In Acts 5:12-33 we have another contest of power and authority between the church, spiritual Israel, and the high priest representing national Israel. The Jews were jealous as they watched their power and influence slipping away as multitudes of people are coming to the apostles for healing and were hearing the gospel of Christ and life. In words of the high priest, “You have filled Jerusalem with you doctrine.” The Holy Spirit was doing exceptional miraculous works by the hand of the apostles as God's kingdom was now transitioning away from physical Israel to spiritual Israel. The outline of the passage is as follows: I. Setting the stage—“Now” (v. 12) introduces this new section A. The working of Holy Spirit (vv. 12-18), the power of God is manifest in signs and wonders (v. 12) with the effects of the judgment of Ananias and Sappira (vv.13, 14) on unbelievers – “None of the rest [unbelieving Jews] dare join them” and on believers – “More than ever believers were added to the Lord” B. The anger of the Sadducees (vv. 19-21) C. The shock of the council (vv. 21b) II. The confrontation of the council A. The court in session (vv28) 1. The prosecution by the high priest (v. 28) 2. The defense – Peter answered, “We must obey God rather than men” (v. 29). B. The response of the council (v. 33) 1. The Jews were enraged. 2. The Jews were driven to execute the apostles immediately. 3. To protect His servants, the Lord brings Gamaliel to return reason to the Jews.
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
