Acts 5

Delivered from Prison

Have you noticed that life is full of trials? It comes as no surprise when the wicked have troubles, but the righteous have been told that they too must endure trials and temptation (see Acts 14:22; James 1:12). Overcoming these trials results in exaltation for the righteous (see Alma 36:3).

Acts 5 contains a good illustration of this principle. The Apostles knew that if they continued to uphold truth they would face great difficulty. But compare what happened to them with what happened to Ananias and Sapphira, who chose not to do what was right.

Understanding the Scriptures

Acts 5

Being privy to (v. 2)Knowing about

Conceived (v. 4)Thought

Wound him up (v. 6)Wrapped his dead body in cloth

Indignation (v. 17)Self-righteous anger, jealousy

Keepers standing without (v. 23)Guards standing outside

Doubted of them whereunto this would grow (v. 24)Wondered how this would turn out

Take heed to yourselves (v. 35)Think carefully

Brought to nought, come to nought (vv. 36, 38)Not amount to anything

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Acts 5.

1. Apostles in Prison Again!

   Below you will find possible newspaper headlines for the story in Acts 5:12–32 about the Apostles going to prison again. Compare each headline to the story and write a sentence or two explaining what the headline means.

   1. Crowds Gather for Healings (see v. 16)

   2. Innocent Men in Prison (see v. 18)

   3. Miraculous Jailbreak (see v. 22)

   4. Christians Defy the High Priest (see v. 29)

2. What Was He Thinking?

   Review Acts 5:34–42. Write an entry in your notebook as if you had been there with Peter. Report the actions of the council, especially of Gamaliel, and explain what you think Gamaliel meant.