Lord's Day - Sunday - The KJV Standard Sunday school Lesson Commentary

 November 22

Lesson 12 (KJV)

Responsive Love

Devotional Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1–10

Background Scripture: Acts 4:32–5:11

Acts 4:32–37

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things common.

33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the Lord Jesus's resurrection: and great grace was upon them all.

34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

37 Having land, sold it, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 5:1–11

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession,

2 And kept back part of the price, his wife was also privy to it, brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? And after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: great fear came on them that heard these things.

6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

Key Verse

The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them ought of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things common.—Acts 4:32

Love for One Another

Unit 3: Godly Love Among Believers

Lessons 9–13

Lesson Aims

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

1. List faithful practices of the first-century church.

2. Contrast the actions of the first-century church in general with the actions of Ananias and Sapphira specifically.

3. Examine personal giving practices and create a plan to correct any selfish or dishonest habits formed.

Lesson Outline

Introduction

A. Never a Discouraging Word

B. Lesson Context

I. Generosity Exercised (Acts 4:32–37)

A. Unity in Purpose (vv. 32–35)

B. Example of Giving (vv. 36–37)

More Than Words

II. Deception Exposed (Acts 5:1–11)

A. A Couple’s Plan (vv. 1–2)

B. Satan and Ananias (vv. 3–6)

C. The Spirit and Sapphira (vv. 7–11)

Fraud Reports

Conclusion

A. An Encouraging Word

B. Prayer

C. Thought to Remember

HOW TO SAY IT

Ananias	An-uh-nye-us.
Barnabas	Bar-nuh-bus.
Cyprus	Sigh-prus.
Joses	Jo-sez.
Salamis	Sal-uh-mis.
Sapphira	Suh-fye-ruh.