Acts 5 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

Acts 5 in 5 Minutes

WHEN:

• We don’t have exact dates for the events in chapter 5.

• Most historians suggest a timeframe of 29-35 AD.

CHARACTERS:

• 12 Apostles – The men Jesus entrusted with the leadership of the early Church. Peter is especially highlighted in chapter 5.

• Ananias and Sapphira – A husband and wife who were killed by God.

• High Priest and Council – Jewish leaders who hated Jesus and His message.

WHERE:

• All the significant events of chapter 5 appear to have happened in and around the city of Jerusalem.

OUTLINE:

• ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA LIE TO THE APOSTLES (5:1-11):

  • A man named Ananias and his wife sold a piece of property and gave part of the proceeds to the Apostles, but they lied about how much they gave.

  • Peter confronted Ananias about the lie and God punished him by striking him dead.

  • Later, Peter asked Sapphira about their gift and she repeated the lie to him.

  • As punishment, God struck her dead just like her husband.

• THE DISCIPLES MULTIPLY AND THE SICK ARE HEALED (5:12-16):

  • The believers met together regularly in Solomon’s Portico.

  • The Apostles were performing many “signs and wonders.”

  • Multitudes of people were being converted to Christ.

  • People from the surrounding towns brought their sick to be healed by the Apostles.

• THE APOSTLES ARE FREED FROM PRISON BY AN ANGEL (5:17-20):

  • The High Priest was jealous of the success Jesus’ disciples were enjoying.

  • He had them arrested and put in the public prison.

  • That night, an angel let them out of prison and told them to continue preaching.

• THE HIGH PRIEST AND COUNCIL QUESTION THE APOSTLES (5:21-42):

  • In the morning, the Apostles went back to the Temple to preach.

  • The High Priest and council were shocked when they learned the Apostles had escaped from the prison and returned to the Temple.

  • The council sent men to bring the Apostles back for questioning, but they did it without force because they feared the reaction of the people.

  • Peter told the council they would not stop talking about Jesus.

  • He accused the council of killing Jesus but told them God has exalted Him as “Leader and Savior.”

  • The council was enraged by Peter’s words and wanted to kill him, but a wise Pharisee named Gamaliel cautioned them not to act rashly.

  • Instead of killing them, the council beat them and let them go.

  • The Apostles rejoiced after the beating and continued preaching Jesus.

APPLICATION:

• There is serious danger in using the Church to bolster your personal pride and prestige.

• The severity of Ananias and Sapphira’s punishment was a stern warning from God not to abuse His Church for personal gain.

• Past prayers effect present circumstances.

• In chapter 4:29, the disciples prayed for boldness to speak even in the face of threats.

• In chapter 5, they received the boldness they requested and were strengthened by God in their address to the council.