Verses 1-11
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Ananias and Sapphira wanted to make the impression that they were giving everything they had to God, but they actually kept some of the money back for themselves.
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Foolishly, they did this to test the Holy Spirit—to see what the Spirit would do about their deceit.
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There are severe consequences for testing God. In this case, the fear of God that came upon Ananias and Sapphira, when they were confronted, killed them.
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The fear of God, in severe cases, can kill a person.
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Do not try to say to others that you are fully devoted to God in your actions, if actually you are not. Be honest about your life and your sins. Don't pretend.
Verses 12-16
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When churches and their leaders are operating in God's power, with many signs and wonders, they are greatly respected and even feared.
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Verse 13. In the early church, people who were not real believers were often afraid to join any gathering of the church.
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The word about Ananias and Sapphira had spread. People knew they could not get away with hiding behind a Christian-mask. So those who were not real believers were afraid to join them.
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It is important that people who join a church are ready to truly follow Jesus.
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Do not invite just anyone to your church. Tell people that following Jesus and joining a church are serious things, and they must treat them seriously.
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Verses 17-25
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The more work we are doing for God's kingdom, the more we will see God do miracles that will allow our work to continue.
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When the angel instructed the apostles to return from prison, to keep preaching, they went early in the morning.
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The apostles acted urgently; they wanted to accomplish as much as they could for God in their available time. God honored this by freeing them from prison.
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God will keep your work uninterrupted more often if He knows that you will work diligently.
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Sometimes He may even heal injuries or sicknesses quickly, to keep you working for Him (see Acts 14:19-21).
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Be more focused on doing what pleases God, and be diligent in any work that you have before you. God will reward this!
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Verses 26-32
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Verse 29. The apostles did their best to honor their authorities, but they disobeyed whenever the authorities wanted them to do what was against the Word.
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Obey your government whenever possible. But obeying God comes first. Do not obey any order of the government that would prevent you from obeying something in the Bible. And be bold about it, just like the apostles were bold.
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Verse 31. This is a great verse to teach repentance from sin. God sent Jesus to give us the ability to turn away from our sins, not just to be forgiven of them.
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Verse 32. God gives the power of the Spirit to those who are obedient to Him.
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You do not have to pray a special prayer for the Spirit to come upon you. The Spirit will honor your obedience. Be obedient to the Word, and you will have all the power of the Spirit that you need in your life.
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The Spirit will especially empower you if you are bold to preach the gospel no matter the resistance you might face from the world around you.
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Verses 33-42
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God used the advice of Gamaliel, an unbelieving Jew, to protect the apostles from death. Unbelievers can give good advice too.
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Gamaliel was right. Any work of God cannot be stopped.
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Do not worry about what unbelievers might do to hurt you. God is in control of your life; the world is not. God will stop any attack that must be stopped.
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Verse 41. The Jewish council did, however, have the apostles beaten. The apostles were glad when this happened.
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Be happy and praise God when you are persecuted! (Matthew 5:11-12, 1 Peter 4:12-14). It is considered a gift to be persecuted (Philippians 1:29).
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Why? It is good for your faith when you are persecuted.
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If you endure persecution without giving up, it proves that you are serious about your faith (Philippians 1:28), and it proves that you are strong. This builds your faith even more!
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