A Study of Acts : Chapter 5

INTRODUCTION.

A.        In our study of Acts four, we saw five important events:

1.         The rulers arrested Peter and John for preaching in the name of Jesus Christ.

2.         Peter and John gave a defense to the rulers for their preaching the name of Jesus Christ. This is the first of many instances.

3.         Peter and John said that they could not help but preach the things they had seen and heard.

4.         The saints prayed for boldness.

5.         The unity of the brethren and their willingness to help one another was manifested in chapter four as it was in chapter 2.

C.        Let us begin our examination of Acts five.

I.         THE DECEPTION OF ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA.

            A.        Many of the disciples were selling their possessions and bringing the money to the apostles. One such couple was Ananias and Sapphira. (Acts 5:1)

            B.        Ananias lied about how much he and his wife had received for the possession which they sold. (Acts 5:2-6)

            C.        Sapphira also lied about how much they had received for the possession which they had sold. (Acts 5:7-10)

            D.        Upon seeing and hearing of Ananias and Sapphira’s death, fear came upon all the church. (Acts 5:11)

II.       THE LORD CONFIRMED THE WORD.

            A.        The apostles did many wonderful signs to confirm the word. (Acts 5:12-13)

            B.        As a result, many men and women believed. The people believed so strongly that they brought the sick and the tormented to be healed by the apostles. (Acts 5:14-16)

III.      THE APOSTLES ARE ARRESTED.

            A.        The high priest arrested the apostles, throwing them into prison. (Acts 5:17-18)

            B.        An angel of the Lord freed the apostles and told them to preach the words of this Life. (Acts 5:19-20)

            C.        The next morning, the religious leaders learned that the apostles were free and were once again preaching. (Acts 5:21-25)

            D.        The religious leaders brought the apostles before the council. (Acts 5:26-28)

            E.        Peter and the apostles said that they were to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29-32)

            F.        The religious leaders were angered by the apostle’s response. Gamaliel intervened with some wise wisdom, saying if the apostles were not from God, then they would fail, but if this was a work of God, then the leaders would not be able to overthrow the apostles and their work. (Acts 5:33-39)

            G.        The religious leaders agreed with Gamaliel. They beat the apostles and then released them, commanding the apostles not to speak in the name of Jesus. (Acts 5:40)

            H.        The apostles went on their way rejoicing and teaching the name of Jesus. (Acts 5:41-42)

IV.      KEY POINTS.

            A.        The deception of Ananias and Sapphira. (Acts 5:1-11)

                        1.         Ananias and Sapphira were lying to the Holy Spirit and to other Christians. (Cf. Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 3:9)

                        2.         Ananias and Sapphira action were supposed to have been one of selflessness, esteeming their brethren greater than themselves. Instead, it seems their act was not one of selflessness, but selfishness. (Cf. Philippians 2:1-4)

            B.        Miracles were used to confirm the words of the apostles. (Acts 5:12-16)

                        1.         The death of Ananias and Sapphira could be viewed as a “negative” miracle used to confirm the importance of truth.

                        2.         The “positive” miracles were used to confirm the words taught by the apostles. (Cf. Hebrews 2:1-4)

                        3.         Today, our confirmation are the recorded miracles in the inspired word of God.

            C.        The angel of the Lord delivered the apostles from prison. (Acts 5:17-21)

                        1.         This is not the only time the Lord delivered the apostles from danger. However, this was a limited act in that the Lord did not always protect the apostles. Consider James whom Herod killed. (Acts 12:1-4)

                        2.         The Lord delivered the apostles so that they could continue to teach. (cf. Acts 5:19-20)

                        3.         While the Lord may not work in the same way as He did with the apostles, we do know that the Lord will never leave us. (Hebrews 13:5-6)

            D.        Gamaliel’s wise advice regarding dealing with the apostles. (Acts 5:34-40)

                        1.         Gamaliel’s words, while not inspired, were mostly correct. However, there are times when those teaching error and their movements will continue. We must remember that, in the end, all plants not planted by the heavenly Father will be uprooted. (Matthew 15:13)

                        2.         Even today, there are many false teachings which persist. We must always stand ready to declare the truth, challenging the false teachings of men.

CONCLUSION.

A.        Remember the key points seen in our study:

1.         The deception of Ananias and Sapphira.

2.         Miracles were used to confirm the words of the apostles.

3.         The angel of the Lord delivered the apostles from prison.

4.         Gamaliel’s wise advice regarding dealing with the apostles.

B.        In chapter 6, we will see seven men appointed to tend to the daily distribution of the food to the needy saints as well as the trial of Steven.

------------------------------------

A Study of Acts : Chapter 5 -- October 17, 2004 -- File # 705 - Acts

by John M. Duvall – Lawton, OK