Chapter 5 really begins at Chapter 4:34.
Verses 1-11
1. The sin and punishment of Annanias and Sapphira.
2. The power of Satan.
These were bright happy days of Christian love and fellowship.
We read of “gladness of heart,” of praising God, of rejoicing.
They were of one heart and one soul.
They had all things in common.
Many were added to the Lord—despite persecution from the world.
The days were characterized with spiritual power.
Persecution from without drives the sheep together, but once the wolf gets inside the flock then he scatters the sheep.
This is the sad story related in the eleven verses read.
A brother named Barnabas—later Paul’s fellow laborer—sold his property, then brought the money to the apostles for the general use of the church. Chapter 4:36-37
This incident probably prompted Annanias and Sapphira to pretend equal devotions—but they only gave a part of the money received.
Their sin was that they pretended to give the full price of the land but only gave a part.
The first sin in the Church was hypocrisy caused by materialism.
This sin is diagnosed and declared to be lying to the Holy Spirit, which is lying to God. Verse 4.
Verse 5 On hearing this, Annanias fell down dead—an act of God (Judgment).
Verses 7-11 Peter accuses Sapphira of collaborating with her husband in this great evil of lying to God.
He told her of her husband’s fate and predicted her fate, immediately she collapsed and died.
Sin in the Church—in whatever form—is a very serious thing.
See Verse 11 “And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.”
A revelation of the awful holiness of God was given them.
Prior to this they had known God’s love.
Now they feared God’s purity—holiness.
A pure church is a powerful church.
Verses 12-16 Continuous miracles—continuous outreach.
The apostles were given special power to perform signs and wonders.
People did not flock to them because of curiosity; only those who were really convicted and drawn by the Spirit came. Verse 13.
Verse 14 Multitudes of both men and women came.
The healing ministry of the apostles was to authenticate the message which the apostles preached.
Verse 17 At this point persecution broke out.
On the one hand God was blessing.
On the other Satan was busy.
The apostles were put in prison. Verse 18.
They were released by an angel of the Lord, and told to go back to Solomon’s porch and teach the people. Verse 20.
When the high priest sent for the prisoners the next morning, they found the prison empty. They couldn’t believe it. Verse 23.
Verse 25 Someone came in with the news where the apostles were.
Verse 26 Temple guards were sent to apprehend them.
Verse 28 They accused them of filling Jerusalem with their doctrine.
Verse 29 No man can overrule God’s commandments.
“We ought to obey God rather than man.”
Verse 30 Note the affirmation of the resurrection.
Verse 31 The ascension of the resurrected Christ is stressed also. Then comes the declaration that the forgiveness of sins is through Him.
Verse 32 Peter says that we are Christ’s witnesses (these things)
1. Witnesses of His crucifixion
2. Witnesses of His resurrection
3. Witnesses of His ascension
So also is the Holy Spirit—referring to Pentecost (explain).
Verse 33 They were convicted by the message and took counsel to kill them.
Verse 34 Gamaliel offers advice.
Do not harm these men. If the work be of men it will fail. If it be of God, it cannot be overthrown.
Verse 40 They then beat up the apostles—commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus.
Verse 41 The apostles left the courtroom rejoicing that they were “counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.”
Verse 42 Witnessing continues in the temple and throughout the city.
Our Adversary the Devil Acts 5:1-11
The titles of the devil.
1. Satan—Adversary
2. Devil—Accuser
3. Serpent—Deceiver
4. Dragon—Power
Revelations 12:9 brings all these titles together.
“And the great dragon was cast out of heaven, that old or ancient serpent, called the devil and Satan, who deceiveth the whole world.”
In Chapter 3 of Acts we have the power of God displayed.
In Chapter 4 of Acts we have the power of man displayed.
In Chapter 4 of Acts we have the power of the Spirit displayed.
In Chapter 5 of Acts we have the power of Satan displayed.
Satan’s origin and fall.
