The Unstoppable Power of the Gospel

Acts 5:17-42

What is the Gospel?

2 Corinthians 2:14–17 NASB95

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.

The Gospel is Not Stopped By Anger

Acts 5:17 NASB95

But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy.

Acts 5:33 NASB95

But when they heard this, they were cut to the quick and intended to kill them.

Their Problem with Selfishness

Before we condemn the Sadducees, we should consider our own hearts.

Do you get angry when you see God working in someone else’s life? When their prayers are answered and yours are not?

Their Problem with Sovereignty

Anger happens when we feel out of control. The Sadducees couldn’t control the success or the preaching of the Apostles.

Psalm 2 states that God laughs at those who rage against Him.

The Gospel is Not Stopped By Government

Acts 5:19–20 NASB95

But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.”

God’s use of irony by sending an angel against the Sadducees.

Acts 5:27–29 NASB95

When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

The Gospel had “filled” Jerusalem.

COVID: “15 days to slow the spread.” Men can no more stop the Gospel than they can stop a virus.

The Bible teaches us to respect authority and to rank authority.

The title King of Kings and the Lord of Lords is literal and metaphorical.

The Gospel is Not Stopped By Persecution

Acts 5:34–42 NASB95

But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men. “For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. “After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. “So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.” They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Even today, one of the greatest proofs that Christianity is true is that it has survived millennia of persecution.

CONCLUSION

Voltaire (1776) - “Twilight of Christianity”

QUESTION: If you had a message of hope that could not be stopped by angry people, governments, or even persecution, would you tell others about it?