Acts 7:1–8

 ¹ Then the high priest said, “Are these things so?” ² And he said, “Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, ³ and said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’ ⁴ Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell. ⁵ And God gave him no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on. But even when Abraham had no child, He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him. ⁶ But God spoke in this way: that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into bondage and oppress them four hundred years. ⁷ ‘And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.’ ⁸ Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs.

Commentary 

Vs. 1 Then the high priest said, “Are these things so?” 

With the false and slanderous charges now laid against Stephen before the assembled council (see Acts 6:8-15), the high priest now asks him for his defense, to which chapter seven will now entail. However, this will not be a defense of Stephens person, for Stephen had done or said nothing that needed to be defended, rather it will be Stephen’s “defense” of God’s preordained and predetermined Plan and Will in bringing forth His only begotten Son Jesus Christ through the nation which He chose, i.e., Israel to bring eternal redemption and salvation to everyone who believes in Him. 

Vs. 2-3 ² And he said, “Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, ³ and said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’ 

And so, Stephen begins with the election of Abraham; saying: “Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, ³ and said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’ Thus, the first step in The God of Glories Redemption plans began to unfold when He called and chose Abraham telling him to leave his native land and sever his family ties there, and come to a land which he would show him. Now in addressing God of their fathers as the God of glory Stephen is making it clear that He is referring too the One True Sovereign God whose glory, reign, and power surpasses all others. 

Vs. 4-5 ⁴ Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell. ⁵ And God gave him no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on. But even when Abraham had no child, He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him. 

And so, Abraham being obedient to the call of God left the land of Chaldeans and first dwelt in Haran (Heb. 11:31-32). Then after his father’s death, Abraham was moved by God into the land of Canaan (Gen. 12:1-6). And though Abraham had no child, God Promised him that his and descendants would inherit this land (Gen. 12:7; 13:14-17; 15:18-20; 17:8; 26:3), even though at that time he had received no inheritance from God, not even enough to set his foot on (vs. 5), God’s Word concerning him had a future for him, and the nation that was to be brought forth through him. 

Vs. 6-8 ⁶ But God spoke in this way: that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into bondage and oppress them four hundred years. ⁷ ‘And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.’ ⁸ Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs. 

Having recalled how God called Abraham, Stephen now recalls how God also foretold Abraham that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land (i.e., Egypt), and that they would be brought into slavery and be oppressed by them for four hundred years before God would judge the Egyptians, before bringing them out (Gen. 15:12-16) and returning them now as His nation to the land given to Abraham by God. Now the reason given for this “delay” of four hundred years before doing so is stated as: “But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” ^{Gen. 15:16} Thus in recalling all of this Stephen now also recalls how God gave to Abraham and his descendants after him the covenant of circumcision, (Gen. 17) and how Abraham when Isaac was born circumcised him on the eighth day (Gen. 21:1-7), and then Isaac begot Jacob and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs, i.e., Jacobs twelve sons’ are the fathers of the tribes of Israel which bear their names, while their descendants make up the twelve tribes of Israel, for Jacobs name was changed by God to Israel (Gen. 32:28). This then is the first part of Stephens address to the council, covering the main points of the founding of the Hebrew people and nation in which there is very much history, and through which God’s salvation has come in the Person of His Son Jesus Christ, which Israel rejected for themselves and so, in leading up to that point there is still much more history that Stephen will recall which we will see in the next blog entry.

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

 

 

Acts 6:8–15

 ⁸ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹ Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. ¹⁰ And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. ¹¹ Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” ¹² And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. ¹³ They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; ¹⁴ for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” ¹⁵ And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel. 

Commentary 

Vs. 8 “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.” 

The Scripture now singles out one man from amongst the seven chosen deacons, Stephen to who it is said was full of faith and power, so much so that he did great wonders and signs among the people. 

Vs. 9 “Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen.” 

