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Kent Hughes · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Hughes - Dante portrayed hypocrites in the Eighth Circle of Hell wearing gilded capes that were beautiful to the eye but were actually made of lead, producing the burdened cry, “O weary mantle of eternity.” Beautiful as hypocrites may be in appearance, they carry debilitating weight throughout life, suppressing the life of the church....Peter confronted Ananias and Sapphira about their heart deception. Their story is a call to confront ourselves. Do I practice spiritual deceit? Do I attempt to make others think I am more committed than I am? These are serious questions. In the larger picture, it is a matter of life and death—maybe not our own, but someone else’s—perhaps our children, our grandchildren, our relatives, our neighbors. Possibly God is calling us to confront another believer, as Peter did. Nathan did the same to King David: “You are the man!” (2 Samuel 12:7). We must help each other remain honest and obedient to God....we should take an honest look at our lives regarding deceit. Are we truthful people? Do we engage in exaggeration and coloring? Are we promoting spiritual deception about our own commitments. Are we trying outwardly or subtly to make ourselves appear to be what we are not? Perhaps, to acquire objectivity, it would be helpful to seek the perspective of another person—your spouse, if you are married, or perhaps a trusted, honest friend. (See Acts: The Church Afire) Samuel
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Hughes adds that "Such fear and denial are trademarks of modern enemies of Christ as well." Acts 5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men. KJV Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. We must obey God rather than men Acts 4:19; Ge 3:17; 1 Samuel 15:24; Mark 7:7-9; Rev 14:8-12 Acts 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A GREAT TRUTH TO LIVE BY Indeed, this is not only a great truth to live but to die by! This short statement by Peter is one of the greatest statements in all of Scripture. Obedience is always the way to blessing, even if it is associated with a time of affliction (as it was here, their obedience bringing a flogging). But Peter and the apostles answered - The verb answered is apokrinomai which means to reply as one might do as somewhat of a formal response. In fact Peter's reply would lead to another opportunity to proclaim the Gospel. They are essentially repeating the truth that was stated in Acts 4 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20+) We must obey God rather than men - Peter and the 11 in essence reply that their response (continuing to teach in the Temple) was not optional for them but that they were under compulsion to do this because God (He is implied) had commanded them to “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.” (Acts 5:20) They were obligated to preach the Gospel, no matter the cost! And eventually tradition says it cost most of them their natural lives (but see Jesus' encouraging words in Lk 12:4+ "do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do." cf Mt 10:28) God's commands take priority, but they should be His commands, NOT our extensions of those commands. And if obedience to God brings about disobedience to authority, then one must be prepared to suffer the consequences as did the apostles. (Acts 5:40 cf Mt 5:10, 11, 12) John
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Hughes applies this section to our lives asking first "How was this remarkable liberation and power gained? Obedience. Peter and the apostles began their answer by saying, “We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29) and concluded by saying, “We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him” (Acts 5:32). The witnessing power of the Holy Spirit is released through obedience to Christ, to the Word, to the inner voice of his guidance. Some good self-check questions are: (1) Am I living consistently in view of what I know about Christ? (2) Am I living a life that is in accord with what I am learning in the Scriptures? (3) Am I refusing to do what I know he wants? (4) Am I refusing to share my faith because of fear of rejection or appearing unintellectual or uncultured or any other reason? We cannot have the power of the Holy Spirit if we are saying "NO" to Him. (ED: cf 1 Th 5:19+, Eph 4:30+). (See Acts: The Church Afire) (Or listen to his sermon The Liberty of God's Children on Acts 5:15-42) Legal Versus Right Read: Acts 5:17-29 Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” —Acts 5:29 In his powerful book Unspeakable, Os Guinness wrestles with the problem of evil in the world. In one section, he focuses on the Nuremberg trials that followed World War II. The Nazis stood charged with crimes against humanity, and their mantra of defense was simple: “I was merely following orders.” The verdict, however, was that the soldiers had a moral obligation to defy orders that, though legal, were clearly wrong. In a much different context, Peter and the disciples were arrested for presenting the message of the risen Christ and brought before the religious rulers in Jerusalem. Rather than allowing themselves to be shaped by the mood of the mob, the disciples declared their intention to continue preaching Christ. The orders of the religious establishment may have been legal, but they were wrong. When the disciples chose to obey God rather than the godless religious leaders, they raised a standard of conviction that rose above the opinions of the rulers of this world. The trials we face may test our commitment. But we will find opportunities to exalt the King if we trust Him for the strength to go beyond the words of the crowd-pleasers and do right as He defines it in His Word. Say not, “The days are evil. Who’s to blame?” And fold the hand and acquiesce—oh, shame! Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God’s name, Be strong! —Babcock We must choose daily the way of the cross over the way of the crowd. —Warren Two Kingdoms Read: Matthew 22:15-22 Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. —Matthew 22:21 In a report in USA Today, Rick Hampson wrote: “The young generally don’t have the old-time political religion. They look at voting and see a quaint, irrational act.” One graduate was quoted as saying, “I don’t care enough to care about why I don’t care.” I wonder if this is how we as Jesus-followers sometimes view our civic responsibility! The insights of Jesus in Matthew 22 helped His followers think clearly about their civic duty in the world. The Jews were required to pay taxes to the Roman government. They hated this taxation because the money went directly into Caesar’s treasury, where some of it supported the pagan temples and decadent lifestyle of the Roman aristocracy. They may have questioned whether they even had a civic responsibility to Caesar. Jesus reminded them, however, that they had dual citizenship. They lived in a world with two kingdoms—Caesar’s kingdom (human authority) and God’s kingdom (spiritual authority). They had responsibilities to both, but their greater responsibility was to God and His kingdom (Acts 5:28-29). As followers of Christ, we are commanded to cooperate with our rulers, but we are called to give God our ultimate obedience and commitment. We live today as citizens of two worlds, And this demands a duty to fulfill; But greater far should be our heart’s desire To honor Christ and always do His will. —Hess Government has authority, but God has ultimate authority. Would I Step On Jesus? Read: Matthew 26:69-75 Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men.. —Acts 5:29 Twenty-six people died because they would not step on a picture of Jesus. In the 17th century some Christians were faithfully serving Jesus on an island in Japan. According to missionary Tim Johnson, a provincial leader, called a shogun, decided that these believers were a threat to the traditional culture, so he devised a fiendish trap. He placed a picture of Jesus on the street and demanded that the Christians in his province step on the picture in renunciation of their faith. When the test was finished, 26 people had refused. They were crucified at the water’s edge for all to see. It’s sobering to realize that the apostle Peter, when questioned about his loyalty, denied that he was a disciple of Jesus (Mt. 26:69-75). But it was that same Peter who deeply regretted his choice and gave the rest of his life in bold witness for Christ. Every day we are confronted with situations or decisions that tempt us to betray the Lord by choosing the world, the flesh, or the devil instead of obeying Him. We need His help to keep from denying Him by acts of sin or disobedience. May the resolve of our heart be that we will never betray our Lord. Instead, may we be determined to boldly and unashamedly tell others of our love for Him. Jesus is all the world to me, And true to Him I'll be; O how could I this Friend deny, When He's so true to me? —Thompson To keep from denying Christ, you must rely on Christ. Whom Do You Fear? Read: Acts 4:1-22 We ought to obey God rather than men. —Acts 5:29 A soldier was standing at attention during a parade drill when he waved to one of the spectators. The drill instructor went over to the young man and growled, “Soldier, don’t ever do that again!” But as his company marched past the reviewing stand the young man waved a second time. When the troops got back to the barracks, the drill instructor barreled in and barked at the soldier, “I told you not to wave! Aren’t you afraid of me?” “Yes sir,” the private replied, “but you don’t know my mother!” Peter and John had upset the religious elite in Jerusalem. The city’s power brokers were disturbed by the message the two men preached and the miracles they performed. They had to be stopped. Peter and John were arrested and thrown into jail. They had every reason to be afraid. Yet, the next day they stood up to their accusers with great courage. “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge,” they boldly said (Acts 4:19). They feared God more than they feared their persecutors. If we are tempted to be quiet when we should speak up for Christ, we must remember that we can speak and act with conviction because we know our God. His authority outranks all others. He is the One we need to please. Will you be bold in your witness By giving lost sinners God's Word? Jesus will honor your service, And sinners will surely be stirred. —Bosch When you fear God, you have nothing else to fear. Motive Check-Up Based on the Truth of Acts 5:29 (cf Matthew 10:28) Am I more concerned about what God thinks about my life than about what others think? Yes ☐ No ☐ Would I pray, read my Bible, give and serve as much if nobody but God ever noticed? Yes ☐ No ☐ Am I more concerned about pleasing God than I am about being accepted and appreciated by men? Yes ☐ No ☐ Obedience to God I. ITS NECESSITY. Commanded (Deuteronomy 13:4; Deuteronomy 10:12). The condition of acceptance with God (Exodus 19:5; Jeremiah 7:23). The condition of securing God's help (Exodus 23. 