Acts 5:11

And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all that heard these things.

'GREAT FEAR CAME UPON THE WHOLE CHURCH'-This event impressed the Christians with the authority the apostles possessed. Many realized, that God knew their "secrets" also. 'Men's conduct is likely to be much more wholesome when they realize the God of the universe sees and hears and knows all that goes on, even their thoughts and motives..' (Reese p. 208) 'The whole Church was awe-struck' (Wey). It was already somewhat dangerous to be. Christian (in view of the threats made by the Sadducees), but now it was dangerous to take one's faith lightly. Bruce notes, 'The fear which fell upon the whole community suggests that many. member of it had reason to tremble and say to himself, "There, but for the grace of God, go I".' (p. 115)

'CHURCH'-The first time this word is found in Acts. The Church that Jesus promised to built has been established (Matthew 16:18).

'ALL THAT HEARD THESE THINGS'-Those in the community.