Isaiah 14:12-17 He fell because of his pride. The Lord may have been referring to this in Luke 18:10 “I beheld Satan as lightning falling to the earth.” What happened after his fall? Creation from God’s hand was perfect. Genesis 1:1. Satan fell, result of this fall was that God’s judgment fell on the earth and it became “Without form and void, and darkness covered the face of the deep.”
The recreation
The world as we know it today.
The garden of Eden—the first view of Satan in Eden.
His first action was to deceive Eve—describe the repercussions.
The seriousness of sin (David—Prodigal).
Satan’s future.
His defeat and doom are certain. There is a short period of seeming victory during the Tribulation. Then there is war in heaven…Satan is cast out, he and his hosts are defeated at Armageddon. He is then bound and cast into the abyss, where he remains for 1,000 years.
At the close of the Millennium, he is loosed for a short season, then finally he is cast into the lake of fire.
Satan’s work today.
Satan means adversary—prince of evil.
Satan is the chief opponent of God and man.
John 13:27 After the sop…Satan entered into Judas.
He was the cause of Peter’s fall.
“Get thee behind me Satan.”
Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat.”
He seeks to persuade men to sin.
Matthew 4 The temptation
He steals the Word from the careless who hear the Gospel.
Mark 4:4 The parable of the sower…the fowls of the air came and devoured it.
Unregenerate men and women are under Satan’s power.
Acts 26:19 “To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God.”
1 John 5:19 “The whole world lieth in the wicked one.”
“He is a roarin lion seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8.
II Corinthians 11:14 “He is an angel of light.”
The only means of survival in the spiritual warfare.
1. “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.”—1 John 4:4
2. We must put on God’s armor. Ephesians 6.
Sin In The Church
Read Acts 5:1-11
The early days of the Church were joyful days.
We frequently read, in its short history, of “gladness of heart,” “praising God” and “rejoicing.”
They fellowshipped together as a family—they shared their possessions with each other.
God honored their testimony—many believed the Word—multitudes were added to the Lord: The reason—a pure church.
Persecution from without only drove them closer together.
Now the scene changes. Chapter 5 describes this change.
Compare at this point the combined action of Annanias and Sapphira with that of Barnabas. Chapter 4:36-37.
The problem was not in selling the possession.
This was not obligatory, but optional.
The sin was two fold.
1. The sin of pretension.
They invited the attention and admiration of their fellow Christians even though they knew that their claims were false.
2. The sin of hypocrisy.
This is the practice of feigning to be what one is not.
They promised to give all to the Lord but kept back a part for themselves. Application of this truth. Quote and apply Romans 12:1.
Bring the tithes and see “if I will not open heaven.” Malachi 3:10.
What was it that caused them to do this?
Quote Verse 5. “Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, etc.”
Their lie cost them their lives. Purity in the Church is essential. Sin is a very serious offence. David against thee…sinned.
Prodigal…sinned against heaven.
Can Satan fill the heart of an individual?
These two people were Christians—Satan can fill and will fill our hearts if we allow him, whether Christian or non-Christian.
Examples.
1. Peter. “Satan has desired to have you” etc. “Get thee behind me Satan.”
2. Judas. John 13:27 “And after the sop—piece of bread, Satan entered into him—Judas went out—it was night. There is no depth too deep to which a man will sink, and length to which he will not go when Satan enters in. Judas betrayed the Lord.
3. Simon. Acts 8.
“He was amazed at the miracles and signs which were done.”
He offered to buy the gifts of imparting the Holy Spirit. Peter said—Your money perish with you—your heart is not right, in the sight of God—Repent of your wickedness—You are in a state of bitter jealousy and being chained by wickedness.
Who was Simon?
He was a sorcerer in the city of Samaria.
He made a profession of faith in Christ under the preaching of Philip.
He so convinced Philip of the seeming genuineness of his conversion that he baptized him.
Finally; it is said that he continued with Philip—he helped him in the preaching.
Despite all this, subsequent events proved him to be a false professor.
