Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 24, 2016

“Facts and Faithfulness” Acts 5: 25-42 Bible Study 04/24/16

Following the sudden demise of Ananias and Sapphira and a period of unprecedented fruitfulness and expansion, persecution of the early church intensifies and reaches a new level. In our text this morning we encounter heightened opposition to the name of Jesus. We also find a radical obedience on the part of disciples that produces joy in the midst of severe trial.

I. Setting and Context

-exhibition and expansion (12-16)
-arrest fueled by jealousy (17-18)
-angelic intervention (19-21)
-missing prisoners (22-24)

II. Deliverance and Opposition (25-28)

-surprising report
-cautious arrest
-strictly charged
-bring this man’s blood upon us

III. Authority and Explanation (29-32)

-principle of authority
-proclamation of facts
* crucifixion
* resurrection
* ascension
*attestation

IV. Rage and Reason (33-39)

-response of rage
-reason of Gamaliel
-reality of opposing God

V. Pain and Perspective (40-42)

-flogging and a futile charge
-joyful perspective
-continuation in commendation of Jesus

VI. So What?

-Because God’ authority is supreme and His faithfulness is sure, faithfully declare the facts of Jesus in the face of opposition.
-To whom are we commending Jesus?
-Recognize the productivity of persecution.
-Pray for the persecuted church. Pray also for the un-persecuted church!
-Avoid the anesthesia of American addiction to comfort.
-Acknowledge the Lord’s supreme authority-biblically!
-“Smooth seas never make for a skilled sailor.” (C. Finch)