Acts 5:17–42: Obey God Rather than Men
Introduction
In the previous section, we saw the responses of the people to the gospel. Some stayed away, but held the church in high esteem (Acts 5:13). Others flocked to Christ “more than ever,” including “multitudes of both men and women” (Acts 5:14). As the church ascends in influence and adherents, the religious leaders of Israel were “filled with jealousy” (v. 17) and then later “enraged” (v. 33) by the apostles, and they demanded that the apostles discontinue their ministry. Yet, the apostles never turned from an opportunity to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus. What gave them boldness to defy the commands and even the authority of the Sanhedrin? Quite simply, they sought the approval of Jesus above all things, since they knew that God overturns the judgments of this world.
Discussion Questions
1. Why does the reaction of the Sadducees differ so greatly from the responses of the people (v. 17; cf. Acts 5:13–14)? What did the Sadducees hope to do by arresting the apostles (v. 18)? Why were the apostles willing to return to teaching about Jesus after they were released from prison (vv. 19–21)? Where were the temple officers unable to bring the apostles “by force” (v. 26)? Why were the apostles willing to return before the Sanhedrin voluntarily (v. 26)?
2. Why might the Sadducees have avoided asking the apostles about how they had escaped from the prison (vv. 27–28)? What do the Sadducees suggest by accusing the apostles of “intend[ing] to bring this man’s blood upon us” (v. 28)? Why didn’t the apostles follow the Sadducees’ rules (v. 29)? What stands out about how the apostles bear witness to the gospel of Jesus in vv. 30–32? What do they mean by “Leader” and “Savior” (v. 31)?
3. Compare the Sadducees, who were “cut asunder” (ESV: “enraged”; v. 33), with the men of Judea who were “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37). How are they similar? How are they different? How should we evaluate Gamaliel’s counsel (vv. 34–39)? Is it principled? Does he seek the truth? How could the apostles rejoice after being beaten as they were (vv. 40–41)? On what basis could the apostles have returned directly into ceaseless ministry after they had suffered for Christ (v. 42)?
4. Think about the various rules that you encounter in life, many of which are in conflict. How often do you end up breaking a rule that is put upon you, whether for good or bad reasons? What leads you to admire or to disrespect the authority of a rule-giver? How might your admiration grow for the authority of Jesus Christ, as well as for the commandments he gives? How might God give you repentance for failing to obey him?
