When the Going Gets Tough...Then What?
Acts 5:12-42
12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.
17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”
21 At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.
When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported,23 “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”24 On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.
25 Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” 26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.
27 The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”
29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law,who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
This Sunday’s service can be viewed on our Facebook page @ October 1, 2023
Hello NewDay Friends,
I am looking forward to this Sunday. We celebrate the beginning of a new month (yay for October!) with Communion together, a potluck meal, time together praising God, and learning more about what it means to be His people.
We have been working our way through the book of Acts, and learning about how the early Church followed Jesus' ways, lived boldly through the power of the Holy Spirit, and grew in number, with more and more people experiencing healing, forgiveness, community, sharing- a new life in Jesus' Name. We also begin to read about how they were served up with a side of some opposition, too. It was quite a combo platter!
This week we will pick up in the middle of Acts 5, when the disciples are brought to the Jewish authorities and experience imprisonment, with a beating for good measure, all because they are healing in Jesus's Name, and telling others about Him.
As I read this text, I have a lot of feelings and thoughts: discouragement, fear, respect, and amazement- my mind attends to what I do when I have been discouraged? And, all kinds of what if's. I realize how often the fear of others, or the fear of public opinion will challenge my faith, or some discomfort will take my eyes off of Jesus, or alter my actions, and lessen my effectiveness for the LORD.
I am also reminded that the Holy Spirit will fill us with courage, trust, strength, words and wisdom when we need it, just as we read about in Acts 5. Jesus told His disciples opposition was coming- not if, but when, and when it would come, they needn't worry about what to say beforehand, but in the moment the Holy Spirit would help them. (Read Matthew 10, 24 and John 16-17) This fills me with trust, and expectation, as I continue to follow Jesus. I hope it does the same for you, too.
Let's keep seeking God together, following Jesus, asking the Holy Spirit to fill us with wisdom and courage, and joy most of all, no matter what, because of the peace and love we have together with Jesus.
One more thing- we are forming small groups for people who would like to join one, for a short 4 week time, in late October through November, to study Francis Chan's, Forgotten God. Would you prayerfully consider this? There is a link below to indicate interest. I am asking current small groups that are meeting together to study this material over the 4 week span as well. Let me know if you have any questions.
See you Sunday,
Pastor Kari