanhedrim, but they said in reference to this disobedience, " We ought to obey God rather than men." The second charge they met with courage, and accused them of the fact that it was innocent blood which they had shed, which was shown by the Resurrection. " The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, hanging him on a tree." The Holy Spirit is witness that God the Father has exalted His Son, who now sits at His right hand. When you crucified Him, He asked God to forgive you. And now He offers you forgiveness upon condition that you will repent. We stand here before you as witnesses, and so does the Holy Spirit, who is the Gift of God unto all who obey Him.

QUESTIONS.

• Who did the preaching of the Gospel to the rulers?

• Give the sermon that was preached to these rulers.

  The Apostles showed:

  (1) Their conduct was right, ver. 29.

  (2) That they were true to the God of the Jews, 30.

  (3) The rulers had tried before to put a stop to the Gospel—" Whom ye slew and hanged on a tree."

  (4) They utterly failed, for they were fighting against God, 39. " Him hath God exalted."

  (5) With all their guilt, God still desires to save them—" To give repentance."

  (6) The Apostles' own testimony of the facts—" We are His witnesses," 32.

  (7) For the testimony of the Holy Spirit. "And so is the Holy Spirit."

7. GAMALIEL'S ADDRESS TO THE COURT.

Acts 5:33-39.

(33) But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and were minded to slay them. (34) But there stood up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in honor of all the people, and commanded to put the men forth a little while. (35) And he said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves as touching these men, what ye are about to do. (36) For before these days rose up Theudas, giving himself out 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 dispersed, and came to nought. (37) After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the enrolment, and drew away some of the people after him:he also perished; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad. (38) 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 be overthrown:(39) but if it is of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest haply ye be found even to be fighting against God.

When the truth was presented by the Apostles to the Sanhedrim it had an effect opposite to that which truth has upon honest hearts. It maddened them; they plotted to murder the twelve men, as they had before murdered Him in whose name they were teaching. From what we know of the high priest, we are sure he would not have scrupled to adopt this method. The Sanhedrim was not wholly composed of the Sadducees, but was made up of the two religious bodies, Pharisees and Sadducees. Between these two parties there existed a long-standing and ever-increasing enmity. They held widely different religious views. It was this difference, or enmity, between the two that God used to save the lives of His servants. While the Sadducees were thus plotting to put to death these twelve men, Gamaliel, a Pharisee, a doctor of the law, a man of great reputation, arose, and after ordering the prisoners to be removed, addressed the Sanhedrim. He warned them as to the method they would use in getting rid of the difficulty they had on hand. " If these men are ambassadors of God and working by His direction and authority, it would be in vain for you to oppose them, for in so doing you would be opposing God. If their work is simply of men, or directed by men, their work will come to naught, as did that of Theudas and Judas of Galilee."

QUESTIONS.

• What effect had the sermon on the rulers?

• Why were they not willing to obey the sermon?

• Who was Gamaliel and give a full account of what he did?

• Why did they want a secret session?

• What is the difference between a Sadducee and a Pharisee?

• In what way did he warn the rulers?

• Give meaning of " If this counsel be of men, it will be overthrown."

8. SCOURGING AND RELEASE OF THE APOSTLES.

Acts 5:40-42.

(40) And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles unto them, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (41) They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name. (42) And every day, in the temple and at home, they ceased not to teach and to preach (Gr. bring good tidings of) Jesus as the Christ.

The advice given by Gamaliel, the Pharisee, restrained the council from shedding blood. We are told that the council agreed; but if they agreed, why did they beat the Apostles? The Sadducees must have insisted on at least this much punishment before releasing them, to give them another opportunity to be obedient to their command. The beating was according to Deut. 25:2-3. The law of Moses limited the scourge to forty stripes, and the judges had a right to decide for what offenses they should be inflicted. It is probable that the Apostles received thirty-nine stripes apiece, on the bare back. The Apostles, however, having such a deep interest in the redemption of man, when they were released after suffering this terrible beating, departed from the council " rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name." They continued, nothing could hinder them. When the Holy Spirit rests upon the believer, as He did in the time of the early church, no matter what suffering must be endured, joy is always the experience. By this time all Jerusalem was filled with their doctrine. Their religion was not a monthly or weekly matter, but required their attention every day. The early church had a daily religion. Would a religion that required as much time as it did in the early church be practical now?

QUESTIONS.

• Why did they scourge the Apostles?

• What was the charge of the council?

• In what respect did this deliverance from the council differ from the former?

• In what did the Apostles rejoice?

• Do the Christians now have as much reason to rejoice as then?

• Give six important lessons that you received from the study of this chapter.