Stephens effectiveness was such that there arose fierce opposition to him and his preaching from immigrant Jews residing in or near Jerusalem, belonging to a certain “Synagogue of the Freedman” which comprised of Jews from Cyrene, a city of Africa; Alexandria, a seaport city in Egypt; as well as Jews from Cilicia a province in Asia Minor and Asia which also was a province in Asia minor made up of three territories. 

Vs. 10 “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.” 

Stephens preaching by the Holy Spirits Wisdom and Power was such that though these men sought to refute what he was preaching and teaching they could not resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 

Vs. 11-14 ¹¹ Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” ¹² And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. ¹³ They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; ¹⁴ for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 

Having then failed to refute Stephens preaching, or hinder him personally in any way from preaching Jesus Christ and His Gospel, they now resort to inducing men to maliciously slander him, who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” ^{Vs. 11} And so they stirred up all the Jews of Jerusalem along with their elders and their scribes, and so these all came down upon Stephen and seized him and brought him to the Sanhedrin council. And not content with that but once Stephen was there, they also set up false witnesses to distort his preaching and testify against him saying, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; ¹⁴ for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” ^{Vs. 13-14} Guaranteed Stephen never spoke blasphemous words against either the Temple or God’s Law. Stephens preaching though would most definitely have warned about the Temples coming destruction, and the Lord Jesus Christ having ushered in the New Covenant (Matt. 24:1-2; 26:26-28; Hebrews 8:7-13). 

Vs. 15 “And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.” 

When the council was seated with all their angry men with their angry staring countenances, Stephen was also brought before them, “And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.” Such a contrast then from those wolves who were only seeking to justify their soon to be shedding his blood, was Stephen whose face was as the face of angel, bright shining and holy and innocent and harmless. 

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

 

 

Acts 6:1–7

 ¹ 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. ² 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. ³ 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; ⁴ but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” ⁵ 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, ⁶ whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. 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.

Commentary 

Vs. 1 “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.” 

In the early rapid growth days of the church in Jerusalem there were now some joining them from outside of the conservative vein of Judaism that prevailed in Jerusalem and Israel; amongst them was a group of Greek speaking Jews referred to as Hellenists (for their or their ancestor’s adoption of the Greek language as their mother tongue which began in third century B.C. with Alexander the greats conquest of the then known world, and eventually this led to the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the ancient Hebrew Bible by which their Synagogue services could be conducted in Greek). From amongst these Hellenists then there arose a complaint against the Hebrews, (that is those Jews that firmly held to their mother tongue and culture regardless of where the dwelt), that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food and such that was then being shared by all, and was then sustaining the early church. 

Vs. 2-4 ² 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. ³ 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; ⁴ but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 

When news of this came to the apostles, they summoned the multitude of disciples together and told them that they themselves should not leave the Word of God to go and serve tables (vs. 2), rather that the brethren themselves should seek out and appoint seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom whom they may appoint over this business (vs. 3), so that they themselves could continually give themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word (vs. 4). Thus, by wisely doing so they laid forth the foundational duties for all church Pastoral leadership, as well as the governance or duties for what we now refer to as church deacons. 

Vs. 5-6 ⁵ 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, ⁶ whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. 

When the apostles said these things, the whole multitude was pleased, therefore they chose for themselves, Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, (remember him for he will give a remarkable defense of the Gospel in chapter seven, and become the churches first martyr), after him then is mentioned six other men beginning with Philip, another dynamic Holy Spirit filled speaker of the Word of God, who is often referred to as “Philip the evangelist” to distinguish him from Philip the chosen apostle of Christ. And so, it was this Philip who after the powerful witness and martyrdom death of his friend and compatriot Stephen, (and thus many brethren being scattered and driven out from Jerusalem), that he would bring the Gospel to Samaria where by the Holy Spirit likewise enabling him, he would have a mighty impact there, doing many signs and miracles, and thus winning many souls for Christ (Acts 8:5-8). And so, it was with Philips sowing the seeds of faith there that the Apostles Peter and John were also sent there to establish the believers there in the faith, and with their faith established (Acts 9:25), Philip at the direction of an angel from the Lord would seek out and preach to an Ethiopian eunuch who served Candice queen of Ethiopia (Acts 8:26-40). Now so effective was his preaching to him that he also believed and was baptized, and thus he carried the Gospel back to his own country! Philipp then continued on his evangelist endeavors as the Holy Spirit was mightily moving him everywhere to preach the Gospel during those persecutions of the early church, right up to city of Caesarea where he eventually made his home base and established a church there. Now it was years later that Phillip, who also had four virgin daughters who prophesied, would receive the apostle Paul when he came to Caesarea on what would be his final journey to Jerusalem (Acts 21:8-14). Just an incredible life and witness for the Lord Jesus Christ was Philip the evangelist. That all said about him and Stephen no one should think anything less of the five other men also named and chosen who were: Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, for these all were set before the apostles and when they had prayed and laid their hands on them they were appointed over the business of distribution. And so, though their works and deeds are not recorded for us, they like so many other believers down through the ages also served the Lord Jesus Christ no less effectively than Stephen or Philip, but more or less in obscurity, but not to those they helped and served, but only to us who are not yet privy to all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done and accomplished through them. For some men’s works are clearly seen and known by all while others we will not know all the good that the Lord has done though them until the Kingdom of God. Now on a side note all of the deacons were men, not that woman didn’t and don’t serve in the church, often alongside of their male brethren, just that in the churches leadership these roles are by the commandment of the Lord to be filled by men (1 Cor. 14:34-27; 1 Tim. 2:11-15; 3:8-13 etc.). 

Vs. 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.” 

With the internal affairs of the church taken care of, (and thus the descension amongst them ceased), the Word of God spread, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, “and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.” This pattern then of getting ones own house in order as a prerequisite to God reaching others through either an individual or a church body is self-evident down through history. For people are always wanting to come to Christ, however they just don’t want to come and visit with or live in a divided and or divisive house.

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Acts 5:17–42

  ¹⁷ 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, ¹⁸ and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. ¹⁹ But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ²⁰ “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” ²¹ 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. ²² But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, ²³ 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!” ²⁴ Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. ²⁵ So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” ²⁶ Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. ²⁷ And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, ²⁸ 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!” ²⁹ But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. ³¹ Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³² And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” ³³ When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. ³⁴ 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. ³⁵ And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. ³⁶ 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. ³⁷ 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. ³⁸ 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; ³⁹ but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” ⁴⁰ 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. ⁴¹ So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. ⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Commentary 

Vs. 17-18 ¹⁷ 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, ¹⁸ and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. 

With the church rapidly growing, and the power of the Holy Spirit on open display on the Temple grounds through the Lord Jesus Christ’s apostles; the high priest and those of the sect of the Sadducees being filled with indignation now lay their hands on them (that is they have them arrested) and put them into the common prison, which unlike before when they only arrested and placed Peter and John in custody, here they now arrest all the apostles and place them in custody with the common criminals. Nonetheless their increasing their opposition to the Lord and His Work through His apostles though will be of no avail. 

Vs. 19-20 ¹⁹ But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ²⁰ “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” 

With the apostles being held in custody the Lord’s plans and purposes were not thwarted for an angel of the Lord came and opened the prison doors and brought them out, and told them to, “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” That is to go and continue to speak to one and to all the Words of life, Everlasting life, by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ Crucified and Risen from the dead. 

Vs. 21 "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." 

The apostles having been delivered from prison by the Lord’s angel and told by him to keep teaching and preaching the Lord Jesus Christ to the people, early in morning begin to do just that. Now the high priest and those with him had already called the council together, along with all the elders of children of Israel, bringing then both the Temple priestly leadership together with the leadership of the children of Israel to oppose the Lord’s Work through His apostles. Having then assembled themselves they now call for the apostles to be brought to them from the prison, not realizing that the apostles had been freed by an angel and were now teaching and preaching again at the Temple! 

