Acts 5:17-42
Q.1. What instructions were the apostles given by the angel? Why did the ‘jailbreak’ cause consternation? Where did the Jewish leaders find the apostles? – (Acts 5:17-26)
The growth of the church produced jealousy in the Jewish leaders, so they arrested the apostles and threw them into jail (Acts 5:17-18 c.f. 5:14-16). The apostles had been given strict orders to not continue preaching about Jesus. However, that night an angel set them free, and declared – “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.” (Acts 5:20 c.f. 4:21). The Council gathered, expecting to interrogate the apostles … but were informed – “We found the prison house locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we had opened up, we found no one inside.” (Acts 5:23). Next it was reported – … “The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” (Acts 5:25). Small wonder they were ‘greatly perplexed’ and would have loved to have eliminated these troublemakers. They could not because – … they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned (Acts 5:26). God has a great sense of humour and – He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them (Ps.2:4).
Q.2. How were the apostles treated by the arresting officers? What charge was brought against them by the Council? What arguments did the apostles present to the Council? – (Acts 5:26-32)
The people held the apostles in high regard. That built a barrier around them, protecting them from their enemies. The Council was furious that their order had been disregarded. They blamed the apostles for their impact on the people. They accused them – … you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” (Acts 5:28 c.f. 2:41 & 47; 4:4; 5:14). However, Peter and the apostles reminded the Council of their commission – … “We must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). They also needed to obey the angel’s command (Acts 5:20). They again presented the Gospel to the Jewish leaders, holding them responsible for Christ’s death, and proclaiming the resurrection as the basis for granting repentance and forgiveness of sins to people of Israel (Acts 5:30-31). Peter also explained that they were witnesses of the resurrection and stated that there was a direct relationship between obedience, and the giving of the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:32).
Q.3. What kind of man was Gamaliel? How did he use history to avoid bloodshed? What warning did he bring to the Council? How did the apostles respond to the flogging? – (Acts 5:33-42)
During the time of Jesus, in spite of the opposition of the majority of the leaders, there were some notable exceptions such as Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, and Gamaliel, who was – … a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people … (Acts 5:34). He addressed the Council, after asking that the apostles be removed. He argued powerfully from recent history, of the futility of trying to squash movements planned by men as with Theudas and Judas of Galilee who operated at the time of the census (Acts 5:36-38 c.f. Lk.2:2). He warned that – if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.” (Acts 5:39). The apostles were released after a flogging. However, far from being discouraged – they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name (Acts 5:41). The infant church continued to worship at the temple and from house to house. – And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ (Acts 5:42). Far from rebelling against their Jewish heritage, they considered that they were the true expression of the faith of their forefathers. They kept the fires of their faith alive from house to house (Acts 2:42). It is hard to stamp out home fellowships.