Opposition To The Gospel part 2

Jon Winkelman

Acts • Sermon • Submitted 7 years ago

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Introduction

Acts 4:13–22 NKJV

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

Joseph started 1st grade a few weeks ago. As we were preparing for his first day Jess was sharpening pencils. Sharpening pencils can either be a relatively speedy process or a long arduous battle. What makes the difference is whether or not you have the proper pencil sharpener. We don’t have the proper pencil sharpener. This is what we have (S). My wonderful wife and the incredible mother of my children sat there fighting hand cramps twisting 10 pencils through this tiny little sharpener. We are probably going to be buying a better one now. As I was preparing for this message the image of that pencil sharpener came to mind. The whole idea of sharpening a pencil is that you peel back the wood to expose the lead. Until you do this, the pencil is there, but it is useless. There is something preventing the pencil from being used. It takes force, pressure, and a sharp edge to peel back the wood and expose the lead for use. In the Christian life there are things in each of us preventing us from full use. God uses opposition, persecution, and trials to peel away what hinders us and expose us to greater usefulness! In the early church it was necessary to peel away any complacency and fear that the early believers might be used by God to spread the gospel! Opposition is the tool God uses for great opportunity, strength, and growth in the church.

In our passage this morning the disciples and the early church are facing opposition. They are experiencing resistance to the message of Jesus Christ.

In our passage this morning the disciples and the early church begin to face opposition. They begin to experience resistance to the message of Jesus Christ. In our book outline I have titled this chapter i. Opposition Promoted By Unbelief 4:1-31.

Our goal this morning is to experience a change in perspective.

Most often we view trials and opposition as bad things.

This passage is going to demonstrate that opposition can be turned to opportunity.

As we begin to turn opposition into opportunity our faith is strengthened, people are saved, and the church grows.

This passage reveals two forms of opposition. The first is…

1. Opposition In The Form Of Arrest And Interrogation vv. 1-12

This is what we looked at last week. The spiritual leaders in Jerusalem responded to Peter’s message by arresting him and John and then interrogating them the next day. Yet even in the midst of this persecution, many believe!

Instead of being silenced by fear at being brought before the Sanhedrin, Peter responds to their interrogation by proclaiming the Gospel! This highlights a theme we find in the book of Acts. Opposition and persecution can become gospel opportunities as we respond in faith.

We ended last week with Peter’s bold declaration that Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who they crucified and hung on a tree, is the only way of salvation! There is no other name, under heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved!

Having faced the arrest and interrogation, the disciples now face a second form of opposition…

ConclusionI had originally hoped to get all the way down through v. 22, but by Friday it was obvious that wouldn’t happen. We are going to stop here. As we close I want to remind us of three things.The souls of men are worth any arrest and imprisonment.When we respond in faith, God will transform opposition into opportunity.The gospel of Jesus Christ excludes all other paths to salvation and God.Holding to the true gospel is worth any cost. It is worth it because the gospel is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. I beg you, I plead with you, do not compromise the gospel.There is going to be opposition. There will be resistance. But that is how we grow stronger! That is how the church grows! And that is how gospel opportunities are found.May we be men and women who proclaim the gospel as we stand firm on Jesus Christ our Cornerstone.

This section involves a discovery, a disturbance, and a detainment. As Peter and John are preaching in v. 1 a group of leaders discovers them. There were some priests, which are Levites dedicated to serve in the temple, as well as the captain, or officer, of the temple. These are men responsible for maintaining order and purity of worship in the temple. There were also some Sadducees. Sadducees were essential the theological liberals of Judaism. They do not believe in any form of resurrection. This becomes important in v. 2.Notice, it is not the fact that they taught the people that is disturbing these men, it is what they are teaching. Teaching in Jesus name is bad enough. But teaching resurrection in Jesus name is going to far for these leaders. The verse seems to imply that they were upset over the disciples preaching the resurrection through Jesus, not resurrection in general (though the Sadducees would object to both). All of these various factions are united in their opposition to what is being preached.They are “greatly disturbed”. This word has the idea of being greatly irritated or vexed. Being irritated, and having the power and authority to do so, they detain Peter and John in v. 3. The disciples are held in confinement or prison, until the following day because it is already evening. This is interesting because they went into the temple at 3pm. They have spent several hours in this prayer time and in preaching to the people. The response of the religious leadership is to arrest Peter and John! V. 4 tells us how the people responded.Many believe. This word “many” is often used to refer to an unspecified number, but here we are given the number. Notice the order that is given here. They hear the Word, then they believe. This coincides exactly with (S).