Vs. 22-23 ²² But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, ²³ 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 officers of the high priest and leaders of Israel went to the prison to bring the apostles before the council they were astonished to find that though the prison was secure and the guards were at their posts the apostles were no where to be seen, and so they came back and reported these things to the council saying,  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!” ^{vs. 23} 

Vs. 24 “Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be.” 

That is, they began to wonder how long these men would continue to teach and preach Jesus Christ, whom they had Crucified, for as yet His followers were daily increasing, and these men were showing no signs of giving up. 

Vs. 25 So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” 

Now as they were musing about these things one came and told them that the apostles were now back standing at the Temple and teaching the people! They’re fearlessness in the face of their own people’s opposition is not only to be admired, but modeled by us all! 

Vs. 26 “Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.” 

When the council heard that they immediately sent the captain and his officers to arrest them. Now when the captain and his men came to the apostles at the Temple, they brought them without any violence, for they feared the people there, lest they should be stoned (vs. 27). And so here we that the apostles likewise offered no resistance, for they’re faith and trust was in the Lord, not in inciting crowds and people to violence. 

Vs. 27-28 ²⁷ And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, ²⁸ 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!” 

Having then brought the apostles before the assembled council the high priest who was the adjudicator of it, now in great frustration says to them, “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!” ^{vs. 28} Notice that he doesn’t even mention the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that his fear is that by their preaching and teaching the Lord Jesus Christ that they will fill Jerusalem not only with His doctrine (which is very good), but by doing so, and furthering Jesus’ Name and popularity amongst the Jewish people, they would bring His blood upon them, that is on the high priest and the council members who orchestrated His Crucifixion. Now Jesus’ blood already rests on them and their decedents as they themselves said to Pilate (Matt. 27:25). And so, what the high priest was fearing here was not the judgment of God, but a revolt against him and his council members by the Jewish people. 

Vs. 29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. 

Now in answering the high priest, Peter once again makes it clear that, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Therefore, when faced with denying the Lord Jesus Christ and not teaching and preaching His Person, His commandments, His doctrine, His Name, no believer in regards to this, and only this must never be subordinate to the will of man, (no matter what position or office they hold) but rather we are always to be obedient to the Will of God. 

Vs. 30-32 ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. ³¹ Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³² And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” 

The Apostle Peter having been scolded by the high priest for teaching Jesus, and having boldly told him that “we ought to obey God rather men”, now begins by telling him that the God of their fathers, (i.e. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob etc.), raised up Jesus whom they murdered by hanging on a tree! That is they murdered Jesus Christ by their crucifying Him. Nonetheless it is the God of their fathers who has raised Jesus Christ up from the dead and exalted Him to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, “…to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” For long ago God foretold that Israel would do what they did and yet in spite of this He also foretold that He would through the One they rejected and Crucified provide the means by which they (and all people) could have repentance and forgiveness of sins (consider Ezekiel 16:60-63; Zechariah 12:10-13). Therefore, the Apostle Peter now says that we are witnesses of these things, (of Christ’s Life, Death, and Resurrections) and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him (vs. 32). The obedience being here that one repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ then one will receive the Holy Spirit. However, as we will see the high priest and his council were unwilling to do just that. 

Vs. 33 “When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.” 

So hardened were the hearts of the high priest and his council that instead of repenting (i.e. acknowledging the evil that they had done in Crucifying the Lord Jesus Christ God’s Son and Israel’s Prince and Savior), they only became furious at Peters words, and so just as they had done to the Lord Jesus Christ, so now they plotted to kill him and the apostles! 

Vs. 34 “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.” 

