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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Why was there fear here? | Acts 5:11 | Aixen7z4 | 132554 | ||
It is one of the reasons for judgment, that others may see it and fear. See Deuteronomy 13:6-11. God told them to kill the false prophets so that others may hear and fear. See also Deuteronomy 17:13; Deuteronomy 19:20; Deuteronomy 21:21, etc. The idea is that people will see the judgment of God and be afraid lest it come upon them because they do the same things. It is a deterrent, a teaching device. See what happens when there is no judgment and no fear (Ecclesiastes 8:11; Romans 3:18,12). Fear can cause a person to think twice about doing evil (Proverbs 14:16; Proverbs 16:6). It is apparent, however, that people can become immune (Daniel 5:22; Revelation 16:8ff). We should thank God for the ability to feel fear. It helps us to respond to warnings (Amos 3:8; Hebrews 4:1). |
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2 | Why was there fear here? | Acts 5:11 | Mommapbs | 132561 | ||
Greetings Dr. Axien! Thank you for your observations. As I consider this passage it strikes me that the people were perhaps afraid of the wrong thing. Note that Acts 5:13 tells us that they dared not associate with them (meaning the Apostles)I suspect that they had elevated the Apostles to a place that rightly belongs only to Christ. I suspect their focus was on temporal things and they attributed "power" to the Apostles apart from the indwelling Spirit. I also suspect that some "believers" do the same with their leaders today. We fear the one who could "kill the body" rather than the ONE who can kill the soul. (Mt 10:28) God desires truth in the innermost being (Ps 51:6). Imo, Annanias and Sapphria were not judged, for Christ was judged on our behalf, but met with God's discipline (for lying to Him) unto death. Yet do we take "telling the truth" seriously today? How much "lip service" do we give God? Do we really believe what He says about who HE is? About who WE are IN Christ? If we did, YOU would be in another line of work! Blessings, mommapbs |
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3 | Why was there fear here? | Acts 5:11 | Aixen7z4 | 132565 | ||
Your points are well taken, mommapbs. I suspected there might be another way to interpret the question “Why was there fear” and I think you covered it well. The apostles were held in high esteem (Acts 10:25-26) partly because of their ability to do miracles (Acts 14:10-14). Whether the people attributed to them the power of life and death, I am not sure. I think that the fear could have been the fear of God. Note Peter’s assertion that they had lied to God (Acts 5:3,4). As to whether A and P were judged, please note that there are several judgments, and the one that Jesus bore for us is only one. We, the saints of God (1 Corinthians 1:1,2) can also be judged and chastened of the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:32). Peter would say it is time that judgment begin in the house of the Lord (1 Peter 4:17). There is a need for fear; and fear is not a bad thing, especially if, as you said, it is a fear of God. |
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