Acts 5: Integrity, Power, and Opposition
The deceit of Ananias and Sapphira, growing signs, and renewed persecution test the church.
Summary
A couple named Ananias and Sapphira sell property but lie about how much they give, and their deception before God leads to their sudden deaths, bringing a deep sense of awe over the church. The apostles continue to perform signs and wonders, and the community keeps growing. Arrested again, the apostles are freed by an angel and return to teaching in the temple. Brought before the council, they are spared by the cautious counsel of the respected teacher Gamaliel, and after being flogged they leave rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for Jesus.
Main Characters
- Ananias and Sapphira — A couple whose lie about their gift exposes the danger of hypocrisy.
- Peter — Confronts the deception and continues leading the apostles.
- The apostles — Perform signs, are imprisoned, and rejoice in suffering for Jesus.
- Gamaliel — A respected teacher who urges the council to leave the apostles alone.
Key Verse
Acts 5:29 (WEB)
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
Lessons Learned
- Integrity before God matters as much as outward generosity.
- God takes the honesty and holiness of his community seriously.
- Obedience to God comes before the approval of human authorities.
- Suffering for faith can be met with joy rather than despair.
- What was the real problem with Ananias and Sapphira's actions?
- How does honesty within a community protect it?
- Why might the apostles “rejoice” after being flogged?
- What do you make of Gamaliel's advice to the council?
- How do you discern when to obey God over human expectations?