12 At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people ; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's portico . 13 But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however , the people held them in high esteem . 14 And all the more believers in the Lord , multitudes of men and women , were constantly added to their number, 15 to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets , so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any one of them. 16 Also the people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together , bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits , and they were all being healed .
17 But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees ), and they were filled with jealousy . 18 They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail . 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison , and taking them out he said , 20 "Go , stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life ." 21 Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach . Now when the high priest and his associates came , they called the Council together , even all the Senate of the sons of Israel , and sent orders to the prison house for them to be brought . 22 But the officers who came did not find them in the prison ; and they returned and reported back, 23 saying , "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 ." 24 Now when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words , they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this . 25 But someone came and reported to them, "The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people !"
26 Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without e violence (for they were afraid of the people , that they might be stoned ). 27 When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council . The high priest questioned them, 28 saying , "We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name , and yet , you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man's blood upon us." 29 But Peter and the apostles answered , " We must obey God rather than men . 30 " The God of our fathers raised up Jesus , whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross . 31 " He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior , to grant repentance to Israel , and forgiveness of sins . 32 "And we are witnesses of these things ; and so is the Holy Spirit , whom God has given to those who obey Him." 33 But when they heard this, they were cut to the quick and intended to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel , a teacher of the Law , respected by all the people , stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time . 35 And he said to them, "Men of Israel , take care what you propose to do with these men . 36 "For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody , and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. But he was killed , and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing . 37 "After this man , Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished , and all those who followed him were scattered . 38 "So in the present case , I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone , for if this plan or action is of men , it will be overthrown ; 39 but if it is of God , you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God ." 40 They took his advice ; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus , and then released them. 41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council , rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name . 42 And every day , in the temple and from house to house , they kept e right e on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 5:12-42
Commentary on Acts 5:12-16
(Read Acts 5:12-16)
The separation of hypocrites by distinguishing judgments, should make the sincere cleave closer to each other and to the gospel ministry. Whatever tends to the purity and reputation of the church, promotes its enlargement; but that power alone which wrought such miracles by the apostles, can rescue sinners from the power of sin and Satan, and add believers to His worshippers. Christ will work by all his faithful servants; and every one who applies to him shall be healed.
Commentary on Acts 5:17-25
(Read Acts 5:17-25)
There is no prison so dark, so strong, but God can visit his people in it, and, if he pleases, fetch them out. Recoveries from sickness, releases out of trouble, are granted, not that we may enjoy the comforts of life, but that God may be honoured with the services of our life. It is not for the preachers of Christ's gospel to retire into corners, as long as they can have any opportunity of preaching in the great congregation. They must preach to the lowest, whose souls are as precious to Christ as the souls of the greatest. Speak to all, for all are concerned. Speak as those who resolve to stand to it, to live and die by it. Speak all the words of this heavenly, divine life, in comparison with which the present earthly life does not deserve the name. These words of life, which the Holy Ghost puts into your mouth. The words of the gospel are the words of life; words whereby we may be saved. How wretched are those who are vexed at the success of the gospel! They cannot but see that the word and power of the Lord are against them; and they tremble for the consequences, yet they will go on.
Commentary on Acts 5:26-33
(Read Acts 5:26-33)
Many will do an evil thing with daring, yet cannot bear to hear of it afterward, or to have it charged upon them. We cannot expect to be redeemed and healed by Christ, unless we give up ourselves to be ruled by him. Faith takes the Saviour in all his offices, who came, not to save us in our sins, but to save us from our sins. Had Christ been exalted to give dominion to Israel, the chief priests would have welcomed him. But repentance and remission of sins are blessings they neither valued nor saw their need of; therefore they, by no means, admitted his doctrine. Wherever repentance is wrought, remission is granted without fail. None are freed from the guilt and punishment of sin, but those who are freed from the power and dominion of sin; who are turned from it, and turned against it. Christ gives repentance, by his Spirit working with the word, to awaken the conscience, to work sorrow for sin, and an effectual change in the heart and life. The giving of the Holy Ghost, is plain evidence that it is the will of God that Christ should be obeyed. And He will surely destroy those who will not have Him to reign over them.
Commentary on Acts 5:34-42
(Read Acts 5:34-42)
The Lord still has all hearts in his hands, and sometimes directs the prudence of the worldly wise, so as to restrain the persecutors. Common sense tells us to be cautious, while experience and observation show that the success of frauds in matters of religion has been very short. Reproach for Christ is true preferment, as it makes us conformable to his pattern, and serviceable to his interest. They rejoiced in it. If we suffer ill for doing well, provided we suffer it well, and as we should, we ought to rejoice in that grace which enabled us so to do. The apostles did not preach themselves, but Christ. This was the preaching that most offended the priests. But it ought to be the constant business of gospel ministers to preach Christ: Christ, and him crucified; Christ, and him glorified; nothing beside this, but what has reference to it. And whatever is our station or rank in life, we should seek to make Him known, and to glorify his name.