Bible ReadingActs 4:13 “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.”
[38:16]Acts 5:1-11 “But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.' When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, 'Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.' And she said, 'Yes, for so much.' But Peter said to her, 'How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.' Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.”
[44:30]Acts 6:1-7 “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, 'It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.' And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.”
[52:25]Acts 7:54-60 “Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, 'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.' But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
[01:01:55]John 1:12 “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,”
[34:56]Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
[35:50]Observation questions- In Acts 4:13, what two things did the religious leaders notice about Peter and John, and what conclusion did they reach about them? [38:16]
- What was the real sin of Ananias and Sapphira: keeping some money, or lying about what they gave? What details in Acts 5 make that clear? [45:39]
- In Acts 6:1-7, what need had been neglected, what kind of men were chosen to meet it, and what did the apostles continue doing?
- What did Stephen see while he was being opposed, and what did he ask God to do for the people who were killing him? [01:05:38]
Interpretation questions- Peter and John were ordinary men, yet their boldness pointed people to Jesus. What does this show about where real confidence to speak about Christ comes from? [39:26]
- Why does Acts 5 take the dishonesty of Ananias and Sapphira so seriously? What does their story reveal about the difference between appearing devoted and being truly surrendered? [48:40]
- The church responded to neglected widows by appointing servants rather than ignoring the problem. What does this show about how God uses different people and gifts to care for His body? [55:16]
- Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit, but he still faced lies, hatred, and death. How does his story correct the idea that obedience to God will always make life easier? [01:02:20]
Application questions- Peter and John spoke with confidence about what they had seen and heard. What is one clear way Jesus has changed your life that you could share with a friend, coworker, neighbor, or family member this week? [40:24]
- Where do you tend to feel intimidated or hesitant to speak about Jesus—at work, with family, online, or around certain friends? What would boldness look like in that specific place? [43:06]
- God desires more than words from His people; He desires hearts that are fully surrendered. Is there an area where your lips say, “God is first,” but your choices, money, time, or priorities say something different? [47:05]
- Are there any “other gods” competing for first place in your heart right now—comfort, approval, success, money, entertainment, control, or something else? What would it look like to place that area under Christ’s lordship? [50:52]
- Your particular gifts and abilities are needed in the body of Christ. What gift, skill, experience, or burden has God given you that could help meet a real need around you? [55:16]
- When you see a need in the church or community, do you usually assume someone else will handle it? What is one small, practical step you could take to become engaged rather than remain on the sidelines? [57:38]
- Stephen kept following Jesus even when opposition came, and he responded with forgiveness. Is there a hardship, conflict, or person in your life where you need Christ’s strength to keep going and to forgive? [01:03:05]