NKJVHow then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

This word “heard” reflects more than just listening, it refers to hearing with intention. They hear the message that Peter preaches in ch. 3 and they believe. Peter had proclaimed Jesus to be the suffering servant of , the Holy and Just One, and the Prince of Life. Peter proclaimed that faith in Jesus made this man physically whole. He called for their repentance and conversion that their sins might be blotted out by Jesus as all the prophets foretold. Jesus was sent to turn them from their iniquities, to Himself. Hearing this message, 5,000 men place their faith in Christ! 5,000! This doesn’t include women or children. Even though they see Peter and John be arrested, they still believe. It is significant that they are said to have beleived while still in Solomon’s porch at the temple. There was no water and no mention of baptism, yet they are considered believers. This serves to further stress that baptism is not necessary for salvation. Here we come upon our first perspective shift. The souls of men are worth any arrest and imprisonment. Do we believe that? It seems to me that many in the church are so attached to their comforts that giving them up terrifies us! The eternal souls of men are worth the loss of my property, health, and personal freedom! It is worth any cost to serve Christ and bring the gospel to those who have never heard! That is what you see lived out all through Acts. Having been arrested for the name of Jesus we find the disciples…

b. Interrogated for the name of Jesus vv. 5-12

There are two objectives present in these verses. We have the objective of the Jewish leaders, and the objective of the disciples. First we consider the objective of the Jewish leaders which is…

i. Discerning the source of power vv. 5-7

Vv. 5-6 tell us who makes up the interrogators. First listed are the religious leaders in v. 5. It is interesting to note how they pretty much “bring out the big guns” for this. You have the rulers, elders, and scribes. These are the day to day religious leaders. Next listed are the High priest and family in v. 6.What is being described here is a formal gathering of the Sanhedrin. We are given the names because these are the same men who, only a short time ago, condemned Jesus. describes the convoluted political landscape at this time. Annas was the former High Priest. Caiaphas, the current High Priest, was Annas’ son-in-law. Annas retained so much power that Jesus was taken to him first (v. 13). They took Jesus to Annas first who sent Him bound to Caiaphas (v. 24) who then sent Him to Pilate (v. 28). These men had believed that they took care of the “problem” presented by this Jesus. They had Him arrested and crucified. They thought it was all over! Now they are confronted by both a miracle performed in Jesus’ name and the bold preaching of resurrection through Him!In their minds, this dire situation calls for a meeting of the full Sanhedrin. Not believing that Jesus is the Messiah, they have only one question for the disciples. That question is found in the end of v. 7. But first, some explanations. The phrase “set them in the midst” makes better sense when we see what the meeting chamber looked like (S).They don’t believe in Jesus. They believe that He is dead. They either believe that the disciples stole the body, or they have some other explanation they have told themselves. They want to know how this man has been made well. What power, what name has done this? Can you smell the set up? This is what I love about this story! The Sanhedrin believes that they have arrested these men and interrogated them on their own authority. Little do they realize that this is a divinely orchestrated event! God has taken the opposition of these rulers and He is making it an opportunity! When we respond in faith, God will transform opposition into opportunity.Without realizing it, these leaders have handed Peter a golden opportunity to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. Peter wastes no time in making this declaration. This brings us to the objective of the disciples which is…

ii. Declaring the power of Christ vv. 8-12

There are two things Peter is going to declare about the power of Christ. His power to heal physically, and His power to heal spiritually. He deals first with the physical healing power. Peter let’s us know exactly who He is addressing in v. 8. Before we get to that we are going to spend some time explaining the difference between the indwelling and filling ministries of the Holy Spirit. Let me state the difference and then we will demonstrate it. Indwelling happens at the moment of salvation. It is a one time event that is not repeated. It is conditioned upon faith in Jesus Christ. Filling happens as a believer walks in fellowship with the Lord. It can happen repeatedly throughout the life of a believer. It is conditioned upon obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s look at a few verses that deal with indwelling.

NKJVOn the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

The day of Pentecost took place after Jesus’ glorification. This is when the Holy Spirit was given. Also considerJohn 14:16-17

NKJVAnd I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

If the Holy Spirit abides forever, this can’t be something that is repeated.

