Lesson 5

THE APOSTLES BEFORE THE COUNCIL

Acts 5:17–42

The church in its earliest days was very successful, judged by the numbers who joined it and the influence which it exerted. This success has its price, as the leaders soon discovered. Jesus had told them (Matt. 10, etc.) that if people had mistreated the Master of the house, they would do the same to his followers. Such mistreatment was now experienced by the Apostles.

An Increasing Threat

Immediately after the healing of the lame man at the temple gate the authorities imprison Peter and John. Now they go farther–all of the Apostles are placed in prison. The leaders of the people were “filled with jealousy,” says Luke, and jealousy is capable of strange things. Their jealousy stems from the fact that more and more people are following the Apostles and have left the leadership of the Sanhedrin. This must be stopped. They are also dependent on the following of the mass of the people. Accordingly, the occasion for this imprisonment is not as clearly defined as was the imprisonment of Peter and John at an earlier time. Then a lame man was healed. Now the author only mentions the miracles in a general way and emphasizes the growth of the church. The apostles are now placed in a more threatening situation than the two had confronted earlier. They are in the common prison where all the lawbreakers are placed. Drastic measures have to be taken to stop this movement.

Released for More Service

The imprisonment doesn’t mean much when that same night an angel opens the door of the prison and leads them out! Before leaving them this angel tells them to go to the temple and preach to the people “. . . all the words of this life.” They are to preach the gospel based on the life of Christ and the kind of life which issues from this gospel of Christ Jesus. The fact of this deliverance is to comfort the hearts of the Apostles. No one can stop them! It is also to warn the opposition—divine power is on the side of the Apostles. Luke does not say much of this episode and no one mentions it later, but He who freed Daniel and his friends has freed them.

The Apostles are obedient to the command of the angel. They have not been delivered to hide, but to preach. At daybreak they are already in the temple preaching Jesus Christ.

The Highpriest calls the whole council together in the morning. They are not aware of that which has taken place during the night. Apparently the council does not meet in the courts of the temple at this time. He calls the whole council together, for this is important business. Someone is sent to the prison to bring the Apostles before the council. None of them is there. But, do not blame the warden nor the security guards. Everything is in good order–but the prisoners are missing! The councilors have had enough trouble with these men. They are perplexed and wonder what is going to become of this whole matter. Apparently an eye-witness comes to tell them that the Apostles whom they imprisoned are now standing in the temple preaching the same gospel as before. Now the temple guard must bring them back, but, carefully, because this could lead to a riot. The common people must not be stirred up. The rulers need the people but are also afraid of them. The leaders could be stoned if things get out of hand.

What is the charge? The apostles had been commanded by the Sanhedrin not to preach in this name (the highpriest doesn’t even want to pronounce this name) and “you have filled Jerusalem with this teaching.” That is the crime! Don’t preach the gospel, and everything will be all right; preach that word and you will lose your freedom. They have been disobedient to their rulers . Besides, “you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” This would make us murderers. This is going too far. Not only are the apostles teaching the people those things which ought not to be taught, but they also incriminate the leaders. The gospel always cuts in two directions. Those who believe shall be saved and the guilt of the unbelievers becomes the greater.

Under God’s Orders

Notice the reply of the Apostles: “We must obey God rather than men.” Here there is nothing of a revolutionary spirit. “We will indeed be obedient citizens but not when the command of you rulers is in direct conflict with the command of God.” The angel told them to preach. The Sanhedrin forbade them to preach. Is there a question whom they ought to obey? That it may be perfectly clear to these rulers, Peter will tell them a little more. We obey the same God as you do. It is this God of our fathers who called Jesus Christ into being. What did you do? You not only slew Him, but you even hung Him on a tree to show your utter contempt! Everyone hanging on a tree was accursed. But, He didn’t stay in the grave or in the realm of the dead. God exalted Him so that He is now a Prince and Savior and this was done to bring repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. That which you did, God turned to the good of yourselves and others. We are witnesses of these things . We are not speaking out of a vivid imagination. The Holy Spirit also witnessed to these facts. This Spirit is given to those who obey Him. Therefore, obey! lest you do not receive this gift. They, therefore, speak with authority.

Peter has stated matters briefly but fully enough to make it clear why they have done what they have done. In a few words he has made known to them Who the bearer of that Name is and also their responsibilities. His calmness is impressive.

The council does not take these words so calmly. These men were “cut to the heart,” literally they were “bursting,” they were “torn apart” by the words they had heard from this unlettered fisherman. They were ready to kill them! When a person is accused the way Peter has accused them, the only way to deal with them is to put them away. But, can this be done without a proper hearing? Without due process? These, who boast of their adherence to the law, are they to become lawless?

Political Advice

One of their number, Gamaliel, rises and seeks to calm them . It must be made clear at once that he is no friend of these Apostles. However, he sees many difficulties if things go on as some want them to go now. He is a Pharisee among all these Sadducees. He is highly respected both for his character and his ability. He was the teacher of the Apostle Paul. Some believe that he was a grandson of the great Hillel, one of the most famous of Jewish teachers. He wants to restore peace and is much milder in his criticism than the others. Let us talk calmly about this situation without these men being present.

