| Scripture |
Expanded Comments | Additional Comments |
| |
| |
| 1 But, a certain man, Ananias by name, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, |
Ananias with Sapphira – Our thought is that these two culprits had never received the begetting of the holy Spirit. R5850:3, 4318:5, 2943:6
Examples of false brethren. R4317:2
A deceitful, hypocritical spirit, displeasing to God. R4318:4
They were made an illustration of a principle of deception. They served as ensamples for the instruction of the Church. R2943:6, 4318:4, 2102:4
Sold a possession – Merely desiring an approbation of the brethren. R5453:4, 2943:3
|
|
| 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it; and, bringing a certain part, at the feet of the Apostles, he laid it. |
Kept back – Desirous of the approval of the Church, yet deficient in the real spirit of sacrifice. R2943:3
Attempting to cheat the others by getting a share of their alls without giving their own all. R1862:3; D479
It is not feasible to have communism amongst those who are imperfect. R4318:1, 5850:1, 5851:6
Part of the price – They agreed together that they would retain part of the sale-money for future contingencies, yet would pass as sacrificers to the full amount. R2943:3
The nominal church teems and overflows with just this class of people. The greatest sin, even amongst consecrated believers, is dishonesty. R2944:1, 5453:6
It is a very serious matter to make vows and afterward reconsider, or attempt to take back that which we have consecrated to the Lord. R2102:6
Let us see to it that, having made the contract, we pay over the price in full. R1657:4
|
|
| 3 But Peter said–Ananias! wherefore did Satan fill thy heart, that thou shouldst deal falsely with the Holy Spirit, and keep back part of the price of the field? |
But Peter – Possessing the gift of discerning the spirits. R4318:4, 2943:6, 372:4; E269
Acting in the capacity of one of the twelve chosen apostles of the Lord. F412; R435:3
It required the exercise of those special powers conferred upon the apostles, to keep the community from being imposed on by such selfish characters. R1421:4
Filled thine heart to lie – By his spirit or influence. E269
With his spirit of covetousness. R372:4
To the holy Ghost – Lying to God, lying to the holy Spirit of God, whose agent and representative Peter was. E269; R372:4
It was an unpardonable sin, but it is not for us to determine the degree of wilfulness. R5453:3
Keep back part – They should have been honest. If they wished to give a tenth, a half, no one would have had the right to criticize. The wrong consisted in the deception practiced. R5453:4
|
|
| 4 While it remained, was it not, as thine own, it remained? and, when sold, was it not, in thine own authority, that it still continued? Why was it that thou didst contrive in thy heart this deed? Thou hast not dealt falsely with men but, with God. |
Whiles it – Thy possessions. R2102:6
Was it not thine own? – Remember that you consecrated your all before you were anointed, and now you cannot be an overcomer and keep back part of the price. R241:4, 2102:6
"Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay." (Eccl. 5:5) R2154:5
Not lied unto men, – The greatest sin in the church, even amongst consecrated believers, is that of dishonesty. R2944:1, 5453:6
Water immersion was not necessarily an endorsement of such by the apostles and the church. R1544:2
They had a perfect right to keep part of the price, but not to lie about it. R4318:4, 5850:2, 2943:3
But unto God – God's holy Spirit, in the apostles. E269; R5453:5, 372:4
|
|
| 5 And, as Ananias heard these words, he fell, and expired. And there came great fear upon all that heard; |
Gave up the ghost – A lesson to the Church that they were dealing, not with flesh and blood, but with Jehovah God. R5850:3, 4318:5, 2943:6
It may be that they were merely cut off from the present life and will have some future opportunity. R5453:3
The only case in the church on record where the penalty of wilful violation of a covenant with God met with summary punishment. R1426:1
Great fear – Reverence for God, and the apostles. R5453:5, 4318:5, 2943:3
|
|
| 6 But the young men, rising up, wrapped him about, and, bearing him forth, buried him. |
|
|
| 7 And it came to pass, after about three hours interval, that his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in. |
|
|
