Our Reputation is Our Witness

ME: Intro - Recap

We have been in Acts for a couple months already,

And it is a relatively long book,

So, as we journey through Acts,

I want us to remember that we are learning about our own history as the church.

Remember, the title of our series through Acts is,

“The Mission of FBC Afton.”

Because the mission of the early church still defines our mission today.

So, periodically, I plan to recap where we have been thus far,

To see how the mission of the early church specifically defines our mission today.

This morning, our passage ends at a key turning point.

It is the last time where the religious council interacts with the church in a relatively controlled manner.

During the first interaction, the council imprisoned and threatened the apostles.

This time, they add a beating for good measure.

Next time, they jump straight to murder.

Lord willing, we will see how God unexpectedly uses the hostility against the church to advance the mission Jesus gave in Acts 1:8.

This mission still defines our mission today.

Slide

Read our mission statement with me, if you would:

“We exist to love God and others, grow as Christ-followers devoted to serving one another, and multiply disciples.”

Slide

We do this through four sequential pillars:

Connect, Grow, Serve, and Go.

Slide

Our first message in Acts included this mission in Acts 1:1-11.

We observed how this mission of Connect, Grow, Serve, Go is a cyclical mission.

Connecting with God first and foremost requires connecting with God through salvation.

Once saved, we continue to connect with God,

Then we grow in Christlikeness, serve others, and go into the world to multiply disciples.

As Acts 1:8 says it,

We are Christ’s witnesses to the ends of the earth.

We Go by inviting people to join this cyclical mission by first connecting with God through salvation.

Slide

Our second passage was Acts 1:12-26,

Where we saw the early church discerning God’s leaders together,

As they sought to replace Judas as the 12 apostle.

Our observation of the process they used helps to define our elder evaluation process for discerning God’s leaders together.

Slide

Next we were in Acts 2:1-41.

Where Peter preached to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

This teaches us how connecting with God includes being baptized.

We saw how in the early church,

Salvation and baptism go hand in hand.

So, when you repent and trust in Christ for the first time,

You obey God by being baptized.

Slide

The next passage we looked at was Acts 2:42-47,

Where we saw an example of a healthy church,

Who connected with God and one another by gathering in large groups for corporate worship,

And gathering in one another’s homes to fellowship, break bread, and pray.

So, we continue to connect with God and others by gathering for corporate worship on Sunday mornings,

And through Connect Groups,

Which gather in one another’s homes to fellowship, break bread, and pray.

Slide

Our next passage was Acts 3,

Where Peter publicly taught about the person and work of Jesus Christ to grow his listeners in Christ.

This is what defines our public teaching,

Like what we are doing now on Sunday mornings.

But it also defines everything we teach.

Because teaching the person and work of Christ grows us in Christlikeness.

Slide

After studying Acts 3,

We saw how the church started to face persecution in Acts 4:1-31.

In response to this persecution,

The early church connected with God in prayer,

Which emboldened their witness.

So, then we too must connect with God in prayer.

Therefore, we gather for prayer on the third Sunday of each month.

Next month, however the third Sunday is Father’s Day.

So, our next prayer gathering is rescheduled for June 12th from 6-7pm.

Slide

Last week, we learned from two contrasting stories in Acts 4:32-5:11,

How grasping onto the gospel grows us in generosity,

Which is the norm for Christians.

So, we embrace this as a part of our mission as well.

Slide

Now, this morning, we come to this turning point in Acts 5:12-42,

Where this idea of being a witness entails having a good reputation,

And maintaining that witness in the face of suffering.

Our outline begins with the church:

Ministered to the Marginalized (vs. 12-16)

Persecuted by the Proud (vs. 17-32)

Whipped for Being Witnesses (vs. 33-42)

Witness to the marginalized for a reputation of love and witness to the proud for a reputation of boldness.

The suffering like what is recorded in Acts 5 still continues today.

But faithfulness despite suffering is both convicting and encouraging.

Satan hates gospel ministry,

So, when seeking to take part in gospel ministry,

Opposition will inevitably come.

This is what happens to the apostles in our passage this morning.

As they minister in Jesus’ name,

Opposition and persecution increases.

