“Answers For A Study in the Book of Acts” is a weekly post in addition to the regular “Case for the New Testament” posts on the weekend. The original questions are posted on the bottom of the Case for the New Testament” post the weekend before, and the answers appear here mid-week. This gives you time to do your own research and then check your answers here. Keep in mind these will be basic answers with a little depth, but you can go much deeper if you’d like.
Note: The answers will focus on what the text of the Bible says, and commentaries and speculative answers will be noted as such. There are many scholarly commentaries out there but it will be important, as students of the Bible, to keep the text of the Bible as our first source. Commentaries can be used, keeping in mind that they are human thoughts about God’s Word.
Bible Study
Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.
Read Acts Chapters 5 and 6: Then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions.
NOTE: Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for “Discussion” or “Going Deeper” questions.
The fate of Ananias and Sapphira; Peter and the Apostles arrested; The choosing of the seven
1. Read Chapter 5:1-16 with your Table Group
In the first part of this chapter, we find “the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul” sharing all that they had with each other (see 4:32-37), but…
a. Even though the Holy Spirit had come, believers were not immune to Satan’s temptations. Describe what Ananias and Sapphira had done. Who did they sin against?
Ananias and Sapphira had conspired together, not only to lie to the Apostles and other believers, but to the Holy Spirit. Barnabas had earlier sold a piece of property and gave the money to the Apostles, so it seems that Ananias and Sapphira thought of doing the same thing, only they lied about holding back some of the money for themselves. Ultimately, they lied to God, even though they had a chance to confess and tell the truth they chose not to, and God punished them severely with physical death. The text does not say anything about them losing their salvation as believers, provided that they were true believers before this incident. That topic is often the subject of scholarly debate.
b. Discuss: Why was the sin of Ananias and Sapphira dealt with so severely at this time in the history of the Church, and what effect did it have on the people?
From gotquestions.org
“The sudden, dramatic deaths of Ananias and Sapphira served to purify and warn the church. “Great fear seized the whole church” (Acts 5:11). Right away, in the church’s infancy, God made it plain that hypocrisy and dissimulation were not going to be tolerated, and His judgment of Ananias and Sapphira helped guard the church against future pretense. God laid the bodies of Ananias and Sapphira in the path of every hypocrite who would seek to enter the church.
Furthermore, the incident involving Ananias and Sapphira helped to establish the apostles’ authority in the church. The sinners had fallen dead at Peter’s feet. It was Peter who had known of the secret sin and had the authority to pronounce judgment in the church (see Matthew 16:19). If the hypocrisy of Ananias and Sapphira had succeeded in fooling Peter, it would have severely damaged the apostles’ authority.
The sad story of Ananias and Sapphira is not some obscure incident from the Old Testament regarding a violation of Mosaic Law. This occurred in the first-century church to believers in Jesus Christ. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a reminder to us today that God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), that He hates sin, and that He is concerned for the purity of His church (1 Corinthians 11; 1 John 5). As Jesus told the compromising church in Thyatira, “All the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds” (Revelation 2:23)”
c. Discuss: At this time in Church history, the Apostles were able to perform all kinds of miracles, including healing. Why don’t we see these kinds of miracles today, or do we?
Some people believe that miracles, such as healing, were only for the time period of the first century. If God exists then miracles are possible, and there is no reason to think it would stop today. We know miracles exist today based on evidence from human experience, historical reporting and lack of alternative explanations in the natural sciences. Almost every person you talk to about this topic has experienced some level of a miracle or God’s providence in their lives. Miracles point us to God so that we can give Him the glory and honor, as Jesus and His Apostles did in the first century. Jesus’ miracles also demonstrated His Deity because only God has power to change or alter the natural order of things in relation to physics, chemistry and biology as He did.
In our western culture today, we do not necessarily see the level of miracles that are reported in Scripture, but just look outside western culture to places where Christians are persecuted, and the reports of miracles are unending. Western culture, at least for now, has free access to God through His Word and the uncensored teachings of the Church, whereas oppressed Christians in other countries do not. Miracles seem to be heightened where persecution and oppression reigns highest.
Good sources for further study on Miracles:
Miracles (a two-volume set), by Craig Keener.
Miracles, by Eric Metaxas
A Case for Miracles, by Lee Strobel
Miracles, by C.S. Lewis
2. Read Chapter 5:17-42 with your Table Group
In the second part of this chapter, Peter and the Apostles are arrested (again):
a. Why were the Apostles arrested this time, and how did an angel of the Lord help them escape?
“And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number, to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any one of them. Also the people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together, bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed. But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail.” Acts 5:14-18
It seems that since the Apostles were healing people, and “multitudes” of people were being added to the group, the Jewish leaders became “filled with jealousy” and arrested them.
“But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.” Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach.” Acts 5:19-21
The Apostles were miraculously led out of jail, and they went right back to teaching despite the threats they faced! This of course, exasperated the Jewish leaders.
b. Where did they find the Apostles after they escaped; and when they were brought back to the council how did Peter and the Apostles answer them this time?
“But someone came and reported to them, “The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned). When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”” Acts 5:25-32
So regardless of the consequences, Peter and the Apostles went right back to teaching, in Jesus’ Name and they were not afraid to say so to the council or anyone. They put God first, and only the Holy Spirit could give them this confidence and boldness, not to mention the fact that they were eyewitnesses of the truth!
c. What was Gamaliel’s counsel to the Jewish rulers? Going Deeper: Who was Gamaliel and where else is he talked about in Scripture?
“But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”” Acts 5:34-39
Gamaliel’s council was a wise one, most likely inspired by God. Gamaliel was the Apostle Paul’s teacher and we read about that in Paul’s testimony in Acts 22:3 where he said:
“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today.”
From gotquestions.org
Gamaliel was a Pharisee and a grandson of the famous Rabbi Hillel. Like his grandfather, Gamaliel was known for taking a rather lenient view of the Old Testament law in contrast to his contemporary, Rabbi Shammai, who held to a more stringent understanding of Jewish traditions.
Later rabbis lauded Gamaliel for his knowledge, but he may be better known for his most famous pupil—another Pharisee named Saul of Tarsus (Acts 22:3), who later became the apostle Paul. It was under the tutelage of Rabbi Gamaliel that Paul developed an expert knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures. Paul’s educational and professional credentials allowed him to preach in the synagogues wherever he traveled (see Acts 17:2), and his grasp of Old Testament history and law aided his presentation of Jesus Christ as the One who had fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17).
Gamaliel is also mentioned by the historian Josephus, who wrote of the nobility of Gamaliel’s son, Simon (Vita, 38). Josephus’ description of Gamaliel’s family is consistent with the picture we see of him in the book of Acts. The Talmud also mentions Gamaliel, but there is still much that we do not know about him. As with many figures from ancient history, our knowledge of Gamaliel is limited. From the sources that we do possess, it is clear that Gamaliel and his family were revered as men of wisdom and prudential judgment. In God’s sovereign plan, this Jewish rabbi preserved the lives of the apostles in the early church and helped equip the greatest Christian missionary.
d. Discuss: Write down and share two or three things that you think are important to remember about chapter five. (Answers will vary)
- The story of Ananias and Sapphira and the example they set concerning the consequence of sinning against God and His Church.
- The boldness and fearlessness of the early Apostles as they shared the Gospel, and the resulting salvation of thousands.
3. Read Chapter 6:1-15 with your Table Group
In this chapter, the Apostles assign specific duties for the young Church to address certain concerns, and we meet a man named Stephen:
a. What was the complaint that the Hellenistic Jews had, and how did the Apostles decide to handle this complaint? Discuss: What might have happened had they not taken care of this disturbance right away? Going Deeper: Who were the “Hellenistic Jews”?
“Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.”
Acts 6:1-6
- The Apostles needed to take care of this problem right away because: 1) they needed to avoid any internal conflicts among believers that could be perceived as favoritism; 2) the Apostles needed help by others so they could focus on the main thing they were called to do, which was teaching and prayer; and 3) they needed to take care of the problem “in house” so that outsiders would see the example they set of personally taking care of one another’s needs, as Jesus had taught.
- The Hebraic Jews were native Jewish Christians who spoke mainly Aramaic, a Semitic language. The Hellenistic Jews were Greek speaking Christians who were most likely from other lands, converted at Pentecost. Hellenistic Jews would also be shunned because they were from Jewish families who had left the land during previous times of persecution, and thus lived outside of Jerusalem and Judea.
b. Who was Stephen? What did he do to upset the men from “the Synagogue of the Freedmen” and how did they respond?
- Stephen was one of the Hellenistic Jews chosen by the Apostles (see v. 5,8). He was a “man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, full of grace and power, performing great wonders and signs among the people.” He was the first to give his life for the faith – the first Christian martyr (see chapter 7).
- “And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” And they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away and brought him before the Council. Acts 6:8-12
Because Stephen was so strong in his knowledge and faith, they could not argue against him, so they lied about him (as others did about Jesus), and brought him before the council on false charges.
c. Going Deeper: Who were these men that rose up against Stephen, and what was “the Synagogue of the Freedmen”?
These men were Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and some were from Cilicia and Asia. This group was formed by Jewish men who had been slaves and were freed by the Roman Government. They had formed their own Synagogue in Jerusalem.
From gotquestions.org
“It is ironic that the Synagogue of the Freedmen should call themselves that. They may have been freed from one type of slavery, but they were slaves nonetheless. Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin” (John 8:34). The Jews to whom He was speaking had objected to the idea they were slaves, but Jesus showed them the path to true freedom: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. . . . If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (verses 31–32, 36). Despite their freedom-loving name, the Synagogue of the Freemen were in desperate bondage to sin. In their slavery, they plotted to lie and murder, and they rejected the Truth that would have set them free.”
d. Discuss: Write down and share two or three things that you think are important to remember about chapter six. (Answers will vary)
- A great example is set on how to take care of “in-house” problems, and the importance of doing it personally, fairly, quickly and directly.
- We are introduced to Stephen which sets the stage for what happens in chapter seven.
Please continue to join us in making our “A Case for the New Testament” along with a study in the book of Acts, and share it with others!
Note: Class presentation, videos, reflections and Bible study question are posted on the weekend – Bible study answers (like these) posted mid-week.
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Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
1 Peter 3:15
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