Devoted to Obedience
OPENING THOUGHT
Christ linked love to obedience (John 14:15). Do we love King Jesus if we do not obey him?
THE READING (Acts 5:17-32)
The church was growing rapidly in Jerusalem. Multitudes were being added to the Lord. People came from all around, bringing their sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, to be healed by the power of God through the apostles. The high priest saw the church’s popularity as a threat and had the apostles arrested.
EXPLORE
Discuss these questions to get a better understanding of the text.
What instructions did the angel of the Lord give to the apostles when he released them from prison? (v. 20).
Where did the apostles teach? Why do you think they chose this location?
What command had the high priest given the apostles? Did he exercise rightful authority over them?
What command had God given them? Were they able to obey both the high priest and God? How did they choose which authority to obey?
To whom does God give the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, according to Peter? (v. 32; cf. Acts 2:38). How does Peter’s statement compare with the idea that there are no conditions for salvation? (Heb. 5:9).
APPLY
Discuss these questions to envision what it would be like to practically live out this passage.
Where can we find the “apostles’ teaching”? (cf. John 17:17; Rom. 6:17; Eph. 3:1-4).
The high priest in this passage symbolizes culture. He pushes against the Word of God, asking the apostles to disobey God to follow him. Can you think of some examples in which culture today pushes against God's Word?
A consistent theme throughout the book of Acts is the correlation between the teaching of the Word and the growth of the church (Acts 2:41; 4:4; 6:7). What can we learn about church growth from this?
What obedience is salvation through Christ conditioned upon? (John 8:24; Matt. 10:32-33; Luke 13:3; Mark 16:16; Rev. 2:10).