NKJVAnd because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

The giving of the Holy Spirit is proof that we are His children! This is also stressed in ; . These verses talk about a one time event. Filling, however, is different.

NKJVAnd do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,

The idea of this verse is to be continually filled. The implication is that if one were to be drunk with wine, you would not be filled with the Spirit. Therefore, the filling of the Spirit is conditional. Scripture seems to point out three requirements for Spirit-filling.

NKJVDo not quench the Spirit.

This is to tell the Spirit no.

NKJVAnd do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

This is to have unconfessed sin in your life.

NKJVI say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

This implies a moment by moment, step by step, relationship with the Spirit.Peter was already indwelt, now he is filled. The men he is addressing are the rulers and the elders. They are the ones who should know better! V. 9 reveals that the disciples were not even told what they were arrested for. Peter says, “if this is about the good deed we did in making the helpless man well”. He is also appealing to the people. “Are we really being arrested for healing someone?” “Judged” is the idea of questioned or interrogated. “Helpless” means sick, weak or ill. “Made well” is actually sozo normally translated “save” or “saved”. If they are being questioned for how this sick man was saved from his illness, this is how it was done.In v. 10 Peter wants everyone to know that it is the power of Christ that has made this man whole. So that there is no mistake, Peter refers to Him as Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He had accused the people of crucifying Jesus in ch. 3. Here he levels the same accusation but these men were literally the ones who condemned Him! While they didn’t have their hands on hammer or whip, they coerced Pilate and the people into crucifying Jesus! Peter’s boldness here is incredible! From denying that he even knew Jesus, to boldly preaching Him to the very men who condemned Christ! What a transformation God has made in this man. This same transformation is taking place in you and me as we yield to the Holy Spirit. Talking about the resurrection with the Sanhedrin was dangerous. Yet Peter does so boldly. When he says “let it be known to you all” he is using a word that means know with certainty. Jesus was crucified, but God raised Him from the dead. By Him, by Jesus, the Messiah, the risen One! By Him this man is well.Having dealt with Jesus power to heal this man physically, Peter now declares Jesus power to heal spiritually. He begins this declaration with an OT quotation about the rejected stone in v. 11. This verse is a quotation of . The Jews would have been familiar with the idea of a chief cornerstone because it is also mentioned in . In fact, Christ Himself made reference to it in . Peter is once again taking a prophecy and applying it to Christ!Peter gives an extended explanation of Christ as the cornerstone in his first epistle. -10.1 Peter 2:6-10

NKJVTherefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

This is what Peter is referencing! You either trust in Christ and He becomes your foundation, or you reject Him and stumble over the stone! Peter makes it impossible to misunderstand what he is claiming! Jesus is the Messiah! He is alive and bringing healing to those who believe. Jesus is the chief cornerstone! Having made this astounding statement, Peter applies it in v. 12.This is a very powerful and very important verse. Peter is proclaiming to these leaders that Jesus is it. He is the one they were waiting for, He is the salvation they longed for. No one else is coming. There is no one else! There is only one cornerstone and it is Jesus the Christ from Nazareth! This verse teaches us a vital lesson.The gospel of Jesus Christ excludes all other paths to salvation and God.Right now it is rather popular to believe and teach that everyone is on their own path to heaven. It doesn’t really matter what you believe or who you believe in as long as you are sincere! Nothing could be further from the truth! The gospel of Jesus Christ is exclusive!ILLUSTRATION: Let’s suppose you are going on a trip. You put the address into the GPS and begin your journey. As you come to your first turn the GPS tells you what to do. But you ignore it. You ignore it because you know that all roads lead to the same place. Right? I mean after all, who would make roads that don’t lead where I want to go? This is what people teach! It doesn’t matter what road you are on; you will get to heaven eventually. But reality says that not all roads lead to the same place! We need to be very clear about what the gospel is, and what it is not. The gospel is not a prayer, or an invitation, or asking Jesus into your heart. The gospel is the good news that Christ died for our sin, was buried, and rose again. The Biblical gospel is not a call to self reformation it is a call to total submission! There is only one true gospel! The gospel of Jesus Christ. What is it? (S).

NKJVMoreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

That’s it! That is the gospel. Now consider (S).

