< Acts 5 >

The early disciples shared their possessions among each other, doing this willingly (Acts 4). However two of them, Ananias and Sapphira, wished to appear equally benevolent while secretly retaining part for themselves. This brought swift retribution upon them, providing a salutary lesson that the great benefits of the gospel bring with them corresponding responsibilities, and warned others against adopting attitudes of mind opposing [“satan” to] God’s Holy Spirit.

The teaching of the apostles, supported by the miracles they performed, resulted in many more joining the church but also attracted the ire of the Jewish rulers. Again they arrested the apostles, but on this occasion an angel effected their release. When the apostles were brought back before the Jewish council they were able once more to witness before these men who denied the resurrection that the one they had slain and hanged on a tree had been raised from the dead and exalted to God’s right hand as the Prince and saviour of Israel.

The rulers were incensed by the words of the apostles and discussed how they might destroy them but, following the counsel of Gamaliel, a respected religious teacher, they reluctantly released them after further reprimand and warning. The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Jesus’ name, and “daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ”. Matthew 5:10,Waiting for response for Matthew 5:10 Matthew 10:32Waiting for response for Matthew 10:32