We now receive the report of this “executive session.” Paul may well have been present. Gamaliel tells them to be careful what they do . There have been such movements before. A certain Theudas some years ago, who thought he was somebody, had enough charisma to lead 400 men astray. He was killed and his followers were dispersed. Then there arose a certain Judas of Galilee, and the same thing happened again. Don’t be too quick to do something about every individual who rises to lead the people away from the path they should follow. Now we have something similar. I would say, says Gamaliel, leave them alone. If what these men are doing and teaching is the work of men, it will come to nothing. However, should it be of God, you will not be able to do anything against it, because you will then even be fighting against God.

The council agrees to this. This sounds like wise and good counsel. It has been seen as that in the history of the church. Gamaliel says, “Let time judge them—then you won’t have to!” His advice may seem wise but it is the wisdom of a serpent! Gamaliel wants to avoid the capital punishment of these harmless men. He says, “Wait and see! If it is of men—nothing to fear. If it is of God—you can’t do anything about it.” This is not the attitude of the Apostles now or of the Apostle Paul later. They know in Whom they have believed and will stand for the truth whatever the cause. But, this advice sounds good–following it, you won’t have to do a thing and you can’t be guilty!

The council adopts the advice of Gamaliel, but there is still some unfinished business. These Apostles are guilty of disobedience and for this they must be punished now. The council then proceeds to beat them in the meeting of the council, warn them not to speak again in the name of Jesus and then let them go.

Frustration and Triumph

How naive these council members are. The Apostles do not fear the whip lashes they have received, but they rejoice that they have been counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name. These are men with a mission. They are committed. Nothing is going to move them from the direction they have taken. Regardless of the warnings of the council, they never stop preaching Jesus everywhere! Whether in the temple or in less formal settings, they preach and teach that this Jesus is the Messiah which Israel sought. These men cannot be silenced. The gospel is like a fire within them. The Spirit drives them to speak. The truth drives them on. If they had only some moralisms to make known to the people they would have been stopped by these threatenings. They have more to say. They may be arrested again and again; they may have to lose their freedom and their life; they will continue to preach Christ!

Questions for discussion:

1. Why do the rulers become so excited about the Apostles’ doings? 2. Why isn’t the miraculous escape from prison emphasized more? 3. How far can we go with the statement: “We must obey God rather than men?” 4. Why is Peter’s defense so effective? 5. Would it be well if we knew more about Theudas and Judas of Galilee? Josephus speaks of both but he cannot be trusted too well. Gamaliel makes his point with these examples. Is more needed? 6. Why is the counsel of Gamaliel devilish when it seems to be so wise? Does this kind of advice often fool the members of the church? 7. Would the Apostles have suffered as much if they had ”toned down” the gospel a little? What does this say to us today?    

Lesson 6

ORGANIZATION AND PERSECUTION

Acts 6

We believe, of course, that the book of Acts is the infallible Word of God, as are all the other books of the Bible. We therefore receive it as much more than beautiful literature. However, we must not lose sight of the beauty of the Word of God. The book of Acts is a work of art. The historian, Luke, gives us the needed information concerning the beginnings of the New Testament church and of its early development.

The Church in Transition

Chapter six is a transition chapter in the book of Acts. This does not mean that it does not have rich content of its own, but that it is a bridge to further development of the early church. Slowly the church comes to better organization. The gospel is first preached to the Jews in Jerusalem, but the Gospel must go out to the whole world. God so leads the history of that period that the leaders of the church will fulfill the mandate He has given to them.

The First Deacon

In the first seven verses of this chapter we hear of the addition of an office in the early church. This is the office of deacon. It is true that some today who do not believe that this is the institution of the diaconal office but that it was only the appointment of an ad hoc committee. These believe that this office (of deacon) was introduced some time later in the history of the church. I do not believe that this opinion rests on a solid foundation. The work which was given these men to do is work which has always been associated with the office of deacon. Our form for the installation of elders and deacons also mentions the fact that this distinct office had its beginning here.

A Problem of Growth

According to the review which the author has given us in the previous chapters, the church was doing very well. There was unbelievable growth . There was a spirit in the church which ought to be the envy of every future age. The church was strong. Its leaders were men of valor. Great things can be expected of this church. Now it is precisely at this particular time “when the number of the disciples was multiplying” that difficulties arose, not from without, but within the church. Complaints come from the Grecian Jews because their widows were not receiving adequate care. Just a word of explanation: these Grecian Jews were people who had lived outside of Palestine most of their lives. Many of them returned to Jerusalem late in life. As a result, there were many widows among them . Because they had lived most of their lives outside of Palestine, their language was Greek rather than Hebrew or Aramaic. They read their Bibles in Greek. Because of these differences, the divi sion between the Jews of Palestine, and these Greeks who had spent most of their lives outside of the Holy land is easily understood. But, both groups were now believers in Christ!

A Money Matter

What the “ministration” mentioned in the complaints included is difficult to say. Some believe that it refers to the love feasts of which Paul speaks in I Corinthians. Whatever else was involved, it is clear that it included material aid. For a time the believers “had all things common.” This spontaneous sharing did not long produce sufficient care for all the needy. Is it not strange that the first real difficulty rising out of the life of the church is a money matter? Yet, that is the case, and later history has shown that handling money often occasions problems in the church.