NKJVI marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

Preaching anything other than salvation by grace through faith leaves you cursed! This is a big deal! The gospel is a big deal. Because it is such a big deal, let me be very, very clear. If you add anything to the gospel it ceases to be the gospel. It doesn’t matter what you add! Works, baptism, prayer, faithfulness, marriage, service; add any of these to the gospel and you are left with a false gospel! The gospel of Jesus Christ is simple. You are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else.ConclusionI had originally hoped to get all the way down through v. 22, but by Friday it was obvious that wouldn’t happen. We are going to stop here. As we close I want to remind us of three things.The souls of men are worth any arrest and imprisonment.When we respond in faith, God will transform opposition into opportunity.The gospel of Jesus Christ excludes all other paths to salvation and God.Holding to the true gospel is worth any cost. It is worth it because the gospel is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. I beg you, I plead with you, do not compromise the gospel.There is going to be opposition. There will be resistance. But that is how we grow stronger! That is how the church grows! And that is how gospel opportunities are found.May we be men and women who proclaim the gospel as we stand firm on Jesus Christ our Cornerstone.

2. Opposition In The Form Of Threat And Regulation vv. 13-22

Last week I mentioned how I believe the goal of these leaders was to find an excuse for stoning Peter and John. This trial was an attempt to prove that the crippled man was not healed by the power of God. If they could prove that, they had OT precedent to put them to death. Peter’s faith filled, Christ-centered response left them with no way to pursue punishment. What is discovered through the conversation of these leaders is…

a. The fear-filled motivation vv. 13-17

So far we have not been given a “why”. Why are these religious leaders going through all this? These verses reveal fear to be the motivation. They fear Jesus’ power and His prominence. We first see the…

i. Fear of Jesus’ power vv. 13-14

They have seen the power of Jesus to transform people! This power is what they fear. There are a lot of important words in v. 13. When they look at the disciples here it is to see with focused attention. The focus of their attention is the boldness of Peter and John. “Boldness” is the Greek word παρρησία (parrēsia) meaning boldness, confidence, or plainly. It is the trait of being willing to undertake activities that involve risk or danger; especially that involve being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech.

There are a lot of important words in this verse. When they look at the disciples here it is to see with focused attention. The focus of their attention is the boldness of Peter and John.

“Boldness” – παρρησία (parrēsia) boldness; confidence; plainly. Boldness n. — the trait of being willing to undertake activities that involve risk or danger; especially that involve being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech. Noun (direct object), accusative, singular, feminine.

Boldness – παρρησία (parrēsia)

These men are bold and confident! They are undertaking a risky endeavor. These are the same men who were filled with fear only a couple months ago when Jesus was crucified. Yet here they stand before the highest Jewish leaders boldly and clearly proclaiming this crucified Jesus as Messiah!

As they look at them and listen to them it becomes evident that Peter and John are uneducated and untrained. I do not believe this means they are illiterate. I believe it means they have not received traditional rabbinical training. They are proclaiming deep theological truths and drawing powerful conclusions based on prophecy and Christ’s fulfillment of it, yet they have no formal training! This causes these spiritual leaders to marvel. “Marveled” is the Greek word θαυμάζω (thaumazō) meaning wonder; marvel; be astonished. To be amazed at (an event or occurrence).

“Marveled” – θαυμάζω (thaumazō) wonder; marvel; be astonished. To marvel v. — to be amazed at (an event or occurrence). Finite verb, imperfect, active, indicative, third person, plural.

Marveled – θαυμάζω (thaumazō)

They are astonished to the point of wonder and amazement! How can these men who have never had formal rabbinical training, be so well versed in Scripture and theology? How can they connect these dots, make these claims, and understand these things? There is only one solution. They have been with Jesus. “Realized” is the Greek word ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginōskō) meaning know; recognize. To discern something clearly and distinctly, or as true and valid; often with a personal acquaintance that necessitates a reaction.

Realized - ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginōskō)

Realized – ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginōskō)

Realized – ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginōskō) know; recognize. To recognize v. — to discern something clearly and distinctly, or as true and valid; often with a personal acquaintance that necessitates a reaction. Finite verb, imperfect, active, indicative, third person, plural.

The religious leaders had followed Jesus’ ministry to a certain extent. They knew the kind of man He was through their own interrogations, both public and private, of Him. Now His disciples who have had no formal training have become knowledgeable and passionate through their time with Jesus! Can we just dwell on this for a moment? This is a perspective shift.