Threats and violence intensify,

And continue to escalate throughout Acts,

And throughout the history of the church,

Continuing to into the present.

Studies indicate that more Christians have been killed for their faith in the last 120 years than in the first 1900 years of the church’s history combined.

Hostility against the people of God is just beginning in Acts 5,

Even here in our context there is an increased level of negativity toward Christianity.

As long as Christianity remains a personal relationship,

It is okay.

But living as Christ’s witnesses is deemed offensive.

The gospel message, however, was not a private matter.

Jesus was executed in the middle of a crowd gathered for a holiday.

After rising from the dead,

He showed Himself to many witnesses.

Then Jesus’ commission said to spread His message publicly.

That is what these early Christians are doing.

As a result, they are met with hostility.

But don’t miss while they are met with hostility from the religious council,

They remain a blessing to others.

Likewise, being a witness may anger some,

But it will also be a blessing to many others.

WE: Ministered to the Marginalized (vs. 12-16)

Slide

So, let us first look at how the early church ministered to the marginalized in vs. 12-16.

Jesus said in the sermon on the mount,

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The marginalized are the poor in spirit.

They know they need a Savior,

So, they embrace the good news of Jesus.

The poor and spirit are humble and destitute.

They are being drawn to Christ by the witness of the church.

By their reputation of love.

Slide (vs. 12)

Even though the apostles were just arrested in ch. 4,

And despite the hypocrisy of Ananias and Sapphira at the start of ch. 5,

The work of the Spirit is increasingly on display.

In vs. 12, the apostles were not afraid to continue performing signs and wonders among the people.

They were all together,

They shared life together,

They cared for people together.

Slide (vs. 13-14)

And vs. 14 says more than ever believers were being added to the church.

But vs. 13 seems to say people were unwilling to join the church.

So, what are these two verses saying?

The “them” in vs. 13 is not referring to the church in general.

Vs. 12 makes the ministry of the apostles the main topic of these verses.

Therefore, “them” seems to refer to the apostles.

This means vs. 13 is saying fellow believers would not dare join the apostles while they perform signs and wonders.

And the ministry of the apostles resulted in them having a good reputation.

It says the people held them in high esteem,

They spoke well of the apostles.

So, vs. 13 continues to emphasize the authority of the apostles as God’s chosen leaders of this new community, the church.

Going back to last week’s passage,

People were bringing their money for the apostles to distribute,

Peter was the conduit through which God’s judgment came to Ananias and Sapphira,

And the ongoing signs and wonders continue to increase the good reputation of the apostles.

According to vs. 14,

The result was God increasing the number of believers more than ever.

You can imagine how Luke had been keeping a numerical tally of the members up to this point.

120, 3,000, 5,000 men.

Now, he is just like,

There are more than ever,

Probably more than he can even count,

Multitudes of both men and women.

Slide (vs. 15-16)

Vs. 15-16 show how it is the marginalized who are ministered to.

These people are humble and poor in spirit,

They were so desperate,

While the apostles were so highly regarded,

That they hoped just Peter’s shadow would pass over them to provide healing.

There are numerous accounts in the Bible where God heals people through surprising means.

These miraculous healings happen outside the bounds of natural order,

A miracle is brought about by God’s will and cannot be understood or explained by human senses.

It shows how Jesus’ power transcends human nature.

His power is greater than the laws of nature.

When a human performs a miracle, it authenticates their authority.

This means the miraculous healing power does not come from Peter or the rest of the apostles,

It is Jesus’ power being channeled through them,

Proving God has given them authority.

When something happens outside the common course of nature,

It proves the power and authoritative presence of God.

A true miracle only happens by God.

That is what is happening with the apostles.

The authority of God is displayed through them.

You could say it serves as the credentials that they are God’s chosen leaders for the early church.

Meaning, they speak with the authority of God.

But God’s power not only supersedes natural bounds,

It is more powerful than evil spirits.

As vs. 16 mentions,

People afflicted with evil spirits are being healed as well.

Slide (God answers yes)

Evil spirits generally refers to supernatural beings who are malicious toward humans in harmful ways.

Throughout the gospels, evil spirits cause self-destruction, isolation, insanity, outbursts, convulsions, gnashing teeth, foaming mouth, and stiffness.

