"THE BOOK OF ACTS"

The Persecution Intensifies (5:17-42)

INTRODUCTION
  1. Previously, we saw where persecution against the church began...
    1. Religious leaders in Jerusalem had become greatly disturbed - Ac 4:1-2
    2. They made threats against Peter and John, but nothing more - Ac 4:18-22
  2. We saw how the apostles responded to the threats...
    1. With fellowship and prayer for boldness - Ac 4:23,29
    2. 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...]

  1. IMPRISONED, THEN FREED
    1. 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
    2. FREED BY AN ANGEL OF THE LORD...
      1. Who came at night, opened the prison doors, and brought them out - Ac 5:19
      2. Who charged them to return to the temple and speak the words of life - Ac 5:20
      3. 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...]

  2. BEFORE THE COUNCIL
    1. 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
    2. 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
    3. 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!"
    4. 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
        1. To be Prince and Savior
        2. To give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins - cf. Lk 24:47
      4. We are witnesses to these things - Ac 5:32
        1. And so is the Holy Spirit
        2. 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...]

  3. THE ADVICE OF GAMALIEL
    1. 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
    2. 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
        1. A man claiming to be someone, joined by 400 men
        2. He was slain, and those who obeyed him came to nothing
      3. To remember what happened to Judas of Galilee - Ac 5:37
        1. He drew away many people after him
        2. He also perished, and those who obeyed him dispersed
      4. His advice regarding the apostles: leave them alone - Ac 5:38-39
        1. If their work is of men, it will come to nothing
        2. 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...]

  4. THE APOSTLES BEATEN
    1. 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
    2. 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