Witnessing the Truth

Sunday, September 20, 2015
Act 5:27-29, 33-42 KJV

27 And when they had brought them, they set [them] before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. 29 Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. ... 33 When they heard [that], they were cut [to the heart], and took counsel to slay them. 34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; 35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. 36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. 37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, [even] as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. 38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. 40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten [them], they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Following their second imprisonment and supernatural escape, what did the members of the Sanhedrin council ask the apostles? Why? (v.27-28)
2) How did the Apostle Peter respond? (v.29)
3) How did the members of the council react to Peter's declaration? (v.33)
4) Who stood next and what did he tell those who listened to him? (v.34-39)
5) How did the other members of the council respond to the man and what did they do to the apostles? (v.40)
6) What did the apostles do next? (v.41-42)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have you ever been persecuted because of your profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, how did you respond to the persecution?

LIFE LESSONS
8) Those who witness boldly for the cause of Christ will suffer persecution from the people of this world, but will also receive eternal rewards from the Lord Himself.