It is at this point that a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law named Gamaliel stood up and commanded the captain and his men to put the apostles outside of the council chambers. Now this man will later be noted by the Apostle Paul as the Pharisee who discipled him in his youth (Acts 22:3). Thus, being of a cooler and head and more discerning and generous spirit, he will now speak to the council body and give his advice. 

Vs. 35-39 ³⁵ And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. ³⁶ 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. ³⁷ 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. ³⁸ 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; ³⁹ but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

Now in addressing the council Gamaliel first tells them of two men (who are now lost to history) who rose up and exalted themselves in their days and had a number of men who followed them, nonetheless as Gamliel notes, these men and their followers all came to nothing (vs. 35-37). For back then there were all kinds of would-be leaders and movements and such trying to restore Israel as a nation, or restore it to a “true” faith, and yet as Gamliel wisely notes they all came to nothing. Therefore, having cited these men and their followers end, he now cautions the council by saying to them, “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; ³⁹ but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” ^{Vs. 38-39} Thus, Gamaliel’s council is basically, if this “movement” is of man to let them alone and let the thing fizzle out and die its own death. However, if it is of God you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God! Little did he know then that what he had just said about it being from God was true, and so neither their or anyone else’s opposition will prevail against the Risen Lord Jesus Christ (Dan. 2:44-45; 7:13-14, 26-27)! 

Vs. 40 “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.” 

Gamaliel’s words then seemed to appease the council’s fury, at least as much as to not to try to eliminate the apostles, and so they now called for the apostles to be brought before them and had them beaten (i.e., flogged) for defying their previous order. And with that they once again commanded the apostles not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. 

Vs. 41-42 ⁴¹ So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. ⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. 

Now when the apostles departed from the council, they were neither discouraged nor defeated, but rather they all rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Jesus Christ’s Name. And so daily they continued in the Temple and in every house teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ! For true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ cannot be made silent by either the commandments of men, or their threats, or by their force of arms! 

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Acts 5:12–16

  ¹² And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. ¹³ Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. ¹⁴ And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, ¹⁵ so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. ¹⁶ Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. 

Commentary 

Vs. 12 “And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.” 

With God’s reverential fear restored, and the apostles now thoroughly established as His chosen leadership for His church. The Lord Jesus Christ began to do many signs and wonders through the hands of the apostles among the people. For they all were with one accord in Solomons Porch (i.e. colonnade, the outer pillared public portion of the Temple which had become their evangelist place where they were seeking to reach the people with the Gospel who were seeking God. Far then from being driven out, the apostles were now showing even more signs and wonders in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ by His Holy Spirit to one and to all. 

Vs. 13 “Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.” 

The brethren then held the apostles and their persons and leadership in great reverence. 

Vs. 14-15 ¹⁴ And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, ¹⁵ so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. 

Because of the Lord’s Work and Power though His Apostle’s believers were increasingly being added to the Lord, both men and women, clearly this was not an all “boys club.” Now as Word went out about the apostles, people began bringing out their sick into the streets, and lying them on beds and couches, in the hope “…that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.” And they would be healed. 

Vs. 16 “Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.” 

Now as the mighty works of the Lord though His apostles spread, people started coming from the cities surrounding Jerusalem, bringing their sick and their loved ones who were tormented by unclean spirits and they were all healed! The Lord Jesus Christ’s Ministry and Power then did not end in His death, but rather His Resurrection Life by His Holy Spirit was now being witnessed and manifested to one and all through His apostles. God Himself then was bearing witness to His Sons Living Person and His Gospels Power by enabling the apostles to do these things in His Name (Heb. 2:4). Now though there are no more Biblical apostles, and thus these kinds of works have been fulfilled, God still bears witness to His Son Jesus Christ through those whom He has chosen to believe in Him. 

