Net English TranslationActs 5 =
The Judgment on Ananias and Sapphira
5

1 Now a man named Ananias, together with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property. 2 He1 kept back for himself part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge; he brought2 only part of it and placed it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled3 your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back for yourself part of the proceeds from the sale of4 the land? 4 Before it was sold,5 did it not6 belong to you? And when it was sold, was the money7 not at your disposal? How have you thought up this deed in your heart?8 You have not lied to people9 but to God!”

5 When Ananias heard these words he collapsed and died, and great fear gripped10 all who heard about it. 6 So the young men came,11 wrapped him up,12 carried him out, and buried13 him. 7 After an interval of about three hours,14 his wife came in, but she did not know15 what had happened. 8 Peter said to her, “Tell me, were the two of you16 paid this amount17 for the land?” Sapphira18 said, “Yes, that much.” 9 Peter then told her, “Why have you agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out!” 10 At once19 she collapsed at his feet and died. So when the young men came in, they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great20 fear gripped21 the whole church22 and all who heard about these things.

The Apostles Perform Miraculous Signs and Wonders

12 Now many miraculous signs23 and wonders came about among the people through the hands of the apostles. By24 common consent25 they were all meeting together in Solomon’s Portico.26 13 None of the rest dared to join them,27 but the people held them in high honor.28 14 More and more believers in the Lord were added to their number,29 crowds of both men and women. 15 Thus30 they even carried the sick out into the streets, and put them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow would fall on some of them. 16 A crowd of people from the towns around Jerusalem31 also came together, bringing the sick and those troubled by unclean spirits.32 They33 were all34 being healed.

Further Trouble for the Apostles

17 Now the high priest rose up, and all those with him (that is, the religious party of the Sadducees35),36 and they were filled with jealousy.37 18 They38 laid hands on39 the apostles and put them in a public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord40 opened41 the doors of the prison,42 led them out,43 and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple courts44 and proclaim45 to the people all the words of this life.” 21 When they heard this, they entered the temple courts46 at daybreak and began teaching.47

Now when the high priest and those who were with him arrived, they summoned the Sanhedrin48 – that is, the whole high council49 of the Israelites50 – and sent to the jail to have the apostles51 brought before them.52 22 But the officers53 who came for them54 did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported,55 23 “We found the jail locked securely and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them,56 we found no one inside.” 24 Now when the commander57 of the temple guard58 and the chief priests heard this report,59 they were greatly puzzled concerning it,60 wondering what this could61 be. 25 But someone came and reported to them, “Look! The men you put in prison are standing in the temple courts62 and teaching63 the people!” 26 Then the commander64 of the temple guard65 went with the officers66 and brought the apostles67 without the use of force68 (for they were afraid of being stoned by the people).69

27 When they had brought them, they stood them before the council,70 and the high priest questioned71 them, 28 saying, “We gave72 you strict orders73 not to teach in this name.74 Look,75 you have filled Jerusalem76 with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood77 on us!” 29 But Peter and the apostles replied,78 “We must obey79 God rather than people.80 30 The God of our forefathers81 raised up Jesus, whom you seized and killed by hanging him on a tree.82 31 God exalted him83 to his right hand as Leader84 and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.85 32 And we are witnesses of these events,86 and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey87 him.”

33 Now when they heard this, they became furious88 and wanted to execute them.89 34 But a Pharisee90 whose name was Gamaliel,91 a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up92 in the council93 and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. 35 Then he said to the council,94 “Men of Israel,95 pay close attention to96 what you are about to do to these men. 36 For some time ago97 Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He98 was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and nothing came of it.99 37 After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census,100 and incited people to follow him in revolt.101 He too was killed, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in this case I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, because if this plan or this undertaking originates with people,102 it will come to nothing,103 39 but if104 it is from God, you will not be able to stop them, or you may even be found105 fighting against God.” He convinced them,106 40 and they summoned the apostles and had them beaten.107 Then108 they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. 41 So they left the council rejoicing because they had been considered worthy109 to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.110 42 And every day both in the temple courts111 and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news112 that Jesus was the Christ.113

15:2tn Grk “And he.” Because of the length of the Greek sentence and the tendency of contemporary English style to use shorter sentences, καί (kai) has not been translated here. 25:2tn The participle ἐνέγκας (enenka") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 35:3sn This is a good example of the Greek verb fill (πληρόω, plhrow) meaning “to exercise control over someone’s thought and action” (cf. Eph 5:18). 45:3tn The words “from the sale of” are not in the Greek text, but are supplied to clarify the meaning, since the phrase “proceeds from the land” could possibly be understood as crops rather than money from the sale. 55:4tn Grk “Remaining to you.” 65:4tn The negative interrogative particle οὐχί (ouci) expects a positive reply to this question and the following one (“And when it was sold, was it not at your disposal?”). 75:4tn Grk “it”; the referent of the pronoun (the money generated from the sale of the land) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 85:4tn Grk “How is it that you have [or Why have you] placed this deed in your heart?” Both of these literal translations differ from the normal way of expressing the thought in English. 95:4tn Grk “to men.” If Peter’s remark refers only to the apostles, the translation “to men” would be appropriate. But if (as is likely) the action was taken to impress the entire congregation (who would presumably have witnessed the donation or been aware of it) then the more general “to people” is more appropriate, since the audience would have included both men and women. 105:5tn Or “fear came on,” “fear seized”; Grk “fear happened to.” 115:6tn Or “arose.” 125:6tn The translation “wrapped up” for συνέστειλαν (sunesteilan) is suggested by L&N 79.119, but another interpretation is possible. The same verb could also be translated “removed” (see L&N 15.200), although that sense appears somewhat redundant and out of sequence with the following verb and participle (“carried him out and buried him”). 135:6sn Buried. Same day burial was a custom in the Jewish world of the first century (cf. also Deut 21:23). 145:7tn Grk “It happened that after an interval of about three hours.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. 155:7tn Grk “came in, not knowing.” The participle has been translated with concessive or adversative force: “although she did not know.” In English, the adversative conjunction (“but”) conveys this nuance more smoothly. 165:8tn The words “the two of” are not in the Greek text, but have been supplied to indicate that the verb (ἀπέδοσθε, apedosqe) is plural and thus refers to both Ananias and Sapphira. 175:8tn Grk “so much,” “as much as this.” 185:8tn Grk “She”; the referent (Sapphira) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 195:10tn Grk “And at once.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here. 205:11tn Grk “And great.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here. 215:11tn Or “fear came on,” “fear seized”; Grk “fear happened to.” 225:11sn This is the first occurrence of the term church (ἐκκλησία, ekklhsia) in Acts. It refers to an assembly of people. 235:12tn The miraculous nature of these signs is implied in the context. 245:12tn Grk “And by.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here. 255:12tn Or “With one mind.” 265:12tn Or “colonnade”; Grk “stoa.”sn Solomon’s Portico was a covered walkway formed by rows of columns supporting a roof and open on the inner side facing the center of the temple complex. Located beside the Court of the Gentiles, it was a very public area. 275:13tn Or “to associate with them.” The group was beginning to have a controversial separate identity. People were cautious about joining them. The next verse suggests that the phrase “none of the rest” in this verse is rhetorical hyperbole. 285:13tn Or “the people thought very highly of them.” 295:14tn Or “More and more believers were added to the Lord.” 305:15tn This is a continuation of the preceding sentence in Greek, but because this would produce an awkward sentence in English, a new sentence was begun here in the translation. 315:16map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4. 325:16sn Unclean spirits refers to evil spirits. 335:16tn Literally a relative pronoun, “who.” In English, however, a relative clause (“bringing the sick and those troubled by unclean spirits, who were all being healed”) could be understood to refer only to the second group (meaning only those troubled by unclean spirits were being healed) or even that the unclean spirits were being healed. To avoid this ambiguity the pronoun “they” was used to begin a new English sentence. 345:16sn They were all being healed. Note how the healings that the apostles provided were comprehensive in their consistency. 355:17sn See the note on Sadducees in 4:1. 365:17sn This is a parenthetical note by the author. 375:17sn Filled with jealousy. In Acts, the term “jealousy” (ζήλος, zhlos) occurs only here and in Acts 13:45. It is a key term in Judaism for religiously motivated rage (1 Macc 2:24; 1QH 14:13-15; m. Sanhedrin 9:5). It was a zeal motivated by a desire to maintain the purity of the faith. 385:18tn Grk “jealousy, and they.” In the Greek text this is a continuation of the previous sentence, but a new sentence has been started here in the translation for stylistic reasons. 395:18tn Or “they arrested.” 