Bible Study Snacks, Acts 5:33-42 (Part III)

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks! I'd like to thank you for joining me again as we walk through the richness of God's spoken word and wisdom together. I hope that your week has gone well, and that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, we will finalize our study of the Book of Acts, Chapter Five, with Verses 33-42, Part III.

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's pray together...

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen

If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...

OBJECTIVE: This week, the reader will...

* Consider the apostles' response when government seeks to stifle the preaching of the gospel.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts, Chapter 5:33-42...

Infuriated, because of their disobedience of the command not to teach in the name of Jesus (cf. Acts 4:18), the council plots to kill the apostles. However, one in the council, a Pharisee and highly respected teacher of the law by the name of Gamaliel (cf. Acts 22:3), advises the council to leave the apostles alone. Based upon the history of other "movements" that had failed, Gamaliel reasons that if the apostles were doing the work of men, it would come to naught. But if it was the work of God, the council could do nothing to stop it and would only be fighting against God.

The council is willing to heed his advice, though the apostles are beaten and charged not to speak in the name of Jesus before being released. The apostles leave the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame in the name of Jesus, and continue right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ every day in the temple and in every house.

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) What was the council's initial reaction? What were they planning to do? (Acts 5:33)
2) Who in the council stood up? Who was he? What did he command? (Acts 5:34)
3) What were his initial words to the council? (Acts 5:35)
4) What two examples does he give of 'failed movements'? (Acts 5:36-37)
5) What counsel does Gamaliel then offer? Why? (Acts 5:38-39)
6) What was the council's response to Gamaliel? Yet what did they still do? (Acts 5:40)
7) How did the apostles' respond as they left the council? (Acts 5:41)
8) What did the apostles continue to do? Where? (Acts 5:42)

After completing this weeks' study, go back and read through it again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around.

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri