Sunday Aug 10 Acts 5

Acts_5
8/10/08

Acts_5
I. In our last study we saw how the church was growing.
A. The church had grown through the blessing of the pouring out of God's Spirit at Pentecost.
B. In chapters 3-7 we see God adding to the church through testing.
1. The first test being the arrest of Peter and John.
a. The miracle and sermon orchestrated through Peter outside the Temple being the catalyst for this.
(1) There was a real emphasis on preaching the gospel particularly upon the resurrection at this time.
C. There was an incredible unity and common affection for one another at this time, coupled with a lack of materialism.
1. They had a genuine love and concern for each other...
a. But Satan comes against this in a hurry.
D. The first trial or testing of the newborn church was external through arrest and persecution by the Jewish Sanhedrin.
1. As chapter-5 opens the testing is internal, it comes from within.
2. Often some of the biggest difficulties in a church are those that arise from within the church.
a. Ambitions, jealousies, self-seeking action and attitudes, pride often being the root these problems
II. Now we come to the account of Annanias and Sapphira, truly one of the most shocking events in the New Testament,
Acts 5:1-11 (NKJV)
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?
4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.
6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.”
9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”
10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.
11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
A. Undoubtedly there was some recognition of those who like Barnabas as he had sold his land and given the proceeds to the church.
Acts 4:34-37 (NKJV)
34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,
37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
1. Others had sold lands, houses and possessions, but for some reason Barnabas is specifically mentioned.
B. In contrast to these others Annanias and his wife Saphira sold something and held back part of the proceeds, but gave the appearance that they had given all.
1. They were giving the appearance of doing what others had done, when they had not done what the others had done.
a. So we see the sin of hypocrisy.
(1) Actors, pretending to be something they aren't.
(a) Hypocrisy is not failing to be what want to be, or should be, but pretending to be something are not!
(b) The issue is not that they did not give all, it is that they pretended to.
(c) One of the great dangers of this is that we leave others feeling inadequate and discouraged. Potentially stumbled into giving up.
2. Deceitfulness.
a. We are told that they were guilty of attempting to lie to the Holy Spirit, and obviously they were attempting to deceive others.
(1) First thing to note is that the church is to be a place or foundation for truth, and conducting ourselves in truth is important to God.
1 Timothy 3:15 (NKJV)
15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
(2) Secondly we see that truth is essential to our fellowship with one another.
1 John 1:7 (NKJV)
7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
b. This was and is a great threat to unity and effectiveness in the church.
(1) Often deceitfulness is practiced to mask the following issues all of which bring division.
(a) Jealousy.
(b) Ambition
(c) The threat is division, which is what these things lead to.
Matthew 12:25 (NKJV)
25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.
i) Division weakens until it destroys if it is not corrected.
ii) Concerning those who cause division
Romans 16:17-18 (NKJV)
17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
(1) In this we again see the importance of truth.
c. They lied to the Holy Spirit, and were attempting to draw attention to themselves and in the process rob God of His glory.
(1) We need to be careful that we aren't guilty of taking credit for what God has done.
3. Another issue is the love of money
1 Timothy 6:10 (NKJV)
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
C. We see that God dealt harshly with this because it was such a threat to the church (He loves and is jealous for the church).
1. So one at a time God struck Annanias and then his wife Sapphira dead.
a. The result was that there was great fear or reverence on the part of the church for God.
b. Unfortunately all to quickly fear and reverence for God in the church gets broken down and how grieving this must be to God.
Power continues in the church.
Acts 5:12-16 (NKJV)
12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.
13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.
14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.
16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
I. God granted miraculous signs of healings in order to authenticate the authority of the apostles.
A. Also unity continued, but evidently there were some that did not have the courage to join them in public.
1. Fear of God verses fear of man.
2. We see man's predisposal to exalt men rather than God as the people began to think that it was Peter even though Peter had set the record strait.
B. And God continued to add both men and women to the church.
Persecution or testing continues.
Acts 5:17-21 (NKJV)
17 Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation,
18 and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison.
19 But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,
20 “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”
21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
I. Evidently the impact of the gospel as it was being preached there at the temple by the apostles was really getting to the high priest and the Sadducees.
A. Who in a fit of rage arrest all the apostles this time, not just Peter and John.
1. Perhaps indicating increased boldness...
2. Suggests regular meetings at the Temple.
B. But God sends an angel at night that opens the door and delivers them out of the prison.
1. If God be for us, who can be against us?
2. The angel of the Lord also gives them instruction to God stand in the Temple (the very place where they were arrested) and to share the words of life with the people.
a. In this we see the heart of God, for people.
Romans 10:13-15 (NKJV)
13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”
(1) So God specifically sends them back to the people at the Temple.
(2) And notice there is no hesitation or reluctance on their part, just obedience; they are back at the Temple early in the morning.
II. And we read that that next day the high priest and those with him called the council and the elders together and sent to have the apostles brought out of the prison to put them on trial.
A. But they are in for a surprise!
Acts 5:22-32 (NKJV)
22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported,
23 saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!”
24 Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be.
25 So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”
26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them,
28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”
29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.
31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
1. This reads like an episode of the old program "The Twilight Zone".
a. They look for them and do not find them and come back with this report.
(1) Hey all the guards are in place there is no way out but they are not there!
(2) As these learned men the religious leaders of Israel ponder this report they are perplexed, wondering among themselves what the outcome of all this would be.
b. And about that time someone comes in and reports that the one's they arrested were back in the Temple preaching again.
(1) The leaders are moving slowly at this point, not wanting to stir the people up for fear.
(2) The disciples do not attempt to stir up the crowd in this manner but willingly go before the leaders.
(a) When questioned Peter again takes the lead and drives home the point, that they are compelled to obey God over men and again presents the gospel and the guilt of the Jewish leaders.
(b) Peter adds that they are God's witnesses to these things as is God's Sprit, whom has been given to those who obey God... (an indictment against them - an encouragment for us)
Gamaliesl's advice.
I. The response of the Jewish leaders.
Acts 5:33-42 (NKJV)
33 When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.
34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while.
35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.
36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing.
37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.
38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing;
39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
A. When they heard the response of Peter (representative of the others) they began to plot how to kill them
1. But one of them a Pharisee named Gamaliel, got the council alone and warns them to be careful to leave them alone.
a. Citing a couple of examples he reminds them if this is of men it will die, but if this is a work of God you can't stop it.
(1) It would be like fighting against God Himself (and so it was).
2. So they beat them and told them to stop, but the disciples were all the bolder and continued to preach Christ and the resurrection in the Temple daily.

Guard our hearts against the temptation of pretending to be something we are not, but learn to love the truth and each other enough to live with humility and honesty before others.

Be bold in our declaration of Christ and the Gospel knowing that He is able to keep us and to deliver us from all peril as we are lead in His purposes for our lives.

Know that persecution will come but God has to allow it and will use it, so we need not fear it, as we trust Him we will find His grace sufficient in every situation.