Explore the Bible Lesson Preview April 17, 2016 Faithful Background: Acts 5:17-42 Lesson: Acts 5: 25-35, 38-42

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1 Explore the Bible Lesson Preview April 17, 2016 Faithful Background: Acts 5:17-42 Lesson: Acts 5: 25-35, Motivation: Often we view prosperity as a sign of God s approval while hardship is seen as His discipline. However, in this passage, we find the Apostles in jail and later being flogged, but absolutely in the will of God. This is a lesson in faithfulness. I. Power in Meeting Opposition (5:17-24) A. Jealousy Then the high priest took action. He and all his colleagues, those who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. (17) HCSB; p.1869 : 5:17 The high priest and his colleagues opposed the spread of Christianity not merely because they didn t believe in Jesus as Messiah, but because they were filled with jealousy at the following that was building around Him daily as the apostles preached and performed miracles. B. Jail So they arrested the apostles and put them in the city jail. (18) In contrast to their previous detainment (4:3) when the Apostles were taken into custody; here, the Sanhedrin initiated a more formal process of arrest, imprisonment and trial. C. Job But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail during the night, 1 / 9

2 brought them out, and said, 20 Go and stand in the temple complex, and tell the people all about this life. 21 In obedience to this, they entered the temple complex at daybreak and began to teach. (19-21) Not only were the Apostles freed, but they were recommissioned to their primary job of evangelism. 1) Go; 2) Stand; 3) Speak the gospel (20). HCSB; p.1869 : 5:19-20 Having been arrested again for their ministry in Jesus name (v. 18), the apostles were set free by an angel of the Lord in such a way that aroused no attention. Some speculate that they were transported directly from the jail to the temple complex, but the fact that the angel opened the doors of the jail and told the apostles to go and stand in the temple suggests otherwise. See 12:6-10 for a similar episode. D. Jury When the high priest and those who were with him arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin the full Senate of the sons of Israel and sent orders to the jail to have them brought. 22 But when the temple police got there, they did not find them in the jail, so they returned and reported, 23 We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing in front of the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside! (21-23) Luke s meticulous attention to detail reveals the significance of the impact of the early church ( the full senate ) as well as the miraculous nature of the Apostles deliverance ( jail securely locked, with the guards standing in front we found no one inside!) HCSB; p.1870 : 5:21b-23 The Sanhedrin convened in the morning, intent on taking decisive action to halt the growth of Christian faith. That the temple police found the jail securely locked and the guards standing duty proves that the jailbreak was both miraculous and secretive. 2 / 9

3 E. Jeopardy As the commander of the temple police and the chief priests heard these things, they were baffled about them, as to what could come of this. (24 ) As with the Roman guards at the empty tomb, these temple guards faced a possible death penalty for allowing prisoners to escape (Acts 16:27). II. Returning to the Scene Someone came and reported to them, Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple complex and teaching the people. 26 Then the commander went with the temple police and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them. 27 After they brought them in, they had them stand before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest asked, 28 Didn t we strictly order you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to bring this man s blood on us! (25-28) A. Steadfast: The Apostles continue teaching in the temple (25). After this second arrest, the impulse would have been escape; instead it was obedience (20). The temple could have been the seat of salvation; but, because of rejection, it was taken away in AD 70. B. Second arrest The Apostles were taken with kindness because of fear of the people (26-27). This indicates the widespread acceptance of the resurrection in Jerusalem and the loss of authority on the part of the Sanhedrin. C. Slander 1. you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching (28) 2. you are determined to bring this man s blood on us Matt. 23:35 So all the righteous blood shed on earth will be charged to you ; Matt. 27:25 3 / 9

4 His blood be on us and on our children. HCSB ; p.1870: 5:28 The Jewish leaders feared that the people would hold them responsible for Jesus death. They were more concerned about maintaining their authority than embracing the truth. III. Standing Their Ground But Peter and the apostles replied, We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had murdered by hanging Him on a tree. 31 God exalted this man to His right hand as ruler and Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him. (29-32) A. Spokesman: Peter is the clear spokesman for the church in these early chapters although the focus later shifts to Paul. B. Stand We must obey God rather than men (29) Proponents of civil disobedience have used these words as justification of a multitude of causes, from the civil rights movement of the 60 s to the right to life protesters today. Christians are clearly instructed to obey government issued laws (Romans 13: 1-7). However, when earthly laws clearly conflict with God s instructions (vs.20), a Christian is forced to choose obedience to the Higher Authority. C. Sermon to Sanhedrin (32) (John 15:20-27, cf. 1 John 5:8) HCSB; p. 1870: 5:30-32 If anything, Peter stepped up the pressure on the Sanhedrin (and endangered himself and the others more) by declaring that they had murdered Jesus, whom God exalted to His right hand as ruler and Savior. Peter and the other apostles knew this to be true because they were 4 / 9

