Luke/Acts for Beginners
Persecution of Peter and Apostles
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is the continued actions and teachings of the apostles following Pentecost. The span of this lesson is from Acts 5:1 – 42. Of special note is the faithfulness of the apostles and early disciples as the persecution of the Church begins. Teachers and students should review the relevant materials before class.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Comprehend the events following the Day of Pentecost and their importance.
- Feel: Value the teachings of Peter and the apostles as they continued to grow the new Church.
- Do: Internalize the teachings of Peter as we mature spiritually.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
It demonstrates their faith and commitment. These early Christians were willing to do whatever it took to care for others. They demonstrated what our Lord taught in Luke 12:33 about treasures in heaven.
Why were Ananias and Sapphira punished so quickly and severely?
Their action was not something that happened in the moment. It was a planned event with the opportunity to have done the right thing as opposed to deliberate sin. When Peter confronted Sapphira, she made the deliberate decision to continue with the lie.
How does this event relate to our lives today?
God will forgive when we repent (I John 1:5-10). One can see that this corresponds to our ultimate judgement when the Lord returns. As long as we are alive, we have choices and must strive to obey. Our Lord promises to forgive when we repent but if we do not repent, especially of deliberate sin, then we too will face judgment.
What was the reaction of the Christians as they became aware of this event?
The situation changed from joy to fear (Acts 5:11). There are two applications of fear that are seen in this event. One is a sense of fear that would cause one to flee.
The other is a sense of fear shown through respect. It is likely that the second application is seen here as the Church continued to grow.
Luke gives insight into the attitude of the Jewish leaders as they experience jealously and the fear of losing their position and power. They demonstrated their discomfort by trying to stop the apostles by placing them in prison. It had the opposite effect of strengthening their resolve to obey the Lord.
As a result, the Church continued to grow.
Jesus was clearly acting in His capacity as the Messiah. He was cleansing the corruption from the Temple. Later, Peter would claim this same authority but in the name of Jesus. By this time Peter and the other Apostles were completely committed to following our Lord as demonstrated by their actions in the face of persecution.
It is possible that Gamaliel was beginning to see the truth of what Peter and the others were teaching and demonstrating. He was taking the pragmatic view of wait and see. This had the effect of giving the apostles freedom to continue in their actions.
The apostles realized even more that they were teaching and acting as our Lord directed them. This was fulfilling our Lord's words regarding their upcoming persecution as they continued to obey Him.
We too must be willing to obey the teachings and directions of Jesus no matter the cost. We must take an eternal view rather than a temporary one of events that take place in our lives. We strive to obey and trust our Lord.
The intent of this question is to determine commitment to following Jesus no matter the cost. Look for specific responses that show that commitment. This is especially important for new Christians as they face doubts about their choice to become disciples of Jesus. They need the reassurance that their faith will be rewarded.