Why have I brought this to your attention: So that I might show you the depths to which someone will sink and the length some will go when controlled by Satan.
1 John 5. “The whole world lieth in the wicked one.”
John 17:15. Jesus prayed “That you should keep them from the evil…one.”
Let us consider now the struggle between the two great powers for my body—my time—my service—my money—my all.
The first of these powers is Satan.
Satan will show you the “kingdoms of this world and the glory of them” and having dazzled your eyes, will captivate your heart as he whispers in your ear. “All these things I will give you if you will fall down and worship me.”
In the search for these elusive bubbles many a one has lost his soul. Essau. Sold his birthright etc.
“What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”
“The wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23.
The second power who wants you is “Jesus Christ.”
“Son give me your heart”—Emotions—intellect—will.
In return for this I will give you “rest” Matthew 11:28, “peace” Romans 5:1.
I will make your life more meaningful. I will give you “abundant life”—Life with a capital “L.”
I will be your shepherd—Guide—Provider.
I will walk through the valley of the shadow of death with you.
My goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life.
And when life is finished you shall live with me forever.
“The gift of God is eternal life.” Romans 6:23.
Acts 5:12-32
The progress of the infant church.
1. Prior to Pentecost there were 120 in the upper room. Acts 1:15.
2. Subsequent to Pentecost and after Peters’ sermon three thousand were converted. Acts 2:41.
3. The first persecution was triggered off when Peter spake in the temple…many of them believed and the number was about five thousand. Chapter 4:4.
4. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. Chapter 5:14.
Miracles and signs were performed with the object of authenticating the new message. See Verses 15-16.
The miracle of healing was perhaps the most common.
Does God heal in this manner today?
In some segments of the Christian church “faith healing” is widely practiced.
“Faith healers” figure in an ever-increasing role in radio and television. There is nearly always money involved.
Is this Scriptural?
While I believe that God is sovereign and can and does heal whom He chooses to heal, the claims of “faith healers” are unscriptural.
What is the Scriptural way to deal with sickness? James 5 tells us to “pray for the sick”—in the case of critical illness, James says, “call the elders of the church,” and “let them pray, and let them anoint with oil in the name of the Lord.” I take that anointing with oil to mean, use the medicine which medical science has made available, and as prescribed by a sympathetic medical doctor.
When we pray we should always add, “Thy will be done.” Give examples.
The Miracle Of The Opened Door.
Verses 20-28
Verse 18 They were put in the common prison.
Verse 19 An angel of the Lord opened the prison doors.
Verse 22 They were not found in the prison.
Verse 25 They were in the temple doing the very thing that they were commanded to do.
Persecution from the world has never hurt the Church of Christ upon earth.
In many instances the devil has outdone himself.
1. Samuel Rutherford wrote a letter from the dungeon of St. Andrews castle, Scotland, and addressed it as from “Christ’s Palace,” St. Andrews.
2. Paul was imprisoned—the result of this is the prison epistles.
3. John Bunyan was imprisoned for preaching, while in prison he wrote “Pilgrims progress.”
4. Own experience as a P. O. W.
These early Christians were not intimidated by threats nor prison.
Verse 28 They filled Jerusalem with the Gospel. The outflow of the Spirit John 7.
Everybody in the city was talking about the death—burial—resurrection and ascension of Jesus of Nazareth.
Ignorant and unlearned men were spreading this message.
Multitudes were believing and being converted.
Verses 30-32 Three great facts of the faith.
1. God raised up Jesus – (Judgment is by a risen Christ)
2. God exalted Him – (Stephen saw Him, John saw Him)
3. God has given His Spirit to them that obey Him.
These apostles saw their accusers through the eyes of God. Isaiah 40.
Verse 29. “We ought to obey God rather than man.”
To believers: We cannot have the Holy Spirit in its fullness unless we obey.
Why is there a great lack in my life?
Why am I so powerless and joyless?
It is because we are not obeying God.
