Sermon notes to come.

Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.

After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.—Acts 4:36–5:16

 

Sermon Discussion Questions

Outline

Introduction: A Temple Made of Temples

1. A Temple Miracle of Devotion and Generosity (Acts 4:36–5:16)
2. A Temple Miracle of Deception and Greed (Acts 5:1–11)
3. The Temple Miracles Showing Deliverance and Grace (Acts 5:12–16)

Application: Trembling with Holy Fear and Joy in the Presence of God

Discussion Questions

• How is our church a temple made of temples? What significance does that have for our life and mission?
• How do we see the theme and connection with the temple in Acts?
• How do we see this temple miracle of devotion and generosity play out in the person of Barnabas? How should that example impact us today?
• How are these miracles all answers to prayer? (Acts 4)
• How do we see this temple miracle of deception and greed play out? How should that example impact us today?
• Why would Luke include the large number of miracles of deliverance and grace? What is his point? What is he showing? How should that impact us today?
• How can we walk in holy fear and joy? How does the gospel help us see and do both?
• Will you join us in our Acts Ambition as we seek the presence and power of God together?