The Acts of the Apostles April 13, 2014 Bob Eckel 1 Acts 5:17-41 “Apostles in Jail, Preaching & Beating” Acts 5: The Apostles In and Out of Prison –And in response to the ongoing miraculous works of the apostles, Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, Likely Caiaphas was the high priest and he belonged to the Sadducees –Sadducees - a religious party at the time of Christ among the Jews, who denied the following doctrines: »resurrection of the body »immortality of the soul »existence of spirits and angels »divine predestination, affirmed free will Based on this description, what was the indignation here? –zeal, embracing, jealousy – about what? The result was imprisonment – the public prison or city jail –During the night, their angelic release was followed by go, stand & speak

The Acts of the Apostles April 13, 2014 Bob Eckel 2 Acts 5:17-41 “Apostles in Jail, Preaching & Beating” –and what were they to speak about? the words of this life –and what life is this? »zoe – the eternal life that is Christ Jesus »John 1:4 - In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. –Acts 5:21 - The trip to the Temple at daybreak appears to be predictive of further discussions about the fate of the apostles. –Acts 5:22,23 - But note that when they (+ elders) arrived at the prison not only were the apostles not there but the gate had been shut and the guards were oblivious to what had occurred. A reminder of Christ’s tomb? –Acts 5:24-28 – Notice the hierarchy who were gathered here high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests –And also there were the people who were being taught. Does this explain why they were taken to the council without violence? –They doubted authority and feared the people, lest they should be stoned.

The Acts of the Apostles April 13, 2014 Bob Eckel 3 Acts 5:17-41 “Apostles in Jail, Preaching & Beating” –Reflects sentiment of a large number of the people – Acts 4:4 –The accusation - “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” In what name? How should we interpret filled here? –to abound? –to complete? –to bring to realization? Did the apostles intend to bring this Man’s blood on them - Acts 2:23? –But who is righteous, no not one! Acts 5:29-33 – The Apostles’ Defense –What did Peter and the other apostles mean when they said “We ought to obey God rather than men. What is this obedience to - go, stand and speak and/or beyond? Examine verses 30-32; is there anything missing here?

The Acts of the Apostles April 13, 2014 Bob Eckel 4 Acts 5:17-41 “Apostles in Jail, Preaching & Beating” –God of our fathers raised up Jesus –Whom they murdered by hanging on a tree –Him God has exalted at His right hand –To be Prince and Savior –To give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel –The apostles being His witnesses –As was the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey »Again obedience? Acts 5:33-39 – Gamaliel’s Counsel –The plans to kill the apostles are stated, but Gamaliel steps forth. –Who was this Pharisee Gamaliel among Sadducees - a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people. The man who taught Paul the law of Moses –Acts 22:3 - “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today Let’s now review his advice.

The Acts of the Apostles April 13, 2014 Bob Eckel 5 Acts 5:17-41 “Apostles in Jail, Preaching & Beating” –Take heed men of Israel –He uses Theudas as an example »We have no more information on Theudas except that his was a common name, and from Josephus the Theudas he referenced was another Theudas than Luke. »~400 men joined him and He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. –And Judas of Galilee as another example »Not Iscariot; Judas of Galilee was a man who apparently led a rebellion against Herod’s imposing tax law on the Jews. »Who rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. –His advice »keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God. »Luke 11:23 Does Gamaliel remind you of anyone else in the Gospel account? –Perhaps Nicodemus? Acts 5:40,41 - Apostles Beaten but Privileged

The Acts of the Apostles April 13, 2014 Bob Eckel 6 Acts 5:17-41 “Apostles in Jail, Preaching & Beating” –Gamalilel’s plea is heeded. –Yet the apostles suffer beatings (scourged or flogged) before being released and told not to speak in the name of Jesus. A whip consisting of 2 lashes knotted with bones and short bronze hooks. –As was Jesus – Matt 27:26 –And Paul also, 5 times – II Cor 11:14; Acts 16:22,23! Their response - rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. –What shame? –How’s this for obedience to the faith and walking in the power of the Spirit. –This privilege of suffering! »II Thess 1:5 - which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; »II Thess 1:12 - For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. »I Pet 3:14 - But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”