Introduction: In Acts 5, we see the early church wrestling with the consequences of dishonesty and deceit, the power of God’s presence, and the boldness of the apostles in the face of persecution. This chapter teaches us the importance of integrity especially in the area of truthfulness, the reality of God’s judgment, and the unstoppable nature of the Gospel. Lying lips sink ships is the old saying, and as we can see in this chapter, it certainly did sink two people’s ship.
I. Ananias and Sapphira’s Deception (Acts 5:1-11)
Ananias and his wife Sapphira conspire to lie about the proceeds of a property sale, but Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronts them, and they both fall dead. This event instills fear and reverence for God in the church. God has a lot to say about personal integrity throughout the Bible, like in Proverbs 12:22, where the Bible tells us lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, an abomination as well as sin. Also in Luke 12:2, The Bible makes it clear, nothing is covered that will not be revealed, in some other words, there is nothing we say or do that God doesn’t know about. And in Matthew 5:7 and James 5:12, Jesus and James gives us some sound wisdom when conversing with other people, let your yes be yes and your no be no.
II. Signs and Wonders by the Apostles (Acts 5:12-16)
The apostles perform many miraculous signs and wonders among the people, and believers are added to their number. The sick are brought out to be healed, and even Peter’s shadow falling on people brings healing. The Bible speaks of the work of believers in Mark 16:17-18, these verses tell us that believers will lay hands on the sick and they will recover, and in John 14:12, Jesus said the works that I do, believers will do greater works because Jesus will be with the Father, and we will be here still doing the works of God. Finally in 1 Corinthians 12:9, we read about the gifts of healing by the same Spirit, by the Holy Spirit. I don’t know how many has this gift, but surely, there are some who have it.
III. The Apostles Arrested and Freed (Acts 5:17-21)
The apostles are arrested by the high priest and the Sadducees but are miraculously freed by an angel during the night. The angel instructs them to continue preaching in the temple courts. Matthew 28:20 shows us that Jesus promises to be with his disciples always, and He certainly showed up in this situation. Later in Acts, we see another event like this as an angel frees Peter from prison (Acts 12:7), and in Acts 16:26, an earthquake (a miracle), frees Paul and Silas from prison. God will always show up for his followers, it may not be in our time frame, but He will not leave us comfortless.
IV. The Apostles on Trial Again (Acts 5:21-32)
The apostles are brought before the Sanhedrin and are accused of defying orders to stop preaching. Peter and the apostles boldly proclaim that they must obey God rather than men and testify about Jesus’ resurrection. Acts 4:19 tells us that Peter and John say they cannot stop speaking about what they have seen and heard, and Romans 13:1, the apostle Paul says Christians are to obey authorities unless it contradicts God’s commands, the lesser laws of the land do not take precedence over the greater laws of God. 1 Peter 3:15 says for believers to be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have, some call this way of thinking apologetics.
V. Gamaliel’s Advice and the Apostles’ Release (Acts 5:33-42)
Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, advises the Sanhedrin to be cautious in dealing with the apostles, citing examples of past movements that failed. The apostles are flogged and released, and they rejoice for being counted worthy to suffer for Jesus’ name. Proverbs 16:7 teaches us, when a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him, as we can see in these verses. More importantly Matthew 5:10 teaches that a special blessing for those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; persecution, oppression and troubles are not what anyone wants, but they do bring about special blessings. And finally Philippians 1:29 teaches that it has been granted to believers to suffer for Christ.
Conclusion: Acts 5 teaches a powerful message about the seriousness of sin, the miraculous power of God through his servants, and the courage of the apostles to proclaim the Gospel despite opposition. The chapter challenges us to live with integrity, trust in God’s power, and boldly share the message of Jesus, even in the face of adversity.
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