The Mission: Studies In The Book Of Acts
#7: Worthy To Suffer Dishonor

October 25, 2005

1. Spiritual Warfare ...

A. Ananias & Sapphira ... also sold property ... held money back ... pretended to give it all

1. When confronted ... drops dead ... later ... wife meets same judgment and fate!

A. The sin involved was the sin of dishonesty and deceit ... 5:4 ... purely voluntary

1. No requirement ... not practicing 'communism'

2. Spirit-led generosity ... fellowship within community ... that Spirit betrayed

B. Why was it dealt with so harshly? Number of possible reasons ...

1. Betrayed the fellowship

2. Spiritual warfare

3. Theology ... to lie to the fellowship ... church ... is to lie to God

2. Divine Presence ... (1)

  • v12 ... A Shift In Focus ...

    A. Many signs and wonders ... healing of the sick ... deliverance from the demonis

B. Healings ... occur in clusters ... Exodus ... Elijah ... Jesus ... Acts

1. Point to God's purpose (John 10:37-38) ... establishment/protection of God's people

2. Reaction ... fear ... yet at the same time ... held in high esteem and people do join!

  • v17 .. More Evidence Of Divine Presence ... Direct Intervention ... Arrest ... Angel Of The Lord

    A. Angels ... regular members of the cast ... give direction ... deliverance ... encouragement

  • Pull Back ... Look At A Larger Pattern ... God's Tangible Presence In Early Church ...

A. Encounters with the Holy Spirit ... angels ... direction intervention ... preaching ... healing

1. God establishing and protecting the church ... God empowering the church

2. Note divine presence ... note also human obedience

3. Choices & Consequences ...

  • Back To v17 ... Look At The Arrest ... It Was Inevitable ... Three Broad Issues

    A. In continuing to preach in the name of Jesus ... violation of council order (Acts 4:18)

    B. In preaching ... keep accusing Jewish leaders of responsibility for death of Jesus

    C. Jealousy ... concern for maintaining control (Romans) ... maintaining power

    1. Fragile peace ... pluralistic culture ... Sadducees ... Pharisees ... Essenes ... Zealots

    2. 30-35 AD ... another 30 years ... Jewish rebellion ... war ... destruction of Jerusalem

    • v26 ... No Force Used In The Arrest ... Fearful ... Flip It Around For A Second ...

      A. No force is used ... but no resistence is offered ... echoes ... Jesus' arrest ... trial ... teaching

  • v29 ... Peter's Response ... Another Choice ... We Must Keep Preaching ... Obedience To God

    A. Biblical examples of civil disobedience ... also... clear teaching to submit (1 Peter 2:13-14)

    1. Practically speaking ... which choice do we make ... how do we know?

  • v33ff ... An Unexpected Ally ... Gamaliel ... Most Respected Teacher Of His Day ... Saul (Paul)

    A. A couple of things to observe here ... power of Pharisees ... smaller ... much more popular

    1. Historical references ... Theudas ... probably Judas ... attested to outside the Bible

    2. Counsel ... be careful ... if movement is of God ... resistance may prove a poor choice

4. A Place In God's Story ... (2)

Concluding Verses ... Choices Are Beginning To Cost The Church

A. Imprisoned twice ... brought before ruling council ... now flogged (don't understate)

B. A couple of closing observations ...

1. They had been told to expect it and not fear it ... John 16:33 ... Matthew 5:11

2. They did not cease proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah

3. They rejoiced ... chose joy ... in the face of their suffering

  • A Couple Of Closing Questions ... For Your Own Reflection ...

    A. What is the nature of my witness for Jesus?

    1. Fearful in the face of risk ...or faithful ... trusting in God's purpose?

    2. Am I content to be blessed ...or am I asking the Spirit for the passion to be a blessing?

1. 1The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. 1996, c1989 (Ac 5:12-21). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

2. 1The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. 1996, c1989 (Ac 5:39-42). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.