Surrey Chapel Fellowship Group Notes 23/24th October 2013
Acts 5: 12-42 The Church Continues

This passage tells of miraculous signs and wonders, large scale conversions and a rising tide of persecution. All these events take place within the first year of church history.

Miracles v.12-17 
This section tells of the amazing outpouring of the Holy Spirit and how it was manifested through the Apostles - especially Peter, - the Rock on whom Christ was building his church, thereby fulfilling the promise in Matthew 16:18.

v.13 No-one else dared join them. Why? 
v.14 The pattern of large numbers coming to Christ continues. (Acts 2:41, 2:47, 4:4)
v.16 The influence of the apostles was starting to spread beyond Jerusalem.

Arrested by men. Released by an Angel v.17-25
Why were the high priest and Sadducees jealous?

Before the Council v.26-40
v.28 The apostles were given “strict orders” not to preach the Gospel. Silencing people is a form of opposition we see in 21st century Britain. - Think of the recent arrests of street preachers in this country. Or more subtly, the effects of political correctness.

v.29 “We must obey God rather than men”. When should we do this? Do you have an experience of this that you could share with the group? Are there any situations that you can see arising in the future where this could be an issue and how should we handle them?
What are the apostles charged with?
What is the apostles response to the charges brought against them?
v.33 Why were they furious?

Conclusion 
v.41 Note that they rejoiced because they had been “counted worthy of suffering”, not because they were suffering.
v.42 Is a challenge to us all to persevere in the face of opposition. The Apostles clearly paid no attention the the Sanhedrin’s instruction not to teach and proclaim the Gospel.

Prayer pointers										     ADB
Pray for those facing opposition and persecution.
Pray that we would proclaim the Gospel boldly.
Simply Christianity course starting soon.