Here, God is delivering people from these afflictions through His apostles.

The people are being given spiritual freedom.

No evil power can stand against God!

This miraculous ministry to the marginalized was unique,

But God still heals people today.

He heals through common means like modern medicine.

But He can still heal through miraculous means if it His will.

So, pray for healing.

Regardless, God will answer all His people who pray for healing with a yes.

Either yes in this world or yes in the world to come.

Slide (Minister to marginalized for reputation of love)

Instead of first identifying with the apostles in this passage.

We must first identify with the marginalized.

Approach Christ as the poor in spirit.

This is the only way we come to Jesus.

We are afflicted by the evil spirit of self.

This means we are helpless sinners in need of grace.

Therefore, we cannot approach Jesus as if we can take care of ourselves,

And He is just a backup plan.

No, we come poor in spirit,

Or we do not come at all.

Tragically, there are many who don’t come to Jesus because of pride.

As we see from the religious council here in Acts.

The gospel is spreading among the marginalized,

Because they are the ones who know they need a Savior.

The apostles did not develop a strategy to convince all the movers and shakers,

Who will influence everyone else.

No, they embodied the compassionate strategy modeled by Jesus.

They ministered to the marginalized.

Therefore, as we have opportunities to minister to the marginalized in our lives,

We must take them.

We must minister to the marginalized for a reputation of love.

This brings glory to God.

We must be committed to being witnesses this way to the marginalized.

What happened as a result of the apostles’ ministry to the marginalized?

Going back to vs. 14,

They had a reputation of love and more believers than ever were being added.

But as numbers increase,

So does persecution.

GOD: Persecuted by the Proud (vs. 17-32)

Slide (vs. 17)

In vs. 17-32, the apostles are persecuted by the proud.

Just like in ch. 4,

Signs and wonders lead to the apostles’ arrest.

But this time, it is not just Peter and John,

But all the apostles.

Meaning opposition is increasing.

Just like before, the high priest and the Sadducees as members of the council are leading this opposition.

Why?

Because they are enraged by the apostles ministry.

These proud individuals love power.

So, as they are seeing the apostles gain popularity and influence,

They envy the apostles.

Instead of being filled with they Spirit,

Vs. 17 says, they are filled with jealousy.

They do not care about what is true.

They were jealous that Jesus was building a following,

And after they think they took care of the Jesus problem,

These pesky apostles keep performing miracles and preaching Jesus.

Slide (vs. 18-19)

So, the council arrests the apostles again.

The council was wonderful at politics,

That is how they managed to acquire so much power under Roman rule.

But now, they are jealous.

They are outraged that the apostles would have the audacity to heal people.

They are infuriated that the apostles would dare love people.

And they cannot hide their anger toward the gospel.

They just want it all to go away.

Not because they want people to be sick or afflicted by evil spirits.

But because they want to be the ones in power.

And the apostles make it clear how powerless they truly are.

This same thing happens in our modern world.

Christians can minister to the marginalized in the name of Jesus.

And people who do not believe in Jesus will have anger toward Christians,

Not because they hate the ministry,

But because they hate the message.

So, be prepared.

Opposition will often follow ministry.

As long as ministry includes the message.

Slide (vs. 20)

Vs. 19 showed an angel miraculously freeing the apostles from prison,

But vs. 20 shows, the angel did not just free them so they could be free.

No, this mediator was sent by God to deliver a message.

After opening the doors to the prison,

The angel commands the apostles to...

“Go!

Stand in the temple!

Preach the Gospel!”

Notice anything ironic about this command?

This is exactly what got them put in prison in the first place!

Slide (vs. 21)

Yet, what do the apostles do in vs. 21?

Do they run for lives?

Do they hide or just enjoy their newfound freedom?

No, the obey the command from the angel.

They go and preach the gospel.

God’s purpose in freeing His people from physical shackles,

Is to free others from spiritual shackles.

This account is a comforting reminder!

God’s people are not expected to be His witnesses on our own.

He does not always send an angel,

But He gives us something better.

He gives us Himself, the Holy Spirit.

We have the power of God in us.

Vs. 21 continues describing the morning after.

The apostles are back in the temple where they just got arrested,

Teaching about Jesus which they just got arrested for.

