Unstoppable Faith: Boldness in the Face of Opposition

 

Summary

In our study of Acts 5:17-40, we witness the apostles' unwavering commitment to their mission despite facing severe opposition from the religious authorities. The high priest and the Sadducees, filled with indignation, imprisoned the apostles for preaching in Jesus' name. However, an angel of the Lord miraculously freed them, instructing them to continue their ministry in the temple. This divine intervention highlights God's sovereignty and the unstoppable nature of His work. The apostles' boldness in proclaiming the gospel, even when threatened with death, serves as a powerful testament to their faith and obedience to God over human authority.

The religious leaders, blinded by jealousy and fear of losing their influence, failed to recognize the genuine work of God unfolding before them. Their hostility towards the apostles underscores a recurring theme throughout history: the greatest opposition to God's work often comes from those who should be its stewards. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts for jealousy and to remain steadfast in our commitment to God's truth, regardless of societal pressures.

Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the law, offers a moment of wisdom amidst the council's fury. He advises caution, suggesting that if the apostles' work is of human origin, it will fail, but if it is of God, it cannot be stopped. While his counsel is not entirely accurate, as false movements can persist, it reminds us of the enduring nature of God's true church. The apostles' response to persecution—rejoicing in their suffering for Christ—invites us to embrace the privilege of sharing in Christ's sufferings and to find joy in our trials.

Key Takeaways:

- The apostles' miraculous release from prison by an angel demonstrates God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene in seemingly impossible situations. This reminds us that no earthly power can thwart God's plans when we are faithful to His calling. [06:07]

- Jealousy and fear of losing influence can blind us to the genuine work of God. The religious leaders' opposition to the apostles serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to guard our hearts against these destructive emotions and to remain open to God's truth. [10:23]

- Gamaliel's advice to the council highlights the enduring nature of God's work. While not all movements of human origin fail immediately, God's true church will ultimately prevail, reminding us of the eternal security we have in Christ. [18:27]

- The apostles' boldness in proclaiming the gospel, even under threat of death, challenges us to prioritize obedience to God over human authority. Their example encourages us to stand firm in our faith, regardless of societal pressures. [15:11]

- Rejoicing in suffering for Christ is a profound expression of faith. The apostles' joy in being counted worthy to suffer for Jesus invites us to embrace our trials as opportunities to share in Christ's sufferings and to find joy in our identification with Him. [21:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - The Apostles Imprisoned
- [00:24] - Angelic Intervention
- [00:36] - Return to the Temple
- [01:28] - Confrontation with the Council
- [01:59] - Peter's Bold Declaration
- [02:32] - Gamaliel's Counsel
- [03:21] - Apostles Beaten and Released
- [04:11] - Continued Preaching and Miracles
- [05:14] - Religious Leaders' Jealousy
- [06:07] - Divine Deliverance
- [07:58] - Fear of the People
- [09:14] - The Council's Frustration
- [10:23] - The Power of Jealousy
- [18:27] - The Enduring Church
- [21:31] - Rejoicing in Suffering

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 5:17-40

Observation Questions:
1. What was the reaction of the high priest and the Sadducees to the apostles' preaching, and what actions did they take as a result? [00:08]
2. How did the apostles respond to being imprisoned, and what miraculous event occurred during their imprisonment? [00:24]
3. What was Gamaliel's advice to the council regarding the apostles, and what reasoning did he provide? [03:21]
4. How did the apostles react after being released and beaten by the council? [21:11]

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the apostles' boldness in continuing to preach despite threats reveal about their priorities and faith? [15:11]
2. How does Gamaliel's counsel reflect a broader understanding of God's sovereignty and the nature of true movements of God? [18:27]
3. In what ways does the jealousy of the religious leaders serve as a warning for us today? [10:23]
4. How can the apostles' joy in suffering for Christ be understood as a profound expression of faith? [21:31]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition for your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of the apostles' example? [15:11]
2. Jealousy and fear can blind us to God's work. Are there areas in your life where these emotions might be hindering your spiritual growth? How can you address them? [10:23]
3. Gamaliel's advice suggests that if something is of God, it cannot be stopped. How can this perspective influence your approach to challenges in your faith journey? [18:27]
4. The apostles rejoiced in their suffering for Christ. How can you find joy in your own trials and view them as opportunities to grow closer to Jesus? [21:31]
5. Consider the societal pressures you face that might challenge your obedience to God. How can you prioritize God's truth over these pressures in your daily life? [15:11]
6. How can you cultivate a heart that is open to recognizing and participating in the genuine work of God around you? [10:23]
7. Identify one specific way you can stand firm in your faith this week, even if it means going against the grain of societal expectations. [15:11]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Sovereignty in Impossible Situations
The apostles' miraculous release from prison by an angel demonstrates God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene in seemingly impossible situations. This event serves as a powerful reminder that no earthly power can thwart God's plans when we are faithful to His calling. The apostles, despite being imprisoned by the high priest and the Sadducees, were freed by divine intervention and instructed to continue their ministry in the temple. This act of God not only highlights His supreme authority but also encourages believers to trust in His power to deliver them from any circumstance. The apostles' unwavering commitment to their mission, even in the face of severe opposition, challenges us to remain steadfast in our faith and trust in God's ultimate plan. [06:07]

Acts 12:7-9 (ESV): "And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, 'Get up quickly.' And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, 'Dress yourself and put on your sandals.' And he did so. And he said to him, 'Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.' And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision."