| 8 And Peter began to say unto her–Tell me! was it, for so much, ye gave up the field? And she said–Yea! for so much. |
|
|
| 9 And, Peter, [said] unto her–Why was it agreed by you to put to the proof the Spirit of the Lord? Lo! the feet of them that have buried thy husband, are at the door, and they shall bear thee forth. |
Have agreed together – The submission of a wife to her husband "in everything" (Eph. 5:24) does not apply to everyth R1552:6
Spirit of the Lord – By which the Apostle probably meant the Lord Jesus. E270; R372:4
|
|
| 10 And she fell instantly at his feet, and expired. And the young men, coming in, found her dead; and, bearing her forth, they buried her with her husband. |
Buried her – Without the holy Spirit, they had not sinned unto death, and will be resurrected. R5850:4, 5453:3
|
|
| 11 And there came great fear upon the whole assembly, and upon all them that heard these things. |
Great fear – The designed effect was realized. R5850:4
Reverence for God, and for the apostles. R2943:3, 5850:5, 5453:5, 4318:5
The lesson to the church is that it is impossible to deceive God who discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. R2102:5
A warning of God's righteous indignation against all hypocrisy and deceit. R1426:2, 5850:6, 4318:4
The lesson for the whole church is the solemn obligation involved in our covenant with him of entire consecration to his service. R1426:1
|
|
| |
| |
| 12 And, through the hands of the Apostles, were coming to pass many signs and wonders among the people; and they were all with one accord in the portico of Solomon; |
|
|
| 13 Howbeit, of the rest, no one, durst join himself unto them,–nevertheless the people continued to magnify them; |
|
|
| 14 And, the more, were being added, when they believed in the Lord, throngs both of men and women;– |
Added to the Lord – This period of gathering the ripe wheat, and establishing them, was a very necessary prelude to the period of persecution and suffering which followed. R2108:2
|
|
| 15 So that, even into the broad-ways, were they bringing forth the sick, and laying them on small couches and beds, in order that, if Peter were coming along, even perchance his shadow, might overshadow some one of them. |
|
|
| 16 Moreover even the throng of the cities all round Jerusalem was coming together, bearing sick folk, and such as were harassed by impure spirits,–who, indeed, were being cured, one and all. |
|
|
| |
| |
| 17 But the High-priest, arising, and all who were with him,–being the sect of the Sadducees,–were filled with jealousy, |
Rose up – Was aroused. R2103:2, 2947:2
Sect – A part cut off. R537:3
Heresy. R1130:6*
Sadducees – Agnostics, Higher Critics and skeptics. R4325:2, 2103:1
Practically unbelievers; of the wealthier, more respectable class. R4986:3
Might be termed to some extent agnostic--their faith considerably resembling that of the "Reformed Jews" of today. Did not believe in the resurrection, nor in spirit beings. R2103:1, 4325:2
With indignation – Jealousy. (Revised Version) Hot with indignation. R4325:3
The officials were in consternation. R2103:2
Envy; the spirit of sectarianism against the truth often manifested in our day. R2947:2
|
|
| 18 And thrust their hands upon the Apostles, and put them in a public ward. |
Laid their hands – Permitted by the Jewish Sanhedrin to make arrests in respect to religious matters. R2467:6
Such persecution would furnish in the harvest of this age a parallel to the harvest of the Jewish age, and give a wider a deeper typical illustration of Elijah's whirlwind and John the Baptist's imprisonment and beheading. R969:4; B264, B265
Prison – For daring to preach without permission of the Chief Priests. R992:6
|
|
| 19 But, a messenger of the Lord, by night, opened the doors of the prison; and, leading them out, said– |
But the angel – The Lord sent his angel and delivered his faithful servants. R5851:4
Opened the prison – Yet left the prison doors unmolested. R265:3
Spiritual beings possess powers greater and higher than humanity. R265:2
And said – All such indirect, non-personal instructions are properly described as from or by the Lord's holy Spirit. E277
|
|
| 20 Be going your way, and, taking your stand, be speaking, in the temple, unto the people, all the declarations of this Life. |
This life – Life from the dead, secured through the Redeemer. We who believe do now, by faith, enter into this newness of life. R4325:4
|
|
