About Acts

Acts records the birth and growth of the church through the power of the Holy Spirit from Jerusalem to Rome.

Author: LukeWritten: c. AD 62-64Reading time: ~5 minVerses: 42
Holy SpiritWitnessChurch GrowthMissionPersecutionUnity

King James Version

Acts 5

42 verses with commentary

Ananias and Sapphira

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

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KJV Study Commentary

The conjunction 'But' (Greek 'de') signals dramatic contrast with Barnabas's genuine sacrifice (Acts 4:36-37). Ananias and Sapphira's story functions as warning against hypocrisy in Christian community. Their sin wasn't failing to give all but pretending they had. The Greek 'aner tis' (a certain man) introduces them as representative examples - every generation faces this temptation to counterfeit...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**V.** (1, 2) A certain man named Ananias.—The name meets us again as belonging to the high priest in Acts 23:2, and was the Greek form of the Hebrew Hananiah. It had the same significance as John, or Johanan, “The Lord be gracious.” “Sapphira,” is either connected with the “sapphire,” as a precious stone, or from a Hebrew word signifying “beautiful” or “pleasant.” The whole history must be read i...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The death of Ananias and Sapphira.(1-11) The power which accompanied the preaching of the gospel.(12-16) The apostles imprisoned, but set free by an angel.(17-25) The apostles testify to Christ before the council.(26-33) The advice of Gamaliel, The council let the apostles go.(34-42) **Verses 1-11** The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was, that t...
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And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

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KJV Study Commentary

The phrase 'kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it' describes deliberate, conspiratorial deception. The Greek 'enosphisato' (kept back) is used in Joshua 7:1 for Achan's theft, linking this sin to Israel's conquest crisis. This wasn't mere withholding but fraudulent representation. 'His wife also being privy' (Greek 'syneidyia,' conscious knowledge) makes this premeditated co...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **And kept back part of the price.**—The mere act of keeping back would not in itself have been sinful. The money was his own, to give the whole or part (Acts 5:4). But the formal act, apparently reproducing that of Barnabas, was an acted lie. The part was offered as if it were the whole. The word for “kept back” is rendered “purloining” in Titus 2:10, and always carried with it the idea of st...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ac 2:14-36. Peter for the First Time, Publicly Preaches Christ. **14-21. Peter, standing up with the eleven--**in advance, perhaps, of the rest.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The death of Ananias and Sapphira.(1-11) The power which accompanied the preaching of the gospel.(12-16) The apostles imprisoned, but set free by an angel.(17-25) The apostles testify to Christ before the council.(26-33) The advice of Gamaliel, The council let the apostles go.(34-42) **Verses 1-11** The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was, that t...
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But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? to lie to: or, to deceive

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KJV Study Commentary

Peter's penetrating question reveals that Ananias' sin originated in satanic influence ('why hath Satan filled thine heart'), yet holds him accountable for yielding to it. The specific sin of lying 'to the Holy Spirit' identifies the Spirit's deity—lying to Him equals lying to God (v. 4). This establishes the Spirit's personhood and divine nature.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Why hath Satan** **filled thine heart**?—The narrative is obviously intended to leave the impression that St. Peter’s knowledge of the fact came from a supernatural insight. He had that prophetic gift which gave him insight into the hearts of men, and through this outward show of generous devotion he read the baseness and the lie. And that evil he traced to its fountain-head. Like the sin of...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ac 2:14-36. Peter for the First Time, Publicly Preaches Christ. **14-21. Peter, standing up with the eleven--**in advance, perhaps, of the rest.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The death of Ananias and Sapphira.(1-11) The power which accompanied the preaching of the gospel.(12-16) The apostles imprisoned, but set free by an angel.(17-25) The apostles testify to Christ before the council.(26-33) The advice of Gamaliel, The council let the apostles go.(34-42) **Verses 1-11** The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was, that t...
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Whiles it remained, was it not thine own ? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

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KJV Study Commentary

Peter's penetrating questions - 'while it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?' - establish that giving was voluntary, not coerced. The sin wasn't incomplete donation but deceptive representation. The devastating accusation 'thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God' reveals hypocrisy's true nature: attempting to deceive God. The Greek 'pseudomai' (...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **Whiles it remained . . .**—Fresh circumstances are pressed home, as depriving the act of every possible excuse. Ananias had not been bound by any rule of the Church to such a gift. At every stage he was free to act as he thought best; and had he brought part as part, or even brought nothing, he would have been free from any special blame. As it was, the attempt to obtain the reputation of sa...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ac 2:14-36. Peter for the First Time, Publicly Preaches Christ. **14-21. Peter, standing up with the eleven--**in advance, perhaps, of the rest.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The death of Ananias and Sapphira.(1-11) The power which accompanied the preaching of the gospel.(12-16) The apostles imprisoned, but set free by an angel.(17-25) The apostles testify to Christ before the council.(26-33) The advice of Gamaliel, The council let the apostles go.(34-42) **Verses 1-11** The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was, that t...
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And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

