Acts 5:20
"Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life."
Go
The Greek word for "go" is "πορεύομαι" (poreuomai), which implies movement with purpose and direction. In the context of Acts, this command is not merely about physical movement but a divine commission. The apostles are being sent with authority and urgency, reminiscent of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19. This directive underscores the active nature of Christian witness, emphasizing that faith is not passive but requires action and obedience to God's call.

stand
The term "stand" comes from the Greek "ἵστημι" (histēmi), which conveys the idea of being firm, steadfast, and unwavering. In the historical context of the early church, this command to stand in the temple courts is significant. It symbolizes boldness and courage, as the apostles are to take a public and visible stance for their faith in a place where they had previously faced opposition. This act of standing is a testament to their commitment and the power of the Holy Spirit enabling them to face persecution without fear.

in the temple courts
The temple courts were the central place of worship and teaching for the Jewish people. By instructing the apostles to go there, God is directing them to the heart of religious life in Jerusalem. This location is significant because it represents the intersection of the old covenant and the new message of Jesus Christ. The temple courts were a place of authority and tradition, and the apostles' presence there signifies the fulfillment of the law and prophets through Christ. It also highlights the transition from the old covenant to the new, as the message of Jesus is proclaimed in the very heart of Jewish worship.

tell the people
The Greek word for "tell" is "λαλέω" (laleō), which means to speak or proclaim. This is not a suggestion but a command to communicate openly and clearly. The apostles are to declare the message without reservation or fear. The phrase "the people" refers to the Jewish populace gathered in the temple, indicating that the message of Christ is for all, transcending social and religious boundaries. This directive emphasizes the inclusive nature of the Gospel, which is to be shared with everyone.

the full message
The phrase "the full message" is translated from the Greek "τὰ ῥήματα τῆς ζωῆς ταύτης" (ta rhēmata tēs zōēs tautēs), meaning the complete or entire message. This underscores the importance of proclaiming the entirety of the Gospel, not just parts that are convenient or palatable. The apostles are charged with delivering the whole truth of the new life in Christ, which includes both the promise of salvation and the call to repentance and discipleship. This comprehensive message is essential for true conversion and spiritual growth.

of this new life
The term "new life" is derived from the Greek "ζωῆς" (zōēs), which signifies life in its fullest sense. This new life is not merely a continuation of the old but a transformative experience brought about by faith in Jesus Christ. It represents a radical change from death to life, from sin to righteousness, and from the old covenant to the new. The apostles are to testify to the resurrection power of Christ, which offers eternal life and a restored relationship with God. This new life is characterized by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to live in accordance with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Apostles
The primary figures in this passage, who are commanded by an angel to continue preaching the Gospel despite previous arrests and threats.

2. The Angel of the Lord
A divine messenger who frees the apostles from prison and instructs them to continue their mission.

3. The Temple Courts
The location where the apostles are instructed to preach. This is a significant place for Jewish worship and teaching, symbolizing the heart of religious life in Jerusalem.

4. The Sanhedrin
The Jewish ruling council that had previously arrested the apostles for preaching about Jesus.

5. The Message of New Life
Refers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, emphasizing salvation and transformation through faith in Him.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Command
The apostles' immediate response to the angel's command highlights the importance of obeying God's directives, even in the face of opposition.

Boldness in Proclaiming the Gospel
Despite threats, the apostles are instructed to preach openly. Believers today are called to share their faith courageously.

The Centrality of the Gospel Message
The "full message of this new life" is central to Christian faith and practice. It is essential to understand and communicate the Gospel clearly.

Divine Intervention and Guidance
The angel's appearance and instructions remind us that God actively guides and supports His people in fulfilling His purposes.

The Role of the Church in Society
The temple courts were a public space, indicating that the message of Christ is not confined to private belief but is to be shared publicly.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the apostles' obedience to the angel's command challenge us in our own faith journey?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate boldness in sharing the Gospel in our daily lives?

3. What does the "full message of this new life" mean to you personally, and how can you articulate it to others?

4. How have you experienced God's guidance or intervention in your efforts to share your faith?

5. Considering the apostles' example, how can the church today engage more effectively with society to communicate the Gospel?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 28:19-20
The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything He has commanded.

John 10:10
Jesus speaks of bringing life abundantly, which connects to the "new life" mentioned in Acts 5:20.

Acts 1:8
Jesus promises the Holy Spirit's power to be His witnesses, which empowers the apostles to preach boldly.

Hebrews 4:12
The Word of God is living and active, which underscores the transformative power of the message the apostles are commanded to share.
The Church's Mission to the WorldR.A. Redford Acts 5:20
The Theme of Themes: the Angel's ChargeP.C. Barker Acts 5:20
Arrest of the ApostlesE. Johnson Acts 5:17-26
Persecution RenewedM. G. Hazard.Acts 5:17-26
Persecution RenewedActs 5:17-26
The Activity and Bafflement of the PersecutorsD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 5:17-26
The Apostles PersecutedJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 5:17-26
The Imprisonment and Deliverance of the ApostlesJ. Bennett, D. D.Acts 5:17-26
The Priests and the PreachersC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 5:17-26
The Sanhedrin and the ApostlesS. J. Niccolls, D. D.Acts 5:17-26
Vain Efforts to Oppose the GospelChristian AgeActs 5:17-26
Three Things DivineW. Clarkson Acts 5:17-29
A Grand Victory for the Truth Along the Whole LineP.C. Barker Acts 5:17-40
Second Persecution of the ChurchR.A. Redford Acts 5:17-42
Angelic Interference and Apostolic WorkG. S. Rowe.Acts 5:19-20
Christianity a LifeH. M. Dubose.Acts 5:19-20
Christianity and the PeopleC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 5:19-20
Christianity, a Voice to the PeopleA. J. Morris.Acts 5:19-20
Distinguishing Properties of Spiritual LifeRobert Hall.Acts 5:19-20
Divine Idea of ChristianityW. H. Burton.Acts 5:19-20
Divine InterpositionC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 5:19-20
Ministers Must Preach the Whole GospelC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 5:19-20
Miraculous InterpositionWeekly PulpitActs 5:19-20
Preachers Must Reach the PeopleC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 5:19-20
The Burden of the Preacher -- Speaking in the TempleF. Ferguson, D. D.Acts 5:19-20
The Gospel MessageJ. Stoughton, D. D.Acts 5:19-20
The Proclamation and the Power of the GospelW. J. Henderson, B. A.Acts 5:19-20
The Religion of the PeopleJ. C. Shanks.Acts 5:19-20
People
Ananias, Gamaliel, Israelites, Judas, Peter, Sapphira, Solomon, Theudas
Places
Jerusalem, Solomon's Portico
Topics
Courts, Full, Message, Proclaiming, Sayings, Speak, Stand, Standing, Teaching, Temple
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 5:20

     4018   life, spiritual
     6698   newness

Acts 5:17-33

     2426   gospel, responses

Acts 5:17-41

     5919   popularity

Acts 5:19-20

     8426   evangelism, motivation

Acts 5:19-24

     5962   surprises

Acts 5:19-26

     7469   temple, Herod's

Library
December 28. "The Holy Ghost, whom God Hath Given to them that Obey Him" (Acts v. 32).
"The Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him" (Acts v. 32). We can only know and prove the fulness of the Spirit as we step out into the larger purposes and plans of Christ for the world. Perhaps the chief reason why the Holy Spirit has been so limited in His work in the hearts of Christians, is the shameful neglect of the unsaved and unevangelized world by the great majority of the professed followers of Christ. There are millions of professing Christians--and, perhaps, real Christians--in
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Our Captain
'Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince.' --ACTS v. 31. The word rendered 'Prince' is a rather infrequent designation of our Lord in Scripture. It is only employed in all four times--twice in Peter's earlier sermons recorded in this Book of the Acts; and twice in the Epistle to the Hebrews. In a former discourse of the Apostle's he had spoken of the crime of the Jews in killing 'the Prince of life.' Here he uses the word without any appended epithet. In the Epistle to the Hebrews
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Whom to Obey, --Annas or Angel?
'Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, 18. And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. 19. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 20. Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. 21. And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Gamaliel's Counsel
'Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.'--ACTS v. 38, 39. The little that is known of Gamaliel seems to indicate just such a man as would be likely to have given the advice in the text. His was a character which, on its good side and by its admirers, would be described as prudent, wise, cautious and calm, tolerant, opposed to fanaticism
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Indwelling of the Spirit, the Common Privilege of all Believers
John 7:37-39 -- "In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive." Nothing has rendered the cross of Christ of less effect; nothing has been a greater stumbling-block and rock of offense to weak minds, that a supposition, now current
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

