Slideshow image

In Acts 5:17-42 we see the testing of the early church’s “boldness” that they had prayed for back in ch 4. As signs and wonders continued to be performed, the religious leader's response towards this new “Way” turns from annoyance (ch 4:2) to jealousy (ch 5:17) and then finally to rage (ch 5:33). Persecution follows in the wake of such responses towards the gospel, and the apostles are put in jail, and later, beaten. In these situations, two things are shown true: 1) the apostles demonstrated boldness to preach the gospel in the face of great persecution, and 2) God was actively taking part in the furthering of the gospel. We will look at these two points in sequence.

  1. The apostles' boldness to spread the witness of Jesus was motivated by one thing which Peter states plainly: “We must obey God rather than man.” (Acts 5:29) This raises a question: Do I obey God’s commands rather than man's?...rather than my own fleshly desires?...my own fears or insecurities? God as God rightly deserves 100% of my allegiance. Will I obey God first in all things? These are not easy questions for me to answer! Considering the context of Acts 5:17-42, let's apply this sort of obedience to faithful witnessing. The Gospel has come to you and me by the faithful witnessing of believers who have come before us. Praise the Lord for their faithfulness! We must now ask ourselves; will we be bold and faithful to do the same? This is the command of our God. Will we obey? I can begin by building relationships with those whom God has brought near to me, such as my family, neighbors, and coworkers. Will you seek to be bold in taking opportunities to share the gospel in your relationships, too?
  2. God demonstrated His desire for the furthering of the Gospel by delivering the apostles from jail. It is worth noting here that God did not deliver the apostles from the beating they received at the hands of the religious leaders. Though I am not in a position to decide how God will intervene on my behalf, I can have great courage and know that I am accomplishing His will when I faithfully witness to unbelievers. Though God may not deliver me from the awkward conversations, the angry family members, or being ostracized from coworkers, He is actively watching and involved in these matters even in ways I may not see. As practical application, when I am about to share the gospel with someone, I intend to pray to the Lord and acknowledge these truths about Him. May you be comforted, encouraged, and bold to share the witness of Jesus Christ in like manner.

In 21st century Iowa, we will likely not face the same sort of persecution that the apostles faced. Yet the world, our own flesh, and the devil are not for the spread of the gospel. We are still fighting these evil forces and must be obedient to God in doing so. I would encourage you as we head into this next week to ask the Lord for wisdom and boldness for how you might share the gospel with others…and ask me how I am doing with this!