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KJV Study Commentary

Ananias's immediate death - 'hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost' - demonstrates divine judgment's severity. The Greek 'ekpsychō' (gave up the ghost) means 'breathed out his soul,' occurring without physical cause. This judgment served multiple purposes: purifying the church, authenticating apostolic authority, and warning against hypocrisy. The statement 'great fear came on all t...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **Ananias hearing these words fell down.**—It is to be noted that St. Peter’s words, while they press home the intensity of the guilt, do not contain any formal sentence. In such a case we may rightly trace that union of natural causation and divine purpose which we express in the familiar phrase that speaks of “the visitation of God” as a cause of death. The shame and agony of detection, the ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ac 2:14-36. Peter for the First Time, Publicly Preaches Christ. **14-21. Peter, standing up with the eleven--**in advance, perhaps, of the rest.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The death of Ananias and Sapphira.(1-11) The power which accompanied the preaching of the gospel.(12-16) The apostles imprisoned, but set free by an angel.(17-25) The apostles testify to Christ before the council.(26-33) The advice of Gamaliel, The council let the apostles go.(34-42) **Verses 1-11** The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was, that t...
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And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

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KJV Study Commentary

The young men's immediate action - 'arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him' - fulfilled cultural necessity (Jewish burial within 24 hours) while removing evidence of judgment. The Greek 'systellō' (wound up) describes wrapping in burial cloths. The efficiency suggests divine judgment was understood and accepted. This swift removal also prevented Sapphira from being warned, allowi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **And the young men arose.**—Literally, *the younger men, *implying the existence of a distinct body as contrasted with the “elders” of the Church. So in Luke 20:26 we find the same word answering in the parallel clause to “him that serveth,” and opposed to “elders,” where the latter word seems used in a half official sense rather than of age only. We find here, accordingly, rather than in Act...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ac 2:14-36. Peter for the First Time, Publicly Preaches Christ. **14-21. Peter, standing up with the eleven--**in advance, perhaps, of the rest.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The death of Ananias and Sapphira.(1-11) The power which accompanied the preaching of the gospel.(12-16) The apostles imprisoned, but set free by an angel.(17-25) The apostles testify to Christ before the council.(26-33) The advice of Gamaliel, The council let the apostles go.(34-42) **Verses 1-11** The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was, that t...
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And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

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KJV Study Commentary

The temporal note - 'it was about the space of three hours after' - provided Sapphira opportunity to repent independently. She 'came in' ignorant of her husband's death, facing the same test he failed. The three-hour gap suggests neither premature warning nor insufficient time for reflection. God's timing gave her maximum opportunity while ensuring independent verification of conspiracy. This deta...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **And it was about the space of three hours after.**—Literally, *And there was an interval of about three hours.*

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ac 2:14-36. Peter for the First Time, Publicly Preaches Christ. **14-21. Peter, standing up with the eleven--**in advance, perhaps, of the rest.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The death of Ananias and Sapphira.(1-11) The power which accompanied the preaching of the gospel.(12-16) The apostles imprisoned, but set free by an angel.(17-25) The apostles testify to Christ before the council.(26-33) The advice of Gamaliel, The council let the apostles go.(34-42) **Verses 1-11** The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was, that t...
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And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

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KJV Study Commentary

Peter's direct question - 'Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much' - gave Sapphira clear opportunity to confess truth. The interrogative structure allowed yes/no response, removing ambiguity. Her answer 'Yea, for so much' repeated the lie, confirming conspiracy. The Greek 'nai' (yea) gave emphatic affirmation to known falsehood. Peter's question demonstrates pastoral confrontation's proper m...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **And Peter answered unto her.**—The word does not necessarily imply a previous questioning, but it is probable enough that she came to inquire why her husband had not returned home; perhaps, expecting to find him high in honour. The question asked by Peter gave her an opening for repentance. It had been in her power to save her husband by a word of warning protest. It was now in her power to ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ac 2:14-36. Peter for the First Time, Publicly Preaches Christ. **14-21. Peter, standing up with the eleven--**in advance, perhaps, of the rest.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The death of Ananias and Sapphira.(1-11) The power which accompanied the preaching of the gospel.(12-16) The apostles imprisoned, but set free by an angel.(17-25) The apostles testify to Christ before the council.(26-33) The advice of Gamaliel, The council let the apostles go.(34-42) **Verses 1-11** The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was, that t...
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Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

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KJV Study Commentary

Peter's charge - 'How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord?' - reveals the conspiracy's true nature: testing whether God would notice their deception. The Greek 'symphōneō' (agreed together) literally means 'sounded together,' emphasizing coordinated action. 'Tempt' (Greek 'peirazō') means test in sense of probing boundaries, similar to Israel's wilderness testing (Ps...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **To tempt the Spirit of the Lord**—*i.e., *to try, or *test, *whether the Spirit that dwelt in the Apostles was really a discerner of the secrets of men’s hearts. The “Spirit of the Lord” is probably used in its Old Testament sense, as the Spirit of Jehovah. The combination is rare in the New Testament, occurring only in 2Corinthians 3:17, but is common in the Old, as in Isaiah 61:1 (quoted i...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ac 2:14-36. Peter for the First Time, Publicly Preaches Christ. **14-21. Peter, standing up with the eleven--**in advance, perhaps, of the rest.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The death of Ananias and Sapphira.(1-11) The power which accompanied the preaching of the gospel.(12-16) The apostles imprisoned, but set free by an angel.(17-25) The apostles testify to Christ before the council.(26-33) The advice of Gamaliel, The council let the apostles go.(34-42) **Verses 1-11** The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was, that t...
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Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

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KJV Study Commentary

Sapphira's death - 'Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost' - mirrored her husband's, confirming divine judgment pattern. The Greek 'parachrēma' (straightway) emphasizes immediacy. The phrase 'at his feet' - where she should have humbly confessed - she instead died in deception. The young men finding her dead 'carried her forth, and buried her by her husband' suggests...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-28. a man approved of God--**rather, "authenticated," "proved," or "demonstrated to be from God." **by miracles ... which God did by him--**This is not a low view of our Lord's miracles, as has been alleged, nor inconsistent with Joh 2:11, but is in strict accordance with His progress from humiliation to glory, and with His own words in Joh 5:19. This view of Christ is here dwelt on to exhi...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The death of Ananias and Sapphira.(1-11) The power which accompanied the preaching of the gospel.(12-16) The apostles imprisoned, but set free by an angel.(17-25) The apostles testify to Christ before the council.(26-33) The advice of Gamaliel, The council let the apostles go.(34-42) **Verses 1-11** The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was, that t...
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And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

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KJV Study Commentary

The summary statement - 'great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things' - describes the intended effect: holy reverence. The Greek 'phobos megas' (great fear) indicates more than anxiety - profound awe at God's holiness and justice. This marks the first use of 'ekklesia' (church) in Acts, defining the community as those who fear God's presence. The phrase 'as many as ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **And great fear came upon all the church.**—With the exception of the doubtful reading in Acts 2:47, this is the first occurrence of the word *ecclesia* since the two instances in which our Lord had used it, as it were, by anticipation. (See Notes on Matthew 16:18; Matthew 18:17.) Its frequent use in the LXX. version for the “assembly,” or “congregation,” of Israel (Deuteronomy 18:16; Deuter...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-28. a man approved of God--**rather, "authenticated," "proved," or "demonstrated to be from God." **by miracles ... which God did by him--**This is not a low view of our Lord's miracles, as has been alleged, nor inconsistent with Joh 2:11, but is in strict accordance with His progress from humiliation to glory, and with His own words in Joh 5:19. This view of Christ is here dwelt on to exhi...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The death of Ananias and Sapphira.(1-11) The power which accompanied the preaching of the gospel.(12-16) The apostles imprisoned, but set free by an angel.(17-25) The apostles testify to Christ before the council.(26-33) The advice of Gamaliel, The council let the apostles go.(34-42) **Verses 1-11** The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was, that t...
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Many Signs and Wonders

And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

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KJV Study Commentary

The statement 'by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people' attributes miracles to divine agency through apostolic ministry. The Greek 'dia tōn cheirōn' (by the hands) emphasizes instrumentality - apostles were conduits, not sources. 'Many signs and wonders' validated the message. The church meeting 'with one accord in Solomon's porch' showed public visibility...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **Many signs and wonders**. . . .—See Note on Acts 2:22. **They were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.**—See Notes on Acts 3:2; John 10:23. It was, we have seen, at all times a favourite place of resort for teachers. The chronology of this period of the history is still, as before, left somewhat indefinite; but assuming some months to have passed since the Day of Pentecost, what is now ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-28. a man approved of God--**rather, "authenticated," "proved," or "demonstrated to be from God." **by miracles ... which God did by him--**This is not a low view of our Lord's miracles, as has been alleged, nor inconsistent with Joh 2:11, but is in strict accordance with His progress from humiliation to glory, and with His own words in Joh 5:19. This view of Christ is here dwelt on to exhi...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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. ...
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And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

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KJV Study Commentary

The paradox - 'of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them' - describes simultaneous reverence and distance. The Greek 'kollaō' (join) suggests close association. 'Durst no man' indicates fear-induced hesitation following Ananias and Sapphira's judgment. Yet 'the people magnified them' (Greek 'megalynō,' made great) showed public respect. This tension reveals healt...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **Of the rest.**—We are left to conjecture who these were who are contrasted with the Apostles on the one side and with the people on the other. Does it mean that the Apostles stood aloof in an isolated majesty, and so that none of the other disciples dared associate himself with them? or is this St. Luke’s way of speaking of the Pharisees and other teachers, who also resorted to the portico,...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-28. a man approved of God--**rather, "authenticated," "proved," or "demonstrated to be from God." **by miracles ... which God did by him--**This is not a low view of our Lord's miracles, as has been alleged, nor inconsistent with Joh 2:11, but is in strict accordance with His progress from humiliation to glory, and with His own words in Joh 5:19. This view of Christ is here dwelt on to exhi...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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. ...
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And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

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KJV Study Commentary

The summary - 'believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women' - shows that judgment purified rather than paralyzed the church. The Greek 'mallon' (the more) indicates accelerated growth, not decline. The passive 'were added to the Lord' emphasizes divine action - God builds His church. Including 'both men and women' highlights gospel's egalitarian nature in patriarcha...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Added to the Lord.**—Here, probably, the word is used in its definite New Testament sense for the Lord Jesus. **Both of men and women.**—The mention of the latter forms an introduction to the dissensions connected with the “widows” in Acts 6, and is itself characteristic of St. Luke as a writer who had seen and known the effect of the new Religion in raising women to a higher life, and whos...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-28. a man approved of God--**rather, "authenticated," "proved," or "demonstrated to be from God." **by miracles ... which God did by him--**This is not a low view of our Lord's miracles, as has been alleged, nor inconsistent with Joh 2:11, but is in strict accordance with His progress from humiliation to glory, and with His own words in Joh 5:19. This view of Christ is here dwelt on to exhi...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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. ...
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Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. into: or, in every street

