# Acts Chapter 5
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## Summarrium
A Man named Ananias sells a piece of property and retains back some of the value of this for himself. In so doing Peter claims that Ananias has '*lied to the Holy Spirit*' and he dies. His wife arriving later is also questioned about the sale and also lies and subsequently dies. A great fear falls upon the Church and many signs and wonders are being regularly done by the Apostles with the sick lain in the streets that even Peters shadow might fall upon them

The high priest rose up and arrested the apostles putting them in prison. An angel of the Lord opened the doors sending them out again to teach the people. The high priests become aware of the apostles escape but were afraid to act because of their fear of being stoned by the people. Enraged by the bold declarations of the disciples Gamaliel advises they do not oppose the disciples claiming that it will naturally fail or the establishment will set themselves against the Lord.

## Meditatio
What struck me within this passage is the wisdom that can be found amongst the Pharisees. Despite the jealousy and corruption to be found within the religious establishment there are some who can think reasonably. Gamaliel points out[^1] an important principle. Using the examples of a number of failed Messiahs he points out that in each case nothing has come of this and the followers have dispersed. He anticipates that this will be the same with Jesus.

Yet what is of particular interest is that he points out that *if* this Jesus is who he claims to be they will be unable to prevent the spreading of the Gospel message. Going so far as to point out that they will be standing in opposition to God. The principle of general wisdom here being that on occasions it might be right to see how a thing plays out before committing oneself to a particular course of action.

We cannot also overlook the narrative surrounding Ananias and Sapphira. Arguably this reads as a judgement proclaimed by the angry God of the Old Testament rather than the God of love revealed to us through Christ. In reality the narrative illustrates the seriousness of deceit and hypocrisy within the early Church community. It instilled a deep reverence and respect for the Holiness and power of God, serving as a reminder of the reality of divine judgement. God remains involved in the affairs of the body and holds them accountable for their actions in administering justice.

Perhaps then food for thought today is the reality that the Lord observes and holds us accountable for our actions. Be they attempts to subvert his intents and purposes for personal gain or via direct opposition to him. The Lord will act in accordance with his will and purposes and we would do well to act in accordance with them.

[^1]: See [Acts 5:33-42](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+5%3A33-42&version=ESV)