“It is better to obey than to sacrifice.”
We must obey…not just trust Him, or believe Him, or admire Him.
We must obey.
You can preach Him, sing of Him, teach Him, and follow Him…but He only gives the Holy Spirit to them who obey Him.
To unbelievers
Acts 2:38 “Repent, and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sin.”
Acts 3:19 “Repent, and be converted that your sins may be blotted out.”
Acts 17:30 “God commands all men everywhere to repent.” See Matthew 21:28, 29.
Romans 10:9 Confess—believe.
1 Peter 4:17 What shall the end be of them who obey not.
II Thessalonians 1:7, 8. Taking vengeance on them who obey not, etc.
Obedience
Acts 5:29
“We ought to obey God rather than man.”
Christina Rossetti wrote: “Obedience is the fruit of faith.”
See how this works out in the lives of the apostles. In Acts 1:8 the Lord said to His disciples “You shall be witnesses unto Me.
This is a very profound statement. A witness is one who testifies to what he has seen or heard or knows. But there is a deeper meaning here. The word “witness” comes from the word “Martus” or “Martyr,” one who bears witness by his death if necessary. The disciples knew the implications of our Lord’s statement “You shall be my witnesses.” In Chapter 4 the Sanhedrin “threatened them and let them go.” In Chapter 5:18 they were put “in the common prison.”
Chapter 5:33 The rulers “took counsel to kill them.”
Chapter 5:40 The rulers beat them up.
But they were true witnesses. Their obedience to God grew out of faith in God.
See Verses 41-42 Quote.
1. They rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer.
2. They ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
They said:
“We ought to obey God rather than men.” The apostles at this point were looking at their accusers through the eyes of God the Holy Spirit.
What did they see? Consider Isaiah 40.
Verse 15 “Behold the nations are like a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the fine dust of the balance.”
Verse 17 All nations before Him are as nothing, and they are counted to Him as less than nothing.
Verse 22 He sitteth upon the circle of the earth and the inhabitants are like grasshoppers.
With this perspective, they chose to obey God rather than men.
It was not easy, this obedience to God cost many of them their life. (Describe)
The Lord when He was here spoke significant words “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.”
Describe the incident.
Where man’s laws are contrary to God’s laws then we must obey God.
Examples Daniel 6
Daniel obeyed God rather than the King.
Daniel was cast into the lion’s den, etc.
Daniel 3 The Hebrew children refused to worship the image.
They were cast into the fiery furnace.
Take the example of Gideon. Judges 6.
The fleece.
The army was composed of 30,000 men.
1. Those who were afraid were to return home. 22,000 did so leaving 10,000.
2. Those who bowed down and drank the water were put on one side. Those who lapped the water up with their hands were put on the other side. God took these men, only 300 were in the group.
Gideon obeyed God: And though the Midianites lay in the valley like grasshoppers for numbers, though their camels were without numbers, as the sand of the seashore for multitude. Gideon’s obedience led to victory.
Let us talk about “obedience.”
To the Christian.
Obedience is the criterion by which we should measure our love for Jesus Christ.
“If you love me you will keep my commandments.”
Verse 32 declares that we cannot have the Spirit of God in fullness unless we obey. Quote.
Is your life powerless and joyless…the reason could be “disobedience.”
Not reading the Word—Not praying—Not fellowshipping—Not Witnessing.
“It is better to obey than to sacrifice.”
To the unbeliever:
Obedience is necessary for salvation.
Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptized.
Acts 3:19 Repent and be converted that your sins may be blotted out.
Acts 17:30 God commands all men everywhere to repent.
1 Peter 4:17 What shall the end be of them who obey not the Gospel.
II Thessalonians 1:7-8 Taking vengeance on them who obey not the Gospel.
Quote Romans 10:9.
Acts 5:28-33
Last week we discussed the “miracle of the opened door.”
The early Christians were not intimidated by threats and prison.