| 21 Now, when they heard this, they entered, under the dawn, into the temple, and began teaching. And the High-priest and they who were with him, arriving, called together the high-council, and all the senate of the sons of Israel; and sent off unto the prison, to have them brought. |
Entered into the temple – The apostles went early to the temple, and began, as before, to explain the Old Testament Scriptures and types. R4325:4
Called the council – The Sanhedrin. R2947:6
For the purpose of condemning the apostles. R2103:2
They felt compelled to make another attempt to head off what they considered the heresy of the Nazarene. R2103:1
Children of Israel – The whole twelve tribes. C293; R2085:4, 1341:1
|
|
| 22 And, the officers who came to the place, found them not in the prison; and, returning, brought tidings, |
|
|
| 23 Saying–The prison, found we locked with all safety, and the keepers standing at the doors; but, when we had opened the prison, inside, found we, no one. |
|
|
| 24 Now, when both the captain of the temple and the High-priests heard these words, they were utterly at a loss concerning them–what perhaps this might come to. |
|
|
| 25 But some one, entering, brought tidings unto them–Lo! the men whom ye put in the prison, are in the temple, standing, and teaching the people! |
Put in prison – The Sanhedrin was permitted to make arrests, but not to execute criminals without the consent of the Roman governor. R2467:6
Teaching the people – The apostles exhorted the people to prepare for the kingdom and to accept the invitation to become members of the bride class. R5851:1
|
|
| |
| |
| 26 Then, the captain with the officers, departing, brought them–not with violence,–for they were afraid of the people, lest they should be stoned; |
|
|
| 27 But, leading them in, set them in the high-council. And the High-priest questioned them, |
High priest – They were cast into prison for daring to preach without permission of the Chief Priests. R992:6
|
|
| 28 Saying–Strictly, did we charge you not to be teaching upon this name; and lo! ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and are minded to bring down upon us, the blood of this man. |
Doctrine – Teachings. R5851:5, 4325:5, 2948:1, 2947:6
Man's blood upon us – Christ's blood shed. R1336:1
To make the people think we are responsible for his death. R2103:4, 5851:5, 4325:5
Thus the chief priests, Scribes and Pharisees of today fear for not only their various denominational structures, but also for their own standing. R2948:1
|
|
| 29 But Peter and the Apostles, answering, said–It is needful to be yielding obedience unto God rather than unto men:– |
Then Peter and the other apostles answered – Thus another opportunity was afforded God's servants to testify, and to the chief priests and rulers to hear a strictly gospel sermon. R2947:6
The answer of the apostles shows that they were courageous men. R2103:4
God rather than men – Where they conflicted with God's laws. A266
We have merely followed divine instructions. R2103:4
Divine authority must be recognized as supreme. R4325:6
Remember not to violate conscience in order to please any one. R1553:1
If we come into conflict with the religious rulers, we are to be bold for truth, but moderate and humble in manner and language. R2103:5
|
|
| 30 The God of our fathers, hath raised up Jesus,–whom, ye, got into your hands, suspending him upon a tree:– |
Raised up – Greek, egeiro; to awaken, arouse, stir. R1512:2
|
|
| 31 Him, as Princely-leader and Saviour, hath God exalted unto his right hand,–to give repentance unto Israel, and remission of sins. |
Hath God exalted – To the highest plane of being, the divine nature. E120
He would have all men "honor the Son, even as they honor the Father." (John 5:23) HG297:2
By delivering to him the scroll of wisdom, and the power and authority to execute all of its provisions. R2156:2
Abundant proof that Jesus' sacrifice was acceptable and well pleasing to God. R387:3
Our Lord Jesus in all matters Acts as the representative of the Father. E35
To be a Prince – Master, or Lord. R745:4
The world in general dies like Prince Adam, but the faithful with Prince Jesus. "One of the princes." (Psa. 82:7) F724
And a Saviour – That he may be able to recover from death and grant judgment to all whom he purchased. A142
Life-giver. R4963:5
His title, The Mighty God, or Mighty, Mighty One, will be recognized then, on earth, as well as in heaven. R5136:2
