Acts 5

Lord

Lord — Greek Kyrios, Master

And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Acts 5:14

New converts are joined "to the Lord," meaning to Jesus Christ and His Church. Conversion is coming to Him, not just to a group.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

Jesus

Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Acts 5:28

The high priest will not even say Jesus' name, calling Him "this name" and "this man." He fears the guilt of Jesus' blood, which the crowd had once called upon themselves.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Matthew 27:25 — "His blood be on us, and on our children"
• alludes to Acts 4:18 — the earlier command not to teach in the name of Jesus

Resurrection

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Acts 5:30

Peter testifies that God raised the Jesus they crucified. "Hanged on a tree" echoes the law's curse, which Jesus took upon Himself for us.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Deuteronomy 21:22-23 — "he that is hanged is accursed of God"
• interpreted by Galatians 3:13 — Christ was made a curse for us: "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree"
• alluded to by 1 Peter 2:24 — "who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree"

Prince and Saviour

Saviour — the one who rescues and delivers; Prince — Leader, Author (of life)

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:31

The exalted Jesus is Prince and Saviour, and He gives both repentance and forgiveness. The chance to change and be forgiven is His gift.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Acts 3:15 — "the Prince of life"
• the same event in Acts 2:33 — "by the right hand of God exalted"

Witnesses of Christ

And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. Acts 5:32

Two witnesses testify of Jesus: the apostles and the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost bears witness of Christ to all who obey God.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• fulfils John 15:26-27 — the Spirit of truth "shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness"

Suffering for His Name

And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Acts 5:40–42

After being beaten, the apostles rejoice to suffer for Jesus' name and keep teaching about Him every day. Bearing His name means standing for Him even when it costs something.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Matthew 5:11-12 — "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you... for my sake. Rejoice"