Being a disciple of Jesus changes you.

He uses the uneducated and untrained to accomplished great things for Him! Why? Because it then becomes so obvious that it is Christ who accomplishes these things through us! This is what Paul is talking about in (S).

1 Corinthians 1:25–29 NKJV

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.

The religious leaders do not look at Peter and John and marvel at them. They look at Peter and John and see the impression that Jesus has made on them! It is this impression that causes them to marvel. The greatest compliment a believer can ever receive is that being with Jesus has transformed us!

Now, I am a product of formal education. However, I can tell you that while those things gave me a good foundation, it is the time I have spent for myself with Jesus in His Word that have shaped me more than anything else! While formal training can be helpful, and personally I think everyone should have some, it is not more important than being with Jesus! This is what is vital! You can have no formal training and be a fantastic witness for Christ if you have spent much time with Him! What is of more value than any academic training is spending time like Lazarus’ sister Mary at the feet of Jesus! Being with Jesus transformed these two uneducated men into powerful and bold witnesses for Jesus Christ! Jesus had poured three years into them and they were never the same. Allow Jesus to pour Himself into you through His Word. I guarantee that you will never be the same.

These religious leaders see Peter and John and their boldness, they recognize the power of Jesus to transform a life! Then they look over and they see this formerly crippled man and they recognize Jesus’ power to heal in v. 14.

There is absolutely no way for them to deny what has taken place. I mean, the crippled guy is standing there! He’s obviously not crippled anymore! In their minds he is a painfully obvious declaration that what the disciples have said is true. It is impossible to contradict what has happened. These men fear the power of Jesus. But they have another fear revealed in the next few verses…

ii. Fear of Jesus’ prominence vv. 15-17

The leaders have heard the testimony of the disciples, they see the man who was healed, now it is time to give their judgment. They cannot give the judgment they wanted, so they must confer about what judgment to give. As they hold their private meeting we see evidence of the undeniable prominence of Jesus. I find it highly amusing that in v. 15 they make Peter and John leave so they can discuss this (S). This begs the question, how did Luke find out what was said? Tom Constable makes a suggestion.

Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible The Sanhedrin’s response 4:13–22

Evidently someone in the Sanhedrin, or someone else present in the room who was then or later became a Christian, reported the information in these verses to Luke

Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible The Sanhedrin’s response 4:13–22

Evidently someone in the Sanhedrin, or someone else present in the room who was then or later became a Christian, reported the information in these verses to Luke. Perhaps Gamaliel told Paul, and Paul told Luke.

V. 16 records the content of their private meeting. News of this miracle that has been performed has already spread through all Jerusalem! It has become evident to everyone. Everyone knows about it. The religious leaders consider their biggest problem to be that they cannot deny the public miracle that has been performed. What?! Shouldn’t the biggest problem be that they had crucified the Messiah?! What is going on here? and help to shed some light on how these leaders could so completely miss the point (S).

a. Private meeting v. 15

;

2 Corinthians 4:4 NKJV

whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

Hebrews 3:13 NKJV

but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Satan blinds minds and sin hardens hearts. How hardened their hearts are by sin! How blinded their eyes! But for the grace of God this is where we all would be! So hardened and blinded that a miracle only leads us to wonder how to counteract it! This is the deceitfulness of sin! This is the god of this world blinding the minds of those who don’t believe! The only way to counteract this is through the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ found in the Word of God!

I find it highly amusing that they make Peter and John leave so they can discuss this (S). The reasons seems to be that they didn’t want them to hear how unable they were to contradict or punish them. They make Peter and John leave the room so they can talk about what to do.

I want you to notice something though. Here is another perspective shift.

b. Public miracle v. 16

This verse records the content of their private meeting. News of this miracle that has been performed has already spread through all Jerusalem! It has become evident to everyone. Everyone knows about it. The religious leaders consider their biggest problem to be that they cannot deny the public miracle that has been performed. What?! Shouldn’t the biggest problem be that they had crucified the Messiah?! How hardened their hearts are by sin! How blinded their eyes! But for the grace of God this is where we all would be! So hardened and blinded that a miracle only leads us to wonder how to counteract it! This is the deceitfulness of sin! This is the god of this world blinding the minds of those who don’t believe! I want you to notice something though. Here is another perspective shift.

The hardness of someone’s heart is never an excuse not to preach the gospel.