On Zeal
"It is good to be always zealously affected in a good thing." Gal. 4:18. 1. There are few subjects in the whole compass of religion, that are of greater importance than this. For without zeal it is impossible, either to make any considerable progress in religion ourselves, or to do any considerable service to our neighbour, whether in temporal or spiritual things. And yet nothing has done more disservice to religion, or more mischief to mankind, than a sort of zeal which has for several ages prevailed,
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The First Sermon in the Tabernacle
This afternoon I will try to describe the subject, Christ Jesus; then, secondly, to speak for a little while upon its comprehensiveness; then to enlarge upon sundry of its excellencies; and conclude by testing its power. I. First, then, the SUBJECT. They continued both to teach and preach Jesus Christ. To preach Jesus Christ aright we must preach him in his infinite and indisputable Godhead. We may be attacked by philosophers, who will either make him no God at all, or one constituted temporarily
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Of the Recollection of God's Manifold Benefits
Open, O Lord, my heart in Thy law, and teach me to walk in the way of Thy commandments. Grant me to understand Thy will and to be mindful of Thy benefits, both general and special, with great reverence and diligent meditation, that thus I may be able worthily to give Thee thanks. Yet I know and confess that I cannot render Thee due praises for the least of Thy mercies. I am less than the least of all the good things which Thou gavest me; and when I consider Thy majesty, my spirit faileth because
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Reader Reminded How Much He Needs the Assistance of the Spirit of God to Form Him to the Temper Described Above, and what Encouragement He
1. Forward resolutions may prove ineffectual.--2. Yet religion is not to be given up in despair, but Divine grace to be sought.--3. A general view of its reality and necessity, from reason.--4. And Scripture.--5. The spirit to be sought as the spirit of Christ.--6. And in that view the great strength of the soul.--7. The encouragement there is to hope for the communication of it.--8. A concluding exhortation to pray for it. And an humble address to God pursuant to that exhortation. I HAVE now laid
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

