The Acts of the Apostles

Acts 5:17-41 Apostles in Jail, Preaching & Beating

Acts 5:17-28 - The Apostles In and Out of Prison
And in response to the ongoing miraculous works of the apostles,
Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him
(which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with
indignation,
Likely Caiaphas was the high priest and he belonged to the Sadducees
Sadducees - a religious party at the time of Christ among the Jews, who
denied the following doctrines:
resurrection of the body
immortality of the soul
existence of spirits and angels
divine predestination, affirmed free will
Based on this description, what was the indignation here?
zeal, embracing, jealousy about what?
The result was imprisonment the public prison or city jail
During the night, their angelic release was followed by go, stand
& speak 1 April 13, 2014 Bob Eckel
 The Acts of the Apostles
Acts 5:17-41 Apostles in Jail, Preaching & Beating
and what were they to speak about?
the words of this life
and what life is this?
zoe the eternal life that is Christ Jesus
John 1:4 - In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
Acts 5:21 - The trip to the Temple at daybreak appears to be
predictive of further discussions about the fate of the apostles.
Acts 5:22,23 - But note that when they (+ elders) arrived at the
prison not only were the apostles not there but the gate had been
shut and the guards were oblivious to what had occurred.
A reminder of Christs tomb?
Acts 5:24-28 Notice the hierarchy who were gathered here
high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests
And also there were the people who were being taught.
Does this explain why they were taken to the council without violence?
They doubted authority and feared the people, lest they should be stoned.
2 April 13, 2014 Bob Eckel
 The Acts of the Apostles
Acts 5:17-41 Apostles in Jail, Preaching & Beating
Reflects sentiment of a large number of the people Acts 4:4
The accusation - Did we not strictly command you not to teach
in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your
doctrine, and intend to bring this Mans blood on us!
In what name?
How should we interpret filled here?
to abound?
to complete?
to bring to realization?
Did the apostles intend to bring this Mans blood on them - Acts 2:23?
But who is righteous, no not one!
Acts 5:29-33 The Apostles Defense
What did Peter and the other apostles mean when they said We
ought to obey God rather than men.
What is this obedience to - go, stand and speak and/or beyond?
Examine verses 30-32; is there anything missing here?
3 April 13, 2014 Bob Eckel
 The Acts of the Apostles
Acts 5:17-41 Apostles in Jail, Preaching & Beating
God of our fathers raised up Jesus
Whom they murdered by hanging on a tree
Him God has exalted at His right hand
To be Prince and Savior
To give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel
The apostles being His witnesses
As was the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey
Again obedience?
Acts 5:33-39 Gamaliels Counsel
The plans to kill the apostles are stated, but Gamaliel steps forth.
Who was this Pharisee Gamaliel among Sadducees - a teacher
of the law held in respect by all the people.
The man who taught Paul the law of Moses
Acts 22:3 - I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in
this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our
fathers law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today
Lets now review his advice.
4 April 13, 2014 Bob Eckel
 The Acts of the Apostles
Acts 5:17-41 Apostles in Jail, Preaching & Beating
Take heed men of Israel
He uses Theudas as an example
We have no more information on Theudas except that his was a common name,
and from Josephus the Theudas he referenced was another Theudas than Luke.
~400 men joined him and He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered
and came to nothing.
And Judas of Galilee as another example
Not Iscariot; Judas of Galilee was a man who apparently led a rebellion against
Herods imposing tax law on the Jews.
Who rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He
also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.
His advice
keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this
work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot
overthrow itlest you even be found to fight against God.
Luke 11:23
Does Gamaliel remind you of anyone else in the Gospel account?
Perhaps Nicodemus?
Acts 5:40,41 - Apostles Beaten but Privileged
5 April 13, 2014 Bob Eckel
 The Acts of the Apostles
Acts 5:17-41 Apostles in Jail, Preaching & Beating
Gamalilels plea is heeded.
Yet the apostles suffer beatings (scourged or flogged) before
being released and told not to speak in the name of Jesus.
A whip consisting of 2 lashes knotted with bones and short bronze hooks.
As was Jesus Matt 27:26
And Paul also, 5 times II Cor 11:14; Acts 16:22,23!
Their response - rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame
for His name.
What shame?
Hows this for obedience to the faith and walking in the power of the Spirit.
This privilege of suffering!
II Thess 1:5 - which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that
you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;
II Thess 1:12 - For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not
ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to
keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
I Pet 3:14 - But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you are blessed.
And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.

6 April 13, 2014 Bob Eckel