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KJV Study Commentary

The extraordinary scene - 'they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them' - demonstrates radical faith in God's power through apostolic ministry. The Greek 'kan' (at the least) shows desperate hope even for indirect contact. Whether shadows actually healed is debated, but the passage e...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **Insomuch that they** **brought forth the sick . . .**—The tense implies habitual action. For some days or weeks the sick were laid all along the streets—the broad open streets, as distinct from the lanes and alleys (see Note on Matthew 6:5)—by which the Apostle went to and fro between his home and the Temple. **That at the least the shadow of Peter . . . .**—It is implied in the next verse ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-28. a man approved of God--**rather, "authenticated," "proved," or "demonstrated to be from God." **by miracles ... which God did by him--**This is not a low view of our Lord's miracles, as has been alleged, nor inconsistent with Joh 2:11, but is in strict accordance with His progress from humiliation to glory, and with His own words in Joh 5:19. This view of Christ is here dwelt on to exhi...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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. ...
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There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

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KJV Study Commentary

The expansion - 'there came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one' - describes gospel's centrifugal force. Jerusalem became healing center, drawing regional crowds. The inclusive statement 'healed every one' (Greek 'hapantes') emphasizes complete success rate, validating div...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **There came also a multitude.**—Here also the tense points to a continual and daily concourse. The work of expansion is beginning. The “cities round about” may have included Hebron, Bethlehem, Emmaus, and Jericho; perhaps also Lydda and Joppa. (See, however, Notes on Acts 9:32; Acts 9:36.) It is obvious here also that we have the summary of what must have occupied, at least, several months. ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-28. a man approved of God--**rather, "authenticated," "proved," or "demonstrated to be from God." **by miracles ... which God did by him--**This is not a low view of our Lord's miracles, as has been alleged, nor inconsistent with Joh 2:11, but is in strict accordance with His progress from humiliation to glory, and with His own words in Joh 5:19. This view of Christ is here dwelt on to exhi...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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. ...
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Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, indignation: or, envy

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KJV Study Commentary

The intensified opposition - 'Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation' - shows success provoking hostility. The Greek 'zēlos' (indignation) can mean jealousy or righteous zeal, here clearly jealous rage at apostles' influence. Identifying opposition as 'the sect of the Sadducees' emphasizes theological mo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **Then the high priest rose up. . . .** Probably, as before, Annas or Caiaphas. **Which is the sect of the Sadducees.**—The fact, of which this is the only distinct record, is of immense importance as throwing light on the course of action taken by the upper class of priests, both during our Lord’s ministry and in the history of this book. From the time of the teaching of John 5:25-29, they m...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**29-36. David ... is ... dead and buried, &c.--**Peter, full of the Holy Ghost, sees in this sixteenth Psalm, one Holy Man, whose life of high devotedness and lofty spirituality is crowned with the assurance, that though He taste of death, He shall rise again without seeing corruption, and be admitted to the bliss of God's immediate presence. Now as this was palpably untrue of David, it could...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 ...
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And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

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KJV Study Commentary

The second arrest - 'laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison' - escalated beyond the first (Acts 4:3). Plural 'apostles' suggests multiple arrests, not just Peter and John. 'Common prison' (Greek 'tērēsis dēmosia,' public holding) was likely more harsh than previous 'hold,' signaling increased severity. This pattern - escalating persecution meeting steadfast witness - c...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **Put them in the common prison.**—The word is the same as the “ward “of Acts 4:3. The addition of the word “common” or “public” perhaps indicates a greater severity of treatment. They were not merely kept in custody, but dealt with as common criminals, compelled to herd with ruffians and robbers and murderers.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**29-36. David ... is ... dead and buried, &c.--**Peter, full of the Holy Ghost, sees in this sixteenth Psalm, one Holy Man, whose life of high devotedness and lofty spirituality is crowned with the assurance, that though He taste of death, He shall rise again without seeing corruption, and be admitted to the bliss of God's immediate presence. Now as this was palpably untrue of David, it could...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 ...
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But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

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KJV Study Commentary

The miraculous deliverance - 'the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth' - demonstrates God's sovereign control. The Greek 'angelos kyriou' (angel of the Lord) may indicate Christ's pre-incarnate appearances or angelic messenger. The timing 'by night' avoided detection while the opened doors (Greek 'anoixas') showed supernatural power. The command 'Go, stand an...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **But the angel of the Lord.**—Better, *an angel.* The fact is obviously recorded by St. Luke as supernatural. Those who do not accept that view of it, and yet wish to maintain the general historical character of the narrative, are driven to the hypothesis that the “angel” was some jealous and courageous disciple; and that the Apostle, in the darkness of the night and the excitement of his li...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**29-36. David ... is ... dead and buried, &c.--**Peter, full of the Holy Ghost, sees in this sixteenth Psalm, one Holy Man, whose life of high devotedness and lofty spirituality is crowned with the assurance, that though He taste of death, He shall rise again without seeing corruption, and be admitted to the bliss of God's immediate presence. Now as this was palpably untrue of David, it could...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 ...
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Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

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KJV Study Commentary

The angelic command - 'Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life' - contains crucial elements. 'Go' sends them back to danger. 'Stand' (Greek 'stathentes') implies bold visibility, not hiding. The temple location maximized publicity and risk. 'All the words' (Greek 'panta ta rhēmata') demanded complete message, no compromise. The phrase 'this life' (Greek 'tēs zōēs...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **All the words of this** life.—The use of the demonstrative pronoun is significant. The “life in Christ” which the Apostles preach is that eternal life which consists in knowing God (John 17:1), and in which the angels are sharers.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**29-36. David ... is ... dead and buried, &c.--**Peter, full of the Holy Ghost, sees in this sixteenth Psalm, one Holy Man, whose life of high devotedness and lofty spirituality is crowned with the assurance, that though He taste of death, He shall rise again without seeing corruption, and be admitted to the bliss of God's immediate presence. Now as this was palpably untrue of David, it could...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 ...
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And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning , and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

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KJV Study Commentary

The obedient action - 'when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught' - shows immediate compliance with angelic command despite danger. The Greek 'hypo ton orthron' (early morning) indicates dawn teaching, maximizing time and audience. Meanwhile, 'the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together' mobilized official opposition,...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **Early in the morning.**—Probably at day-break, when the worshippers would be going up to the Temple for their early devotions, or, though less probable, at the third hour, the time of the morning sacrifice. **They that were with him.**—Probably those named in Acts 4:6, who seem to have acted as a kind of cabinet or committee. **All the senate**. . . .—Literally the word means, like senate, ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**29-36. David ... is ... dead and buried, &c.--**Peter, full of the Holy Ghost, sees in this sixteenth Psalm, one Holy Man, whose life of high devotedness and lofty spirituality is crowned with the assurance, that though He taste of death, He shall rise again without seeing corruption, and be admitted to the bliss of God's immediate presence. Now as this was palpably untrue of David, it could...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 ...
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But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,

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KJV Study Commentary

The officers' discovery - 'when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within' - describes supernatural escape with no natural explanation. The doors remained locked, guards unaware, yet prisoners vanished. This ir...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**29-36. David ... is ... dead and buried, &c.--**Peter, full of the Holy Ghost, sees in this sixteenth Psalm, one Holy Man, whose life of high devotedness and lofty spirituality is crowned with the assurance, that though He taste of death, He shall rise again without seeing corruption, and be admitted to the bliss of God's immediate presence. Now as this was palpably untrue of David, it could...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 ...
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Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

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KJV Study Commentary

The council's bewilderment - 'Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow' - shows confusion at God's evident approval. The Greek 'diēporoun' (doubted) means 'thoroughly perplexed,' unable to explain or predict outcomes. Their question 'whereunto this would grow' acknowledges momentum beyond their c...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**29-36. David ... is ... dead and buried, &c.--**Peter, full of the Holy Ghost, sees in this sixteenth Psalm, one Holy Man, whose life of high devotedness and lofty spirituality is crowned with the assurance, that though He taste of death, He shall rise again without seeing corruption, and be admitted to the bliss of God's immediate presence. Now as this was palpably untrue of David, it could...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 ...
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Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

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KJV Study Commentary

The report - 'Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people' - must have astonished authorities. The Greek 'idou' (behold) introduces shocking revelation. The phrase 'standing in the temple' (same location as arrest) showed audacious obedience to angelic command despite danger. That they were 'teaching the people' dem...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **The high priest.**—The Received text gives “the priest,” but the use of that word as meaning the high priest has no parallel in the New Testament, and the word is omitted by many of the best MSS. **The captain of the temple.**—The commander of the Levite sentinels. (See Notes on Acts 4:1; Luke 22:52.) **Whereunto this would grow.**—Literally, *what it might become, *or, possibly, *what it m...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**29-36. David ... is ... dead and buried, &c.--**Peter, full of the Holy Ghost, sees in this sixteenth Psalm, one Holy Man, whose life of high devotedness and lofty spirituality is crowned with the assurance, that though He taste of death, He shall rise again without seeing corruption, and be admitted to the bliss of God's immediate presence. Now as this was palpably untrue of David, it could...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 ...
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Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

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KJV Study Commentary

The further report - 'Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people' (some manuscripts include additional detail about blood-guilt accusation). The authorities' dilemma - apostles freely teaching despite imprisonment - forced new strategy. Their inability to explain escape or prevent teaching revealed impotence agains...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**37-40. pricked in their hearts--**the begun fulfilment of Zec 12:10, whose full accomplishment is reserved for the day when "all Israel shall be saved" (see on Ro 11:26). **what shall we do?--**This is that beautiful spirit of genuine compunction and childlike docility, which, discovering its whole past career to have been one frightful mistake, seeks only to be set right for the future, be th...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 ...
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Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

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KJV Study Commentary

The careful rearrest - 'Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned' - shows forced restraint. The Greek 'ou meta bias' (without violence) indicates gentle approach contrary to their authority and anger. Fear of popular stoning reversed normal power dynamics - religious leaders fearing crowd, not apostles...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **Without violence** **. . .**—The scene recalls that of John 7:45. Here, however, the Apostles set the example of unresisting acquiescence, even though the tide of feeling in their favour was so strong that they might have easily raised a tumult in their favour. The signs that had been recently wrought, perhaps also the lavish distribution of alms, the ideal communism of the disciples, were ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**37-40. pricked in their hearts--**the begun fulfilment of Zec 12:10, whose full accomplishment is reserved for the day when "all Israel shall be saved" (see on Ro 11:26). **what shall we do?--**This is that beautiful spirit of genuine compunction and childlike docility, which, discovering its whole past career to have been one frightful mistake, seeks only to be set right for the future, be th...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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,...
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The Apostles Before the Council

