Ananias and Sapphira sold a field and kept some money for themselves but presented their gift as if it was the total amount. Although it was their property and their choice of how to handle the transaction, they were not honest about it and attempted to deceive Peter and the community, as evidenced by Sapphira's lies. The couple is not practicing prayer and worship to God. Instead, they are engaging in deceitful behavior and being influenced by Satan. Ananias and Sapphira were not punished for lying as believers but as unbelievers who Satan influenced to bring wickedness into the covenant setting as a satanic attack. The distinction between the work of the Holy Spirit and Satan suggests that they were not believers who had fallen away, nor did they lose their salvation.

Luke highlights the continuing and growing miracles and wonders that the apostles are doing, showing that the Spirit is at work. Verses 15-16 illustrate that people expected Peter to heal them. Many people from Judea with different illnesses were healed. As far as Luke tells us, the signs and wonders at the portico were performed by the apostles alone, not the larger group of Christians. The popularity of the apostles can be attributed to the Spirit's work, which is demonstrated through miracles and the conversion of new followers.

Once again, the signs and wonders accompanying the gospel lead to an arrest. This time all of the apostles, not just Peter and John, are arrested—opposition is increasing. An angel of the Lord appears and sets the apostles free from prison, further verifying their connection to God as the true representatives of the church. The apostles are determined to continue their ministry despite the warnings and threats from the Jerusalem leaders. The disciples are already at the temple early in the morning as people come to worship. The leaders have to courteously request the apostles to join them due to fear of being stoned by the people (v.26). The apostles have gained the favor of the public, and the leaders are aware that agitating the public can have harmful consequences such as possible Roman retaliation. The leaders cannot hold the apostles in prison, and the public is eager to listen to them.

The apostles' response cannot be considered civil disobedience as we understand it today, as they are not rebelling against injustice to bring about change. Instead, they want to see faith and repentance rather than free speech. Even without freedom of speech, they will continue to spread their message as directed by an angel of the Lord, as it is a matter of obeying God. In this context, obedience means having faith and repenting after hearing the gospel. These are also gifts from God, and Peter is not saying that those who follow the law or do good deeds will receive the Spirit. It's impossible to be obedient without faith, and faith is shown through obedience. The main point emphasized in this section of Acts is accepting the message about Jesus of Nazareth and receiving forgiveness and the Spirit in His name. To "obey" in this context means to believe in Jesus.

The council is filled with anger towards the apostles, wanting to kill them in the heat of their emotions (verse 33). Gamaliel intervenes as the only barrier between the council and the apostles. Although he is a Pharisee and unlikely to align with the high priests, Gamaliel focuses on Torah and tradition rather than politics. He urges caution and acknowledges that God may bless the apostles. While there is no indication that he is sympathetic to the apostles, he is wise. Gamaliel is basically saying, "We've experienced something similar before, so let's be patient and observe the situation." Although Gamaliel's reasoning is practical, the council still punishes the apostles by beating them and warning them not to talk about Jesus.

As is typical in Acts, persecution leads not to hiding or fear but to even more boldness. The apostles and the early church are convinced they are on God's side, so much so that they do the unthinkable: they respond to a horrible beating with rejoicing. The book of Acts is about to change direction. This is the final organized meeting between the authorities and the believers, and Jesus' plan for Jerusalem is almost complete. However, the work in Jerusalem is not done, and the story will continue to show the pattern of expansion moving outwards. This progression from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth is not a fixed checklist but a story of a continuously growing mission. Each new location is highlighted as the stage gets bigger.