Personal study: The numbers on the left side are
verse numbers.
Vs 1-11 Read the story of Ananias & Sapphira: cheating
on God
Note that this story relates to the statement in
4:32-37
Apparently Ananias and his wife had promised the
entire amount of their property to the church. How is present day
Christian stewardship open to abuse?
Had they promised less and given what was promised
that would be OK. Some churches publish what everyone gives! Your
comments:
If we think we can lie to God, what does that say
about our understanding of God?
Jesus had given the Apostles (and the whole Church)
the authority to represent Him and speak for Him. Was lying to the
Church the same as lying to God?
This was like a miracle, but it also showed the great
authority of the Apostles.
Vs 12-16 What does this tell you about the early church
meetings?
What does this tell you about the effectiveness of the
Christian witness?
Remember the role of miracles. What message were
miracles meant to convey?
Vs 17-32 Read the story: Arrested again!
Corruption from within the Church (the last story) and
now persecution from outside the Church, which is the worse enemy of
the Church?
Note what the Sanhedrin (High Jewish Council) had
commanded the Apostles in 4:18.
Besides heresy to their faith, they were concerned
about unrest among the people. Why?
How would you characterize these early disciples of
Jesus?
Vs 33-42 Gamaliel was a Pharisee, respected and loved,
wise and tolerant. What was his basic plea?
Apply Gamaleil’s wisdom to some of the plans and
programs of the Church. What is the difference between God’s plans and
our plans?
Gamaliel’s wisdom prevailed. The Christians were
flogged (their first) and released. When you try to serve the Lord and
hardships come, how do you react?
I GET DISCOURAGED
I REEVALUATE WHAT I’M DOING
I’M
ENCOURAGED
How did they react?
