The Early Church Trusts God’s Providence

Scripture Reading:

John 20:30–31 ESV

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Big Idea: God’s providence guides the church through trials, growing our faith and showing His glory in all things.

Introduction

In the rugged landscape of an old Western, like John Wayne’s The Searchers, we see a lone hero facing trials—hostile terrain, enemies, and uncertainty. Yet, through grit and guidance, he presses on, trusting a higher purpose. The early church in Acts 11 - 12 faced similar trials: persecution, imprisonment, and opposition. Yet, God’s providence guided them, just as it guides us through our own deserts of difficulty. Today, we’ll explore how God’s sovereign hand works through persecution, partnerships, and prayer to fulfill His mission and strengthen His people.

As D.L. Moody once said, “God never uses a man greatly until He tests him deeply.” The trials of the early church weren’t obstacles but opportunities for God’s providence to shine, pointing us to Christ, who embodies God’s faithful care.

Divine Providence:

is the governance of God by which He, with wisdom and love, cares for and directs all things in the universe. The doctrine of divine providence asserts that God is in complete control of all things. He is sovereign over the universe as a whole (Psalm 103:19), the physical world (Matthew 5:45), the affairs of nations (Psalm 66:7), human destiny (Galatians 1:15), human successes and failures (Luke 1:52), and the protection of His people (Psalm 4:8). This doctrine stands in direct opposition to the idea that the universe is governed by chance or fate. Through divine providence God accomplishes His will. To ensure that His purposes are fulfilled, God governs the affairs of men and works through the natural order of things. The laws of nature are nothing more than God’s work in the universe. The laws of nature have no inherent power; rather, they are the principles that God set in place to govern how things normally work. They are only “laws” because God decreed them. (Copied from GotQuestions.com)

1. Persecution Propels Proclamation (Acts 11:19–24)

Exegesis: After Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 8:1), believers scattered, carrying the Gospel to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. Initially, they preached only to Jews, but in Antioch, some boldly shared with Gentiles, and “a great number believed” (Acts 11:21). God’s hand was with them, turning persecution into an opportunity for expansion. Barnabas, sent to verify this work, saw God’s grace and encouraged the new believers to remain faithful (Acts 11:23).

Cross References:

Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good for those who love God.” Persecution, though painful, served God’s purpose.

Philippians 1:12: Paul notes that his imprisonment advanced the Gospel. Hardships often open new mission fields.

Illustration: In Stagecoach (1939), John Wayne’s character, the Ringo Kid, faces danger but uses it to protect others and fulfill his mission. Similarly, the scattered believers, though fleeing danger, carried the Gospel to new frontiers. Persecution didn’t halt God’s plan; it propelled it.

Application: When trials scatter us—job loss, broken relationships, or personal struggles—God is still at work. Like Barnabas, we must look for “evidences of God’s grace” in our challenges. Where is God opening new doors for you to share His love? Trust His providence to turn trials into testimonies.

Quote: A.W. Tozer reminds us, “God’s providence is not blind, but full of eyes, seeing every detail of our lives.” Even in chaos, God sees and directs.

2. Partnerships Provide Perseverance (Acts 11:25–30)

Exegesis: Barnabas, recognizing the need for leadership in Antioch, sought Saul in Tarsus to join the mission (Acts 11:25–26). Together, they taught and strengthened the church, which was first called “Christian” there. When Agabus prophesied a famine, the Antioch church sent aid to Judea, showing Spirit-led collaboration (Acts 11:27–30). God provided leaders and resources to sustain His people.

Cross References:

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10: “Two are better than one… If either falls, the other will lift him up.” Partnerships fortify God’s work.

1 Corinthians 12:7: Spiritual gifts are given for the common good, equipping the church through collaboration.

Illustration: In The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, John Wayne’s Tom Doniphon works with others to bring justice and stability to a lawless town. Likewise, Barnabas and Saul’s partnership, alongside the Antioch church’s generosity, built a resilient community. God uses teamwork to provide perseverance.

Application: God places people in our lives—mentors, friends, or church family—to help us endure trials. Are you leaning on your community or trying to go it alone? Like the Antioch church, trust God to provide partners and resources to face challenges. Reach out, serve, and support one another.

Quote: D.L. Moody said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him.” Imagine what He does with a community united in His purpose!

3. Prayers Precede Providence (Acts 12:1–24)

Exegesis: Herod’s persecution intensified, killing James and imprisoning Peter (Acts 12:1–4). The church prayed earnestly (Acts 12:5), and God sent an angel to free Peter miraculously (Acts 12:6–11). Herod’s pride led to his downfall (Acts 12:20–23), but “the word of God increased and multiplied” (Acts 12:24). Prayer invited God’s sovereign intervention.

Cross References:

James 5:16: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” The church’s prayers moved God’s hand.

Psalm 34:7: “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and delivers them.” God’s protection is real.

Illustration: In True Grit, Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne) faces impossible odds but is delivered through courage and unexpected help. Peter’s escape mirrors this: chained and guarded, he was freed by God’s power through the church’s prayers. Prayer transforms desperate situations into displays of divine providence.

Application: When facing trials, do you turn to prayer as your first response? The early church’s fervent prayers show that God hears and acts. Gather with others to pray through your struggles, trusting God’s timing. His providence often follows our persistent prayers.

Quote: A.W. Tozer wrote, “Prayer is not the conquering of God’s reluctance, but the taking hold of His willingness.” God is ready to act when we seek Him earnestly.

How This Points to Christ

Acts 11 - 12 reflect Christ’s ongoing mission. The Gospel’s spread to Gentiles fulfills His command to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). Peter’s deliverance echoes Christ’s resurrection, triumphing over death and oppression. Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s providence, guiding and protecting His church. As Hebrews 13:8 declares, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” His care for the early church assures us of His presence in our trials today.

Conclusion

The early church faced persecution, yet God’s providence turned trials into triumphs. Like a John Wayne hero riding through danger, we can trust God’s guidance through our storms. Persecution propelled the Gospel, partnerships provided strength, and prayers preceded miracles. Let’s trust God’s sovereignty, lean on our community, and pray fervently, knowing He is working for our good and His glory.

Call to Action: This week, identify one trial where you can seek God’s providence. Pray with your church family, look for His grace, and step out in faith to share His love. God is not done writing your story.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your providence that guides us through trials. Help us trust You, lean on our community, and pray with faith, knowing You are at work. May we see Your hand in every challenge and proclaim Your love boldly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.