Verse 28 Despite persecution. They filled Jerusalem with the teaching of Jesus Christ.
This is the outflow of the Spirit John 7
Consider at this point:
1. The indwelling of the Spirit John 3.
2. The upspringing of the Spirit John 4.
3. The outflowing of the Spirit John 7.
Jerusalem was filled with the teaching of Christ. Everyone was talking of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus of Nazareth.
Ignorant and unlearned men were being used to do this.
Multitudes were being saved.
Verses 30-32 The Message—Three great facts of the faith.
1. God raised up Jesus. All judgment is given to Him.
2. God exalted Him. Seen by Stephen—Saul—John.
3. God has given His Spirit to those who obey Him.
This truth was manifested before their eyes.
Verse 33 Conviction.
“They were ‘Cut to the heart,’ and took counsel to slay them.”
“Pricked in their conscience” and asked “What shall we do?” Acts 2
(“Conscience seared as with a hot iron.” “My Spirit shall not always strive with man.”)
Usually there are two forces at work during the period of conviction.
1. The Word of God. Hebrews 4:12
2. The Spirit of God. John 16 (Mention Satan’s power during this period).
The outcome of conviction is manifested in one of two ways.
Antagonism…Repentance.
1. Conviction can antagonize. Acts 7:54
2. Conviction can bring people to repentance. Acts 2:37.
The first reaction is the work of Satan.
The second reaction is the work of the Spirit of God.
This brings to our attention the picture of the struggle between the two great powers for our body—time—money—our all.
The rich young ruler—the devil victorious (Quote When I survey the, etc. The hands appeal “Shall have” etc.)
The first of these powers is Satan.
(“Satan has obtained you by asking”).
“Satan has desired to have you” etc. Luke 22:31.
Luke 4:5 “In a moment of time.”
Satan will show you the kingdoms of this world and the glory of them, and after dazzling your eyes he will captivate your heart and whisper in your ear, “All these things will I give you if you will fall down and worship me.”
In the fruitless search for these elusive bubbles (Kingdoms—power—glory), many a one has lost his soul. Luke 16 (The rich fool).
Examples
1. Wealthy mill owners.
2. Esau.
3. Lot.
“What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lost his own soul.” “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
“The wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23.
The second person, power, who wants you is Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 23:26
“Son give me your heart”—Emotions—intellect—will.
In return for this I will give you eternal life—peace—rest.
I will be your shepherd. Psalm 23.
I will walk through the valley of the shadow with you.
My goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life, and when life is over, you shall live with me forever.
“The gift of God is eternal life” etc. Romans 6:23.
Verse 29 “We ought to obey God rather than man” See Mark 12:13-17.
The apostles at this point were looking at their accusers through the eyes of God the Spirit.
What do they see? Isaiah 40.
Verse 15 “Behold, the nations are like a drop of the bucket and are counted as the fine dust of the balance.”
Verse 17 “All nations before Him are as nothing, and they are counted to Him less than nothing.”
Verse 22 “He sitteth upon the circle of the earth and the inhabitants are like grasshoppers.
With this perspective they chose to Obey God rather than man. Let us talk about obedience.
To the Christians
Obedience is the criterion by which we should measure our love for Christ.
“If you love me you will keep my commandments.”
Verse 32 declares that we cannot have the Spirit of God in fullness unless we obey. (Quote)
If there is a great void in your life, if it is powerless and joyless, it is because you are not obeying God.
Disobeying because we do not heed the Word…Pray…fellowship with Christians…Witness.
We must obey…not just trust Him—believe Him—admire Him…we must obey Him if we are to enjoy fullness of blessing.
It is better to obey than to sacrifice.
To the unbeliever. Obedience is necessary for salvation.
Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptized, etc.
Acts 3:19 Repent and be converted that your sins may be blotted out.
Acts 17:30 What shall the end be of them who obey not the Gospel.
II Thessalonians 1:7-8 Taking vengeance on them who obey not the Gospel.
Quote Romans 10:9.