Not long after the early Church was born at Pentecost, we see it facing real challenges. The first believers weren’t perfect people in a perfect group. Instead, they were learning what it meant to live out Jesus’ teachings in a broken world and that included dealing with sin, conflict, and opposition.
In Acts 5, we meet Ananias and Sapphira, a couple who tried to deceive the Church by lying about how much money they gave. God’s judgment was immediate and serious, showing us that holiness and honesty are not optional in the community of believers. God calls His people to purity because He is holy, and the Church is His holy family.
But this wasn’t the end of the story. The Church kept growing, even as persecution started. Believers were arrested, beaten, and threatened, yet they remained united and boldly preached Jesus. This shows us that God’s power isn’t just in comfortable times, it shines brightest when we are faithful under pressure.
To handle growth and conflict, the apostles appointed Spirit-filled leaders to serve and care for the community’s practical needs. This was a crucial step in protecting the Church’s unity and focus on God’s mission.
Acts 5:1-11 — The Story of Ananias and Sapphira
But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,
and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds
and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit
and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?
While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal?
Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.”
When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died.
And great fear came upon all who heard of it.
Acts 5:29-32 — Peter’s Boldness Under Persecution
But Peter and the apostles answered,
“We must obey God rather than men.
The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.
God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Acts 6:1-4 — Choosing Spirit-Filled Leaders to Serve
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number,
the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.
And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said,
“It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.
Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom,
whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Bible Study Questions
God Takes Holiness Seriously
Ananias and Sapphira lied about their offering and faced immediate consequences. This might seem harsh, but what does it tell us about how God views sin in His Church? Why is honesty so important in a community that reflects God’s holiness?
Acts 5:1-11
Hebrews 12:14 – "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord."Reflection:
Have you ever felt tempted to hide the truth to protect yourself? How can you practice honesty even when it feels risky or uncomfortable?
Faithfulness in the Face of Opposition
Despite persecution and threats, the early Church continued to preach and grow. Why do you think the believers were willing to suffer rather than give up? How can their courage inspire you when you face pressure or rejection for your faith?
Acts 5:17-42
2 Timothy 1:7 – "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."Reflection:
When have you felt afraid or discouraged to stand for what you believe? What would trusting God’s Spirit change in how you respond?
Unity Requires Service and Wisdom
As the Church grew, disputes arose about caring for widows, and the apostles appointed Spirit-led leaders to help. Why is serving others a key part of staying united? How can choosing leaders with wisdom and a pure heart protect a community?
Acts 6:1-7
Philippians 2:3-4 – "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."Reflection:
Are you willing to serve others, even in small or unseen ways? How can you encourage Spirit-led leadership in your youth group or community?
God’s Church doesn’t grow because of perfect people, but because of honest, unified people who rely on His Spirit. He wants us to take holiness seriously not to condemn us, but to protect us and the witness we bear. When the Church stays honest, stands united, and follows Spirit-filled leaders, it thrives even through hardship.
As young people, you face pressures to fit in, hide your struggles, or divide over disagreements. But the story of the early Church reminds us that real growth happens when we choose truth, love, and service, even when it’s hard.
Ephesians 3:14–21 (ESV)
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.