5 witnesses of this, as was the Holy Spirit. IV. Waiting During Deliberations When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 A Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men to be taken outside for a little while. 35 He said to them, Men of Israel, be careful about what you re going to do to these men. 36 Not long ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about 400 men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his partisans were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and attracted a following. That man also perished, and all his partisans were scattered. 38 And now, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God. So they were persuaded by him. 40 After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. 41 Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored on behalf of the Name. 42 Every day in the temple complex, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. (32-42) A. Reaction they wanted to kill them (32) Everywhere Jesus taught He made people glad, sad or mad. Even He did not always receive a positive response. As we share the Good News today, we can expect similar responses. 5 / 9

6 B. Response of Gamaliel be careful about what you re going to do to these men. (35 ) Since the Sanhedrin was complicit in Jesus death and the stoning of Stephen, they certainly wouldn t hesitate to try to execute these Apostles. Gamaliel used his influence and logic in a key moment of leadership. The speech of Gamaliel: referred to Theudas and Judas the Galilean : they led revolts against Rome on account of taxes to Caesar, saying this was idolatry against God Zealots were later a continuation of this. Jesus teaching in Luke 20:22-25 clearly demonstrated that He was not of the Zealots. C. Rationale And now, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. (38-39) HCSB; p. 1870: 5:39 Gamaliel s advice reflected the Pharisees belief that if God has ordained a thing, it will come to pass. Thus Gamaliel felt it was prudent for the Sanhedrin to step back and see what God would do with the Christian movement. Results : 1. The Apostles were beaten (40): 39 lashes (Deut. 25:3) HCSB; p.1870: 5:41 Some people believe that suffering and hardships are signs that we are not in God s will. Contrast this with the apostles, who, after being flogged, went out of the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to be dishonored on Christ s behalf. 2. The Apostles were charged not to speak in Jesus Name (40) 6 / 9

7 3. The Apostles rejoiced to suffer in His Name (41) 4. The Apostles taught and preached Jesus as the Messiah (42) Application: 1. The early church continually encountered opposition. 2. The early church grew in power as they trusted God. 3. The early church stood fast in obedience and belief. Leader Pack Item 7: The Apostles Preaching; Item 11: Early Church Leaders (Acts 1-12); Item 14: Poster: Acts 5:29 No Illustrator article Notes: **You may access David s Lesson Preview in MP3 format at: g ; also, the Highpoint Bible Study (Downtown) is available on MP3 at the HFBC site under the Highpoint link/downloads. Dates: / th Anniversary; 4/15 MYA Dinner; 4/17 SPF B-day Bash; 4/ / 9

8 Summit Retreat; 4/22-23 Work Conf. (Dallas Theological); 4/24 MIYCO; 4/30 Widow & Widowers Spring Luncheon; 5/1 NextGen Training Day; 5/8 SPF Mother s Day Luncheon; 5/11 - VBS Big Training Preschool & Children; 5/14 - CBS Graduation; 5/15 High School Senior Celebration Sunday; 5/15 SPF B-day Bash; 5/22 Parent Commitment & First Grade Bible; 5/27 Last Day of FBA; 5/29 AMP/WIRED Sunday; 6/3 Summer Kickoff at the Loop; 6/3-4 5 th grade Launch at the Loop; 6/5 Promotion Sunday (all campuses); 6/5 SPF Birthday Bash; 6/5-9 Elevate Choir Tour; 6/6 7/5 Pastor Gregg s Sabbatical; 6/12-15 Camp Intersect; 6/18-25 HUB Intl. Mission Trip; 6/19 SPF Father s Day Lunch; 6/25 8 / 9

9 Men: Serve; 6/27-30 Loop only family night on 6/29. 9 / 9