Acts 5 - Introduction

THE BOOK OF ACTS. CHAPTER.

OUTLINE AND COMMENTARY. MARK DUNAGAN

I. OUTLINE OF CHAPTER 5:

I. The Deception And Deaths Of Ananias and Sapphira: Acts 5:1-10

II. The Effects And Aftermath: Acts 5:11-16

III. The Second Wave Of Persecution: Acts 5:17-42

II. INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS:

'The story of the deceit and death of this married couple is important for several reasons. It illustrates the honesty of Luke as. historian; he did not suppress this sordid episode...Several commentators have suggested. parallel between Ananias and Achan--the Achan who stole money and clothing after the destruction of Jericho..F.F. Bruce sees. further analogy: "The story of Ananias is to the book of Acts what the story of Achan is to the book of Joshua. In both narratives an act of deceit interrupts the victorious progress of the people of God."' (Stott pp. 108-109) (See Joshua 2:1 ff)

This chapter also contrasts sincere faith (Barnabas-Acts 4:36-37); and those who want the reputation for such but aren't willing to pay the price. McGarvey notes, 'Unfortunately for our race, every excellence in human character has its counterfeits, and the praise lavished on men of real benevolence prompts others at times to play the hypocrite..' (p. 82)

And then again, this chapter clearly reveals God's attitude towards hypocrites in the Church. Barclay notes, 'This is one of the stories which demonstrate the almost stubborn honesty of the Bible. It is. story which might well have been left out (had the Bible been written by uninspired men-MD) because it shows that even in the Early Church there were very imperfect Christians.' (p. 42)

We also should note that Satan has already tried to destroy the Church from without, and will try again (Acts 5:17). Here he tries to destroy it from within.

III. COMMENTARY ON CHAPTER FIVE: