Lesson 9 : The Impact of the First Persecution Against the Church (5:1-42)

1. Lesson 9:The Impact of the First Persecution Against the Church (5:1-42)

2. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • Ananias and Sapphiralied to God and were sorely punished (5:1-11). • Immediately following the selfless example of Barnabas is a self-focused couple. • Satan had influenced the couple to lie (to the apostles & God) about the matter (5:3). • Ananias and Sapphira were punished immediately for their sin (5:5-10). • The impact of this act of discipline was “great fear upon all” (5:5, 11).

3. II. • Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • Satan can influence even Christians to great sin, but only if they let him! • Lying is a horrible sin! • The growth of the church is directly tied to how the church handles sin in its midst.

4. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • The church continued to grow in number and in influence (5:12-16). • “Many signs and wonders” coupled with daily teaching of truth led to great growth. • Multitudes of people thronged the streets to experience a miracle from the apostles. II. • Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • So-called “modern-day healers” should take note – “They were all healed” (5:16).

5. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • The apostles chose, in the face of persecution, to “obey God rather than men” (5:17-32). • Apostles were arrested & imprisoned for preaching (5:17-18, 28). • An angel freed them and told them, “Go, stand and speak all the words” (5:19-20). • Early in the morning, they went back to the same place, preaching the same (5:21). • They were found by the authorities in the temple, “standing and teaching” (5:25). • The apostles were then taken before the Sanhedrin and (5:28): • They were reminded of the command not to teach (cf. 4:17-18). • They were accused of covering all of Jerusalem with the gospel. • They were accused of trying to put the blood of Jesus’ death on council’s hands.

6. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • The apostles chose, in the face of persecution, to “obey God rather than men” (5:17-32). • The response of the apostles to “the judges” can be stated in one word: God (5:29-32). • GOD must be obeyed rather than men (5:29). • GOD raised up Jesus (whom the Jews murdered) (5:30). • GOD exalted Jesus to His right hand as Prince and Savior (5:31). • GOD gave the Jews an opportunity to repent and have forgiveness of sins (5:31). • GOD gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him (5:32).

7. II. • Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • When authorities try to suppress Christianity and its message, Christians must act! • Man said, “Do not speak” (4:17-18; 5:28, 40). God said, “Go and speak” (5:20). • Christians must obey God rather than man! Even if that brings consequences! • Christians must not compromise their message to fit the will of men! • God wants all men to be saved and has graciously given the opportunity to all (5:31). • The opportunity to repent & have the remission of sins is a gift from God (cf. 11:18). • In the gift of His Son’s sacrifice, God also supplies mankind the motive to repent.

8. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • The Sanhedrin heeded the advice of Gamaliel, a respected scholar of the law (5:33-40). • The Sadducee leadership of the Sanhedrin plotted to kill (5:33). • Gamaliel, a Pharisee on the council, told them to hold off on their rash action (5:34). • He was the greatest teacher of his day; Saul of Tarsus was his student (cf. 22:3). • Gamaliel pointed to two failed revolutions of the past with this sound conclusion: • If Christianity is of human origin, it will be overthrown and die eventually. • If Christianity is of divine origin, it is invincible and there is nothing you can do. • Upon accepting Gamaliel’s advice, the Sanhedrin opted for intimidation again (5:40).

9. II. • Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • That which is of divine origin, cannot and will not fail (5:39)! • God’s church is indestructible (cf. Dan. 2:44; Mt. 16:18-19). • God’s word is indestructible (cf. 1 Pet. 1:22-25; Mt. 24:35). • To fight against God’s people or God’s word is to fight against God Himself.

10. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • The apostles were undeterred from their mission and maybe even more resolute (5:41-42). • They continually rejoiced they were honored to be dishonored for Christ (5:41). • Their scourging helped them to prove Christ’s confidence was not misplaced in them. • They were determined to obey God and would not be dissuaded by man! • They did not stop teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ every day (5:42)! • They did it publicly. • They did it privately.

11. II. • Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • All who live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer shame & persecution (cf. 2 Tim. 3:12)! • With faith in God, Christians can triumph & rejoice (cf. 1 Pet. 4:19; Jas. 1:2; 1 Jn. 5:4). • By doing God’s will daily (e.g., teaching and preaching), Christians can find true joy!

12. III. Practical Points of Application for Our Lives • Satan wields a powerful influence, for which we must watch, pray and resist! • If we conceive sin in our heart, Satan can fill our hearts with full-grown sin! • God knows how much we make, how much we give and how we view the two amounts! • Love for the praise of men and for money are powerful forces which we must defeat! • The words of Christ (“go and teach”) need to be seen in our lives (“going and teaching”)! • No matter the circumstances or the companions, we must obey God rather than man! • Let us seek first God’s church, God’s righteousness and God’s will every day of our lives!