What does Acts 5:27 Mean?

Context Summary

The high priest and his party could not forget the imprecation of Matthew 27:25. It haunted them. Compare Peter's description of the Cross as the tree with Deuteronomy 21:23 and Galatians 3:13; also his own usage of the phrase in 1 Peter 2:24. Notice in Acts 5:31 the divine order-Jesus must be Prince, if He is to be Savior. It is because that order is not observed, and men therefore seek to derive His benefits before they concede His rights, that He is unable to deliver them. Christ must be the enthroned Lord and Master of your life, if you want to be saved to the uttermost. See Romans 10:9, r.v. Repentance is His gift equally as forgiveness. Mark that reference to the witness of the Holy Spirit, Acts 5:32. Let us never stand in pulpit or class without being first assured that the truth we utter is such that He can endorse.

Gamaliel had been Paul's teacher. He was very astute and non-committal. He said, "Let us wait and see; the truth will conquer." He expected that the new enthusiasm would die down if it were let alone. He knew that a draught of wind fans a fire. But he lived to see his mistake. We must be warned by Acts 5:42 not only to preach Christ as king in the Temple, but also at home. [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 5

¹  After that Ananias and Sapphira his wife,
³  at Peter's rebuke had fallen down dead;
¹²  and that the rest of the apostles had wrought many miracles;
¹⁴  to the increase of the faith;
¹⁷  the apostles are again imprisoned;
¹⁹  but delivered by an angel bidding them preach openly to all;
²¹  when, after their teaching accordingly in the temple,
²⁹  and before the council,
³³  they are in danger to be killed;
³⁴  but through the advice of Gamaliel, they are kept alive, and are only beaten;
⁴¹  for which they glorify God, and cease no day from preaching