So far, we have witnessed the work of the Holy Spirit.  The church has grown daily and signs and wonders have followed those who believed.  Several times we have seen the importance of the fellowship and unity of the believers.  If one were not careful, one would think the church had no problems.  However, as we see in this chapter, that was not the case. 

1. Read vv. 1-2.  What did Ananias and Sapphira do that was so wrong?

  

What do you think motivated them to sell their land?  To keep part of the money?

  

How are their actions and motives not consistent with Christian behavior?

  

Do you think this is still a problem in the church?  Please explain.

  

2. According to Peter, what was Ananias’ sin?

  

Does this seem like such a “big deal” to you?

  

Do you consider “not telling the complete truth” to be lying to the Holy Spirit and to God?

  

How do you think Peter learned Ananias and Sapphira kept some of the money? 

 

3. In your own words, what happened to Ananias?

  

How would you report what happened to others?

  

4. What was Sapphira’s sin?

 

5. According to verse 11, what was the result of this episode?

  

What effect do you think this fear had on the church?

  

Do you think the church needs this fear today?  If so, why?

  

6. So far, we have seen the power of the Holy Spirit transform ordinary people into powerful witnesses for Jesus.  Thousands have been saved and many have been healed and set free.  We have prayed for this same power and anointing.  However, we often fail to see this other work of the Spirit (vv. 1-11).  Is it possible to have the power of the Holy Spirit without the convicting of the Holy Spirit?

  

After reading what happened to Ananais and Sapphira, are you still eager to pray for the Holy Spirit to fall upon the church?

  

These verses also show us the importance God places on honesty and truthfulness.  Locate some scriptures (please list them) and write in your own words what Jesus is saying to His church.

  

What are some of the ways we can “lie” to each other?

  

7. Read vv. 12-16.  What evidence do we have of the presence of the Holy Spirit?

  

What was the result?

  

8. Why is it significant that the believers worshipped at Solomon’s Colannade?

  

9. Why do you think no one else dared join the believers as they worshipped at Solomon’s Colonnade?  (See v. 13.)

  

In light of this statement, how do you explain verse 14?

  

Are believers today “highly regarded” as stated in v. 13?  If not, why do you believe this is so and how can we correct this?

  

10. Why did the religious leaders place the apostles in jail? What do you think they hoped to accomplish?

  

11. While in jail, the Lord speaks to the apostles.  What does the angel of the Lord tell them to do?

  

If you had been in that jail, how would you react to this directive?

 

Since they are locked up, how were the apostles able to obey?  What does this show us about the faithfulness of the Lord and the equipping of the Holy Spirit?

  

12. Read vv. 21-26.  What happens the next morning?

  

If the temple guards did not use force (why not?), how did they get the apostles to go with them?

  

13. What is the main complaint of the Sanhedrin?

  

Are the charges true?  Please explain.

  

14. What did the apostles say in response to these charges?

 

What makes the high priest and the Sanhedrin “furious?”

  

15. How does Gamaliel calm the situation?

  

How can we apply Gamaliel’s advice to our lives?

  

What would be the consequences of not following this course of action?

  

16. The Sanhedrin takes Gamaliel’s advice, but what do they do to the apostles before letting them go?

  

How do the apostles react to this treatment?

 

How do you usually react to “unfair” treatment?  What can we learn from the apostles’ actions?

  

17. In what ways is your fellowship similar to that which we have studied in Acts?

  

In what ways would you like to see your church change?  (NOTE: This is not an invitation to complain but to make Godly suggestions, remembering that we all will be affected.)