Because they were set free from prison by a super stealthy angel.

Vs. 21 also shows how the council was clueless the apostles were in the temple teaching.

Instead, they are getting together first thing in the morning to take action against the apostles.

Remember, this is the same council that condemned Jesus to death on the cross.

They were the highest authority for the Jews,

In all matters of religion, justice, and civility.

So, they convene with the plan to bring the apostles before them.

Slide (vs. 22-23)

But vs. 22-23 says the officers went to their cell and found the prison securely locked,

The guards still at their posts,

And the apostles were nowhere to be found!

Slide (vs. 24)

Then, vs. 24 says the captain of the temple and the chief priests are baffled!

Even more baffling,

Slide (vs. 25)

They find out in vs. 25 that the apostles did not flee,

They are still in the temple,

And they are still teaching about Jesus!

The council has repeatedly been confronted with inexplicable events:

From healing a man born crippled,

To the apostles’ escape from prison,

The evidence of the Spirit’s presence in this community is overwhelming!

Yet the council remains unmoved.

There is no amount of proof alone that can produce faith.

Seeing is not believing.

The council rejects all the overwhelmingly convincing evidence,

Because their heart is still too proud,

They would rather keep their power than trust in what is true.

Slide (vs. 26)

You can imagine the force they would probably like to use against the apostles at this point.

However, vs. 26 says, they are too scared because they don’t want to get stoned by the people.

Why?

Because the people were responding positively to the teachings about Jesus.

Remember, the apostles found favor among the people,

And the captain knows better than to anger the public.

So, the council could see their power rapidly slipping away.

Slide (vs. 28)

In vs. 28, the council responds by maintaining a greater concern for their power over what is true.

Referring to their command against teaching in the name of Jesus from Acts 4:18,

They accuse the apostles of violating this command.

Ironically, in Acts 4:20, Peter and John told the council,

“We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard [about Jesus].”

Yet, the council is shocked that Peter, John, and the other apostles,

Are filling Jerusalem with this teaching about Jesus.

The charge against the apostles is blasphemy,

But they are equally concerned about the apostles making them look bad,

By repeatedly blaming the council for Jesus’ death.

To bring Christ’s blood upon them is saying they are guilty of murdering Him.

Ironically, they are right to be concerned about this.

However, they are not the only ones responsible.

Repeatedly, Peter held his audience responsible for Jesus’ death.

He said it to the crowd at Pentecost in Acts 2:23,

And the crowd at Solomon’s Portico in Acts 3:15,

And the council both here and in Acts 4:10.

Peter is determined to make everyone he can aware that they are responsible for the death of Jesus.

He holds all listeners responsible.

The difference is that many of the people have been responding to this message in faith.

They are repenting for their sins.

Spreading the teaching of Jesus like wildfire through the temple in Jerusalem.

Not the case for this council.

They respond to this message with irritation.

They do not care about the truthfulness of the apostles’ teaching,

They just want to stop it through any means necessary!

Slide (vs. 29-30)

Unfortunately for them, the Holy Spirit empowers the apostles to respond in vs. 29-32.

It is important to remember the context around this response.

Because God is the one who sets authorities in their place.

So, in a general sense,

Christians are called to be good citizens.

The same Peter who speaks here would later write that Christians are to honor the emperor.

The Bible repeatedly teaches that Christians recognize authorities as being established by God,

By respecting and submitting to them.

The only exception is when an authority contradicts God’s Word.

Ultimately, Christians submit to human authorities out of submitting to Jesus.

So, Christians should wear seat belts and pay taxes,

Adhere to building codes and renew fishing licenses out of submission to Jesus.

But there are times, like here in Acts, when Christians cannot obey an authority.

This is not rebelling against something they don’t like,

Or refusing to do something that makes them uncomfortable,

Or disobeying authorities that they do not like or did not vote for.

No, the council is trying to forbid what God commands.

Going against the authority of the council will certainly have consequences.

But it is worth it.

In instances like these,

Christians must respond as the apostles do:

“We must obey God rather than people.”

The council is being unjust here,

But the apostles’ goal is not to ultimately end an injustice.

The goal of continuing to teach in Jesus’ name is for people to respond in faith and repentance.

