Continuing this study, after learning the consequences of decisions made by Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-10 (see previous lesson) we can read on in Acts 5…
Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.
Acts 5:11 NIV
It was one thing to see miraculous signs and wonders taking place through the apostles. Per Acts 2:43, this created awe. On the other hand, the fate of Ananias and Sapphira created fear.
In fact, I think that these two things – awe and fear – are somewhat related, and have a similar effect:
- Our reverence for God can be described as a holy fear. Appreciating who God is and what He is like should instill a sense of both wonder and respect in us. God is all-powerful, and if we are (contrary to rational logic) trying to incur His wrath, we should be afraid…very afraid. However, as we understand God’s love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness, we can still be overwhelmingly impressed with Him, even as we no longer have to wonder if He will punish us arbitrarily.
- And, just as the signs and wonders performed by the apostles confirmed their testimony as being accurate (showing that God was confirming their witness), the deaths of the “conspiring couple” here in Acts 5 further prove to observers that this movement is the “real deal”. This movement isn’t just a new idea: it is the truth of a real God, who is powerful and willing to act in the world when necessary.
(By the way, per a commentator [Gaertner, p.109], this is the first instance of the word “church” itself in Acts.)
I think that the principles of awe and fear flow right into the next section…
The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.
Acts 5:12-16 NIV
In verse 13, I’m not sure if other people (which I interpret as those outside of the church) kept away because of pressure from religious groups who had opposed Jesus, or perhaps because they were afraid of what they had heard about Ananias and Sapphira. Or, maybe there is another explanation.
Regardless, we again hear of the miracles God was working through the apostles. While it’s great that people were healed, the ultimate victory appears in verse 14, though, as more people believe in Jesus. Miracles are amazing, but they should lead back to glorifying God: both by existing Christians and from new believers.
And, the word is getting out. In today’s marketing, we might say, “Come for the healing, stay for the salvation”.
Do you remember what Jesus said in Acts 1:8? On Pentecost, the apostles had testified to Jesus’ resurrection in Jerusalem, but now the word is spreading to parts of Judea around Jerusalem. The process is underway! That is awesome news, made possible by an awesome God.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for October 1, 2023
References:
- The Lookout, October 1, 2023, © 2023 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Acts, by Dennis Gaertner. © 1993 College Press Publishing Co.
- New Testament History: A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Acts, by Gareth L. Reese. © 1976, College Press Publishing Company.
Those Who Sin Differently 