2/21/24
Bruce, F.F. (1988). "Acts 5:12-42." In The Book of Acts (Revised). (pp. 108-119). William B. Eerdmans Publishing,
Bruce observes that the summary statement of Acts 5:12-16 serves as a transition to the upcoming event (Bruce 1988, p. 108). He notes a confusing statement. In verse 13 there is hesitancy to join with the disciples, but in verse 14 more people are joining with them. Bruce suggests that the death of Ananias and Sapphira may have "scared off all but the totally committed" (Bruce 1988, p. 109). The text does describe powerful signs which would have attracted positive attention.
Acts 5:17-21 describes the response of the high priest and his colleagues. Luke presents this arrest as a separate incident from the arrest in Acts 4:1-22. Bruce observes that the differences in the events and the overall attitude of the religious leaders makes it quite likely that the apostles would be arrested several times (Bruce 1988, p. 110). In this instance, the apostles were set free by an angel during the night (vv. 19-21). Bruce observes that Luke describes the release in terms of Old Testament narratives in which God works himself as "the angel of the Lord" though the lack of detail does leave us with some doubt as to the identity of the messenger who freed them.
Verses 21-26 describe events of the morning after the apostles were released from prison during the night. Rather than finding their prisoners in prison, the Sanhedrin learned they were teaching in the temple. Bruce notes the authorities were distressed by this (Bruce 1988, p. 111). It may have appeared to the Sanhedrin that the apostles had accomplices among the prison guard and approval of the people who heard their teaching. This would undermine the authority of the high priest. The apostles were brought back, without force, so as not to provoke a riot.
In verse 27, the apostles are brought before the court and warned again about teaching in Jesus' name (Bruce 1988, p. 112). Peter makes a response, but Bruce notes it is "Peter and the apostles," indicating that Peter acted as a spokesman for the others. The response is that God raised up Jesus, though the leaders of Israel had arranged his death, which Bruce observes was a disgraceful means of death (Deuteronomy 21:23). Despite the dishonor received from the high priest, God honored Jesus (Bruce 1988, p. 113). For this reason, the apostles feel compelled to honor Jesus as well.
Acts 5:33-40 describes the deliberation of the council. Bruce observes that the Sadducees wanted to execute the apostles but that the Pharisees would need to agree, at least for purposes of public image (Bruce 1988, p. 114). Bruce briefly examines the identity of Gamaliel, who was the teacher of the apostle Paul (Acts 22:3), and who may have been part of the school of Hillel, or may have founded his own school (Bruce 1988, p. 114). Gamaliel's warning against rash actions persuaded the court, resulting in a flogging and threats to the apostles, but not execution. Bruce notes that Theudas, mentioned by Gamalien, is unknown, but Judas the Galilean is known for a tax revolt shortly after 6 A.D. Judas' revolt was re-invigorated after the time of this hearing, in 66 A.D. by a party called Zealots (Bruce 1988, p. 116). In verses 41-42 the apostles continue speaking in Jesus' name despite the prohibition. Bruce notes they were emboldened rather than discouraged by suffering for the sake of Jesus (Bruce 1988, p. 117).