November 17, Acts 5
Motives matter. Detectives seek a motive, asking why the suspect would commit the crime. Learning why is often more challenging than figuring out what was done and who did it.
The Jerusalem church was united and generous. Many disciples sold property and gave money to care for the poor. Joseph of Cyprus did it, and the apostles nicknamed him Barnabas (son of encouragement). Did Ananias and Sapphira want recognition for their generosity and some cash for themselves out of the transaction? They lied about how much they got when they brought the money. Instead of being praised, they were buried. Peter rebuked them for lying. They didn’t have to sell, and were under no obligation to give the proceeds. Greed was the motive. It led them to lie and cost them their lives.
Jewish opposition intensified as the church grew. Why were they so determined to destroy the movement? Luke said they were filled with jealousy. Pilate recognized jealousy as the motive behind the plot to crucify Jesus. Now the same envy drove the Jews’ hateful opposition to Jesus’ followers. They seized and imprisoned the apostles. It’s almost comical to read how the Sanhedrin called for the apostles to be brought from their cells, not knowing an
angel had broken the apostles out of jail and sent them right back to the temple to teach. When the guards brought the apostles from the temple, the leaders asked what part of “don’t teach anymore about Jesus” the apostles couldn’t understand. They claimed the apostles intended to bring Jesus’ blood (guilt for his death) on them. These same people had assured Pilate that Jesus’ blood could be laid on them and their children. The apostles were celebrities, and the Jesus movement was getting out of hand. Jealousy drove the Sanhedrin to do unjust, ungodly things to try to stop the swelling growth.
The motives behind the apostles’ actions are also interesting. When the high priest asked why they kept teaching, Peter and the others said, “We must obey God rather than men.” They were committed to obedience and driven by allegiance to God. Peter used his court appearance to say it again: “God raised Jesus, whom you killed. He is Leader and Savior to all who will obey him.” After being beaten and threatened, they left rejoicing and kept preaching the gospel. What was the motive? How could they rejoice? They understood that suffering for the Lord’s sake somehow glorified him. Their song as they limped away, bruised from unjust punishment, is testimony to the power of motivation.
What motives drive our behaviors? Do we seek selfish recognition, cloaking our greed beneath a good deed? People may never know, but God will know our true motive. Do we ever criticize something good because we’re jealous of the people who are doing it? Will we obey God, even under threat of negative consequences? If we are mistreated, is our primary concern God’s glory or our rights? Motive makes a difference, doesn’t it?
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—November 2023
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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