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Acts 5:1–11

 ¹ But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. ² And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. ³ But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? ⁴ While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” ⁵ Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. ⁶ And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. ⁷ Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” ⁹ Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” ¹⁰ Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. ¹¹ So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

Commentary 

Vs. 1-2 ¹ But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. ² And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 

With Barnabas’ selfless act recorded and recalled in the Scripture we now read of a husband and wife named Ananias and Sapphira who also sold a possession. However, unlike Barnabas who laid all of his proceeds at the apostles’ feet, Ananias kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, having done, so Ananias likewise appears before the apostles and lays just a portion of the proceeds at the apostles’ feet. Now this act of deception done by him, his wife also being aware of it, will come quickly under the judgment of God! 

Vs. 3-4 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? ⁴ While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 

Immediately then Peter by the Holy Spirit realizes that what Ananias is doing is not some selfless act to strengthen the church like what Barnabas and many others had done and were doing, but was only his wanting to be seen and thought off in the same light as those who were giving all for the early churches ongoing support and survival. Therefore, Peter will have nothing to do with his evil deed and immediately exposes and rebukes him saying, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? ⁴ While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” Therefore, Peter in publicly rebuking Ananias charges him with being under Satan’s influence and control, not God’s! For even as all the brethren were living in a great holy and reverential fear for God because of all the mighty signs and wonders He was by His Spirit doing through His apostles, Ananias had no such reverence or fear for God, but only presumed upon lying to the Holy Spirit to exalt himself in the eyes of others as if that were no big deal! 

Therefore, in lying to the Holy Spirit, in seeking to exalt himself as some sort of selfless giver in the presence of those who truly were, he had only revealed himself as a self-serving liar, and in this a liar to God’s Holy Spirit upon whom he presumed to do such a thing! Now in rebuking Ananias, Peter also makes it clear to Ananias that his possession was his own, he could have kept it, for no one compelled or commanded him to sell it, or even when he sold it, he could’ve just as easily declared here is only a portion of the proceeds. But instead he presumed upon lying to the Holy Spirit to exalt himself, which is basically an act of unbelief, of not believing in God and that His people must always hold a reverential fear for Him. For consider Aarons two priestly sons when God was establishing the priesthood over Israel, who died for their profane offering before the Lord, because the Lord said after He had done so, “By those who come near me I must be regarded as holy, and before all people I must be glorified” (see Lev. 10:1-3). Therefore, in establishing the work of the Holy Spirit through the early church God will not tolerate those who presume upon lying to Him. 

Vs. 5 “Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.” 

God’s judgment then was swift, for upon hearing Peters words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last. Therefore, great fear came upon all those who heard these things. For truly that is the only way to deal with lying and hypocrisy when it enters a church or assembly, quickly and decisively. 

Vs. 6 “And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.” 

God Himself then having rendered the judgment on Ananias, the young men arose wrapped him and carried him out and buried him. This then is the sin leading to death (1 John 5:16) as the Bible Knowledge Commentary notes it. 

Vs. 7-11 ⁷ Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” ⁹ Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” ¹⁰ Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. ¹¹ So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things. 

About three hours after these events Ananias wife entered not knowing what had happened to her husband (vs. 7), therefore Peter asked her whether they had sold the land for the amount that Ananias had already lied about to the Holy Spirit, and so when she said yes (vs. 8), Peter immediately told her of her own husbands fate for lying to the Holy Spirit, and then told her that the same judgment would now find her (vs. 9), and with that she fell down at her feet and breathed her last and the young men came and buried her next to her husband(vs. 10). These then were extraordinary days when God though His apostles was rendering His judgment swiftly and decisively. And the result was that the rest of the church and all who heard of these things greatly feared (vs. 11). Now though these events were confined to the days of the Biblical apostles to establish the faith, no one now should dare presume to lie to God and His Spirit for His verdict against such things is now clearly revealed to us all! 

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

 

 

 

Acts 4:32–37

³² Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. ³³ And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. ³⁴ Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, ³⁵ and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. ³⁶ And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, ³⁷ having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Commentary 

Vs. 32 “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.” 