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

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KJV Study Commentary

The accusation - 'Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us' - reveals multiple grievances. The phrase 'straitly command' (Greek intensive) emphasizes their authority. Their avoidance of Jesus' name ('this name,' 'this man') shows contempt or fear. 'Filled Jerusalem w...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**37-40. pricked in their hearts--**the begun fulfilment of Zec 12:10, whose full accomplishment is reserved for the day when "all Israel shall be saved" (see on Ro 11:26). **what shall we do?--**This is that beautiful spirit of genuine compunction and childlike docility, which, discovering its whole past career to have been one frightful mistake, seeks only to be set right for the future, be th...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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,...
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Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

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KJV Study Commentary

The high priest's question reveals the religious establishment's fear of losing authority ('Did not we straitly command you'). Their concern about 'this man's blood' being upon them ironically recalls their own acceptance of responsibility (Matt. 27:25). The apostles' disobedience to human authority in order to obey God demonstrates the hierarchy of authority: God's commands supersede human comman...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **Did not we straitly command you . . .?**—The Greek presents the same Hebrew idiom as in Acts 4:17, and suggests again that it is a translation of the Aramaic actually spoken. **Ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine.**—Better, *with your teaching, *both to keep up the connection with the previous clause, and because the word is taken, as in Matthew 7:28, in its wider sense, and not in ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**37-40. pricked in their hearts--**the begun fulfilment of Zec 12:10, whose full accomplishment is reserved for the day when "all Israel shall be saved" (see on Ro 11:26). **what shall we do?--**This is that beautiful spirit of genuine compunction and childlike docility, which, discovering its whole past career to have been one frightful mistake, seeks only to be set right for the future, be th...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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,...
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Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>We ought to obey God rather than men</strong>—Peter states the principle of civil disobedience when human authority contradicts divine command. The Greek 'peitharchein' (obey) denotes submission to authority; 'dei' (ought) indicates moral necessity, not mere preference. This doesn't advocate anarchism but establishes God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. The apostles' defianc...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **Then Peter and the other apostles.**—The whole company of the Twelve, it must be remembered, were now the objects of attack, and they all accept Peter as their spokesman. **We ought to obey God rather than men.**—The words are an assertion of the same general law of duty as that of Acts 4:19-20, but the command of the angel in Acts 5:20 had given them a new significance.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ac 2:41-47. Beautiful Beginnings of the Christian Church. **41-47. they that gladly received his word were baptized--**"It is difficult to say how three thousand could be baptized in one day, according to the old practice of a complete submersion; and the more as in Jerusalem there was no water at hand except Kidron and a few pools. The difficulty can only be removed by supposing that they alread...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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,...
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The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

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KJV Study Commentary

Peter's climactic declaration - 'The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree' - contrasts divine action ('God... raised') with human crime ('ye slew and hanged'). The Greek 'diacheirisamenoi' (slew) emphasizes violent death by human hands. 'Hanged on a tree' evokes Deuteronomy 21:23's curse, which Christ bore for our redemption (Galatians 3:13). This bold accusation d...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **Whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.**—This synonym for crucifying comes from the LXX. version of Deuteronomy 21:23, where it is used in a wider sense, including analogous forms of punishment, such as hanging or impaling. It meets us again in Peter’s speech to Cornelius (Acts 10:39. Comp. Galatians 3:13).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ac 2:41-47. Beautiful Beginnings of the Christian Church. **41-47. they that gladly received his word were baptized--**"It is difficult to say how three thousand could be baptized in one day, according to the old practice of a complete submersion; and the more as in Jerusalem there was no water at hand except Kidron and a few pools. The difficulty can only be removed by supposing that they alread...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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,...
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Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

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KJV Study Commentary

The triumphant proclamation - 'Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins' - presents Christ's dual role. The Greek 'archēgon' (Prince) means originator, founder, pioneer - Christ blazes the trail we follow. 'Saviour' emphasizes deliverance. The phrase 'exalted with his right hand' indicates God's power elevating...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **Him hath** **God exalted.**—It is significant that St. Peter should use a word which, while it does not occur as applied to our Lord in the first three Gospels, meets us as so applied in St. John (John 3:14; John 12:32 : “lifted up” in the English version). It had also been used of the righteous sufferer in the LXX. version of Isaiah 3:13, and was afterwards used of the ascended and glorifi...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ac 2:41-47. Beautiful Beginnings of the Christian Church. **41-47. they that gladly received his word were baptized--**"It is difficult to say how three thousand could be baptized in one day, according to the old practice of a complete submersion; and the more as in Jerusalem there was no water at hand except Kidron and a few pools. The difficulty can only be removed by supposing that they alread...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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,...
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And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And we are his witnesses of these things</strong>—The apostles ground their authority in eyewitness testimony to Christ's resurrection and ascension. The Greek 'martyres' (witnesses) later came to mean 'martyrs' because witnessing often led to death. <strong>And so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him</strong>—the Spirit's presence confirms apostolic testimony,...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) **And so is also** **the Holy Ghost.**—The signs and wonders, the tongues and the prophecies, the new power and the new love, were all thought of by the Apostles as coming from their Lord; and therefore as an evidence that He had triumphed over death and had ascended into heaven. (Comp. Acts 2:33.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ac 2:41-47. Beautiful Beginnings of the Christian Church. **41-47. they that gladly received his word were baptized--**"It is difficult to say how three thousand could be baptized in one day, according to the old practice of a complete submersion; and the more as in Jerusalem there was no water at hand except Kidron and a few pools. The difficulty can only be removed by supposing that they alread...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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,...
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When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

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KJV Study Commentary

The hostile reaction - 'When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them' - shows truth's polarizing effect. The Greek 'dieprionto' (cut to the heart) describes sawing-through, violent internal reaction. Unlike Pentecost's crowd whose heart-piercing led to conversion (Acts 2:37, same Greek root), this produces murderous rage. The phrase 'took counsel' (Greek 'ebouleu...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(33) **They were** **cut to the heart.**—The strict meaning of the verb describes the action of a saw, as in Hebrews 11:37. Used figuratively, it seems to imply a more lacerating pain than the “pricked to the heart” of Acts 2:37, leading not to repentance but to hatred. The persons spoken of are principally the high priest and his Sadducean followers (Acts 5:17).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ac 2:41-47. Beautiful Beginnings of the Christian Church. **41-47. they that gladly received his word were baptized--**"It is difficult to say how three thousand could be baptized in one day, according to the old practice of a complete submersion; and the more as in Jerusalem there was no water at hand except Kidron and a few pools. The difficulty can only be removed by supposing that they alread...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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,...
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Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

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KJV Study Commentary

Gamaliel's intervention - 'Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space' - introduces providential restraint. The Greek 'nomididaskalos' (doctor of the law) indicates expert teacher. His 'reputation among all the people' gave him authority the council respected...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(34) **A Pharisee, named Gamaliel.**—We are brought into contact here with one of the heroes of Rabbinic history. The part he now played in the opening of the great drama, and not less his position as the instructor of St. Paul, demand attention. We have to think of him as the grandson of the great Hillel the representative of the best school of Pharisaism, the tolerant and large-hearted rival of ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ac 2:41-47. Beautiful Beginnings of the Christian Church. **41-47. they that gladly received his word were baptized--**"It is difficult to say how three thousand could be baptized in one day, according to the old practice of a complete submersion; and the more as in Jerusalem there was no water at hand except Kidron and a few pools. The difficulty can only be removed by supposing that they alread...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 serviceabl...
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And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

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KJV Study Commentary

Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and Paul's former teacher (Acts 22:3), urges caution with the Sanhedrin. His call to 'take heed' demonstrates wisdom in not acting rashly against what might be God's work. Though speaking as an unbeliever, God uses Gamaliel's counsel to protect the infant church, showing divine sovereignty in directing even pagan rulers' decisions for His purposes.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(35) **Ye men of Israel.**—We note the more familiar address of a man in high authority as compared with St. Peter’s “Rulers of the people, and elders of Israel” (Acts 4:8). **Take heed to yourselves.**—Compare our Lord’s use of the same formula (Matthew 6:1; Matthew 7:15; Matthew 10:17), and St. Paul’s (1Timothy 1:4; 1Timothy 4:13; Titus 1:14).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ac 2:41-47. Beautiful Beginnings of the Christian Church. **41-47. they that gladly received his word were baptized--**"It is difficult to say how three thousand could be baptized in one day, according to the old practice of a complete submersion; and the more as in Jerusalem there was no water at hand except Kidron and a few pools. The difficulty can only be removed by supposing that they alread...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 serviceabl...
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For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. obeyed: or, believed

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KJV Study Commentary

Gamaliel cites historical precedent—Theudas's failed rebellion. His argument follows a pattern: false movements collapse without divine support. While Gamaliel's theology is incomplete (suggesting a 'wait and see' approach), his providential reasoning contains truth: God-ordained movements cannot be stopped by human opposition. This principle undergirds Christian confidence in the church's eventua...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(36) **Before these days rose up Theudas.**—An insurrection, headed by a leader of this name, is mentioned by Josephus (*Ant.* xx. 5, § 1). He, however, places it, not “before the taxing”—i.e., circ. A.D. 6—but in the reign of Claudius, and under the procuratorship of Cuspius Fadus, A.D. 44, ten or twelve years after this speech of Gamaliel’s. The Theudas of whom he speaks claimed to be a prophet,...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 serviceabl...
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After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. obeyed: or, believed

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KJV Study Commentary

Judas of Galilee led another failed revolt, reinforcing Gamaliel's pattern of doomed human movements. The phrase 'perished' and 'scattered' emphasizes the futility of opposing God's purposes through mere human strength. Gamaliel's examples aim to calm the Sanhedrin's violent intentions, showing how God can use even incomplete theological reasoning to protect His people and advance His kingdom.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(37) **Judas of Galilee.**—In one passage Josephus (*Ant.* xviii. 1) calls him a Gaulonite—*i.e., *of the country east of Galilee. Had this stood alone, St. Luke might have been charged here also with inaccuracy; but in other passages (*Ant.* xx. 5, § 2; *Wars, *ii. 8, § 1) he is described as a Galilean. On the taxing, in the modern sense of the term, which followed on the census that synchronised...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 3 Ac 3:1-26. Peter Heals a Lame Man at the Temple Gate--Hs Address to the Wondering Multitude. **1-11. Peter and John--**already associated by their Master, first with James (Mr 1:29; 5:37; 9:2), then by themselves (Lu 22:8; and see Joh 13:23, 24). Now we find them constantly together, but John (yet young) only as a silent actor. **went up--**were going up, were on their way.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 serviceabl...
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And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

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KJV Study Commentary

Gamaliel's famous counsel—'Refrain from these men, and let them alone'—expresses confidence that false movements self-destruct. His conditional reasoning ('if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought') proves prophetically true for the church's survival. Though Gamaliel likely remained unconvinced, his prudential advice allowed Christianity to grow under divine protection, demon...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(38) **Refrain from these men.**—The advice implies something like a suppressed conviction not bold enough to utter itself. Gamaliel takes his place in the class, at all times numerous, of waiters upon Providence, who are neutral till a cause is successful, and then come forward with a tardy sympathy, but who, above all, shrink from committing themselves while there seems any possibility of failur...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 3 Ac 3:1-26. Peter Heals a Lame Man at the Temple Gate--Hs Address to the Wondering Multitude. **1-11. Peter and John--**already associated by their Master, first with James (Mr 1:29; 5:37; 9:2), then by themselves (Lu 22:8; and see Joh 13:23, 24). Now we find them constantly together, but John (yet young) only as a silent actor. **went up--**were going up, were on their way.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 serviceabl...
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But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

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KJV Study Commentary

Gamaliel's warning climaxes with the sobering possibility of fighting 'against God' (Greek: theomachoi). This phrase captures the futility and danger of opposing divine purposes. While Gamaliel spoke better than he knew, his logic is sound: human power cannot overthrow what God establishes. This principle comforts persecuted believers—our vindication is certain because God's purposes cannot fail. ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(39) **Fighters against God.**—It is interesting to note the recurrence of the same phrase in the reasoning of the Pharisees who took St. Paul’s part in Acts 23:9.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 3 Ac 3:1-26. Peter Heals a Lame Man at the Temple Gate--Hs Address to the Wondering Multitude. **1-11. Peter and John--**already associated by their Master, first with James (Mr 1:29; 5:37; 9:2), then by themselves (Lu 22:8; and see Joh 13:23, 24). Now we find them constantly together, but John (yet young) only as a silent actor. **went up--**were going up, were on their way.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 serviceabl...
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And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

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KJV Study Commentary

The council's agreement with Gamaliel demonstrates God's providential protection of the apostles through human wisdom. Yet their beating the apostles shows partial obedience—they refrained from killing but still punished. This reveals the contradiction of trying to oppose God's work while claiming prudence. The prohibition against speaking in Jesus' name attempts to silence gospel proclamation, sh...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(40) **And to him they agreed.**—The Sadducees, after their manner, would probably have preferred a more violent course, but the Pharisees were strong in the Sanhedrin, and the *via media* recommended by Gamaliel was, under such circumstances, likely to command a majority, and was, therefore, apparently accepted without a division. **And beaten them.**—Here we trace the action of Caiaphas and the ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 3 Ac 3:1-26. Peter Heals a Lame Man at the Temple Gate--Hs Address to the Wondering Multitude. **1-11. Peter and John--**already associated by their Master, first with James (Mr 1:29; 5:37; 9:2), then by themselves (Lu 22:8; and see Joh 13:23, 24). Now we find them constantly together, but John (yet young) only as a silent actor. **went up--**were going up, were on their way.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 serviceabl...
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And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

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KJV Study Commentary

The apostles' rejoicing after suffering represents a radical reversal of natural human response, showing Spirit-produced joy transcending circumstances. Being 'counted worthy to suffer shame for his name' reframes persecution as honor and privilege. This paradoxical joy demonstrates Christianity's transformative power.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(41) **Rejoicing that they were counted worthy.**—The emotion is probably, in one sense, natural to all who have an intense conviction of the Truth for which they suffer. But in this case there was something more. The Twelve could not fail to remember their Lord’s beatitudes; and now, for the first time, felt that they could “rejoice and be exceeding glad” because they were suffering as the prophe...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 3 Ac 3:1-26. Peter Heals a Lame Man at the Temple Gate--Hs Address to the Wondering Multitude. **1-11. Peter and John--**already associated by their Master, first with James (Mr 1:29; 5:37; 9:2), then by themselves (Lu 22:8; and see Joh 13:23, 24). Now we find them constantly together, but John (yet young) only as a silent actor. **went up--**were going up, were on their way.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 serviceabl...
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And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

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KJV Study Commentary

Daily, tireless witness 'in the temple, and in every house' shows the early church's aggressive evangelism utilizing all available venues. The dual message of 'teaching and preaching Jesus Christ' combines instruction for believers and proclamation for unbelievers. Their refusal to 'cease' despite opposition demonstrates commitment unto death.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(42) **And daily in the temple.**—Probably, as before, in the Portico of Solomon; the captain of the Temple now acting on the resolution just taken, and letting the movement take its course without interruption. **And in every house.**—Better, as in Acts 2:46, *at home:* in their place, or, it may be, places, of meeting. **To teach and preach Jesus Christ.**—Better, *to teach and to declare the go...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 3 Ac 3:1-26. Peter Heals a Lame Man at the Temple Gate--Hs Address to the Wondering Multitude. **1-11. Peter and John--**already associated by their Master, first with James (Mr 1:29; 5:37; 9:2), then by themselves (Lu 22:8; and see Joh 13:23, 24). Now we find them constantly together, but John (yet young) only as a silent actor. **went up--**were going up, were on their way.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 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 serviceabl...
Read full commentary →

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