Receiving Opposition- Acts 4:1-22

How do we respond to the opposition? How does one handle conflict? When people oppose us, we respond with emotions and hurt and anger. Each one of us will respond to conflict differently.

While each one will respond unique to ourselves, it is important to learn how to handle conflict when we are working for God, preferably before the opposition comes.

Before we dive into our passage in Acts chapter 4, I want to remind you that we were told we would face opposition. Jesus told his disciples, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) At times we tend to over emphasize Christ’s overcoming of the world. However, that comes after the trouble or tribulation.

Notice also John’s warning, “Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.” (1 John 3:13) Stop being shocked when unsaved people are hating you, mocking you, etc.

Opposition will come. Several aspects stand out:

This does not mean it will be constant

This does not mean it will be consistent

This does not mean it will be one extreme

Opposition varies, as we will see throughout the book of Acts. But now we have set a brief stage from which we can dive into our present study.

I. Opposition came in the midst of serving God- 4:1-4

A. Opposition centered on Jesus Christ- 4:2

B. Opposition manifested itself visibly- 4:3

C. Opposition could not stop God’s Work- 4:4

II. Opposition advanced the Gospel- 4:5-12 (cf. Phil. 1:12-14)

How did the Gospel advance?

A. They took opportunities to prepare- 4:5a (cf. James 1:19-20)

B. They ministered as opportunities arose- 4:5b-7

C. They relied on the Triune God- 4:8-