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life that seems impossible. How can you trust God to intervene and guide you through it today?


Day 2: Guarding Against Jealousy and Fear
Jealousy and fear of losing influence can blind us to the genuine work of God. The religious leaders' opposition to the apostles serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to guard our hearts against these destructive emotions and to remain open to God's truth. The high priest and the Sadducees, filled with indignation, failed to recognize the divine work unfolding before them due to their jealousy and fear of losing their influence. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts and motivations, ensuring that we do not allow jealousy or fear to cloud our judgment or hinder our ability to see God's work in our lives and the lives of others. [10:23]

James 3:14-16 (ESV): "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."

Reflection: Identify a situation where jealousy or fear might be affecting your perspective. How can you seek God's truth and wisdom to overcome these emotions today?


Day 3: The Enduring Nature of God's Work
Gamaliel's advice to the council highlights the enduring nature of God's work. While not all movements of human origin fail immediately, God's true church will ultimately prevail, reminding us of the eternal security we have in Christ. Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the law, wisely counseled the religious leaders to exercise caution, suggesting that if the apostles' work was of human origin, it would fail, but if it was of God, it could not be stopped. This insight serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of God's true church and the assurance that His work will prevail despite opposition. [18:27]

Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you need to trust in the enduring nature of God's work. How can you find assurance in His eternal plan today?


Day 4: Obedience to God Over Human Authority
The apostles' boldness in proclaiming the gospel, even under threat of death, challenges us to prioritize obedience to God over human authority. Their example encourages us to stand firm in our faith, regardless of societal pressures. Despite being threatened by the religious leaders, the apostles continued to preach the gospel with courage and conviction, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to God's calling. This boldness serves as an inspiration for believers to prioritize their obedience to God above all else, even when faced with opposition or persecution. [15:11]

Acts 4:19-20 (ESV): "But Peter and John answered them, 'Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.'"

Reflection: Consider a situation where you are tempted to compromise your faith due to societal pressures. How can you choose to obey God and stand firm in your beliefs today?


Day 5: Finding Joy in Suffering for Christ
Rejoicing in suffering for Christ is a profound expression of faith. The apostles' joy in being counted worthy to suffer for Jesus invites us to embrace our trials as opportunities to share in Christ's sufferings and to find joy in our identification with Him. Despite being beaten and threatened, the apostles rejoiced in their suffering, recognizing it as a privilege to share in Christ's sufferings. This perspective challenges believers to view their trials as opportunities for growth and deeper identification with Christ, finding joy in the midst of adversity. [21:31]

1 Peter 4:13-14 (ESV): "But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."

Reflection: Think of a current trial or challenge you are facing. How can you find joy in this situation by identifying with Christ's sufferings and trusting in His presence?

Quotes


But Peter and the other Apostles answered and said we ought to obey God rather than men the god of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree him God has exalted to his right hand to be Prince and savior to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. [00:01:53]

And they agreed with him and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus and let them go and so they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. [00:03:24]

And daily in the temple and in every house they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ he has ears to hear the word of God let them hear it this is probably the longest text I've read for you upon which to preach in the last three years and the shortest time in which to give an exposition of it. [00:03:39]

The more the growth came the more indignant and Furious the religious officials became they were outraged that this group of men who were followers of the Jesus whom they had killed were still continuing to preach and teach despite that the ban that they had placed upon him where they had forbidden the disciples to preach any further in Jesus' name. [00:05:10]

God sent his Angel to free the apostles from prison the probably the same angel that he had sent to that sealed tomb outside of Jerusalem in which the body of Our Lord had been buried but the doors were open and the apostles walked out into the night free with the instruction from the angel to go back to work. [00:06:01]

The greatest work in world history wrought by almighty God was worked right in their midst they were the leading clergy of their Society they had been set apart and consecrated by sacred ordination to devote themselves to the work of God and now they are the biggest enemies of the work of God doesn't that strike you is strange. [00:09:44]

One of the most powerful forces on this planet ladies and gentlemen is jealousy jealousy is the root of more Wars more conflicts more theft than any other human emotion there is before the appearance of Jesus of Nazareth those people who held the highest rung on the social stratification of Jerusalem were the priests and the scribes and the Pharisees. [00:10:23]

Gamaliel steps up in the council and excuses the disciples for a few moments the apostles said they go into executive session and he says, guys I think we need to be careful here and there may be more to this than what we're aware of and he gave a little bit of History he said consider this just think of your history. [00:17:30]

If this thing is not of God it'll fail and if it is of god nothing we can do is going to stop it and indeed we don't want to be working against God now that was pretty good advice wasn't perfect advice I can think of better things he could have said to that Council than what he said. [00:18:14]

If it's of God nothing is going to stop it that's what we've sung about this morning that's what we've embraced in our fellowship in the sacraments in the confession that we read this morning is the guarantee that God has given to his people that his church will never perish from this world individual churches denominations and institutions will come and go. [00:19:54]

They left the place not one bit intimidated instead they left the presence of the council rejoicing that God had considered them worthy to suffer for the sake of Jesus you know that's about all we are worthy to do the only Glory we have is the glory of the Cross and so it was their great joy to be able to participate. [00:21:19]

Father we thank you for the promise that you give to your church the power that you give to us and the forbearing and forgiving Grace that you Heap Upon Us day after day father thank you for the witness of the early church by which we have been instructed even now amen. [00:22:08]

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