05: Purification of the Church Within and Protection from Outside (Acts 5)

God’s care for the holiness and purity of the church, as well as His protection of it, was vividly demonstrated in the newborn church. Despite the challenges, the Lord’s presence is clearly manifested in their church.

👉 Read Acts 5

Q1. Ananias and Sapphira sinned before God and were killed by Peter's rebuke. What did they wrong? (v3-4, v8-9)

They lied to God and tested the Spirit of the Lord.

Because of their death, great fear came upon all who heard it. 

The Lord cleanses His church: to let Peter know their lie, to strike them, and to cast fear upon them.

Q2. (12-16) Many (           ) and (          ) were (           ) done among the people by the hands of the apostles. The people held them in (                    ). (             ) of men and women were added to the Lord. The people brought the sick and the afflicted, and they were (         ).

Many ( signs  ) and ( wonders  ) were ( regularly ) done among the people by the hands of the apostles. The people held them in ( high esteem  ). (Multitudes  ) of men and women were added to the Lord. The people brought the sick and the afflicted, and they were ( all healed  ).

Signs tell that the Lord is among them.

Verses 15–16 are reminiscent of Jesus’ healing ministry.

Q3. The Jewish leaders imprisoned the apostles out of jealousy. Why did the angel release them? 

To proclaim the words of this life. (v20)

At daybreak, they started teaching again. They endangered their life to save others’ lives.

This life: their rescue from prison might symbolize Jesus' resurrection.

Q4. Why did the Jewish leaders not want the apostles to preach the name of Jesus? (v28)

The message made them guilty of crucifying Jesus. 

They had already witnessed the miraculous release of the apostles and were perplexed, wondering whether divine intervention was involved. Yet they hardened their hearts and refused to acknowledge their sins of rejecting Jesus.

Q5. Despite their threat, why did Peter keep preaching the name of Jesus? (v29-32)

Obey God rather than man. They were witnesses of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, so they needed to proclaim.

Verses 30–31 explain why the apostles must proclaim the gospel. The religious leaders publicly denied the name of Jesus, but God clearly revealed Him as Leader and Savior, bringing (1) repentance and (2) forgiveness of sins. The apostles must proclaim this so that the people, including the religious leaders, may repent and receive forgiveness. Jesus’ name was publicly denounced; the apostles must openly proclaim the truth about Him.

Q6. As they planned to execute Peter and the apostles, who persuaded them not to harm them? What was his argument?

Gamaliel. "if it came from a human, it will disappear. If it came from God, no one could stop it."

This is the right attitude, at least, if you are not sure about new teaching.

Paul had learned from Gamaliel before his conversion.

Q7. As the apostles were beaten and released from the Jewish council, why did they rejoice? 

They were considered worthy to suffer for Jesus.

They considered it an honor to be counted worthy of sharing in Jesus’ suffering. They did not complain about hardships for the sake of His name. They were ready to lay down their lives. They joyfully bore His name and were not ashamed to be humiliated for the name. Surely, the Lord Jesus would be pleased with their faith and acknowledge them before God.

The Lord wants to cleanse His church and confirm His presence within it. Look at how wholeheartedly the apostles devoted themselves to being Jesus’ witnesses. The Lord will surely confirm His presence among those who willingly bear His name despite suffering.