Peter and John know these men are hardened, they don’t care. They preach anyway. We live in a society and time where there are a lot of hard hearts. There is a lot of blindness and antagonism out there. So what?! Preach anyway! There will still be those who respond! Our responsibility is to get the gospel out there so that those God has chosen will be saved! The response is not our responsibility. Faithfully preaching the Word is. Faithfulness must characterize us even when we face opposition. These leaders are afraid of the prominence of Jesus because it is undeniable. But v. 17 demonstrates that Jesus’ prominence is also underrated.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Four: Persecution, Prayer, and Power (Acts 4:5–31)

their response is proof that miracles alone can never convict or convert the lost sinner. Only the Word of God can do that (see John 11:45–53; Acts 14:1–20).

Miracles don’t convert! The clear teaching of God’s Word does! These men are so afraid of Jesus’ power, so afraid of His prominence that they cannot even acknowledge the miracle standing before them! They just want to stop the spread of this miracle performed in Jesus’ name. The words “spread no further” paint a word picture of something expanding and dispersing to fill a great area. What these men do not understand is that they can no more stop the gospel than you can stop ripples in a pond after you throw a rock in (S)!

Notice what their concern is. There is no joy for this healed man, no rejoicing in the power of God to restore. Their concern is that it spread no further. When we abandon the truth, this is what happens. We are robbed of joy, robbed of contentment, robbed of meaning and purpose and instead we are filled with fear! These men are so afraid of Jesus’ power, so afraid of His prominence that they cannot even acknowledge the miracle standing before them! They just want to stop the spread of this miracle performed in Jesus’ name. The words “spread no further” paint a word picture of something expanding and dispersing to fill a great area. What these men do not understand is that they can no more stop the gospel than you can stop ripples in a pond after you throw a rock in (S)!

But they are going to try. Their plan is to threaten the disciples. “Severely threaten” is an interesting Greek construction because it is a repeated word. “Severely” is apeile and “threatened” is apeileo. In Greek repetition ads force. They are going to super threaten them. This is no small matter. The disapproval of the Jewish leaders could lead to a total excommunication from Jewish society. To the point of being unable to buy or sell. Their plan is to tell the disciples to never again speak to anyone in the name of Jesus. They are completely underrating the prominence of Jesus both in the lives of His disciples and in the lives of all those transformed by His grace! We cannot be silent! And that is what the disciples will proclaim as they give…

b. The faith-filled affirmation vv. 18-22

These verses record the affirmation of Peter and John that they will be obedient to the Lord no matter what. In v. 18 they are commanded to be silent and not speak or teach in Jesus name. This is a restriction on both public and private proclamation. They cannot preach publicly in Jesus name and they cannot teach privately in Jesus name. They are commanded not to do these things “at all”. “At all” is the Greek word καθόλου (katholou) which means entirely; completely. In the slightest degree or in any respect.

“At all” – καθόλου (katholou) entirely; completely. At all adv. — in the slightest degree or in any respect. Temporal adverb.

At all – καθόλου (katholou)

This is a blanket restriction accompanied by strong threats. Don’t forget that these are the most powerful men in Judaism! They could literally ruin the lives of the disciples. This also gives the council the legal ability to punish the disciples if they disobey. We will see that in ch. 5. To this commanded silence Peter and John give a bold answer in vv. 19-20. “Tell us you spiritual leaders, should we obey God or you?” We can’t help it! We must speak about what we have seen and heard! I love this! They are basically saying “we’re helpless!” We have no choice but to speak! This actually brings up a really important point. Especially in our world today. Let’s look at this for a moment.

Note carefully the restriction laid out in vv. 17-18. They are being commanded not to publicly speak or privately teach in the name of Jesus. However, they are not being told to quit healing and helping people. They were basically being told “do all the good you want, but don’t talk about salvation through Jesus Christ.”

This is exactly what we are being told today! The social gospel is being pushed hard! Do good, help the poor, the widow, the fatherless, that’s all fine, but don’t talk about Jesus the Savior. You can talk about Jesus the friend of sinners. You can talk about Jesus the good teacher. But don’t talk about this Jesus who came to save His people from their sins! Our response today must mirror that of the disciples. We have to speak in Jesus’ name. The social gospel is not enough! Meeting people’s physical needs is not the answer! I can give you food all day long but if I don’t address the real problem, the sin problem, I am not doing anything of eternal value! I am not even really helping you! Like Peter and John, we have no choice! We must talk about what was seen and heard!