22; Deuteronomy 7:9). Expected of God's people (Deuteronomy 27:9, 10). More than burnt-offerings (1 Samuel 15:22). A fit return for God's mercies (1 Samuel 15:24). Must obey God rather than man (Acts 4:19, 20; Acts 5:29). Exhorted (Jeremiah 26:13; Jeremiah 38:20). A proof of friendship to Christ (John 15:14). II. WHAT IT INCLUDES. Obeying God's voice (Exodus 19:5; Jeremiah 7:23). Obeying God's law (Joshua 1:7; Isaiah 42:24). Bringing every thought into obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Obeying the gospel (Romans 1:5; Romans 6:17; Romans 10:16). Keeping God's commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). III. HOW TO BE RENDERED. Should be — From the heart (Deuteronomy 11:13; Romans 6:1). Willingly (Psalm 18:44; Isaiah 1:19). Faithfully (Joshua 22:2, 3). Undeviating (Deuteronomy 28:14). Constantly (Philippians 2:12). IV. MOTIVES TO. Promises to (Exodus 23:22; 1 Samuel 12:14, 15; Isaiah 1:19). Blessedness of (Deuteronomy 11:27; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Luke 11:28; James 1:5). Disobedience punished (Deuteronomy 11:28; Deuteronomy 28:15-68; Joshua 5:6; Isaiah 1:20). (S. S. Times.) One Saturday there was a little boy named Jamie Brown pushing along the road on his way home. He had only travelled about a mile, when, at a turn of the road, three or four very wicked boys, who disliked him for going to church, and refusing to join them in mischief, came rushing out from a clump of trees with a fierce bull-dog, and said, "Brown, you must say the bad words we tell you before you go another step, or we'll send the dog at you." And then they began to swear, and speak the worst of words. Now there was one thing Jamie had learned at his mother's fireside, and that was, that it was wrong to take God's name in vain, and wrong to foul the tongue with bad words. But he simply said, "Let me go; I want to get home." "Not one step farther," said the biggest fellow, "until you say these words after me. Swear this oath, and we'll let you go," and he repeated wild and wicked words. "I dare not say that," replied the boy; "and you have no right to ask me." "Swear the oath this moment, or we will let slip the dog." "I will not swear that oath; and you have no right to let slip the dog on me." They gave him one more chance, and then let loose the dog. That night, as his mother and the other children sat round the fire, the brave boy told the rest of the adventure. It came into his head, as his savage persecutors were unloosing the dog, that God, who shut the mouths of the lions in the den where Daniel was, could shut the mouth of the fierce dog on that lonely road. And God did shut the mouth of the dog. The big, hulking scoundrels, more brutal than their dog, yelled it at the harmless boy. The dog barked furiously for a second or two, and went rushing up to him. But it neither bit nor offered to bite. And Jamie was delivered out of their hands.(N. T. Anecdotes.) Acts 5:30 "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, Whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. KJV Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. The God of our fathers Acts 3:13-15; 22:14; 1 Chr 12:17; 29:18; Ezra 7:27; Luke 1:55,72 raised up Jesus Acts 3:26; 13:33 Whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross Acts 2:22-24,32; 4:10,11; 10:39; 13:28; Gal 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24 Acts 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PETER ACCUSES THE SANHEDRIN OF PUTTING JESUS ON THE CROSS The God of our fathers - Peter is addressing Jews so his introductory statement conveys to them the fact that he is speaking about the God of the Old Testament. In Acts 3:13 Peter gave a similar introduction declaring "The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers." Raised up Jesus - The Sadducees did not believe in the doctrine of the resurrection so this first point must have infuriated them (cf Acts 4:2+)! Peter is saying that the God Who the Sadducees knew (for they held to the teachings of the Pentateuch - e.g., see Ex 3:6) was the same God Who raised Jesus from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus was the Father's "Amen!" to His Son's "It is finished!" Bob
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Hughes - I once heard Richard Wurmbrand describe this kind of joy. When he was in a Romanian prison, his tormentors ripped chunks of flesh out of him, and he had the scars to prove it. He was sentenced to solitary confinement, and for weeks or even months on end no one would speak to him in his tiny cell. Amazingly, during all of that there were times when he was overcome with joy. He would actually stand up in his weakened state and dance around his cell, confident that the angels were dancing with him. He was released from prison unexpectedly, and as he left the prison dressed like a scarecrow, with his teeth rotted and in terrible shape, he met a peasant woman on the road carrying a basket of beautiful strawberries. When she offered him one, he started to take it but then said, “No thanks. I am going to fast.” He went home to his wife, and they prayed and fasted as a memorial to the joy he had experienced in prison, asking God for the same kind of joy outside prison. (See Acts: The Church Afire) Bob