THE CHURCH IS PUT ON NOTICE

 

Acts 5:12-42

What is the primary goal of the church? The answer is found in the charge that Jesus gave to the disciples. “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matt 28:18-20 When the early church moved out with the gospel message into the forces of darkness it was inevitable that the church was going to be faced with opposition and bitterness. The church from this point on would be faced with hostility from outside, and not only hostility from the outside, but division and conflict from within. The church from this point on would face great suffering and persecution, all for the sake of Christ and His gospel.

 

But this was the point that drew Paul to say, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” Phil 3:8-11

 

Can you proclaim this or can you pray this?

And if not! Why?

 

Shouldn’t we be willing to suffer for His name’s sake, consider what He did when He died on the cross for the sins of mankind. The early church understood its primary purpose, the believers never lost sight of their calling to be Christ’s witnesses. On the day of Pentecost the church exploded after Peter preached to the masses. His first sermon…..3000 souls came to Christ His second sermon….. 5000 souls came to Christ. The church was birthed and from here on, they would continue to turn the world upside down, with the simple teachings of the gospel. (v12-v16) This was an uncompromising commitment to holiness which characterized these believers. (v12-v14)

Why do I say that? (v13) The unbelieving “none of the rest” the people, had a great respect for the followers of Jesus and their devotion to their beliefs. And also, “Outsiders were intimidated to associate too closely with the believers. This hesitation was largely driven by a healthy fear of God's sudden judgment against hypocrisy, as well as the mounting pressure from the religious authorities.” The early church lived what they preached, they were genuine, and not fake displaying their love and devotion towards Christ. The church was bursting at the seams, and there wasn’t a local church fully established yet. (v14) “more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.” When Satan attacks the church from within with deadly spiritual hypocrisy, the church responds to God’s discipline with a resurgence of spiritual power.

 

Does that surprise you at all?

This is amazing, even after two people were struck dead while the church was gathered, believers were added to the Lord “more than ever,” it says “multitudes of both men and women.” The church was growing so fast through the faithfulness of the apostles and the gospel message; Luke the writer, could only describe them as “multitudes of men and women.” Moving forward in this letter. People were bringing the sick, and the lame, to the apostles as they were being healed, this was for the sole purpose to point men to spiritual truth. There miracles also confirmed the apostles claim to be God’s messengers. What the apostles did were not intended to be an ongoing part of life as the church grows. The early church was being established; and as the church grew under the letters of the apostles, the need for miracles vanished, as we see beyond the Book of Acts. No recorded miracles, just: internal problems, personal sin issues, suffering and tribulation as the church is strengthened through the written Word of God. The church has already begun to face opposition from the outside, now from the inside, and the church continues to grow beyond measure. Despite that. This is the power of the gospel, a hostile world, deception from within, cannot stop the spread of the gospel the hearts responding to Christ and the forgiveness of sins.

 The religious elites’ leaders didn’t like this at all ((v17-v18)

 

It should come to us as no surprise that the power and effectiveness of the church results in being noticed by the world. The spread of the gospel and the church was becoming the prevailing influence in the land. You would think they would be excited to see people being transformed by the gospel. But they were “filled with jealousy” this is such an ugly word! Proverbs 6:34 reveals, “jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge.” Jealousy has a destructive nature which makes this an ugly word. These men were “Jealous” feelings of resentment, suspicion, or possessiveness, it’s a feeling of envy regarding someone else's achievements, qualities, or possessions They feared this would cause a reaction from the Romans, and this would cost these men their privileges and leadership positions. This new rise of new religion would threaten to erode their hold on the people. Fueled by jealousy over the apostles' growing popularity and miraculous healings, they arrested the apostles and threw them in the public jail. (v18)

 

Understand their evil motive for doing this. “This arrest was a direct response to the massive crowds flocking to the apostles, who were preaching and performing miracles in Jesus' name. The Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, were particularly threatened by the apostles' central message. The man, Jesus, whom they condemned to death, who’s body they could not find was being publicly proclaimed to the people, so they arrest them. Peter, John and the rest of the apostles were not thieves, murders, or wicked men, they were cool, calm, and collected. Arresting theses men would have seemed strange to the guards, and the prisoners in the jail. What did you do to put yourself here? We spoke words to draw people to salvation in Christ alone. The one who died and rose again. What did the leaders achieve by putting them in jail? Nothing by what we read further. (v19-v26) The leaders were upset because these apostles were causing a stir among the people, and they were having a hard time trying to control the masses because of the gospel message. Understand, the religious elites and the governing body were self-righteous men who thought they were at the top of their game, in power, and control of a nation.

 

This is why Jesus exposed their evil hearts and intent for power, fame, and God-like status, with the common man and woman. “Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.” Matt 23:1-7

 

Its not exclusively the gospel they share what bothered these men, it’s the name Jesus that makes their skin crawl with contempt and bitterness. This is why they were jealous, but they wanted to kill them. How much do you have to hate someone to want to kill them? (v33) Hating people is like burning down your own house to get rid of a rat. One person said, “Hate is like acid. It can damage the vessel in which it is stored as well as destroy the object on which it is poured.” Even today there are many who, like the hostile Jewish nation allow their preconceived ideas about religion and their love for sin to blind them to the saving truth about Jesus. As it pertains to Christianity, the church, “What makes a person so angry that it fills their heart with murder?

Murder over words!