What have they seen and heard? They saw Jesus! They were with Him for three years, saw Him crucified, then saw Him resurrected! This is what they have to talk about! What have they heard? They heard Jesus teaching them for three years! They have no choice but to teach what He taught! We have the written record of what they saw and heard and so we are just as accountable.

We have a command from God and it supersedes the commands of men. We obey Him first. He has commanded us to preach the gospel to every creature. So we must obey. Here we encounter another perspective shift.

While meeting physical needs is important, people’s greatest need is Jesus.

In the final two verses we will consider this morning we find the affirmation of the miraculous as the people glorify God for the impossible healing that has taken place. There is a stark contrast here between the attitude of the people and that of the leaders. The leaders add even more threats in v. 21 to those they have already given. They try to discover a way to punish Peter and John but are unable to do so. They recognize that the people would be outraged if Peter and John were punished for healing this man.

I love the end of v. 21 because it highlights our desire in service for the Lord. God gets the glory! The people are not praising and glorifying Peter and John, they are praising and glorifying God! He is the one who heals! He is the source of miracles, we are merely the conduits. The man who had been healed was over 40 years old according to v. 22. This is an impossible healing. With God, all things are possible! The praise of the people prohibits the religious leaders from harming God’s servants. Isn’t that awesome? Here we have our final perspective shift.

We are not responsible for our own protection, God is.

When we faithfully preach the gospel, we are going to face opposition. We are not to flee it or alter the message we preach. We are to be faithful, God will take care of the opposition in His will and timing.

Conclusion

From the verses we have just examined we are given four needed shifts in perspective. Let’s review them as we close. First,

Being a disciple of Jesus changes you.

Have we been changed? You and I need to examine our lives. Are we following and seeking Christ, living as He has determined? Can those around us see the difference that Jesus makes? Jesus took Peter from a cowardly denier and made him a bold preacher! How does He want to change you and me? Secondly,

The hardness of someone’s heart is never an excuse not to preach the gospel.

We all have people we have witnessed to for years. It can be tempting to say “well, I’ve shared the gospel and they didn’t respond. Their heart is hard so I give up.” We serve a God who is in the business of softening hard hearts! As long as they are breathing, there is hope! Peter and John preached the gospel to the very men who had condemned Jesus! Never attempt to tell God who is beyond His reach! Thirdly,

While meeting physical needs is important, people’s greatest need is Jesus.

There are two elements to this one. First, we must never forget that meeting physical needs is important. speaks to this (S).

Proverbs 3:27–28 NKJV

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,” When you have it with you.

When you have the ability and opportunity to do good, do it. But the second element here is to never forget that we are to have an ulterior motive in doing good. We want to create a platform from which to proclaim Christ! The greatest need of any individual is to be transformed by the grace of God from being a sinner, to being a saint! Finally,

We are not responsible for our own protection, God is.

I am not saying that we are not to be wise and responsible. I am saying that If fear for personal safety or the safety of your family prevents you from being obedient to the call of God, that is sin. If God calls you to preach the gospel in a nation where Christian’s are killed and tortured, He is fully capable of protecting you! If He calls your kids, or grand-kids to that same nation, He is able to protect them! Protection is not our top priority! Obedience is! As we walk in God’s will, He will guide and protect.

Opposition to the gospel is real. It is present, it is increasing, and it can be frightening. What we need is to shift our perspective to understand that inside of all opposition is a unique opportunity to preach Christ. May we take advantage of those opportunities.

May Christ grant boldness and wisdom as opposition is turned to opportunity this week.

I had originally hoped to get all the way down through v. 22, but by Friday it was obvious that wouldn’t happen. We are going to stop here. As we close I want to remind us of three things.The souls of men are worth any arrest and imprisonment.When we respond in faith, God will transform opposition into opportunity.The gospel of Jesus Christ excludes all other paths to salvation and God.Holding to the true gospel is worth any cost. It is worth it because the gospel is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. I beg you, I plead with you, do not compromise the gospel.There is going to be opposition. There will be resistance. But that is how we grow stronger! That is how the church grows! And that is how gospel opportunities are found.May we be men and women who proclaim the gospel as we stand firm on Jesus Christ our Cornerstone.