Acts 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Acts 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Ananias and Sapphira sold a possession but kept back part of the price, laying a portion at the apostles’ feet (vv. 1-2). Peter confronted Ananias about his deceit, stating he had lied to the Holy Spirit.

Key verse

“But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”
Acts 5:29 (WEB)

Outline

Acts 5:1–11 Deceit of Ananias and Sapphira
Acts 5:12–16 Signs and Wonders by the Apostles
Acts 5:17–26 Apostles Arrested and Miraculously Freed
Acts 5:27–32 Trial Before the Sanhedrin
Acts 5:33–40 Gamaliel's Caution
Acts 5:41–42 Rejoicing in Suffering

Discussion questions

In v3, why does Peter ask Ananias about lying to the Holy Spirit?
What happens to Sapphira in vv. 9-10 after she agrees with Ananias?
Gamaliel's warning in vv. 38-39: what implications does it have for the council's actions?
The angel's command to the apostles in v20: how does it contrast with their earlier imprisonment?
When have you experienced fear that led to dishonesty, as Ananias did in v2?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Acts 5: Acts 4, Acts 2, Acts 1.

Before next time: read Acts 6.