Wanting to murder a person who … Desires others to trust in the Word of God, and the God of the Word. Cares deeply for, and concerned about another’s eternal soul. Prays that others hear about the Jesus of the gospel and respond by faith. Proclaims hope of eternal life, the blessing to spend eternity with a holy and righteous God in Heaven who forgives us of all our sin and shame. The ultimate answer to that question comes down to this, they hate the Jesus of the Scriptures and anyone who follows after Him. The religious men didn’t just disagree with Jesus; they hated him from a pure evil heart of rage. We know this is true by one of the Parables that Jesus spoke of. “… There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them.” Matt 21:33-45

 

What possess a man, a great number of men, to

have such hatred towards the Son of God?

 

Words of the gospel is offensive to all sinners, especially those who love darkness rather then light. For the believer, being exposed to my sin drew me closer to understand and taste His grace for a wretched sinner like me. But when a person who loves, the world is exposed to their sins, this causes them to shatter like cockroaches when you expose them to light. Nothing is creepier when entering a basement and flicking the lights on to see the floor moving. But Jesus said, “… For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed...” John 3:18-21 A pure, powerful, dedicated church will unavoidably provoke a hostile reaction from the satanic world system. The church that is faithful to the gospel and the Word of God will make waves, and the world, and Satan, will retaliate with persecution. (v27-v28, v40)

 

But as Peter said in his first epistle, “For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:17

 

If they were expecting Peter and the apostles to recoil by their accusations and threats, they were mistaken. (v29-v32) Peter makes obeying God and the gift of the Holy Spirit tantamount with saving faith. These men were at a loss for words, and ideas; they know if they kill them, it could cause a riot with people, so one of the council men, named “Gamaliel” who is held in high honor suggest this. (v33-v39) Gamaliel warned the council to handle the situation carefully, pointing to past failed rebellions led by men like Theudas and Judas the Galilean. He advised them to let the movement be, famously noting that if the apostles' work was of human origin it would fail, but if it were from God, the council would merely find themselves fighting against Him. This should work, people will be excited today, but tomorrow and over a few weeks they will all give up and disperse like all the other. (v40) The futility of fighting God, he advices the leaders ring true; if a movement is solely man-made, it will collapse on its own; if it is from God, it cannot be stopped.

 

So, the rulers beat them, threatened them and let them go. How did Peter and John respond? (v41) “rejoiced….” Found it, “worthy to suffer dishonor for the name” Peter was living as Paul would encourage the church to do I times of suffering and persecution. “From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” Gal 6:17. Peter found it worthy to suffer for His name’s sake, and so should you and I. They rejoiced because they considered it an immense honor to suffer disgrace for His name.

Peter’s glory was being alive for

Christ and His glory.

 

Hear Peter as he encourages the persecuted believers, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” 1 Peter 4:12-19

Would you rejoice as the disciples did here if you were arrested

and let go with a strong warning? Or would you say under your breath that would never happen me, because I am very careful about what I say, and who I say it too. That is the wrong answer, because Peter, John, Paul, and millions of others found it a blessing to suffer for His name’s sake.

Ask yourself…..

Am I living consistently in view of what I know about Christ?

Am I living a life that is in accord with what I am learning in the Scriptures?

Am I refusing to do what I know He wants?

Am I refusing to share my faith because of fear of rejection or appearing unintellectual or uncultured or any other reason?

 

We cannot have the power of the Holy Spirit if

we are saying no to Him! (v32) These early believers never stopped thinking: my life, my holiness, my zeal for the good of souls was purchased at the price of His blood. John Piper asked the question in one of his sermons. “How can I not live for his honor with every breath I take! How can I not freely offer up to him what he has purchased with his blood?” It’s because of Christ and His suffering that we rejoice that we get to suffer for His glorious name. Understand! Anyone who tells you getting born again is an end to your suffering is lying to you. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus WILL suffer persecution as Paul told. 2 Tim 3:12

All believers are to maintain a bold faith and unwavering obedience to God over cultural pressures. This requires prioritizing gospel witness, expecting opposition, and rejoicing in the privilege of suffering for Christ rather than compromising truth to avoid discomfort. 

Obey God Above All Else. When human authorities or societal norms contradict God’s commands, believers are called to follow Peter's declaration: "We must obey God rather than human beings". This means staying true to biblical principles even when it's unpopular.

 

Stand Firm Despite Opposition. Expect pushback for sharing the gospel. Rather than shrinking back in fear, pray for boldness to continue declaring the truth, much like the apostles who did not stop teaching despite imprisonment and threats.

 

Rejoice in Suffering for Christ. The apostles rejoiced after being flogged because they were counted "worthy to suffer dishonor for the name". When you face social rejection, mockery, or hardship for your faith, try to view it as an honor and an opportunity to display loyalty to Jesus

 

The early church understood the pattern for effective ministry, by constantly being faithful in their gospel witness, and it’s here they turn the world upside down. They would experience horrible opposition moving forward, but this was all for the glory of God and for the gospel to spread beyond them. Remember what Paul told the church at Corinth. “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.” 2 Cor 2:15-17

 

As the two Moravian men, who sold themselves to the slave market so they could minister the gospel to unreached people groups. “On October 8, 1732, a Dutch ship left the Copenhagen harbor bound for the Danish West Indies. On board were the two first Moravian missionaries; John Leonard Dober, a potter, and David Nitschman, a carpenter. Both were skilled speakers and ready to sell themselves into slavery to reach the slaves of the West Indies. As the ship slipped away, they lifted up a cry that would one day become the rallying call for all Moravian missionaries, “May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering.”

Their passion for souls was surpassed only by their passion

for the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.