Bible Commentaries
Acts 5

Verse 15

Acts 5:15

cf. Acts 19:12

Peter’s shadow -- might overshadow some -- Though not stated directly the implication is that such healing did take place. See Acts 19:12 where it is said specifically that diseases and evil spirits were healed by "handkerchiefs or aprons" from Paul.

Verse 29

Acts 5:29

Obey God rather than men -- We have a greater responsibility to listen to God’s law than to man’s. God’s law should take precedent.

The Christian’s Duty to His Nation

1 Timothy 2:1-2 Pray for the king, and all in authority.

Romans 13:1 ff. vs. 1-7 Be in subjection to government.

Acts 4:19 More important to listen to God

Acts 5:29 We ought to obey God rather than men.

Mark 12:17 To render to Caesar (pay our taxes)

Matthew 22:21 -- Render to Caesar His Due

Luke 20:25

Romans 13:1 Remember that governments are appointed by God

John 19:11 God grants governments their power

Romans 13:2 Not to be a rebel to overthrow

Romans 13:3 Governments must support good

Romans 13:4 Governments are God’s servants

They are God’s ministers of vengeance

Romans 14:5 We are to be in subjection for two reasons.

Romans 13:6 We are to pay our taxes

Romans 13:7 Render them their due, respect and honor

The Nation’s Responsibility

Romans 13:3 Support good, punish the evil

Romans 13:4 Execute justice upon the evil

What God Says About Nations

Proverbs 14:34 Nations obliged to do right.

2 Chronicles 7:14 Nations to turn from wicked ways

Verse 32

Acts 5:32

Witnesses -- cf. Acts 4:31-33; They witnessed with the power of the Holy Spirit by performing miracles with the design of confirming the message they delivered cf. Acts 6:8; Acts 5:12-16;

Peter repeats what he has said before -- that he and his fellow apostles were witnesses of these things. (Acts 2:32). Now the Sanhedrin judges may close their minds to the truths Peter is affirming, but we must remember that this testimony comes from men whose teaching has been credentialled, not only by miracles (such as Luke has just recounted earlier in this chapter) but also by a marvelous delivery from a guarded prison. There is no reason to doubt what Peter affirms. - Reese

And so is the Holy Spirit -- The reference, it appears from the context, is to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost),which gave to the apostles the power to work miracles. Peter is saying that the preaching of the apostles has been credentialled. - Reese

Holy Spirit -- Given -- Many assume this is a proof text of the "indwelling" Holy Spirit that God gives to new converts. BUT notice here the Holy Spirit is a "witness" to the things the apostles were preaching, thus the reference is to the evidential value of the miracles and signs worked by the Spirit through the messengers of God, (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:2-4. )

has Given -- Notice the past tense, not "God will give ..."

Whom God has given to those who obey Him - Peter is saying, "We have been obeying God rather than you men. [Acts 5:29] Do you want proof of that? God gives the power to work miracles (the Holy Spirit in His baptismal measure) only to those who obey Him. We have the power to work miracles. Therefore it follows that we have been obeying Him!" ... The fact of the Holy Spirit’s being given to obedient men must be understood as something that would credential the apostles as obedient to God. Otherwise such a appeal is useless. - Reese

See Ephesians 3:17 note on "Indwelling"

Verse 37

Acts 5:37

Judas of Galilee -- Gamaliel is reported as saying a man named Theudas preceded one named Judas of Galilee. These facts are said to be in opposition to Josephus, who describes a Theudas who lived much later than the Judas of Galilee. We first remark that Josephus is not without error in his history, and there is no particular reason to take his word in preference to Luke. Moreover, Josephus does not say that there was only one Theudas. He does relate, as also substantiated by Roman historians, that there were many tumults and uprisings in Judea at the time in question. Since we have no assertion about Theudas 1 to the contrary from him, but rather silence, we see no reason to doubt Luke’s testimony.