Acts 5:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 5:20
20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
Chapter Context
Acts 5 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of hope, wisdom, judgment. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-42: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 5:20
20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
Analysis
The angelic command - 'Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life' - contains crucial elements. 'Go' sends them back to danger. 'Stand' (Greek 'stathentes') implies bold visibility, not hiding. The temple location maximized publicity and risk. 'All the words' (Greek 'panta ta rhēmata') demanded complete message, no compromise. The phrase 'this life' (Greek 'tēs zōēs tautēs') encompasses eternal life through Christ - the gospel's comprehensive scope. This divine commission superseded human prohibition (Acts 4:18).
Historical Context
Temple courts, especially Solomon's porch and Court of Gentiles, housed thousands during festivals. Teaching there guaranteed maximum audience and official attention. The command's comprehensive nature ('all the words') forbade selective editing to avoid offense. Early church's conviction that gospel couldn't be moderated appears throughout Acts.
Reflection
- What does the command to speak 'all the words' teach about gospel faithfulness without compromise?
- How does returning immediately to the place of arrest demonstrate Spirit-empowered boldness?
Word Studies
- Word: λόγος (Logos) G4487 - Word, reason, message
Cross-References
- Word: Acts 11:14, Jeremiah 7:2, 26:2, 36:10, John 6:63, 6:68
- Temple: Matthew 21:23, John 18:20
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 58:1, John 17:3