When I read things like Acts 5:17-42 in my Bible, a lot of things go through my mind.
For example:
- The way our freedom to pray or preach in certain times or places is not allowed in the “land of the free and the home of the brave”.
- The way we hesitate to speak about the absolute truth of the Word of God to coworkers due to risking job security because of the potential for making people uncomfortable about sin.
- The way we wait for people, even dear friends, to ask us about the Bible or Jesus based on the idea that the way we live will invoke overwhelming curiosity in every person around us instead of just telling them what they need to know.
How does this kind of faith compare to the apostles faith?
Acts 5:17-42
[17] But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy [18] they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. [19] But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, [20] “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” [21] And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.
Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. [22] But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, [23] “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” [24] Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. [25] And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” [26] Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
[27] And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, [28] saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” [29] But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. [30] The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. [31] God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. [32] And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
[33] When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. [34] But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. [35] And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. [36] For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. [37] After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. [38] So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; [39] but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, [40] and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. [41] Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. [42] And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
( Acts 5:17-42 ESV )
Some thoughts after reading these verses:
- The apostles didn’t hide when there was real risk to their lives – compare that to risking a paycheck.
- They didn’t stay quiet waiting for others to ask or for fear that they would be displaced and unable to tell individuals later… eventually… someday. They spoke truth. They were put in prison.
- God wanted them to do more so He made a way for them to continue in spite of their imprisonment. There was nothing they could do without God in this situation. If God’s work is not done, miracles are His specialty! No amount of persecution can stop God’s sovereign will from being completed in full.
- The apostles did nothing to avoid persecution when their mission was obedience to God which was to preach the truth of Jesus.
- They called sin what it was. They didn’t just tell a “gospel light” with all the niceties and no message of sin and condemnation.
- They were bold and courageous and did not fear men. They stood in front of those that had the power to end their lives on this earth, and they told them about their sin, the only savior, repentance, and forgiveness without hesitation.
- There was no wondering about persecution for their obedience to God. They were put in prison, beaten, and nearly killed for their obedience to God.
- They were beaten and told to stop talking about Jesus and then immediately went and told people about Jesus every day knowing they would very likely suffer the same thing again.
- Their perspective on suffering for the name of Jesus was to respond with rejoicing. Put in prison – rejoice! Beaten by the ruling authorities – rejoice! Nearly killed – rejoice! These Christians see things VERY differently when following God in obedience to Him.
- After everything, they did not cease teaching and preaching about Jesus EVERY DAY even though the authorities told them not to and threatened their lives!
I’m humbled by these verses. There have been times when I’ve made a small step and then when asked to stop, I did. I’m ashamed that I didn’t have the strength of faith at that time. I have hesitated in telling people I care about the truth because I didn’t want to offend or because I didn’t want to risk them disliking me. It is easy to be tempted to not tell the truth of sin and it’s consequences to the people that we are around for fear of negative repercussions to ourselves. There have been people that I’ve wanted to talk to but patiently waited for them to make the first move and ask because I was afraid to make them uncomfortable around me. I know that I’m not the only one that has felt this way and has experienced these situations.
I think the reason is primarily because our faith settles on our own abilities instead of trusting in the infinite power of God. We lose perspective of eternity and think about our well-being in this world.
I pray that in times like these, I’ll remember my weakness and need to completely depend on God to work His will instead of relying on my own abilities in any future situations like these. I’ve been saved from the punishment I deserved for my rebellion against God. I need to tell people about their need to be saved, what they need to be saved from, and how that salvation is available to them through Jesus alone. I pray that my faith will grow into a faith like the apostles had in these verses.
Follow me!