by Prisca | 14 June 2022 08:46 pm06
Key Verse:
“None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem.”
Acts 5:13 (ESV)
In Acts 5:12–16, the early church is experiencing explosive growth, accompanied by dramatic signs and wonders. The apostles are not only preaching boldly but healing the sick and casting out demons. These events follow the sobering account of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11), whose deceit before God led to their immediate death. The fear of God falls on the entire community (v.11), and the standard of holiness is unmistakably high.
“Many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico.” Acts 5:12 (ESV)
The statement, “no one else dared join them,” reflects the awe and fear with which outsiders viewed the apostolic community. Though the people respected and admired them, they were hesitant to associate too closely due to the cost of such discipleship. The fear was both spiritual (from God’s judgment, as seen in Ananias and Sapphira) and social (persecution from Jewish authorities).
“No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.” Acts 5:13 (NIV)
This kind of hesitation is rooted in what Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously called “the cost of discipleship.” Following Jesus was not a casual choice; it required full surrender even unto death. The apostles were fearless in the face of persecution, imprisonment, and even martyrdom (see Acts 5:40-42, Acts 7:54-60).
The apostles didn’t retreat or compromise. They continued ministering openly in Jerusalem even in the same temple courts where Jesus had confronted the religious establishment and where they themselves had been arrested.
“But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.’”
Acts 5:19–20 (ESV)
Despite the very real threats, they obeyed God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Their lives embodied radical obedience, a theme repeated throughout Acts (e.g., Acts 4:19–20).
We also see a parallel in John 12:42, where some religious leaders believed in Jesus but kept silent for fear of losing their status:
“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue.” John 12:42 (NIV)
This contrast helps explain Acts 5:13: even among those who admired the apostles, many were not willing to risk public association.
When persecution broke out in Jerusalem, believers scattered for safety but not the apostles. They remained at the center of the conflict, standing firm in their mission.
“A great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” Acts 8:1 (NIV)
Their unwavering commitment reveals a depth of faith and calling that went beyond admiration. This is discipleship at its highest cost.
Theologically, Acts 5:13 is a powerful call to holiness, courage, and deep devotion. Those called to ministry must be willing to live lives of uncompromising obedience, even when it’s unpopular or dangerous. People may admire bold faith from a distance but very few are ready to walk that narrow path (cf. Matthew 7:13–14).
True ministry demands a higher standard of self-denial and dedication:
“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” n Matthew 16:24 (ESV)
God uses those who are willing to go deeper those who are willing to stay when others run, to speak when others are silent, and to endure when others fall away. That’s what set the apostles apart, and that’s what will set apart every faithful servant of God today.
May we be counted among those who not only admire but follow at any cost.
Shalom.
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