Justin Houtz

1 Chronicles 16, Acts 5

DateVersionReading Plan
December 20, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

1 Chronicles 16

Observation & Interpretation

1 Chron. 16:2-3 – After David had finished offering the burnt offerings and peace offerings ,he blessed the people of Israel in the name of the LORD by distributing to each, both men and women, a loaf of bread, portion of meat and a cake of raisins.

  • David initiated a gesture of God’s abundant provision in the distribution of food to everyone, men and women alike.
  • David’s coronation banquet had been a carry-in dinner, but now when David blessed the people and sent them home, each person received a small packet of food (CSB Notes)
  • Community is expressed in eating and worshiping together in the presence of God. (ESVEC – Comment)

1 Chron. 16:8-36 – Throughout the thanksgiving…to the LORD (v. 7) God’s character and deeds are to the fore (”the LORD,” 15x), but, as is common in the book of Psalms, the works are addressed not to God but about God to others. God is praised by singing about him, calling others to join; the Levites may be leading the singing by all Israel, the nations, and all creation are called to participate. (ESVEC – Comment)

1 Chron. 16:1-43 – The Chronicler…rather than simply repeating the 2 Samuel 6 details, expands these details but focuses not on the ark itself and its place but rather on enhanced joyful praise directed to the God whose ark it was. The long central song does not mention the ark but dwells on God, whose steadfast love endures forever (1 Chron. 16:34, 41). The ark may have gone, but giving thanks to God does not require a physical object; worship is to be a constant reminder of his covenantal deeds and his sovereignty over all the earth, telling all of his glory. (ESVEC – Response)

Acts 5

Observation & Interpretation

Acts 5:3, 9 – Peter knew that Ananias and Sapphira were being untruthful in the amount for which they sold the land.

Acts 5:19-20 – An angel of the Lord opened the prison doors of the public prison in which the apostles had been placed and brought them out. The angel told them to go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.

  • The apostles were released for a purpose, to speak to the people the words of “this Life”.
  • Similar scenario to Paul and Silas being set free from prison (Acts 16:26).
  • Luke records the miraculous intervention of the angel without any expression of surprise or wonder. If the apostles themselves were shocked, there is no indication in the narrative…The angel aptly referred to the Christian faith as “this life”. It is not just a creed or set of doctrines, but a Life—the resurrection life of the Lord Jesus imparted to all who trust in Him. (BBC)

Acts 5:23 – The officers reported that they found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors.

  • The doors must have been shut after the angel brought out the apostles?
  • That the servants found the jail securely locked and the guards standing duty proves that the jailbreak was both miraculous and secretive. (CSB Notes)

Acts 5:29 – Peter and the apostles answered the captain and officers’ charge to not teach in the name of Jesus by saying that they must obey God rather than men.

  • Similar response to Peter and John in Acts 4:19-20
  • Christians should obey the law of the land, but when human law conflicts with God’s law, we must obey God rather than people. (CSB Notes)
  • Believers do not set out to oppose authorities, but their faith in Jesus may cause the authorities to oppose them. It is at that point that believers’ allegiance must be clear. (ESVEC – Response)

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