Introduction

After the internal issues within the church were addressed, particularly with the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, the work of the Holy Spirit became more conspicuous, as described in Acts 5:15-16. The activity of the Holy Spirit produces two outcomes: (1) It raised up those who experience true conversion, and (2) It provoked strong opposition. This passage records the opposition by the Jewish leaders.

The apostles arrested

“But the high priest stood up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy.” (1) “But” in Greek is “de,” which is the most common conjunction, indicating that the high priest and his associates stood in opposition when they heard about the supernatural works by the apostles. They reacted is such way because the disciples of Jesus were beginning to wield significant influence over the people. (2) “The high priest… along with all his associates” are mentioned. (a) The high priest is either Annas or Caiaphas (considering the context, it is most likely Annas). (b) “All his associates” refers to the members of the Sadducees, who were composed of priests and aristocrats. (3) “They were filled with jealousy.” (a) They considered themselves the religious leaders and their primary concern was to protect their religious privileges. (b) Since the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the body, they were opposed to the message of Jesus’ resurrection. “They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public prison.” (1) They had no other way to deal with the apostles but to suppress them by force. (a) In Acts 4:1-3, Peter and John were arrested. (b) In Acts 5:17-18, all the apostles were arrested. (2) “Public prison” refers to a place where suspects are detained before trial. Peter and John were placed in a detention facility within the temple, whereas the twelve apostles were placed in a public prison outside the temple. What is the difference between the apostles and the Sadducees? The apostles were “filled with the Holy Spirit,” while the Sadducees were “filled with jealousy.” Being “filled” refers to what dominates a person’s character. What dominates a person’s character changes the way they live. Let’s walk a life led by the Holy Spirit, not a life driven by anger or jealousy. Having faith is a prerequisite for being filled with the Holy Spirit.