Sermons From Acts - The Persecution Intensifies (5:17-42)

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                          "THE BOOK OF ACTS"

                The Persecution Intensifies (5:17-42)

INTRODUCTION

1. Previously, we saw where persecution against the church began...
   a. Religious leaders in Jerusalem had become greatly disturbed - Ac
      4:1-2
   b. They made threats against Peter and John, but nothing more - Ac
      4:18-22

2. We saw how the apostles responded to the threats...
   a. With fellowship and prayer for boldness - Ac 4:23,29
   b. Strengthened by the Spirit, they continued to preach with
boldness - Ac 4:31

[But as the church in Jerusalem grew, so did the persecution against it. 
Beginning with Ac 5:17, let's read about the apostles of Christ...]

I. IMPRISONED, THEN FREED

   A. PUT INTO THE COMMON PRISON...
      1. By the high priest and those of the Sadducees - Ac 5:17-18
      2. Who were filled with indignation - cf. Ac 4:1-2,18,21

   B. FREED BY AN ANGEL OF THE LORD...
      a. Who came at night, opened the prison doors, and brought them
         out - Ac 5:19
      b. Who charged them to return to the temple and speak the words
         of life - Ac 5:20
      c. Which they did, entering the temple in the early morning - Ac
         5:21

[For the first time, we read of an angel freeing servants of the Lord
(cf. Ac 12:5-11).  But it is not long before the apostles are...]

II. BEFORE THE COUNCIL

   A. THE COUNCIL CALLS FOR THE APOSTLES...
      1. To be brought from the prison - Ac 5:21
      2. But the officers are unable, for the apostles are not there! 
         - Ac 5:22
      3. Despite secure doors and the guards standing outside - Ac 5:23

   B. THE APOSTLES BROUGHT FROM THE TEMPLE... 
      1. The council is informed that the apostles are teaching in the
         temple - Ac 5:24-25
      2. The apostles are brought to the council peacefully, for fear
         of the people - Ac 5:26

   C. THE HIGH PRIEST CHALLENGES THE APOSTLES...
      1. Were they not strictly commanded to teach in Jesus' name? - Ac
         5:27-28
      2. "You have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, intending to
         bring this Man's blood on us!"

   D. PETER AND THE APOSTLES RESPOND...
      1. We ought to obey God rather than man - Ac 5:29
      2. God has raised Jesus, whom you murdered - Ac 5:30; cf. Ac 4:19
      3. God has exalted Jesus to His right hand - Ac 5:31; cf. Ac
         2:33,36
         a. To be Prince and Savior
         b. To give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins - cf.
            Lk 24:47
      4. We are witnesses to these things - Ac 5:32
         a. And so is the Holy Spirit
         b. Whom God has given to those who obey Him - cf. Ac 2:38-39

[The council's immediate reaction was anger, and plotted to kill them (Ac
5:33).  But one of the council, like Nicodemus a good and fair man (cf.
Jn 3:1-2; 7:50-51; 19:38-39), stands up to speak...]

III. THE ADVICE OF GAMALIEL

   A. GAMALIEL STANDS IN THE COUNCIL...
      1. A Pharisee, a teacher of the law - Ac 5:34
      2. Held in respect by all the people - cf. Ac 22:3
      3. Who commands the apostles to be put outside

   B. GAMALIEL CAUTIONS THE COUNCIL...
      1. To be careful what they do with the apostles - Ac 5:35
      2. To remember what happened to Theudas - Ac 5:36
         a. A man claiming to be someone, joined by 400 men
         b. He was slain, and those who obeyed him came to nothing
      3. To remember what happened to Judas of Galilee - Ac 5:37
         a. He drew away many people after him
         b. He also perished, and those who obeyed him dispersed
      4. His advice regarding the apostles: leave them alone - Ac 5:38-39
         a. If their work is of men, it will come to nothing
         b. If it is of God, it cannot be overthrown and you will be
            fighting against God

[The Pharisee and teacher, Gamaliel, displayed wisdom and justice that
spared the apostles' death on that occasion.  But despite his efforts,
the apostles were not released unharmed...]

IV. THE APOSTLES BEATEN

   A. THE COUNCIL'S DECISION....
      1. They agree with Gamaliel to let the apostles go - Ac 5:40
      2. But first beat them and commanded them not to speak in the
         name of Jesus - cf. Ac 4:17-18

   B. THE APOSTLES' REACTION...
      1. Left rejoicing they were counted worthy to suffer for His name
         - Ac 5:41; cf. Mt 5:10-12
      2. Continued to teach and preach Jesus daily in the temple and in
         every house - Ac 5:42

CONCLUSION

1. From threats to beatings, the persecution was intensified against
   the church 

2. Once again, the apostles show how to respond to persecution:  with
   joy! - cf. Lk 6:22-23; Ro 5:3-4; 1Pe 2:19; 3:14; 4:14; Jm 1:2-4
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