This is not an issue about free speech,

They are speaking in Jesus’ name with or without the freedom to do so!

Their goal is to see people changed by Jesus.

They cannot stop preaching the gospel!

They do not respond with hatred or violence.

They just keep declaring the good news of Jesus Christ.

They take advantage of every gospel opportunity,

They witness to the marginalized and the proud.

They even saw being confronted by the council as an opportunity to proclaim the gospel.

In fact, they say almost the exact same thing the last time they stood before the council.

Emphasizing in vs. 30,

That the gospel focuses on the covenant that was made by “the God of our fathers.”

This title tells the council they are talking about Yahweh,

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,

The God they claim to serve.

So, their God raised Jesus from the dead,

Whom they murdered by hanging on a tree,

Continuing to apply pressure to this council.

This response would certainly put the apostles in physical danger.

In that case, why stop?

Slide (vs. 31-32)

So, in vs. 31,

They emphasize the exaltation of Jesus,

To the right hand of God.

This is taken directly from the Psalms,

Asserting that Jesus is the rightful heir to David’s throne.

This would mean that Jesus was equal with God.

The council has a track record of taking issue with this,

They sought to kill Jesus in John 5:18 and 10:33 when Jesus said this about Himself.

Vs. 31 says that God exalted Jesus as Leader and Savior.

Leader is a unique title ascribed to Jesus.

It communicates His work of ruling and commanding.

It is an expression of His authority,

Paired with His work as Savior.

It is the same word Peter used when he called Jesus the Author of life back in Acts 3:15.

Jesus is the source and leader of salvation.

He is the only Savior.

Since Jesus came,

People can repent of their sins,

And receive forgiveness.

This is what the prophets promised:

A time of repentance and forgiveness where God establishes a new covenant with His people.

The apostles knew this to be true,

Because, as vs. 32 says,

They were witnesses to these things.

They saw Jesus.

But not only are they witnesses,

So is the Holy Spirit,

Whom God has given to those who obey him.

Slide (relationship between obedience and faith)

Don’t fear,

This is not saying that God only gives His Spirit to everyone who keeps all of God’s law.

It is talking about obeying the command to trust in Jesus and repent,

Which are gifts of God,

That follow from hearing the gospel.

The Bible does not teach that God gives the Spirit as a reward for good works.

Vs. 32 is teaching about the relationship between faith and obedience:

That it is impossible to be obedient apart from faith,

And true faith is evidenced by obedience.

The emphasis is the need to trust the message about Jesus,

And receive the Spirit and forgiveness.

Obedience in this context is trusting in Jesus.

Slide (bold reputation by witnessing to the proud)

The apostles are consumed with Jesus.

They take every opportunity to make Christ known.

They have a reputation of love by witnessing to the marginalized.

And a reputation of boldness by witnessing to the proud.

So, regardless of your audience,

Don’t waste your opportunities.

When you have someone’s ear,

Even in the face of persecution,

Give the gospel.

That’s what the apostles are doing.

They are not just trying to help meet people’s physical needs,

Nor are they out looking for a fight,

They are being Christ’s witnesses.

YOU: Highly Enraged (vs. 33-42)

Slide (vs. 33)

In vs. 33-42, the apostles are whipped for being witnesses by this enraged council,

Despite receiving wisdom from one of their leaders.

Remember, this is the same council who willingly killed Jesus.

So, they would be just as willing to kill His followers,

Who keep prolonging the Jesus problem they worked so hard to get rid of!

Therefore, vs. 33 says, they are enraged and ready to kill the apostles.

Wow!

This quickly escalated from a question, to a warning, to an arrest, to a rage-filled desire for murder!

And they likely would have killed the apostles,

Slide (vs. 34)

Until a respected Pharisee speaks up in vs. 34.

Now don’t miss God’s sovereignty in this.

It was God’s will for this man to step in and speak up.

This one man is the teacher and pharisee, Gamaliel.

He is one of the most famous rabbis of his time.

Paul said he studied at the feet of Gamaliel in Acts 22:3 as evidence of his privileged training.

Many historians believe Gamaliel is the grandson,

Or a successor,

Of another famous rabbi,

Rabbi Hillel.