May one Lose the Blessing?
The question trembles from many a lip--If I get the blessing, may I lose it? Most certainly. But, glory be to God! He has made ample provision for failure. There is no reason why we should fail; God has made ample provision against failure; we must not expect to fail; but in case we do fail, provision has been made. The most prolific cause of loss is disobedience--disobedience either to one of God's written commands, or to the inward promptings of His Holy Spirit. "The Holy Ghost whom God hath
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Whether Fraud Pertains to Craftiness?
Objection 1: It would seem that fraud does not pertain to craftiness. For a man does not deserve praise if he allows himself to be deceived, which is the object of craftiness; and yet a man deserves praise for allowing himself to be defrauded, according to 1 Cor. 6:1, "Why do you not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" Therefore fraud does not belong to craftiness. Objection 2: Further, fraud seems to consist in unlawfully taking or receiving external things, for it is written (Acts 5:1) that
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Whatever God Does Outside the Natural Order is Miraculous?
Objection 1: It would seem that not everything which God does outside the natural order of things, is miraculous. For the creation of the world, and of souls, and the justification of the unrighteous, are done by God outside the natural order; as not being accomplished by the action of any natural cause. Yet these things are not called miracles. Therefore not everything that God does outside the natural order is a miracle. Objection 2: Further, a miracle is "something difficult, which seldom occurs,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Subjects are Bound to Obey their Superiors in all Things?
Objection 1: It seems that subjects are bound to obey their superiors in all things. For the Apostle says (Col. 3:20): "Children, obey your parents in all things," and farther on (Col. 3:22): "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh." Therefore in like manner other subjects are bound to obey their superiors in all things. Objection 2: Further, superiors stand between God and their subjects, according to Dt. 5:5, "I was the mediator and stood between the Lord and you at that
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Shamefacedness is About a Disgraceful Action?
Objection 1: It would seem that shamefacedness is not about a disgraceful action. For the Philosopher says (Ethic. iv, 9) that "shamefacedness is fear of disgrace." Now sometimes those who do nothing wrong suffer ignominy, according to Ps. 67:8, "For thy sake I have borne reproach, shame hath covered my face." Therefore shamefacedness is not properly about a disgraceful action. Objection 2: Further, nothing apparently is disgraceful but what is sinful. Yet man is ashamed of things that are not sins,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Anyone Should be Excommunicated for Inflicting Temporal Harm?
Objection 1: It would seem that no man should be excommunicated for inflicting a temporal harm. For the punishment should not exceed the fault. But the punishment of excommunication is the privation of a spiritual good, which surpasses all temporal goods. Therefore no man should be excommunicated for temporal injuries. Objection 2: Further, we should render to no man evil for evil, according to the precept of the Apostle (Rom. 12:17). But this would be rendering evil for evil, if a man were to be
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Human Law Binds a Man in Conscience?
Objection 1: It would seem that human law does not bind man in conscience. For an inferior power has no jurisdiction in a court of higher power. But the power of man, which frames human law, is beneath the Divine power. Therefore human law cannot impose its precept in a Divine court, such as is the court of conscience. Objection 2: Further, the judgment of conscience depends chiefly on the commandments of God. But sometimes God's commandments are made void by human laws, according to Mat. 15:6: "You
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Devil is Directly the Cause of Man's Sinning?
Objection 1: It would seem that the devil is directly the cause of man's sinning. For sin consists directly in an act of the appetite. Now Augustine says (De Trin. iv, 12) that "the devil inspires his friends with evil desires"; and Bede, commenting on Acts 5:3, says that the devil "draws the mind to evil desires"; and Isidore says (De Summo Bono ii, 41; iii, 5) that the devil "fills men's hearts with secret lusts." Therefore the devil is directly the cause of sin. Objection 2: Further, Jerome says
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is Praiseworthy to Enter Religion Without Taking Counsel of Many, and Previously Deliberating for a Long Time?
Objection 1: It would not seem praiseworthy to enter religion without taking counsel of many, and previously deliberating for a long time. For it is written (1 Jn. 4:1): "Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they be of God." Now sometimes a man's purpose of entering religion is not of God, since it often comes to naught through his leaving the religious life; for it is written (Acts 5:38,39): "If this counsel or this work be of God, you cannot overthrow it." Therefore it would seem that
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Precept of Fraternal Correction Demands that a Private Admonition Should Precede Denunciation?
Objection 1: It would seem that the precept of fraternal correction does not demand that a private admonition should precede denunciation. For, in works of charity, we should above all follow the example of God, according to Eph. 5:1,2: "Be ye followers of God, as most dear children, and walk in love." Now God sometimes punishes a man for a sin, without previously warning him in secret. Therefore it seems that there is no need for a private admonition to precede denunciation. Objection 2: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Wheat and the Tares
'And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.' --ACTS iv. 32. 'And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.'--ACTS v. 11. Once more Luke pauses and gives a general survey of the Church's condition. It comes in appropriately at the end of the account of the triumph over the first assault of civil authority, which assault
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

That the Christian Miracles are not Recited, or Appealed To, by Early Christian Writers Themselves So Fully or Frequently as Might have Been Expected.
I shall consider this objection, first, as it applies to the letters of the apostles preserved in the New Testament; and secondly, as it applies to the remaining writings of other early Christians. The epistles of the apostles are either hortatory or argumentative. So far as they were occupied in delivering lessons of duty, rules of public order, admonitions against certain prevailing corruptions, against vice, or any particular species of it, or in fortifying and encouraging the constancy of the
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

The Birth of Jesus.
(at Bethlehem of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 1-7. ^c 1 Now it came to pass in those days [the days of the birth of John the Baptist], there went out a decree [a law] from Cæsar Augustus [Octavius, or Augustus, Cæsar was the nephew of and successor to Julius Cæsar. He took the name Augustus in compliment to his own greatness; and our month August is named for him; its old name being Sextilis], that all the world should be enrolled. [This enrollment or census was the first step
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Holy Spirit Bearing Witness to Jesus Christ.
When our Lord was talking to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion of the Comforter who after His departure was to come to take His place, He said, "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall bear witness of Me: and ye also bear witness, because ye have been with Me from the beginning" (John xv. 26, 27, R. V.), and the Apostle Peter and the other disciples when they were strictly commanded
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

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