355. OBEYING GOD RATHER THAN MEN
"We ought to obey God rather than men"
It is true that until the Lord Jesus Christ returns from heaven, all things will lack perfection. It has always been thus. The young ecclesia, as with the present, was not without its problems and shortcomings. It is significant that the fifth chapter of Acts begins with "But", for it puts a stop to the pleasant and agreeable prospects suggested by the earlier chapters.
Our aim in this lesson is to see the need for wholehearted and faithful service, without hypocrisy, which will be rewarded by the overshadowing care of an Almighty God.
Acts 5
A BLIGHT ON THE ECCLESIA'S UNITY (Acts 5:1-11).
Ananias and his wife Sapphira, in common with many of the disciples, took it upon themselves to sell some of their property. Unlike the others, however, who surrendered all the proceeds to a common purse, they con spired to retain a part themselves, while surrendering the other portion to the apostles. Human nature had come to the fore. In v.3 Peter says, "why hath Satan filled thine heart", an expression which is parallel to his later comments "why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart" in v. 4 and "how is it that ye have agreed together" in v.9. As Jesus said, "Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts" (Matt. 15:19).
The incorrectness of their actions lay in their attempted deception of the apostles, in that they would have had them believe that their contribu tion represented the entire proceeds. Their sin was lying to God Himself. Peter was severe in his reaction, and the fate of Ananias and Sapphira terrible, but the strong words of Christ against hypocrisy should be borne in mind (Matt. 23: 13-16, 23-29). Contributions to the community's goods were voluntary, not compulsory (v.4). Ananias and Sapphira were under no compulsion to sell their property at all, but seem to have been motivated to do so from a desire to appear righteous before the ecclesia. Neither was there any requirement for the total receipt of such a sale to be surrendered. It was their calculated hypocrisy for which they were held accountable. Such mischief menaces brotherly love, trust and sincerity.
THE APOSTLES' MIRACULOUS POWER (Acts 5:12-16).
As a result of the terrible judgment inflicted on the two transgressors, "great fear came upon all the ecclesia" (v.11). The believers were con firmed in their adherence to the apostles and to one another. They met in the temple; in the open place that was called "Solomon's Porch". The record says they were there with one accord, unanimous in their doctrine, worship and discipline. The people magnified them, and had them in great veneration. Aside from those who joined themselves to the band in belief however, a respectful but uncertain aloofness was practised by the crowd (v. 13). Many signs and wonderful works were seen at the apostles' hands, and by such works both the preachers and their doctrines gained in reputation. All manner of people clammered to take advantage of their healing power, and obtained it. It would seem that even the passing shadow of Peter was sufficient to ease the afflicted and comfort the stricken. "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do" (Jn. 14:12).
FURIOUS OPPOSITION REDUCED TO IMPOTENCE (Acts 5:17-28).
In the good and effective work that was being achieved, the Sanhedrin saw their worst fears realised. They viewed with alarm anything in the nature of a popular uprising, fearing for their wealth and dignity, their power and tyranny. All would be inevitably lost if the spiritual doctrine of Christ should prevail among the people. The Sadducees had a par ticular enmity to the gospel of Christ because it challenged their disbelief in the resurrection. Though the authorities were unable to lay any criminal charge against the apostles, in a fury of jealousy they had them arrested and put into the common jail. No doubt the Jewish leaders sought by so doing to both frighten the apostles and destroy the respect surrounding them.
God however determined a course which the Sanhedrin could not amend. An angel released the prisoners that same night, and instructed them to continue preaching publicly in the temple (v.20). Refreshed by heavenly confirmation of their mission, and fearless of the intervention of men, the apostles immediately set themselves to the task.
