THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 5 - Verse 28

Verse 28. Straitly command you. Did we not command you with a threat? Ac 4:17,18,21.

In this name. In the name of Jesus.

Ye have filled Jerusalem. This, though not so designed, was an honourable tribute to the zeal and fidelity of the apostles. When Christians are arraigned or persecuted, it is well if the only charge which their enemies can bring against them is that they have been distinguished for zeal and success in propagating their religion. See 1 Pe 4:16, "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." Also Ac 5:13-15.

Intend to bring this man's blood upon us. To bring one's blood upon another is a phrase denoting to hold or to prove him guilty of murdering the innocent. The expression here charges them with designing to prove that they had put Jesus to death when he was innocent; to convince the people of this, and thus to enrage them against the sanhedrim; and also to prove that they were guilty, and were exposed to the Divine vengeance for having put the Messiah to death. Comp. Ac 2:23,36; 3:15; 7:52.

That the apostles did intend to charge them with being guilty of murder, is clear; but it is observable that on this occasion they had said nothing of this; and it is further observable that they did not charge it on them except in their presence. See the places just referred to. They took no pains to spread this among the people, except as the people were necessary to the crime of the rulers, Ac 2:23,36. Their consciences were not at ease, and the remembrance of the death of Jesus would occur to them at once at the sight of the apostles.

{b} "straitly command" Ac 4:18 {c} "this man's blood" Mt 27:25; Ac 2:23,36; 3:15; 7:52