405:19tn Or “the angel of the Lord.” Linguistically, “angel of the Lord” is the same in both testaments (and thus, he is either “an angel of the Lord” or “the angel of the Lord” in both testaments). For arguments and implications, see ExSyn 252; M. J. Davidson, “Angels,” DJG, 9; W. G. MacDonald argues for “an angel” in both testaments: “Christology and ‘The Angel of the Lord’,” Current Issues in Biblical and Patristic Interpretation, 324-35. 415:19tn Grk “opening the doors of the prison.” The participle ἀνοίξας (anoixa") has been translated as a finite verb due to the requirements of contemporary English style. 425:19tn Greek φυλακῆς (fulakh"), a different word from the one in v. 18 (τήρησις, thrhsi", “jail”). 435:19tn Or “brought them out.” Grk “and leading them out, said.” The participle ἐξαγαγών (exagagwn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.sn Led them out. The action by God served to vindicate the apostles. It showed that whatever court the Jewish leaders represented, they did not represent God. 445:20tn Grk “the temple.” This is actually a reference to the courts surrounding the temple proper, and has been translated accordingly. 455:20tn Or “speak.” 465:21tn Grk “the temple.” See the note on the same phrase in the preceding verse. 475:21tn The imperfect verb ἐδίδασκον (edidaskon) has been translated as an ingressive imperfect. 485:21tn Or “the council” (the highest legal, legislative, and judicial body among the Jews). 495:21tn A hendiadys (two different terms referring to a single thing) is likely here (a reference to a single legislative body rather than two separate ones) because the term γερουσίαν (gerousian) is used in both 1 Macc 12:6 and Josephus, Ant. 13.5.8 (13.166) to refer to the Sanhedrin. 505:21tn Grk “sons of Israel.” 515:21tn Grk “have them”; the referent (the apostles) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 525:21tn The words “before them” are not in the Greek text but are implied. 535:22tn The Greek term ὑπηρέτης (Juphreth") generally means “servant,” but in the NT is used for many different types of servants, like attendants to a king, the officers of the Sanhedrin (as here), assistants to magistrates, and (especially in the Gospel of John) Jewish guards in the Jerusalem temple (see L&N 35.20). 545:22tn The words “for them” are not in the Greek text but are implied. 555:22tn Grk “reported, saying.” The participle λέγοντες (legontes) is redundant in English and has not been translated. 565:23tn The word “them” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects in Greek were often omitted when clear from the context, but must be supplied for the modern English reader. 575:24tn Or “captain.” 585:24tn Grk “the official of the temple,” a title for the commander of the Jewish soldiers guarding the temple (thus the translation, “the commander of the temple guard”). See L&N 37.91. 595:24tn Grk “heard these words.” 605:24tn Grk “concerning them,” agreeing with the plural antecedent “these words.” Since the phrase “these words” was translated as the singular “this report,” the singular “concerning it” is used here. 615:24tn The optative verb here expresses confused uncertainty. 625:25tn Grk “the temple.” This is actually a reference to the courts surrounding the temple proper, and has been translated accordingly. 635:25sn Obeying God (see v. 29), the apostles were teaching again (4:18-20; 5:20). They did so despite the risk. 645:26tn Or “captain.” 655:26tn Grk “the official [of the temple],” a title for the commander of the Jewish soldiers guarding the temple (thus the translation, “the commander of the temple guard”). See L&N 37.91. 665:26tn The Greek term ὑπηρέτης (Juphreth") generally means “servant,” but in the NT is used for many different types of servants. See the note on the word “officers” in v. 22. 675:26tn Grk “brought them”; the referent (the apostles) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 685:26tn Or “without violence.” It is clear, as well, that the apostles did not resist arrest. 695:26tn Grk “for they feared lest they be stoned by the people.” The translation uses a less awkward English equivalent. This is an explanatory note by the author. 705:27tn Or “the Sanhedrin” (the highest legal, legislative, and judicial body among the Jews). 715:27tn Or “interrogated,” “asked.” 725:28tc ‡ The majority of mss, including a few important witnesses (א2 D E [Ψ] 1739 Ï sy sa), have the negative particle οὐ (ou) here, effectively turning the high priest’s words into a question: “Did we not give you strict orders not to teach in this name?” But the earliest and most important mss, along with some others (Ì74 א* A B 1175 lat bo), lack the particle, making this a strong statement rather than a question. Scribes may have been tempted to omit the particle to strengthen the contrast between official Judaism and the new faith, but the fact that v. 27 introduces the quotation with ἐπηρώτησεν (ephrwthsen, “he questioned”) may well have prompted scribes to add οὐ to convert the rebuke into a question. Further, that excellent witnesses affirm the shorter reading is sufficient ground for accepting it as most probably authentic. NA27 includes the particle in brackets, indicating some doubt as to its authenticity. 735:28tn Grk “We commanded you with a commandment” (a Semitic idiom that is emphatic). 745:28sn The name (i.e., person) of Jesus is the constant issue of debate. 755:28tn Grk “And behold.” Because of the length of the Greek sentence and the tendency of contemporary English style to use shorter sentences, καί (kai) has not been translated here. 765:28map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4. 