Opposition to the Gospel

Intro: This chapter follows the miraculous healing of the man lame from birth. Many people believed in Jesus as a result, but not everyone was convinced.

Opposition came as a result or their teaching the truth of Jesus resurrection - Acts 4:1-3

Acts 4:1–3 (NIV)

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people.

They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.

They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day.

The message of the Gospel is disturbing to those living in opposition to the truth

In chapter 5, the disciples are again arrested for preaching - Acts 5:17-20

Acts 5:17–20 NIV

Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”

The opposition could not stop the power of the Gospel - Acts 4:4

Acts 4:4 (NIV)

But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

In chapter 5, Peter and John returned to preaching - Acts 5:21-25

Acts 5:21–25 NIV

At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to. Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.”

Peter and John reveal that they cannot, not preach the Gospel, because it is the only way to salvation - Acts 4:12

Acts 4:12 NIV

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Acts 5:29–32 NIV

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

The authorities could not effectively oppose the disciples of Jesus

Peter and John depended of God to advance the Gospel and also remained steadfast in what God had called them to do - Acts 4:18-20

Acts 4:18–20 NIV

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

God’s people prayed for Spirit filled boldness - Acts 4:31

Acts 4:31 NIV

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Gamaliel advises the rulers to not take drastic action with the Christians Acts 5:31-39

Acts 5:31–39 NIV

God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

In chapter 5, the disciples were beaten, but continued preaching - Acts 5:40-42

Acts 5:40–42 NIV

His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Principles we learn from the persecution of the early church

There will be opposition to the Gospel - John 16:33

John 16:33 NIV

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

No matter what happens, God is in control

Our responsibility is to be bold and faithful