Acts 5

We ended Chapter 4 with the sense of unity within the ranks of this new Christian community as they care for one another with the mutual sharing of resources. In Chapter 5 we see the effect of sin.

• Mar upon the unity (Acts 5:1-11)
  • What was the motivation of Ananias and Sapphira?
    • Greed? Selfishness?
  • What was the wrong they did?
    • Lied (Acts 5:2)
  • Why do you think God dealt so strongly with them?
    • The origin of sin is in the heart
    • While our acts of sin may impact others, sin is essentially against God
    • Sin, if not dealt with properly, is fatal
• The work goes on (Acts 5:12-17)
  • Through signs and wonders
    • Signs are supernatural occurrences and they demonstrate what is done by the hand of God
    • Wonders are reactions to the signs, awe at what God has done
  • The reaction
    • Some religious leaders did not dare join them
    • The church continued to grow
    • Many were healed of their illness
      • The reference to Peter’s shadow has significance in there was a belief among many Jews that just the impact of a shadow could bring healing to someone ill
  • The arrest of the Apostles (Acts 5:17-26)
    • Jealousy causes irrational action (Acts 5:18)
    • The miraculous release (Acts 5:19)
    • A new charge (Acts 5:20)
      • Their obedience (Acts 5:21)
      • Before religious leaders (Acts 5:27-42)
        • Their witness (Acts 5:8-32)
        • Their reaction (Acts 5:33-34)
        • The counsel (Acts 5:35-42)
          • You can’t fight God!
        • The release
          • Rejoicing
          • Return to preaching

When sin is properly dealt with, it does not defeat the work of God.

God chooses to work through human beings who are committed to following Him obediently.

Human effort is not equal to the work of God.