To Israel – The whole twelve tribes. C293; R1341:1
Forgiveness of sins – This was never preached before, because, until then, our ransom price had not been paid. R387:3
|
|
| 32 And, we, are witnesses of these things,–also the Holy Spirit, which God hath given unto them who are yielding obedience unto him. |
And we – The eleven apostles. E212
And so is also the Holy Spirit – As the cloven tongues fitly represented the mission of the apostles to be, under the Holy Spirit, to testify as "witnesses." E213
|
|
| 33 And, they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and were making up their minds to slay them. |
Cut to the heart – They were grieved that the people were taught. R5851:1
By the "sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." (Eph. 6:17) R5496:1
The lance of truth. SM440:1
Angered, embittered. R2947:6
|
|
| 34 But a certain man, rising up in the high-council, by name Gamaliel, a law-teacher honoured by all the people, gave orders to put the men, outside, for a little,– |
Named Gamaliel – The instructor of Saul of Tarsus, a worldly-wise but noble-minded man. R2948:2, 2085:4
|
|
| 35 And said unto them–Men of Israel! be taking heed unto yourselves, what ye are about to inflict upon these men. |
Ye men of Israel – The whole twelve tribes. C252, C293; R1341:1
Not, "Ye men of Judah." If Israel was lost, Gamaliel did not know of it. R2085:4, C252
Take heed to yourselves – Gamaliel gave evidence of his wisdom. R4033:1
|
|
| 36 For, before these days, there rose up one Theudas, affirming, himself, to be somebody,–unto whom was inclined a number of men, about four hundred; who was slain, and, all as many as had been trusting in him, were disbanded, and came to nothing. |
Theudas, boasting himself – "All that ever come before me are thieves and robbers." (John 10:8) Who attempted fraudulentlyeader. R4732:6
History tells us of several others who deceived quite a few Jews. D565
|
|
| 37 After him, rose up Judas the Galilaean, in the days of the enrolling, and drew a people into revolt after him; and, he, perished, and, all, as many as had trusted in him, were scattered. |
|
|
| 38 Now, therefore, I say unto you–stand aloof from these men, and let them alone; because if, of men, be this project or this work, it will be overthrown,– |
|
|
| 39 But, if it is, of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them: lest once, even fighters against God, ye be found. |
Cannot overthrow it – Nearly one-fourth of the clergy joined in a campaign of slander against Pastor Russell, but others refused, after the manner of Gamaliel. CR351:2; HG557:3
Fight against God – Satan desires to get us to do just this. R4803:5
Many imagine they are serving God while they are really serving the adversary. R4033:5
A strong character affected by a measure of pride is apt to take a wrong course from which it is almost impossible for him to recede. R4033:6
We should never forget the Lord in our personal affairs and very careful respecting every step we take. R4198:4
|
|
| 40 And they were persuaded by him; and, calling unto them the Apostles, they, with beating, charged them not be speaking upon the name of Jesus; and let them go. |
And beaten them – With thirteen strokes of a three-tailed whip, "Forty stripes save one." (2 Cor. 11:24) R2948:3
Furnishes in the end or harvest of this age, another parallel to the harvest of the Jewish age. B263; R969:4
|
|
| 41 They, therefore, went rejoicing from the presence of the high-council; in that they had been accounted worthy, in behalf of The Name, to suffer dishonour. |
Rejoicing – The Lord blessed them in their hearts with his peace and grace, while he did not shield them from the scourging. R4326:1
They did not threaten the Scribes and Pharisees, nor did they bemoan their fate. R2948:4
Such sufferings are accompanied with joy and peace which make them to appear but "light afflictions" and "but for a moment." (2 Cor. 4:17) R1699:6
We must let none of these things move us. R1575:6
We would be in distress and woe, if we could not tell the joyful message. R671:1
|
|
| 42 And, every day in the temple, and at home, they ceased not to be teaching, and telling the good news as to the Anointed Jesus. |
In every house – The congregations of the primitive Church were small and usually met in private houses. R2941:6
Ceased not to teach – The threatenings of the Sanhedrin were powerless to stop them from declaring the good tidings. R2948:5
|
|