Proclaiming the Gospel Amidst Opposition

Introduction: I have a friend that if you mention apples he could go on a rant for hours about apples. He is way too passionate about them. He cant help himself. I know you have friends like that! or you are that friend! They can’t help but talk of what they are passionate about!

In the same way! Our passage we will see that the apostles could not help, but to preach the Gospel with boldness!

Main Point: Amidst Opposition the Spirit empowers you to boldly proclaim the Gospel!

1. Prepare for Persecution

Acts 4:1-4

2. Proclaim with Power

Acts 4:5-12

3. Prioritize God's Command

Acts 4:13-22

1. Prepare for Persecution

Acts 4:1-4

Backdrop: Peter and John heal a paralytic man in the name of Jesus Christ .

Know after seeing a powerful miracle like that you would expect that everyone would be ecstatic and praising God.

However, look at verse 2

They were greatly annoyed! Who? Priests, captain of the temple and specially the Sadducees. -->v1

Why were they annoyed? Because Resurrection! (v2)

-Sadducees denied the Resurrection! They are the same one’s who argued against Jesus about the Resurrection in the Gospels.

-So they arrested them, but did you notice the outcome?

MANY (Not all) believed. 5,000 men.

Friends,

The disciples were not concerned with how they were perceived or the consequences that came, but they were concerned with boldly proclaiming Jesus!

You likewise, will receive opposition, will have people greatly annoyed with you, you could even experience isolation. But It is worth it! Christ is worth it. So you must be ready and prepare for persecution. It will come! Jesus promised it, you see in our passage that his disciples experienced it and so will you. BUT

Main Point: Amidst Opposition the Spirit empowers you to boldly proclaim the Gospel!

Not only must you prepare for persecution/opposition, but you must

2. Proclaim with Power

Acts 4:5-12

This is what the Apostles did!

After an overnight in prison they stand before Rulers, elders, scribes, high-priest and family. The highest authorities! Now, think about this! PETER AND JOHN are the ones we are talking about. Peter- terrified of a servant girl denied Jesus and John ran with the rest when he was arrested. So when the going got tough these men normally hid!

And here they are standing before some of the most powerful men in their time. What would you expect? They will deny, they will run! HOWEVER that is not what happens!

They are questioned v7 BY WHAT NAME?

V8 FILLED with THE HOLY SPIRIT! Peter boldly proclaims the Gospel!

Look with me what he says!

v10- You crucified This Jesus God raised from the dead!

v11 He quotes Isa 28:16 & Psa 118:22! Jesus is the messiah king! You rejected him, but he has become the cornerstone!

In other words, Jesus is the foundation of all things and he holds all things together! AND there is no other NAME by which men must be saved!!

The name of Allah or Muhammed can not save you

The name of Buddha can not save you

The name of Krishna can not save you

NO OTHER NAME!

ONLY CHRIST ALONE

“If you do not find salvation in Christ, remember you will never find it elsewhere.” Spurgeon

The Holy Spirit gave them the boldness and the words to speak!

Friends,

that is exactly what The Holy Spirit will help you to do as well. Do you believe that? Will rest upon that truth? Regardless of who is questioning your faith. Maybe it is family members, co-workers, classmates, team-mates. Will you proclaim the Gospel boldly knowing that

Main Point: Amidst Opposition the Spirit empowers you to boldly proclaim the Gospel!

Prepare for Persecution

Proclaim with Power

Prioritize God’s command

3. Prioritize God's Command

Acts 4:13-22

They saw the boldness, they saw who they were. Uneducated, but noticed who’s they were- Christs! His disciples. (v13)

Did you notice what happened after they boldly proclaimed the Gospel?

-v14-16 They were speechless! They could not deny it!

So they asked them to STOP IT! you will not speak of this Jesus guy anymore!

What was their response??

WE WILL OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MAN...

Remember my friend that loves apples way too much? They like him could not, but speak of what they have seen or heard!! This is Jesus changed them, transformed them and empowered them. How could they not speak of him!

Is Jesus what you are truly passionate about? I know that you might feel afraid, unworthy even, but remember

This rests on God not you!

To end, Look with me at this quote from Calvin

Acts: New Testament, Volume 6 Overview

God furnishes his children with unconquerable fortitude, that they may stand firm and unmoved against all the devices of Satan and may not yield to the violence of the wicked.

So remember that

Main Point: Amidst Opposition the Spirit empowers you to boldly proclaim the Gospel!