On Our Terms! (Acts 5:17-18, 26)
The apostles keep getting arrested. First it was just Peter and John (Acts 4:1-3). Now it is all of them (Acts 5:17-18). That is, in our passage the high priest came with a group and arrested all of the apostles. Soon after they were released by an angel (Acts 5:19-20). Today, they are being arrested again. But it is different. Notice the contrast between the arrest of yesterday (Acts 5:17-18) and today (Acts 5:26).
- Yesterday it was a “hands-on” approach to getting the apostles. The arrest literally involved a throwing on of hands (ἐπέβαλον τὰς χεῖρας ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀποστόλους) by the captain of the temple and his officers. To understand what is meant by “laid their hands on the apostles” it helps to see that the word being translated laid (ἐπέβαλον) is found in other places (Acts 4:3; 21:27). Anyone who becomes acquainted with the other passages where ἐπέβαλον is used, can see that the arrest of the apostles was violent.
- Today, however, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles without violence (Acts 5:26). The apostles have most certainly reported their imprisonment, angelic visitation, and command to “speak to the people all the words of this life” (Acts 5:20). With that in mind, the captain’s attempt to arrest the apostles must be seen as evil. It is really an attempt to prevent (1) a ministry that has been helping hurting people and (2) the bringing of the message of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. The jealousy (indignation) of the high priest was the motivation behind the arrest. In the power of the Holy Spirit the Galileans are drawing the people away from the Sadducees to the Savior.
But, what changed? That is, why is this second attempt to get the apostles without violence. The text makes it clear: the captain and the officers are afraid.
Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. (Acts 5:26)
It is obvious that the people now side with the apostles and are willing to use their greater numbers and the stones in the immediate vicinity to stop the arrest. (We must also see that the foolishness of Sadducee teachings is now on full display. Sadducees do not believe in angels (Acts 23:8). However, according to the apostles, an angel let them out of prison. Either the prison is truly dysfunctional and the apostles are lying or there is growing evidence that angels are real.) The religious leaders want to shut down an effective ministry and the people are now standing in the way. If the apostles are going to be arrested, they are going to have to be willing to go on their terms.
They are unstoppable! No weapon formed against them will prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
In His grip by His grace,
Roderick L. Barnes, Sr.
