“We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29)

A Threat From Inside God’s people submit to God’s Spirit

with Power Proclamation Property (see Deuteronomy 15:4)

A positive and a negative example Barnabas Ananias and Sapphira

Compare to Joshua 7: “In both narratives an act of deceit interrupts the victorious progress of the people of God” (F. F. Bruce)

Satan filled Ananias’ heart Sapphira tested the Spirit

The Response Great fear!

No one dared join them, but more & more believed in the Lord & were

added The apostles performed many

miraculous signs and wonders among the people.

Increasing Opposition from Outside

The arrest All the apostles imprisoned overnight But an angel freed them & sent them to

the temple The arraignment

The confusion: Where are they? The re-capture (with great care!) The confrontation: Why didn’t you obey

us?

The Sermon We must obey God rather than man!

You killed Jesus The God of our fathers raised and exalted

him! We and the Spirit are witnesses

Acts 1:8– “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…”

The Spirit is given to those who obey him!

The Response of the Sanhedrin Anger! Gamaliel gives prudent advice

If it is of human origin, it will fail If it is from God…

Final response Flogging A second command to cease and desist

The Response of the Apostles Rejoicing!

they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name!

“the honor of being dishonored, the grace to be disgraced” (J. A. Alexander)

They continued to witness to Jesus Everyday Everywhere (from temple courts & house

to house)