Continuing the Suffering of Jesus

Introduction

How do we think about the relationship of believers to the world?

John 15:18-21

Galatians 6:17

Colossians 1:24

An open question in the New Testament revolves around how congregations handle suffering/tribulation.

It can divide (Philippians & James).

It can unite (Acts 4, 1 Thessalonians).

What would our reaction be?

We will see how the first congregation interpreted what happened to Peter and John.

We will also see how they prayed under these circumstances.

The Apostolic Report and Congregational Reaction

Having been released, Peter and John returned to the larger group and reported what they were told.

This refers back to the twice repeated attempt to silence their preaching about Jesus.

We might understand if the congregation had been intimidated or made nervous by such threats by the authorities.

They did not react, however, in ways we might anticipate.

Those who heard raised their voice in unity to God.

They, then, in a manner similar to OT statements about Israel address God together, they call upon Him for aid.

In doing so, they also reveal how they understand their situation.

Persistent Opposition to God

In their prayer the group does the following:

Addresses God as “Despot” or “Lord,” “Owner.”

Addresses God in the language of Exodus 20:11.

He spoke of His child through the mouth of David, through the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 2 is quoted in 7 total places in the New Testament.

This is the only quotation where the context makes it clear that it is the first part of the Psalm not Psalm 2:7 “I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.” that is important.

The prayer understands the Psalm to refer to “the people” and “the nations” as separate entities who have joined together with vain anger directed against God and His anointed one.

Also important is the kingship and ruler language (Acts 4:26-27) especially because the rulers have “gathered together.”

They apparently understand the opposition to God and to Jesus to continue in the form of the threatenings to the Apostles.

They also want to express their acknowledgement of the vanity of the opposition.

Concern for Boldness

The group does not pray for Jesus to return (isn’t that interesting, at this point).

They prayer for boldness (Acts 4:29).

They want to be bold when God stretches out His hand for healings, signs, and portents to come to be through the mouth of your holy child, Jesus.

It is unclear if they anticipate future acts of God.

Regardless of their expectations, God strengthens them in the moment through the shaking of the the place of their gathering.

All were filled with the Holy Spirit.

The were speaking the word of God with boldness.

Notice the imperfect with this latter verb.

It points toward their continued or ongoing practice.

Rather than being cowed, they were speaking with boldness.

Their practice reflected their confidence in Christ’s person and in the futility of the opposition.