So, it is clear here that when Gamaliel speaks, the council listens.

By God’s sovereignty, he became the only thing stopping the council from killing the apostles in a rage.

Slide (vs. 35)

Maintaining a cool head,

Gamaliel suggests a pragmatic argument for dealing with the apostles.

The first thing he says is to be careful about what they do to these men.

Slide (vs. 36)

He then mentions two other trouble makers from recent memory.

Historical records affirm revolts against Roman rule.

One of them was a man named Theudas,

Who made some sort of claim about himself,

Perhaps that he was the savior,

Resulting in a following of about 400 men.

Gamaliel says, remember that?

And what happened?

Nothing.

Theudas died and his group dissolved.

Slide (vs. 37)

Then after Theudas, vs. 37 says, came a man named Judas.

Historical records indicate an unnamed Galilean rebelled against a census in AD 6.

This revolutionary was trying to teach Jews not to give to pagan rulers, like the Romans.

However, like others before him,

His revolt failed.

Many believe this unnamed Galilean is Judas the Galilean.

Slide (vs. 38)

Regardless, Gamaliel is saying in vs. 38,

“What these apostles are doing is nothing new.

So, just wait it out and see what happens.”

Slide (vs. 39)

In vs. 39, Gamaliel does not rule out the possibility that these apostles may be following God’s will.

Not out of sympathy toward the apostles,

But out of being pragmatic toward the situation.

So, his advice was to avoid the apostles,

Leave them alone.

Why?

Because the apostles’ plan will fail if it is of human origin.

But if this plan is in fact God’s will,

Then the council is not fighting the apostles,

Rather, they are fighting God.

So, Gamaliel’s advice is to step back,

Surrender control,

And see what God is doing with this group who follow Jesus of Nazarene.

We don’t know for certain,

But Gamaliel may have sensed there is something different about this group.

He knows about all the signs and wonders.

He has heard Peter preach the gospel on at least two different occasions.

And this following seems to be bigger than either of the historical followings he compared it to.

Therefore, it seems as if this group has given him enough pause to think,

“Maybe this is God.”

Regardless, he knows that if it isn’t God working,

Then it will fail if you just give it time.

So, he has reason to be patient.

Just in case, he does not want to end up on the wrong side of God.

So, even though it is a pragmatic way to think about it,

He comes to a wise and well thought out conclusion.

Slide (vs. 40)

The council takes his advice,

But vs. 40 shows they could not just let the apostles go.

They release their rage by beating the apostles.

This was likely the traditional forty lashes less one.

Then the apostles were sent off,

Once again charged to stop speaking in the name of Jesus.

Christians have faced similar hostility all throughout church history.

Evil leaders have beaten and tortured Christians,

But none of them have been able to stop the mission of Jesus!

Acts shows us that persecution does not need to lead to hiding, fear, or intimidation.

Rather, it can lead to joy!

Slide (vs. 41-42)

You can rejoice when you are counted worthy to suffer for Christ.

Just keep preaching the gospel!

Because suffering for Jesus means God is on your side and He will perfect you through suffering!

There is no amount of persecution that can stop God’s Spirit empowered people who trust in Jesus as your Savior and are focused on the Gospel.

In fact, it brings an inexplicable sense of joy!

Think about the testimony from missionaries,

Who report the blessing of loving people in hostile or impoverished countries.

Or think about downcast Christians who talk about the gospel with someone and are rejuvenated.

The apostles teach the joy of loving Christ more than comfort,

More than your own life,

Even in the face of suffering.

Imagine how comforting this passage would be if you were a Christian suffering in North Korea, Iraq, Syria, or Ukraine.

There are so many places that are violently hostile toward the gospel.

But this passage should encourage you even here.

When you are mocked, shunned, intimidated, or shamed.

If you ever find yourself suffering for Christ, rejoice!

Because you are in good company.

Slide (Application)

WE: Conc. - Baptism

Let us conclude with some application.

Witness to the marginalized for a reputation of love,

And witness to the proud for a reputation of boldness.

Whether they respond in faith and repentance or opposition and persecution,

You will be filled with joy.

You will never regret being a witness for Jesus!

We can minister with joy

And take a beating with joy.

Because Jesus has done both for us.

Pray.