September 21, 2025

ACTS: THE BLESSING OF THE FAITHFUL

September 21, 2025

 Pastor Jonathan Falwell

The early church in the Book of Acts banded together cohesively as they sought fellowship with like-minded brothers and sisters in the faith. They were learning to live in harmony with each other, obeying the Holy Spirit, and the commands of Jesus Christ. There was much persecution from the religious leaders and the government. One thing they knew: if God commanded it, they would try to obey. As they stayed faithful to His word, they were blessed. We see, as we study chapter 5 today, unfaithfulness to the Holy Spirit could bring swift retribution, while faithfulness brought protection and multiple blessings from God. It was true for the early church and is true for believers today. God delights in a faithful Christ-follower.

Focal Passages: Acts 5

Peter and John stayed the course:

  • Can someone tell us from memory the sin of Ananias and Sapphira, found in Acts 5:1-11? What was the verdict given by Peter in verse 9? What final result was experienced in verse 11? What do you think the church learned?
  • Read Acts 5:12-16. Who was on Solomon’s Porch in this passage? Do you recall what Peter and John had experienced just days before? Did they back down from being told to keep quiet? In verse 13, who was afraid to join the apostles? What were they afraid of? Who did the people esteem? Why?
  • Were the people continuing to come for healing? Who else came? What did Peter and John do?
  • In today’s world, do Christians suffer persecution? Do you think it is getting worse? How does it affect you? Do you think you would be one of those in verse 13, or would you have courage to keep witnessing to people? (Do you witness now?)

The protection of the faithful:

  • Read Acts 5:17-18. The religious leaders could not stand to let the apostles keep healing and speaking in the name of Jesus. What did they do to Peter and John? What happened in verses 19-20?
  • How did the apostles respond in 21a? (Meanwhile, back at the jail…) What was happening in 21b-23?
  • Peter and John were back in the temple at the direction of the Holy Spirit. Do you think they were thinking they might be killed as Jesus had been or were they not fearful?
  • Read vs. 24. The religious and government leaders were wondering ‘what the outcome would be’; what did that mean? They were actually scared of the people. Would you have been preaching with Peter and John, or standing outside of the crowd, so you would not be noticed?

Remaining true to His Word will keep you faithful to His work:

  • Read Acts 5:25-32. What is the glimpse of fear this passage gives you as to how the captain and officers felt? Why were they terrified of the people? Why do you think Peter and John went without violence (actually, just as Jesus had done a few weeks before)?
  • Why was the high priest angry? How did Peter and John answer them? What else did they say? Was this the way they had answered when they were interrogated in chapter four? Do you recall other times in Scripture where someone chose to obey God rather than man?
  • When Peter said the Holy Spirit was given to those who obey Jesus, did the high priest know what they meant? This was a question in last week’s study also because Peter referred to Him then also. If you were the high priest, would you have tried to discover what Peter was talking about?

Remaining faithful to the work will reveal the blessings of the Lord:

  • Read Acts 5:33-39. Does anyone remember what Gamaliel is known for? (Read Acts 22:3 if you don’t know the answer). Why was his argument so wise?
  • Read vv. 40-42. How were Peter and John punished? What was their response? Did they stop preaching this time? Why not? How would you respond if we suffered for Christ?

TAKE AWAYS:

  • Whenever the work of God is underway, you will face resistance from within and without. Do the work anyway.
  • God’s call on your life cannot be stopped by anything or anyone.
  • Determine to obey God and His Word, regardless of pressure put upon you.

Close:

It can be a very shocking question to ask “how fearless are you”? If you saw speakers at the funeral of the 31-year-old man, Charlie Kirk, who was recently assassinated, you will have heard them say Charlie was fearless about sharing his faith—or talking about Jesus Christ. Can you relate or does the thought freeze you? We must be honest with ourselves: do we lower our voice if we speak the name of Jesus in public? Do we hesitate to tell a friend, who has a huge list of hurts or abuses and does not know Christ, that He loves them and will give them a new life? Why are we hesitant? If we could but understand this fear is from Satan, it should give us the courage to talk about our Savior anytime, anyplace. What will they do to you? Matt. 10:28 says, “Do not fear those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” We have the responsibility to talk to others about Jesus Christ. What if you are the only person a friend might listen to? A glaring need arises here: we need to spend so much quality time in Bible study that we can find passages that will address someone’s concern. That only comes with diligent knowledge of His Word. Search for Scriptures you know might be asked, and know what God expects. You will never regret the time you spend getting familiar with verses that could change someone’s heart!

By Sandy Day
September 21, 2025                                                                  

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