This is not a minor matter. The Apostles are fully aware of the seriousness of the problem and evidently recognize that these complaints are well-founded . They call the whole church together. This matter must be dealt with at once, lest it fester. Although the apostles had received and distributed the offerings of those who had sold property for the benefit of the believers (4:35, 37; 5:2), they want to delegate this work to others lest the most important task, i.e., prayer and the proclamation of the Word be neglected. Important as the work of benevolence is, it must not be placed on the same level as the ministration to the spiritual needs of the congregation.

Appointment to Office

The church is enjoined to appoint seven men to do this work which has now come to their attention. Why seven? Who knows? Apparently this number was able to do the work! These men must be of good report,” they must be “full of the Spirit and of wisdom.” These qualifications will be necessary for this work. That which the Sanhedrin and the people of the Jews could not accomplish, i.e., the destruction of the church, is now threatened from within. Let God’s Spirit and uncommon wisdom reign here. The church agrees at once and they chose seven men. Although seven are named, we are further informed only about the first two. Stephen was a man “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” No doubt the others were too, but in the case of Stephen it is stressed. Philip is also named. The last one named is a proselyte of Antioch. Interesting! He is a mission convert! These seven men are set before the Apostles; the whole congregation prays; and the Apostles lay their hands upon them. A new office has been created in the church. The organization is broadened and becomes more structured.

Healthy Church Growth

Before going on to the next section, Luke emphasizes that the “word of God increased,” i. e., more and more people heard it and were made aware of it. In Jerusalem the number of disciples increased exceedingly. The complaints of the Grecians has not hurt the growth of the church. The matter was dealt with in time. Peace again reigns. “And a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” This is a new element. Nothing has been heard of this before. These were not the “chief” priests, but the common priests who took care of the worship in the Synagogues. But, what a breakthrough! Those who were in the employ of the priests who had condemned Christ and made life difficult for the Apostles were now openly confessing their faith in Jesu s Christ. Nothing can stop the onward march of the gospel. According to Daniel, and according to Jesus, it would fill the entire earth. It is coming to pass!

At first glance the verses 8 to 15 seem to have very little to do with the first part o f this chapter except for the fact that the name of Stephen plays the dominant role. He is one of the seven who has been appointed by the church as a deacon. These men were to be “of good report; full of the Spirit; and full of wisdom.” Such men were chosen. Now it is said of this Stephen that he was full of grace and power and that he did great signs and wonders among the people. The Apostles were not to be burdened with the waiting on tables, so that they could give themselves to prayer and the proclamation of the Word. The inspired writer does not say that these Apostles were the only ones who preached the word. These deacons did too. Not only did Stephen and Philip speak the Word, they were also given the power to perform great wonders.

New Opposition

The wonders and signs performed by this good man are now opposed by men of the Hellenist (Greek) synagogues. (Christian widows from that background had been helped by those appointed according to the first part of this chapter). But, though they dispute with him, they are not able to win, nor are they able to hold their own against the wisdom and Spirit by which he spoke. He puts them to silence. This was the promise Jesus had given the disciples before His ascension that the Spirit would give them words to speak. This has now become reality.

If there is no possibility of winning in debate, the people of that age did not hesitate to use different methods. They will obtain false witnesses to testify against the object of their hatred. This they have done with our Lord, this they also do with Stephen. He is accused of speaking blasphemous words against Moses and against God. This stirs up the people-naturally. He is brought before the council where these accusations are repeated and it is also stated that he has spoken against the holy place, the temple, and against the law! Such deeds cannot be condoned. They have heard him say that Jesus will destroy the temple and that this same Jesus will change the customs Moses taught them.

In a way this accusation may well be true. Jesus has foretold the destruction of the temple (Matt. 24). As for the customs and manner of life Moses had taught them, has Stephen perhaps emphasized the temporary character of these customs? They have served their purpose in the past and they fall away when the fulfillment of prophecy comes. Such words can easily be misunderstood. Besides, these were false witnesses which were testifying against him. Similar charges are hurled against the Christ at the time of His trial. He blasphemed! He said, “Tear this temple down and in three days I will rebuild it.”

The witnesses have given their version of his teaching. Now the attention is focused on the defendant. How will he reply? What will be his defense? Before they hear this, they encounter something very strange in this man. His face has become “like the face of an angel!” What does this mean? Who of them knows what an angel’s face looks like? It is clear to all immediately. He has their full attention. Even before he speaks, the Lord makes them realize they are not dealing with something common. His defense will be the more forceful.

Questions for discussion:

1. Is it often true in the history of the church that dangers arise out of seemingly small things? 2. Why were there no deacons before? Does the need determine office?

3. Are their qualifications those which we must still seek for office?

4. Do you think the addition of a company of priests is significant?

5. Is Stephen leaving the deacon’s office when he preaches?

6. Why can’t the world defeat the church in debate? Or can it?

7. Was it right to teach the people not to obey Moses’ laws?