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

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study Ananias and Sapphira lied 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).

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.

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).

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.