Introduction

Begin with a brief summary of what we have seen in Acts thus far: the apostles proclaiming the resurrection, many people joining the church, the opposition of the Sanhedrin, and the continued ministry of the apostles. Everything seems to be going so well. Now a new challenge is presented, a challenge that comes from within—deceit and hypocrisy—as Satan tries to stop and slow the work of God.

A desire for praise and the response of the Spirit

• Explain: what did Ananias and Sapphira do wrong? What were they hoping to achieve?

• Explain: is it wrong to own property? What do the actions of Ananias and Sapphira show about who they feared?

• Explain: how does the Holy Spirit respond? What does this show us about who he is?

• Explain: were Ananias and Sapphira given a chance to repent? Why are they killed so suddenly?

A renewed recognition that God is holy

• Explain: what is the response from the church to the events that have taken place? What does it mean to fear the Lord?

• Explain/Apply: what should we think of God’s church? Is there room for us to harbour secret sin and act deceitfully? What is church discipline and how should it be practised?

• Explain: how can we be sure that we will not face God’s judgment seeing as we have all broken the ninth commandment? What has Christ done in our place?

Conclusion

The church of Jesus Christ is not a random collection of people but a gathering of those who have been bought by his blood. The Holy Spirit is present among God’s people and he will not allow this gathering to descend into chaos and become a place where everyone does as he pleases and there is no respect for God. As God is holy so his people must also pursue holiness knowing that this is the appropriate response to what we have been given in and through Christ.