Acts 5:32

His witnesses. Textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for omitting “his,” and also for the addition of “in him” or “to him.” See on ch. 1:8. “These things” refers to the great facts of salvation — the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus — as mentioned in ch. 5:30,31.

Also the Holy Ghost. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) omitting “also.” Christ had declared while on earth that the Holy Ghost “shall testify of me” (John 15:26; see on John 16:13, 14). The Holy Spirit did this for the apostles by bringing “all things” to their “remembrance” (John 14:26), and by giving them enlightenment as to how Christ’s experience on earth had fulfilled the prophecies. However, the Holy Spirit was also witnessing for Christ through the powers that had possessed the apostles since the outpouring at Pentecost. The Spirit also gave inward witness to the resurrection, in the believers’ hearts. See on Acts 4:33.

God hath given. The apostles understood that the Spirit came from the Father (see on John 14:26; 15:26; Acts 1:4).

To them that obey him. Not only to the apostles but to all who sincerely follow God’s guidance, and therefore obey Him. The obedience of the creature to the Creator is the foundation and essence of right relations with God. The angels obey God (Ps. 103:20, 21), but in love, not in cold, legal formality (MB 109). Men are to obey (Ps. 103:17, 18; Eccl. 12:13), but in love (John 14:15). Obedience is better than any sacrifice (1 Sam. 15:22). Truth (Rom. 2:8), right doctrine (Rom. 6:17), and the gospel (2 Thess. 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17) are to be obeyed. Eternal salvation, offered by grace and received by faith (Eph. 2:5, 8), is available to those who obey, who are submissive to the will of God (Heb. 5:9). Compare on Acts 5:29. True obedience is revealed by loving obedience to God’s holy commandments (1 John 5:3).