Chapter Summary

Sin and death of Ananias and Sapphira. The second persecution and answer of apostles to their persecutors. Warning of Gamaliel. Apostles beaten.

Discussion Questions for Acts, Chapter 5

1. God judged Ananias and Sapphira severely for their sin. What was their particular sin? What do you think God was demonstrating to the church and the unbelievers?
2. Read Joshua 7 and the story of Achan. What similarities do you see? In what stages of redemptive history do these events happen?
3. How do the witnesses respond to God's judgment? What happens with the purity and growth of the church?
4. Why did the religious leaders arrest the apostles again? Who set them free? What did they proceed to do? What would you do in their shoes? What do you think God requires more: happiness or holiness? Why?
5. What was Gamaliel's advice to the council? What did they decide to do to the apostles? What is a 'flogging'? Think of a time you suffered for your faith. How did God help you? How would you encourage other believers with your story?
6. Does God strike down people like this in worship services today? Why or why not? What does the ministry of the Holy Spirit look like today?
7. How can believers promote truth-telling in the local church? How does gossip, slander, and deception impact a church community?
8. Overall, the issues in this passage stem from religious people who lack sincere love. Where do you see this in the deceased couple? Where in the religious leaders? How does one sincerely love?
9. How are you cultivating a love for Christ in your life? Can others see a genuine love in your home? Work? Marriage? Worship? Witness?
10. Anything that competes for our affection towards God can be an issue. What pulls your love? Are you aware of blind spots in your life? Where can you seek help forsaking idols and pursuing Jesus?

Key Words/Phrase

Lying (to Holy Ghost), vv. 3, 9. Persecution, vv. 18, 33, 40.

Characters

God, Holy Spirit, Ananias, Sapphira, apostles, Satan, Peter, priest, Sadducees, officers, Gamaliel, Theudas.

Strong Verse(s)

29, 31, 32, 39, 42.