775:28sn To bring this man’s blood on us is an idiom meaning “you intend to make us guilty of this man’s death.” 785:29tn Grk “apostles answered and said.” 795:29sn Obey. See 4:19. This response has Jewish roots (Dan 3:16-18; 2 Macc 7:2; Josephus, Ant. 17.6.3 [17.159]. 805:29tn Here ἀνθρώποις (anqrwpoi") has been translated as a generic noun (“people”). 815:30tn Or “ancestors”; Grk “fathers.” 825:30tn Or “by crucifying him” (“hang on a tree” is by the time of the first century an idiom for crucifixion). The allusion is to the judgment against Jesus as a rebellious figure, appealing to the language of Deut 21:23. The Jewish leadership has badly “misjudged” Jesus. 835:31tn Grk “This one God exalted” (emphatic). 845:31tn Or “Founder” (of a movement). 855:31tn Or “to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.” 865:32tn Or “things.” They are preaching these things even to the hostile leadership. 875:32sn Those who obey. The implication, of course, is that the leadership is disobeying God. 885:33sn The only other use of this verb for anger (furious) is Acts 7:54 after Stephen’s speech. 895:33sn Wanted to execute them. The charge would surely be capital insubordination (Exod 22:28). 905:34sn A Pharisee was a member of one of the most important and influential religious and political parties of Judaism in the time of Jesus. There were more Pharisees than Sadducees (according to Josephus, Ant. 17.2.4 [17.42] there were more than 6,000 Pharisees at about this time). Pharisees differed with Sadducees on certain doctrines and patterns of behavior. The Pharisees were strict and zealous adherents to the laws of the OT and to numerous additional traditions such as angels and bodily resurrection. 915:34sn Gamaliel was a famous Jewish scholar and teacher mentioned here in v. 34 and in Acts 22:3. He had a grandson of the same name and is referred to as “Gamaliel the Elder” to avoid confusion. He is quoted a number of times in the Mishnah, was given the highest possible title for Jewish teachers, Rabba (cf. John 20:16), and was highly regarded in later rabbinic tradition. 925:34tn Grk “standing up in the council, ordered.” The participle ἀναστάς (anasta") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 935:34tn Or “the Sanhedrin” (the highest legal, legislative, and judicial body among the Jews). 945:35tn Grk “said to them”; the referent (the council) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 955:35tn Or “Israelite men,” although this is less natural English. The Greek term here is ἀνήρ (anhr), which only exceptionally is used in a generic sense of both males and females. In this context, it is highly unlikely that this is a generic usage, since Gamaliel was addressing the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high council, which would have been exclusively male. 965:35tn Or “men, be careful.” 975:36tn Grk “For before these days.” 985:36tn Grk “who.” The relative pronoun was replaced by the pronoun “he,” and a new sentence was begun in the translation at this point. 995:36tn Grk “and they came to nothing.” Gamaliel’s argument is that these two insurrectionists were taken care of by natural events. 1005:37tn Or “registration.” 1015:37tn The verb ἀφίστημι (afisthmi) as a transitive means “cause to revolt” as used in Josephus, Ant. 8.7.5 (8.198), 20.5.2 (20.102); see BDAG 157 s.v. 1. 1025:38tn Here ἀνθρώπων (anqrwpwn) has been translated as a generic noun (“people”). 1035:38tn Or “it will be put to an end.” 1045:39tn This is expressed in a first class condition, in contrast to the condition in v. 38b, which is third class. As such, v. 39 is rhetorically presented as the more likely option. 1055:39tn According to L&N 39.32, the verb εὑρεθῆτε (Jeureqhte, an aorist passive subjunctive) may also be translated “find yourselves” – “lest you find yourselves fighting against God.” The Jewish leader Gamaliel is shown contemplating the other possible alternative about what is occurring. 1065:39tn Grk “They were convinced by him.” This passive construction was converted to an active one (“He convinced them”) in keeping with contemporary English style. The phrase “He convinced them” is traditionally placed in Acts 5:40 by most English translations; the standard Greek critical text (represented by NA27 and UBS4) places it at the end of v. 39. 1075:40sn Had them beaten. The punishment was the “forty lashes minus one,” see also Acts 22:19; 2 Cor 11:24; Mark 13:9. The apostles had disobeyed the religious authorities and took their punishment for their “disobedience” (Deut 25:2-3; m. Makkot 3:10-14). In Acts 4:18 they were warned. Now they are beaten. The hostility is rising as the narrative unfolds. 1085:40tn The word “Then” is supplied as the beginning of a new sentence in the translation. The construction in Greek has so many clauses (most of them made up of participles) that a continuous English sentence would be very awkward. 1095:41sn That is, considered worthy by God. They “gloried in their shame” of honoring Jesus with their testimony (Luke 6:22-23; 2 Macc 6:30). 1105:41sn The name refers to the name of Jesus (cf. 3 John 7). 1115:42tn Grk “temple.” This is actually a reference to the courts surrounding the temple proper and has been translated accordingly. 1125:42tn Grk “teaching and evangelizing.” They were still obeying God, not men (see 4:18-20; 5:29). 1135:42tn Or “Messiah”; both “Christ” (Greek) and “Messiah” (Hebrew and Aramaic) mean “one who has been anointed.”sn See the note on Christ in 2:31.
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