Lying to God, Locked in Prison, Still Preaching | Acts 5–6

Acts 5 and 6 reveal a deadly lie, an angelic jailbreak, growing persecution, and a church learning how to handle rapid growth. In this Acts Bible study, Adam and Kevin discuss Ananias and Sapphira, Peter’s declaration that “we must obey God rather than men,” Gamaliel’s surprising advice, and the apostles continuing to preach after being beaten. The pressure was not only coming from outside the church. As the number of disciples increased, the Hellenistic widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. The apostles responded with wisdom by choosing seven trustworthy, Spirit-filled men to serve the growing church. That decision introduces us to Stephen, a man full of faith, grace, power, and the Holy Spirit. Acts 6 ends with Stephen standing before the council while his face appears like the face of an angel, setting the stage for one of the most powerful sermons in the book of Acts. In this episode: • Why Ananias and Sapphira’s lie was so serious • The purpose of signs and wonders in the early church • The apostles’ miraculous escape from prison • What “we must obey God rather than men” means • Gamaliel’s advice to the Jewish council • How the church handled internal conflict and growing pains • Why the seven men were chosen in Acts 6 • The introduction of Stephen and the coming persecution What stands out most to you in Acts 5 and 6? Was it the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, the angelic jailbreak, the apostles’ boldness, or the wisdom shown in choosing the seven? Join Adam and Kevin as they slow down and study the book of Acts chapter by chapter. Subscribe to Words of Life for more Bible study, biblical discussion, and practical lessons from Scripture. #Acts5 #Acts6 #BibleStudy