Meanwhile, the Sanhedrin and entire Senate gathered to crush their witness to the resurrected Christ (v.21). What amazement they must have experienced when told the prisoners could not be found in the prison. We can imagine that mingled with their wonder may well have been dis quieting apprehension. Annoyance must have followed, upon their learn ing that yet again were the apostles boldly continuing their efforts in the temple. Daring not to use violence, the captain and his men repeated the arrest and brought them before the Sanhedrin. On behalf of the august assembly the high priest reprimanded the brethren for not submitting to the court's injunction to cease preaching in the name of Jesus Christ. They had spread false doctrine among the people, he said, and demonstrated a malicious design against the government. Their widespread accusations of priestly guilt for the death of Jesus were unac ceptable.
THE APOSTLES SPEAK THE UNPALATABLE TRUTH (Acts 5:29-32).
Peter and the apostles answered the charge with a powerful rebuff. They were justified in disobeying the command of the Sanhedrin; they declared: "We ought to obey God rather than men". God had com manded that they teach in the name of Christ. They were compelled therefore to do so. Unhesitatingly, and without excuse or begging for pardon, they repeated the charge of murder against their audience. "You slew him and hanged him on a tree", they said. The God of their com mon fathers had raised him up and established him as a "prince" and "saviour" € one who would exercise sovereignty over man, but with the object of securing their salvation.
Of the truth of the resurrection, they were sure, for they had both seen him alive after his death and witnessed his ascension to heaven. Moreover the miracles wrought by the Holy Spirit showed plainly that God was with them. Judge you, they implied, whether we ought to obey you in op position to Him.
CALM COUNSEL TEMPORARILY PREVAILS (Acts 5:33-42).
When the members of the council heard these words, they were so furious they wanted to kill them. There rose to his feet, however, one Gamaliel, whose words were to moderate the rage of the court and check the violence of the persecution. Gamaliel proceeded to cite two cases of seditious men whose attempted coercion came to nothing. If the apostles were of a similar type, he argued, their efforts would likewise be brought to nought. On the other hand, if God were with them, His purpose would inevitably be achieved. Were the Sanhedrin to oppose the work in this case, they could find themselves opposed to the might of God. Though God's work may be vigorously opposed, it cannot be overthrown. The simple logic of Gamaliel's conviction assured the assent of the assembly. They could not forebear though giving some vent to their rage and, before releasing the apostles they beat them and again commanded them not to speak any more in the "name of Jesus".
In the face of physical persecution and mental torment, the wonderful courage and constancy of the apostles shone through as a brilliant beacon. They bore their sufferings with an invincible cheerfulness, "re joicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name". In this the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount found an application (Matt. 5:11-12). It was fitting that Peter should later encourage believers to be joyful in tribulation (1 Pet. 4:12-13). The chapter concludes with the simple statement that "they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ". They lost no opportunity to declare the gospel. Their zeal con tinued unabated.
LESSONS FOR US:
- When the spirit of greed and hypocrisy was discerned in the ecclesia, the offenders were struck dead. This gives us understanding of the Divine assessment of such activity, and serves as a warning of the judgment to come.
- Ecclesial unity comes with steadfastness and purity of doctrine. Discipline is essential. Unity engenders enthusiasm and effectiveness. "Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58).
- The second release of the apostles testifies to the overshadowing pro vidential care for a faithful ecclesia. Our challenge lies in obedience to the One who showed such care.
REFERENCE LIBRARY:
"Story of the Bible" (H. P. Mansfield) € Vol. 13, Pages 33-39
PARAGRAPH QUESTIONS:
- Peter said to Ananias, "Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?" What did he mean by this?
- How did the apostles' miracles assist in the proclamation of the gospel and what did Peter say about them when he stood before the Sanhedrin?
- Highlight the points made by Peter and the apostles when they defended their obedience of God rather than men on the second occa sion when they stood before the Sanhedrin.
- Describe some of the features of early ecclesial life at Jerusalem.
ESSAY QUESTIONS:
- Relate the drama involving Ananias and Sapphira, and discuss its im plications for ecclesial activity.
- How were the Sanhedrin's interests threatened by the activity of the apostles, and how did they move to protect them?
- "If it be of God ye cannot overthrow it". Who said these words and why were they said?