Bible Study - Acts 5

S - None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
Acts 5:13–14 ESV

O - Commentary:
"No one else" seems to refer to nonbelievers rather than to other Christians (2:42, 47; in contrast to some Greek sects like that of Pythagoras, which reportedly counted only selected people worthy of entering his presence, or the unapproachability of Moses at times, Ex 34:30). Many non-Jews attended *synagogue and believed in Israel's God without fully converting and keeping Jewish rules (see comment on 10:2); it is possible that a similar group of Jewish outsiders who respect the Jesus movement without converting to it is in view here. In context, people fear to associate with the movement without full commitment, knowing the fate of Ananias and Sapphira.

Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2014), 331.

A - Without a relationship with God, a nonbeliever lets fear, doubt, shame, and guilt keep them at a distance. Believers wrestle with those same emotions too, because we're human. The difference is that God lifts those burdens off us, and that release actually draws us closer to Him rather than pushing us further away. Those who were ready to believe the apostles' message stepped toward God in spite of the risk. We have that same opportunity today — the choice to invite God into our lives or to keep living on our own terms.

R - Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to You. Thank You for loving us right where we are. As we step toward You, continue to show us Your love and lift our sin and burdens off of us. Empower us to live a life of victory in You.