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Act 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

“Our fathers” includes the religious leaders Peter is addressing. These men defied the will of
the God they claimed to serve.

Act 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give
repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Peter explains that God overrode their decision to crucify Jesus by raising Him up and giving
Him the highest position in heaven. Peter is, in essence, saying, “You are not the leaders over
Israel, and your religion does not offer salvation.” Jesus is both leader and savior. He is the

only one who can remove sin. He is also savior of the nation of Israel.

Act 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God
hath given to them that obey him.

Peter and the disciples are natural witnesses. The Holy Spirit is the supernatural witness.

Act 5:33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

The Greek says, “their heart was divided with rage and anger.” While the disciples stood before
them, the religious leaders made the decision to put them to death.

GAMALIEL SPEAKS

Act 5:34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the
law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little
space;

Gamaliel is a respected Pharisee of his day and is the grandson of Hillel who founded a
theological school. Gamaliel has oversight of the school and was one of Paul’s teachers (Acts
22:3). He requests the disciples be removed from the room for a time so he can discuss the
issue with others on the Sanhedrin.

Act 5:35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as

touching these men.

Act 5:36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a
number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as
obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

History (Josephus) tells us that Theudas rose up, caused a small revolution and declared himself
to be Messiah. He had approximately four hundred followers. The Romans captured and