EMPOWERED: Empowered for Persecution from Without

The Book of Acts takes us on a whirlwind journey of how the Spirit infiltrated the world via an unlikely band of disciples. And this is still His mission. By indwelling people like you and me, the Spirit of Jesus will use each of us to reach the world with His love. The advent of the Spirit for individuals is the turning point of God’s great plan.

Some would argue that the book of Acts is primarily about the Church - its formation, persecution, and growth. But, the Bible tells us that there is a Force that undergirds the formation of the Church and all of her activity, a Power that is thrilling and indispensable. This non-negotiable element is the Spirit of God. The Eternal Spirit empowers both then and now and helps Christians live out our purpose, as individuals, as a church, and as the Church until Jesus Christ comes again.

How to Use This Guide 

Thank you for taking the time to do this Bible study. When we dig deeper into God’s word, He promises to bless us. We follow in the footsteps of King David, who wrote in Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

This guide will provide a weekly framework for spiritual conversations with friends or family. We encourage you to reach out to a friend or two, pick a time to get together each week and work through this guide together. This Bible study can also be a good tool for families, perhaps coordinated with mealtimes. 

What does the Bible say?

Last week in Acts 4:32-5:11 we learned that when the Holy Spirit arrives, He not only empowers HIs people for unity and selflessness, He roots out sin that causes persecution within our midst.

This week in Acts 5:12-42, we’ll see that persecution also comes from those on the outside, but that God’s will will prevail.

Read Acts 5:12-42. 

After the events of Acts 5:1-11, Luke affirms the current status of the Christ-following group in Acts 5:12-16. Make a list of their activities. Compare these verses with the information in other reports we’ve already read in Acts 4:32-35 and 2:41-47. Compare these summaries with Peter’s description of Jesus’ activities in Acts 2:22. Are there similarities? Differences? Why do you think Luke inserted another progress report in Acts 5:12-16? 

Inevitably, when the early Christ-followers boldly proclaim the gospel message, some believe, but others harden their hearts against the voice of the Holy Spirit. Luke states the underlying cause behind the next episode of persecution in Acts 5:17. It comes from the religious leaders.  What was their issue with the apostles (see 5:12-16)? The Greek word zēlos in Acts 5:17 can be translated positively as “zealous” or negatively as “jealous.” The choice depends upon the motivation. Which translation do you think is best in this situation? How would you support your decision? Do you think they were justified in feeling the way that they did?

It can feel powerful to be passionate about something. When we feel a rising zeal against a particular type of sin, or a growing anger about an issue or political position, we likely need to bring this before the Lord and examine whether our position lines up with His. We can learn a lesson from the religious leaders in the first century. They were jealous of and persecuted people who were bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Have you ever found yourself jealous about someone else’s success? How about another church’s success? Sometimes giving in to jealousy can lead us to zealously protect our own position and motivations. We must never justify actions and words that do not glorify God, no matter how strongly we feel we are right.

What do the religious leaders do to the apostles in Acts 5:18? What happened next in 5:19? What was the charge and the message given to them in verse 20? What was the apostles’ response in verse 21? 

What surprise awaited the high priest, his associates, and the full assembly of the elders of Israel in Acts 5:21b-24? How did they respond when they found out where the apostles were and what they were doing in 5:25-26?

Instead of acknowledging God’s miraculous intervention in helping the apostles get out of jail, the religious leaders gave them an ultimatum in Acts 5:27-28. What did the high priest say? Who is the high priest referring to when he says “this man” in verse 28? Luke records multiple times when Peter publicly blamed these same men for Jesus’ death (see Acts 2:23, 35; 3:13-16; 4:10). Why do you think the high priest could not bring himself to say Jesus’ name?

Why did the apostles disobey the council’s strict order not to teach in Jesus’ name (see Acts 5:19-20)? This is the second time the apostles were warned not to speak about Jesus (for the first, see Acts 4:13-21). What was Peter and John’s response to the first time they heard this admonition from the religious authorities in Acts 4:19-21? How does it differ from this second response in Act 5:29? What truths does Peter affirm in this short speech before the council? Write down what God did in Acts 5:30-32. How does Peter talk about Jesus in these verses? And the Holy Spirit? 

The religious leaders miss yet another opportunity to repent of their murderous sin. How did they respond in Acts 5:33? Their desire was to put the apostles to death. This echoes the fury they focused on Jesus that culminated in His crucifixion. But, as Peter has already said, even the death of Jesus was in God’s plan to save the world (Acts 4:28). 

What do you think of the voice of reason that enters next in Acts 5:34 from a Pharisee named Gamaliel? What information do you find about this man in the following verses? How does Gamaliel build his case? What is his advice in verses 38-39? Those of us doing this Bible study as well as Luke, who wrote this biblical account, already know the truth. Who was a student of this teacher (see Acts 22:3-5)? This student was also zealous for God, and perhaps one in attendance during these early encounters between the apostles and the Council. This should give us hope. Even the most hard-hearted people who refuse to listen to reason or even the voice of God can be reached and changed. Read the first-hand testimony in Acts 22 of what happened to a man who once thought like those on the Council did.

Was Gamaliel’s speech persuasive (see Acts 5:40)? What did the Council do before letting the apostles go? This is the third time they warned the apostles not to teach in the name of Jesus. How did the apostles respond when they left (see Acts 5:41-42)? What surprises you most?

Perhaps you have a calling from God, but feel you are kept from pursuing it due to opposition from those in powerful positions. This could be due to discrimination because of your gender, age, cultural background, or color. People in power are human beings and therefore can be tempted by pride and jealousy. People with a calling from God are also human beings and can be discouraged and become timid. Ultimately, no one can block the purposes and plan of God. However, we were all created to glorify God with our lives and will one day have to answer for all we have done and said. No one can stop us from telling others about God and His will will never be thwarted.

Prayer

We worship You, God, because You cannot fail. There is nothing more powerful than You. When we face difficulties and even persecution because we are associated with You, You stand with us and fight for us. In Your strength, we can be strong and courageous. Amen.

*All Scripture quotations are taken from the New International Version of the Bible unless otherwise noted.