Such then was the unity of the Spirit that all the brethren were of one heart and one soul, this then is the key to understanding this passage. Now because they were of one heart and soul no one said that any of the things that he possessed was his own, but instead they held all things common, thus if someone genuinely needed something it would not be withheld from them by the community. Thus, Christian charity always begins on the home front and then manifests itself out from there. 

Vs. 33 “And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.” 

The Holy Spirit was not only moving through the hearts of the community to love and care for each other, but He was also giving great power to the apostles who were themselves bearing witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Such then was God pleased with His people that the Scripture says that great grace was upon them all! 

Vs. 34-35  ³⁴ Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, ³⁵ and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. 

The early Christion fellowship was living with such grace and joy and love for the Lord and each other that those who possessed lands or homes sold them and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold. Now obviously they were wanting to keep their fellowship alive by enabling all of them to continue and partake in it, and so they did this of their own free-will, the apostles did not command or compel them to do this, they freely did it of themselves. Now the apostles were the ones to whom they entrusted what was sold, but not to go and acquire lands and or build homes for themselves, but because they were men of integrity who themselves were living sparsely and frugally amongst the brethren, the brethren entrusted them to distribute what had been sold to anyone who had need in the community. 

Vs. 36-37 ³⁶ And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, ³⁷ having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 

Here we learn of a certain Levite named Joses from the country of Cyprus who was in Jerusalem during these days, and who must have come to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ while there. And so, this man the apostles named Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement), which clearly indicates not only His Spiritual gift, but also how he through the Holy Spirit was strengthening those who believed, and those were also coming to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and so Barnabas in accord with his encouraging nature having some land sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostle’s feet. This selfless act then will now serve as a stark contrast to what is come in chapter five. 

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Acts 4:23–31

 ²³ And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. ²⁴ So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, ²⁵ who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? ²⁶ The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord and against His Christ.’ ²⁷ “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together ²⁸ to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. ²⁹ Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, ³⁰ by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” ³¹ And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. 

Commentary 

Vs. 23 “And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.” 

The apostles Peter and John now return to the brethren, greatly enriched and empowered, because though they were unjustly brought before the Sanhedrin, they were they’re for their faithfully preaching the Gospel and doing good in the Lord Jesus Christ’s Name. And so, they now report all that the chief priests said to them. 

Vs. 24-26 ²⁴ So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, ²⁵ who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? ²⁶ The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord and against His Christ.’ 

When the brethren heard their report, they all with one accord raised their voice to God, declaring Him as the Only and Absolute Sovereign who made heaven and earth and the sea and all that is them (vs. 24), not science and Darwin! Therefore, neither their threats nor their schemes nor anything else they seek to do will by any means overtake or surpass or cofound Him! For it is He alone who rules over all of creation, over all of the nations, and all of the people and all things in them! Who by the mouth of His prophet David, foretold all the futility of their seeking to oppose Him, when He said through David: ‘Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? ²⁶ The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord and against His Christ.’ ^{Psalm 2:1-2} 

Vs. 27-28 ²⁷ “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together ²⁸ to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 

The brethren then being filled with the Holy Spirit now rightly see and understand the fulfillment of God’s Word spoken through David in the ongoing actions of Israel’s leadership, declaring to Him, “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together, ²⁸ to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.” 

And so, what they did was not to a man, but to the Son of Man the Son of God the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Holy and Anointed Servant, the appellation exclusively used of Him in Psalm 2:2. Therefore the brethren now charge them with conspiring with Herod and Pontius Pilate and the Gentiles and people of Israel with fulfilling the Scripture by their taking their stand against the Lord and His Christ. Nonetheless though they have done so according to their own volitions, they were only fulfilling God’s own pretrained Counsel and Will, saying that what they did was only “to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.” Thus, even in their hatred of God and their rejection of His Anointed One, they could only find themselves fulfilling His Sovereign Will! 

Vs. 29-31 ²⁹ Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, ³⁰ by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” ³¹ And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. 

