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THE BOOK OF ACTS

CHAPTER 5

PREACHING AND PRISON

THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER FIVE

The following story of Ananias and Sapphira should cause us to examine our own heart motives
in giving to the Lord. It should also cause us to realize the seriousness of lying to the Holy Spirit
and the results.

We are told in 2 Timothy that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer
persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12), something that we see clearly in chapter 5. Religion hates the

gospel and will do everything to stop its influence in the world. But Jesus told us, “In the world
ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Living a godly life according to the Word of God will cause persecution in our lives. Similar to
the first apostles, we will suffer tribulation in this life, but we can be of good cheer knowing the
gospel cannot be stopped because Jesus has already won!

ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA (1-11)

This chapter highlights the sin unto death as Ananias and Sapphira demonstrate the result of
committing that sin. Individual accountability before God is also highlighted.

THE SIN UNTO DEATH

Until this time, the attacks against the church had been external, through the Sanhedrin, the

scribes, and the Pharisees. But beginning in chapter 5, the main attacks of Satan turn toward
internal dissension.

This sin unto death, unlike the unpardonable sin, is not one particular sin committed exclusively
by believers. This sin is the final in a series of sins.

1. The principal is taught in the Old and New Testaments:
a) Psalm 118:17-18

b) Ezekiel 18:23-24
c) 1 John 5:16-17

2. There are seven biblical case histories of the sin unto death:
a) Achan (Joshua 7)