Bible Study Notes 6/23/2026

WORD ALIVE! BIBLE STUDY ©2026

Journey To Bethlehem and Beyond –

Summer Series

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton –

Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Quiet Time: Max Lucado, Because of

Bethlehem: Love Is Born, Hope Is Here, 2020

Lesson 25

23 June 2026

Acts 5:26-34; 38-42 NLT: Living a life of faithfulness to Jesus Christ and His teachings is not without some challenges. Jesus warned His disciples, “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV)..” Jesus wanted the disciples and all who come to believe Him that we have peace in knowing whatever occurs to us in this world will be temporary – and not absolute. The early apostles taught and preached with boldness because they were confident and assured through the Holy Spirit. The myriad tests and trials they encountered became their testimonies that Jesus is Messiah. Jails, insults, threats, and flogging did not prevent these bold believers from defending the ministry and work of Jesus Christ. They neither avoided nor absented themselves from the people who came to hear their message and to be healed. In our day where people fear the message of their faith will offend, a look at the early Christian believers will teach many lessons about courage and perseverance in living our faith in Jesus Christ.

Verses & Explanations for Acts 5:26-34; 38-

42, NLT:

Observe     Interpret     Apply

(Verses 26-27): Courage in the face of

challenges:

26 The captain went with his Temple guards

and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people

would stone them. 27 Then they brought the

apostles before the high council, where the

high priest confronted them.

(Verses 28-29) Having boldness in a faithful

ministry:

28 “We gave you strict orders never again to

teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead,

you have filled all Jerusalem with your

teaching about him, and you want to make us

responsible for his death!” 29 But Peter and

the apostles replied, “We must obey God

rather than any human authority.

(Verses 30-32): Defending the message and

work of Jesus:

30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from

the dead after you killed him by hanging him

on a cross. 31 Then God put him in the place of

honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior.

He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. 32 We are

witnesses of these things and so is the Holy

Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey

him.”

(Verses 33-34): God’s protection in

defending the Gospel:

33 When they heard this, the high council was

furious and decided to kill them. 34 But one

member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who

was an expert in religious law and respected

by all the people, stood up and ordered that

the men be sent outside the council chamber

for a while.

(Verses 38-40): Persevering through a trial:

38 “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let

them go. If they are planning and doing these

things merely on their own, it will soon be

overthrown. 39 But if it is from God, you will not

be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” 40 The others

accepted his advice. They called in the

apostles and had them flogged. Then they

ordered them never again to speak in the

name of Jesus, and they let them go.

(Verses 41-42): We become more confident

in our faith through suffering and

challenges:

41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing

that God had counted them worthy to suffer

disgrace for the name of Jesus. 42 And every

day, in the Temple and from house to house,

they continued to teach and preach this

message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”

The Key Idea:

What We Believe!

1. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path!” – Psalm 119:105