A Bible Study on the Book of Acts Session 15
The Church of the Holy Apostles;
Based upon the Homilies of St John Chrysostom (SJC)
Study Guide – January 14, 2015, Acts 5.18-6.7, Homily 14
Chapter 5 v. 34-39 – Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. “For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. “After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. “And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; “but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it — lest you even be found to fight against God.”
Gamaliel is the teacher of Saint Paul. He is a “secret believer” much like Nicodemos. The evidence for his secret belief is found in his soft speech and care to steer the Sadducees away from Christ without blaspheming Christ.
Gamaliel uses historical facts to plead his case rather than jeopardizing his position. Otherwise the Sadducees might have move forward with killing the Apostles.
Gamaliel doesn’t say whether or not it IS from God, but leaves that to the future to prove.
SJC “How mildly Gamaliel reasons, and how he says but a few words to them, an does not recount ancient histories, although he might have done so, but more recent instances, which are most powerful to produce belief. With this view he throws out a hint himself, ‘For before these days,” meaning, not many days before. Now had he at once said, ‘Let these men go,’ both himself would have fallen into suspicion, and his speech would not have been so effective: but after the examples, it acquired its own proper force.” (Homily p88)
Chapter 5 v. 40-42 – And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
The Sadducees are convinced to step back, but their ego must be fed instead, so the Apostles were beaten and commanded to stop preaching. They have rejected their belief.
The Apostles are strengthened by the beatings. They actually rejoiced while suffering. Remember last week’s talk about fear?
SJC “Such is the nature of wickedness: it attempts even impossibilities.”
Chapter 6 v. 1-6 – Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; “but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
“Now in those days” – An ancient literary expression in story telling. We STILL introduce Acts with these words. It does NOT refer to an immediate/chronological connection.
Hellenists vs. Hebrews – ALL JEWS!
Each member of the Church has a function. The Apostles will handle prayer etc, the Deacons the serving etc, because both cannot be accomplished well by the same person.
SJC “But see, how straightway they both take thought for these inferior matters, and yet do not neglect the preaching.” The Apostles are constantly teaching even when they are handling mundane matters.
Even while the Apostles are being beaten the faithful are murmuring about the neglected widows. SJC “For it is impossible to have strict order in a multitude.” The neglect was NOT intentional, but the result of the complexity and rapid growth of the community. SJC “This did not arise from malice, but perhaps from the carelessness of the multitude. And therefore he brought it forward openly, for this was no small evil.”
Daily ministrations to the widows was NOT Alms, but service to the community. The work was elevated by the formalized office of Deacon, “equal” to preaching.
Chapter 6 v. 7 –Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
SJC “It is not for nothing that he says this: it shows how great is the virtue of alms and good order.”
Remember Acts 2.47
A well operating Church actually LIVING in love is the virtue that draws new believers!
Ordination of first Deacons: The Apostles established the criteria, the people chose 7, the Apostles ordained.
- The people chose seven men full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Wisdom is a trait not only for the preachers but the Deacons.
- Note the humility of the Apostles to allow the crowd to choose, just like with Mathias
- Ordination was a formalized process which included deliberate prayers and physical laying on of hands BY the Apostles
Historical Note: SJC TWICE comments on internal struggle in the ancient Church. “Behold another trial! Observe how from within and form without there are warings from the very first.” The ancient Church was NOT a perfect community, and has never portrayed itself as perfect. In most circles this is used to defend the genuine character of the Scriptures. It is commonly believed that if the Scriptures were “made up” texts, the authors would not have included the shortcomings of the early Church.
Teaching on Living with Others – (see Homily 14, pp 92-94)
- Imitate Christ in endurance and mercy
- Always express holy thoughts about others – Καλή Λογισμοί
- It is better to be called names than to call others names
- Do not air your dirty laundry
Life Application – Live Ready for Judgment
- We must constantly live with the understanding that we have not avoided punishment for our sins. So long as we are still alive, we can still repent.
- We must reject both praise and fault – This is directly connected to not airing your dirty laundry. If we alone know how sinful we are, then our reputation will be better for it and we will say to our accusers, “If you only knew just how sinful we were!”