Tonight we continue our study of the book of Acts. Remember we are using the Scriptural outline for the book found in 1:8.
(Acts 1:8b) "…Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Tonight we continue studying the development of Christianity in Jerusalem.
I. Christianity in Jerusalem 1:1-8:3
A. The risen Lord 1:1-26
B. Pentecost 2:1-47
C. The Healing of a Lame Man 3:1-26
D. The beginning of persecution 4:1-37
E. Purging the Church 5:1-42
1. Purging from within v 1-11
a. The deception 1-2
1) These two wanted everyone to think they were great givers
2) When in reality they selfishly conspired to lie about the amount
3) NOTE: their sin wasn't stealing from God but rather it was hypocrisy!
b. The discovery 3-4
1) Peter was a man with spirit-given discernment - He exercised it here
2) Their sin was hidden to men but not hidden from God
3) Peter rebukes Ananias not because he didn't give it all but because he lied to God!
4) Peter points out that it was his money and it was in the power of Ananias to give or not to give
5) However they wanted men to think they had given all while keeping part of the money for themselves
6) Peter points out an important truth in this verse when we give, we give to God not men, therefore, when we are dishonest about it we are being dishonest with God!
c. The deaths 5-11
1) This is not an example of church discipline but rather it is an example of divine judgment.
2) Ananias died at the hand of God and his wife died in the same manner for her part in this conspiracy to deceive God
3) The result is that great fear came upon the church and upon all who heard about this work of God.
2. Purging from without v 12-42
a. The authentication of the Apostles 12-16
1) God continued to use the Apostles to work many miracles, signs, and wonders.
2) Note the results
a) "And the rest durst no man join himself to them, but the people magnified them"
b) Some believe this verse has to do with the priests and rulers of the day
c) Others believe it has reference to hypocrites and unbelievers like Ananias and Sapphira
d) However I believe it is speaking of the Apostles here and how that no man tried to assume that position and claim these Apostolic gifts.
e) The people magnified them - multitudes were saved and added to the church
f) First great working of God was at Pentecost - 3,000 were saved
g) Second great working of God was when the man born lame was healed and about 5,000 were saved.
h) Third great working of God was the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira - now they can't be numbered - they just relate that multitudes believed.
3) Some of these great works are expounded upon in v 15 - 16. "...they were healed everyone." No cop outs like the many today who blame their failures on the individual's lack of faith.
b. More persecution by the priests and the Sadducees. 17-20
1) They were filled with indignation because the Apostles chose to obey God rather than them!
2) Once again they throw them in prison this time it was perhaps all of them.
3) But God canceled the high priest's orders and sent His messenger to release them and to reaffirm their orders - "Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life."
a) NOTE: God didn't want them to hide until the 'coast was clear'
b) He didn't want them to go back to the church and pray
c) He wanted them to go back to the temple and preach to all the people the message of the Gospel!
c. The examination and defense of the Apostles (21-32)
1) The disciples were clearly obedient to the messenger's command - vs 21a
2) The events of the next morning are somewhat humorous v 21b-24
a) The council meets to determine the future of the Apostles - who were released and now preaching in the temple
b) The officers went to the prison and found the guards faithfully guarding an empty cell!
c) When the council heard the report they were perplexed - they wondered what become of this newest development.
3) While they were standing around trying to figure out what was going to happen next - they received the news that the Apostles were teaching the people in the temple v 25
4) The third arrest and trial v 26-28
a) This time they offered no violence for fear of the people
b) They repeated their earlier command "not to teach"
c) They charged them with filling Jerusalem with their teaching - NOT A BAD TESTIMONY!
d) Notice the council's real concern:
1] "Ye...intend to bring this man's blood upon us."
2] They couldn't even speak His name but they feared that they would be found out in the conspiracy to murder Jesus.
5) Peter responds to this accusation v29-32
a) He and the Apostles reiterate the principle stated back in 4:19-20
b) "We ought to obey God rather than men"
c) They had previously stated that they could only "speak the things which we have seen and heard." This they do:
1] God raised up Jesus whom you crucified
2] God exalted Him to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel
3] They declared themselves to be witnesses of these things along with the Holy Spirit
d) Note the message hasn't changed
1] You killed Jesus - but God raised Him up
2] You can receive forgiveness of sins if you will turn to Him in repentance
d. Vindication: the Apostles are freed v 33-42
1) The council was furious with them and wanted to put them to death! (33)
2) Gamaliel addresses the council (34-39)
a) His popularity demanded that they listen to what he said
b) He cautions the council on how they deal with the Apostles
c) Having the Apostles removed from their presence, Gamaliel addresses the council
d) He sites other men and other movements that failed to amount to anything
e) He tells them to leave them alone - if it is a work of men it will not amount to anything BUT....
f) If it be of God you cannot do anything about it because you will be fighting against God Himself!
3) The council agreed to release the Apostles but only after they had beaten them and once again admonished them not to speak in the name of Jesus
4) The Apostles departed with rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name
a) Here a victorious church rejoices in God's working in spite of persecution
b) Later Peter would encourage Christians to rejoice in the midst of suffering and persecution.
1Pe 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
5) This chapter ends with a testimony of their faithfulness to obey God even when the council had commanded them to stop teaching and preaching in Jesus' name.
Next week: Conflict from Within and Without