Whom do you serve?

Moving on from Ananias and Sapphira

Acts 5:12–15 NASB95

12 At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico. 13 But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem. 14 And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number, 15 to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any one of them.

to such an extent......

If we have Peter’s shadow, we don’t need Jesus.

“Bike Blessing” superstition or trust in God?

Acts 5:16 NASB95

16 Also the people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together, bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.

Also - conjunction. that can be close comparison of two things or contrast two things.

Back to Jail

Acts 5:17–18 NASB95

17 But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. 18 They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail.

This wasn’t a competing religion. This was an evolution of Judaism.

The high priests were not afraid of competition, they were afraid of being replaced.

Acts 5:19–21 NASB95

19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, 20 “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.” 21 Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach. Now when the high priest and his associates came, they called the Council together, even all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison house for them to be brought.

The gates are locked up, the guard are in place, but there are no prisoners.

What’s this mean? what now?

Someone came and told them, they were out there preaching.

Acts 5:26 NASB95

26 Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).

Back in Court

Acts 5:27–28 NASB95

27 When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.”

Acts 5:29 NASB95

29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

Obedience is God’s love language. This is true.

Then Peter began to preach the message that he has been preaching:

John 14:23 NASB95

23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.

James 1:22 NASB95

22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

James 4:7 NASB95

7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Acts 5:30–32 NASB95

30 “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. 31 “He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 “And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

God has given to (those who obey Him.)

Acts 5:33 NASB95

33 But when they heard this, they were cut to the quick and intended to kill them.

Acts 5:34 NASB95

34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time.

Theudas rose up claiming to be somebody, 400, he was killed and his followers dispersed.

Judas of Galilee rose up and drew away some people . He too perished and that followed were scattered.

So leave them alone. if their message is from man, somebody else will take them out....If they are from God, nobody can stop them. And you may find yourself fighting against God.

Acts 5:40 NASB95

40 They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them.

Acts 5:41–42 NASB95

41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

If you obey GOD. If you accept Christ.....You will be reconciled to God, but success may not look like you