The brethren then having declared with great insight and understanding all that has transpired and why, now ask the Lord to look on all their threats against them and to grant them boldness that they may speak His Word. Thus, they didn’t ask God for His actively punishing those wicked people here and now, but rather they ask Him for the boldness the He already gave Peter and John to speak/preach His Word fearlessly in the presence of one and all! And so just as He gave them boldness to declare His Word before the Sanhedrin counsel, and to heal the lame man, so they themselves now ask that He stretch out His hand to heal through them and do signs and wonders through them in the Name of His holy Servant Jesus. For this is the sign that must come to Israel and the whole world who conspired with them that the Lord Jesus Christ Lives and Reigns, and so these things would be done through them right up until Israel’s dispersion as a nation. 

Vs. 31 “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” 

The brethren then having then declared to the Lord their words and made their supplication to Him now pray. “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” 

Now notice that they did not request that they would speak in tongues, (i.e. other languages), rather that they might speak the Word of God with boldness in their native tongue, which is the ongoing request of this chapter, and should be our as well. For nowhere in the N.T. does the church ever pray to speak in tongues languages or even ask individually to do that, but only to speak the Word of God with boldness! 

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Acts 4:13–22

  ¹³ Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. ¹⁴ And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. ¹⁵ But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, ¹⁶ saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷ But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” ¹⁸ So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. ²⁰ For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” ²¹ So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. ²² For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

Commentary 

Vs. 13 “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” 

The Sanhedrin council then had just been privy to one of the greatest sermons ever, and seeing the boldness of Peter and John and perceiving that they were untrained and uneducated men, they marveled, marveled that such men could reason with such boldness and clarity. And so, they realized that they had been with Jesus, for only Jesus Himself can enable and empower His people to be far more that what we could have ever been! Clearly then we are missing something when degrees of education and or formal training become the measure of one’s fitness for preaching the Gospel! 

Vs. 14 “And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.” 

Therefore, with the witness of the Lord Jesus Christ through Peter and Johns bold preaching, and the witness of the healed man himself standing there in their presence they could say nothing against it! 

Vs. 15-18 ¹⁵ But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, ¹⁶ saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷ But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” ¹⁸ So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 

The Sanhedrin council having just heard one of the greatest sermons ever, but instead of repenting and believing they now only ask the apostles and the healed man to go outside the council, which seems appropriate given their unbelief! And so, it was when they left, that council did not confer and reason about the things Peter and John spoke to them, for even in their acknowledging amongst themselves that a notable miracle had been done through the apostles (vs. 16) their hearts and minds were only fixated on how they might stop Jesus’ influence from spreading any farther amongst the people. And so, they now conclude the best way to deal with this is that they will threaten the apostles not to speak or teach anymore in Jesus Name (vs. 17). Which for them when dealing with ordinary men probably was very effective for them in the past. Therefore, calling them back into the council chambers they now command them not to speak or teach anymore in Jesus’ Name (vs. 18). Thus, they now put the weight of their authority behind their command. 

Vs. 19-20 ¹⁹ But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. ²⁰ For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 

Therefore, when Peter and John heard that they were not to preach or teach anymore in Jesus’ Name, they were not moved to fear as the council had hoped, but rather they boldly said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. ²⁰ For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Thus, Peter the man who once denied Jesus three times before ordinary men to save his own neck is now by the Holy Spirit refusing to deny Jesus Christ before the very men who Crucified Him. 

Vs. 21-22 ²¹ So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. ²² For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed. 

The Sanhedrin council then upon hearing that now becomes increasingly frustrated, for they were not used to having one of their commands refused. And so, they threatened them even further, before letting them go. For they had to let them go because there was no way they could punish them for healing a crippled man, for all the people who had witnessed the miracle glorified God for what had been done. And so, to do so would’ve only undermined themselves in the eyes of the people. And as verse twenty-two states the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed, and they no way deny that the man had been a long-term cripple.

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson.