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 5:27-42
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.