Exposition of Acts 5:11 and Its Context
Acts 5:11 states, "And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things" (NKJV) [1]. This verse is part of a narrative that describes the aftermath of the death of Ananias and Sapphira, a couple who lied to the Holy Spirit about the price of a piece of land they sold (Acts 5:1-10).
Literary Context
The event described in Acts 5:1-11 is closely tied to the narrative in Acts 4, where the early Christian community is portrayed as sharing their possessions and living in unity (Acts 4:32-37). The story of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a counterpoint to this idyllic picture, highlighting the consequences of hypocrisy within the community. The fear that gripped the church and those who heard about the incident (Acts 5:11) is a direct response to the divine judgment on the couple [1].
The surrounding narrative in Acts 5 continues with the apostles performing many signs and wonders among the people (Acts 5:12), and the church growing in number (Acts 5:14). The high priest and the Sadducees, however, become increasingly hostile towards the apostles, leading to their arrest and subsequent miraculous release from prison (Acts 5:17-25) [5, 3].
Historical Setting
The events described in Acts 5 take place in Jerusalem, shortly after the Pentecost event (Acts 2). The early Christian community is still centered in Jerusalem, and the apostles are the leaders of this community. The high priest and the Sadducees are the primary opponents of the apostles, reflecting the tensions between the early Christian movement and the Jewish religious establishment [3].
Key Terms and Exegetical Decisions
The term "church" (ἐκκλησία, ekklēsia) in Acts 5:11 refers to the community of believers in Jerusalem. This is one of the earliest uses of the term to describe a local gathering of Christians [1].
The phrase "great fear" (φόβος μέγας, phobos megas) is significant, as it indicates a profound reverence or awe that gripped not only the church but also those outside it who heard about the events. This fear is likely a response to the perceived divine judgment on Ananias and Sapphira [1].
Range of Interpretations
Interpreters have understood the "great fear" in Acts 5:11 in various ways. Some see it as a wholesome fear of God that promotes reverence and obedience within the community [2]. Others note that this fear is not limited to the church but extends to those outside, indicating a broader impact of the event.
According to Adam Clarke, the fear that arose from the judgment on Ananias and Sapphira served as a deterrent against hypocrisy within the early Christian community [6]. John Gill's commentary on related passages highlights the importance of divine judgment in maintaining the purity of the church [7].
Function in Tradition
The narrative of Ananias and Sapphira, and the subsequent fear it inspired (Acts 5:11), has been used in various ways throughout Christian tradition. It has been cited in discussions about church discipline, the importance of honesty within the community of believers, and the consequences of hypocrisy [2].
The passage has also been seen as an example of the apostolic authority and the power of the Holy Spirit in the early church. The fear that gripped the community is sometimes interpreted as a manifestation of the reverence for the apostles and the divine power they represented [5].
The event and its aftermath, including the growth of the church despite persecution (Acts 5:14), have been seen as paradigmatic for the early Christian experience. The narrative underscores the themes of divine judgment, the importance of integrity within the community, and the resilience of the early church in the face of opposition [4].
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Acts 5:5 cross-references: Leviticus 10:3, Numbers 16:26, Numbers 17:12, Deuteronomy 13:11, Deuteronomy 21:21, Joshua 22:20, 1 Samuel 6:19, 2 Kings 1:10, 2 Kings 2:24, 1 Chronicles 13:12, 1 Chronicles 15:13, Psalms 64:9, Psalms 119:120, Jeremiah 5:14, Ezekiel 11:13, Acts 2:43, Acts 5:10, Acts 5:13, Acts 13:11, 1 Corinthians 4:21, 2 Corinthians 7:11, 2 Corinthians 10:2, 2 Corinthians 13:2, 2 Corinthians 13:10, Revelation 11:5, Revelation 11:13”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Acts 5:11 cross-references: Psalms 89:7, Jeremiah 32:40, Acts 5:5, Acts 19:17, 1 Corinthians 10:11, Philippians 2:12, Hebrews 4:1, Hebrews 11:7, Hebrews 12:15, Hebrews 12:28, 1 Peter 1:17, Revelation 15:4”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Acts 5:17 cross-references: 1 Samuel 18:12, Job 5:2, Psalms 2:1, Proverbs 14:30, Proverbs 27:4, Ecclesiastes 4:4, Matthew 27:18, John 11:47, John 12:10, John 12:19, Acts 4:1, Acts 4:6, Acts 4:26, Acts 7:9, Acts 13:45, Acts 15:5, Acts 17:5, Acts 23:6, Galatians 5:21, James 3:14, James 4:5, 1 Peter 2:1”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Acts 5:14 cross-references: Exodus 35:22, Deuteronomy 29:11, Deuteronomy 31:11, 2 Samuel 6:19, Ezra 10:1, Nehemiah 8:2, Isaiah 44:3, Isaiah 45:24, Isaiah 55:11, Acts 2:41, Acts 2:47, Acts 4:4, Acts 6:7, Acts 8:3, Acts 8:12, Acts 9:2, Acts 9:31, Acts 9:35, Acts 9:42, Acts 22:4, 1 Corinthians 11:11, Galatians 3:28”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Acts 5:12 cross-references: Mark 16:17, Mark 16:20, John 10:23, Acts 1:14, Acts 2:42, Acts 2:46, Acts 3:6, Acts 3:11, Acts 4:30, Acts 4:32, Acts 9:33, Acts 9:40, Acts 14:3, Acts 14:8, Acts 16:18, Acts 19:11, Acts 28:9, Romans 15:19, 2 Corinthians 12:12, Hebrews 2:4”
- Acts (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Acts 5 (introduction): The hypocrisy of Ananias and his wife Sapphira, and their awful death, Act 5:1-11. The apostles work many miracles, and the Church of God is increased, Act 5:12-16. The high priest and the Sadducees, being incensed against the apostles, seize and put them in prison, Act 5:17, Act 5:18. The angel of God delivers them, and commands them to go to the temple, and proclaim the Gospel, Act 5:19, Act 5:20. The high priest, having gathered the council together in the morning, sends to the prison to have the apostles brought before him, Act 5:21. The offers return,”
- Hosea (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hosea 5 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO HOSEA 5 The design of this chapter is to expose the sins of Israel and of Judah, and to declare the judgment of God upon them for them. Men of all ranks in Israel are summoned to attend to the charge brought against then, and the sentence on them, Hos 5:1. The charge exhibited is, that they were guilty of in, hating men to the slaughter of idolatrous sacrifices, though they had been sufficiently rebuked and corrected, Hos 5:1; of both corporeal and spiritual adultery, whereby they were defiled, and which was well known to the Lord, Hos 5:3”