"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 1:2-4Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2012
