A Bible Study on the Book of Acts Session 14
The Church of the Holy Apostles;
Based upon the Homilies of St John Chrysostom (SJC)
Study Guide – Acts 5.17-33, Homily 13
Chapter 5 v. 17-20 – Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”
Just as with many of Christ’s miracles, most especially His Resurrection, nobody witnesses the miracle. Only the effects are witnessed. The Apostles have been set free “in secret” by the Angel, but publicly found teaching in the temple.
Just “as in the case at the sepulcher” a twofold security system is in place. Guards AND locks, but it isn’t enough.
SJC “This was done for the encouragement of the disciples and for the benefit and instruction of the others.”
Chapter 5 v. 21-25 – And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”
Miracles are used to show NON-believers the Power of God.
SJC “When they have considered it will and seen that there is a Divine Power in the case, then they may learn the whole state of the case.”
Chapter 5 v. 26-28 – Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”
The Sadducees are fighting against God!
SJC “Verily they must be mad or drunken to talk so. Here are men, whom neither prison, nor bonds, nor closed doors, had been able to keep in; and yet they expect to overpower them: such is their childish folly.”
Chapter 5 v. 29-32 – But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. “Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. “And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
At every opportunity the Apostles teach perfect doctrine through dialogue.
Doctrines: Passion – Resurrection – Ascension – Forgiveness – Repentance – Holy Trinity
SJC “Observe how everywhere the Apostles, when they have made mention of the crime, add mention of forgiveness.”
Chapter 5 v. 33 – When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.
Eventually, if sin wins out in the heart, total condemnation is the result.
SJC “See, how these people were instructed both by deeds and by words, and yet they paid no heed, that their condemnation might be just. For to this end did God suffer the Apostles to be brought to trial, that both their adversaries might be instructed, and all might learn, and that the Apostles might be invigorated to boldness of speech. “And they hearing that were cut to the heart.” The others (on the former occasion) “when they heard these things were pricked;” here they were cut as with a saw “and desired to slay them.”
Special Note: Acts takes a different turn at this point. The martyrdom of Saint Stephen is on the horizon.
Teaching on Trusting God – (see Homily 13, pp 84-86)
- There is nothing dreadful to him that fears God.
- Charity only comes through freedom.
- Many more rich than poor have reason to be sad.
Life Application – Making a New Year Resolution
- Every year many of us make New Year Resolutions to better our life. These most often include healthy choices, financial policies, and personal relationships. They “rarely” include our spiritual life and journey toward heaven. To that end, here are some questions that might assist you making some needed and appropriate New Year Resolutions.
- After completing Section 1 of this “Spiritual Self-Assessment” as honestly as possible, total your score to determine where a possible New Year Resolution might be of benefit. This activity is like golf, a LOWER score is desired.
- After completing Section 2 of this “Spiritual Self-Assessment” as honestly as possible, consider how committed you are to Christ and His Church. Remember!!!! The Church is a gift from Christ to assist you in your journey to heaven.