We Are His Witnesses… and So Also is the Holy Spirit

Text: Acts 5
12 February 2017

THE GROWTH OF THE CHURCH

1. The Ministry of the Apostles

a) Signs and wonders   (Acts 5:12)
b) Healing of the sick   (Acts 5:15)

2. Growth of the church

a) Multitudes of both men and women   (Acts 5:14)
b) One accord   (Acts 5:12)
c) Surrounding cities of Jerusalem   (Acts 5:16)

THE GROWING INDIGNATION OF THE SANHEDRIN COUNCIL

1. High Priest and Sadducees filled with indignation   (Acts 5:17)

2. Laid hands on the apostles and imprisoned them   (Acts 5:18)

DIVINE DELIVERANCE

1. An angel opened the prison doors   (Acts 5:19)

2. Gave instructions to the Apostles   (Acts 5:20)

a) Go, stand in the temple
b) Speak to the people all the words of this life (in Christ)

3. Obedience of the Apostles   (Acts 5:21)

a) They entered the Temple early in the morning
b) Taught the people

THE SANHEDRIN COUNCIL

1. Ordered the Apostles to be brought to appear before the Council

2. The officers reported that they could not find the prisoners   (Acts 5:22-23)

a) The prison doors were locked
b) The guards were outside on duty
c) But the prisoners were not there

3. The Apostles were brought to the Sanhedrin Council   (Acts 5:24-28)

a) Without violence
b) The feared that the people might stone the Council officers
c) They were once again challenged to explain what they were doing!
i) They had disobeyed the Council’s command not to preach the name of Jesus
ii) All Jerusalem was filled with the Apostles’ doctrine
iii) The guilt of slaying Jesus was placed on the Council

PETER AND THE APOSTLES BORE WITNESS BOLDLY ONCE AGAIN

1. We ought to obey God rather than men   (Acts 5:29)

2. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered   (Acts 5:30)

3. God has exalted Jesus as Prince and Saviour   (Acts 5:31)

4. We are His witnesses

5. So also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him   (Acts 5:32)