Lesson 9 The Impact of the First Persecution
- Slides: 5
Lesson 9: The Impact of the First Persecution Against the Church (5: 1 -42)
I. 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).
II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding 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.
I. 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. II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding D. So-called “modern-day healers” should take note – “They were all healed” (5: 16).
I. 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 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.