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

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study

A. Ananias and Sapphira lied to God and were sorely punished (5:1-11).1. Immediately following the selfless example of Barnabas is a

self-focused couple.2. Satan had influenced the couple to lie (to the apostles &

God) about the matter (5:3).3. Ananias and Sapphira were punished immediately for their

sin (5:5-10). 4. The impact of this act of discipline was “great fear upon

all” (5:5, 11).

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A. Satan can influence even Christians to great sin, but only if they let him!

B. Lying is a horrible sin!C. The growth of the church is directly tied to how the

church handles sin in its midst.

II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study

B. The church continued to grow in number and in influence (5:12-16).1. “Many signs and wonders” coupled with daily teaching of

truth led to great growth.2. Multitudes of people thronged the streets to experience a

miracle from the apostles.

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D. So-called “modern-day healers” should take note – “They were all healed” (5:16).

II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study

C. The apostles chose, in the face of persecution, to “obey God rather than men” (5:17-32).1. Apostles were arrested & imprisoned for preaching (5:17-18, 28).2. An angel freed them and told them, “Go, stand and speak all the

words” (5:19-20).3. Early in the morning, they went back to the same place,

preaching the same (5:21).4. They were found by the authorities in the temple, “standing and

teaching” (5:25).5. The apostles were then taken before the Sanhedrin and (5:28):

a) They were reminded of the command not to teach (cf. 4:17-18).b) They were accused of covering all of Jerusalem with the gospel.c) They were accused of trying to put the blood of Jesus’ death on

council’s hands.

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