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

2. 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).

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. 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. 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.