Ministry and Hostility

Acts 5:12-42

Main Idea: Faithful gospel ministry results in both opposition and blessing.

1. Gospel Ministry Enriches the Poor in Spirit (5:12-16).
2. Gospel Ministry Enrages the Prideful (5:17-40).
3. Gospel Ministry Energizes the Minister(s) (5:41-42).

As we journey through the book of Acts, we must remember that we’re learning about our ongoing history as a church. Even today we deal with the same types of issues our brothers and sisters faced in the first century AD. This week, in fact, I received an e-mail from one of our missionaries. It says,

This past month I had the opportunity to teach and train a number of different groups, one of which was a group of Muslim-background believers (MBB). This is a group of brothers who are regularly leading others to faith in Christ, but have been beaten and persecuted because of it. Hearing their stories was both convicting and encouraging.

Experiences of suffering like those we read about in Acts 5 continue today. True accounts of faithfulness in spite of it are indeed both convicting and encouraging.

In the previous passage the church faced opposition from the inside. In this passage the church receives opposition from the outside. Satan enjoys using both tactics. He hates gospel-centered ministry because he knows gospel ministry brings phenomenal blessing and kingdom expansion.

If you’ve never experienced opposition to your ministry—whether you teach Sunday school or serve Jesus through your career—then it could be there is something wrong with your approach. I say this because opposition will inevitably come when we walk in the light in a dark world. We will encounter hostility when we follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

Impactful gospel ministry involves continuing the pattern of Jesus’s ministry, which involved words and deeds. The apostles’ actions follow this pattern in verses 12-42. And as they minister, persecution intensifies. At this point it impacts all of the apostles, and their opponents’ tactics intensify from mere threats against the believers to flogging them (cf. Acts 3). The persecution continues to escalate until someone is actually martyred in Acts 7.

This text needs focused consideration because there is a growing hostility to gospel ministry around the world. According to D. A. Carson, more people have been martyred for following Christ in the last century than in all of the first nineteen hundred years of the church’s history (For the Love of God, January 10). And it’s a spreading problem. A growing hostility against the people of God is happening even right here in the States. At this point it often expresses itself in the forms of intimidation, threats, and an increased level of negativity toward anything Christian. Recently the following appeared in the “Ask Amy” column of the Chicago Tribune:

DEAR AMY: I’m curious to know what you think of someone asking a semi-stranger, “What church do you go to?” or, even worse, “Do you go to church?” It seems as intrusive as asking “How much do you weigh?” or “How much money do you make?” or “Are your kids gay or straight?” Maybe churches today are trying to grow their memberships, but the way I was raised, someone’s personal relationship with God was PERSONAL. I know people like to categorize, but to me the question is rude. Am I just out of step?—Offended (“Ask Amy: Reader finds faith queries offensive”).

If you decide to live out your faith publicly, then prepare for similar responses to your attempts to share it.

Of course, the Christian faith is not a private faith. Remember, Jesus was crucified publicly—for all to see. His humiliation could not have been more complete were his execution carried out in the middle of a shopping mall during the holiday season. And after he rose, showing himself to many witnesses, he then commissioned the church to spread his fame publicly. And that is just what the early believers are doing in the first chapters of Acts.

This, we see, results in hostility. But don’t miss the other side of the matter. Public faith blesses many. While gospel ministry will anger some, it also has power to bless others and to lift up those doing it. So let’s take a look at these three effects of gospel ministry.

Gospel Ministry Enriches the Poor in Spirit

Acts 5:12-16

Who receives the blessings of gospel ministry? Those who know they need it. For those who know they need a King come the benefits of embracing the good news. In this passage Luke tells us about such a group of people. Compare this text with the ministry of Jesus:

Now Jesus began to go all over Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Then the news about him spread throughout Syria. So they brought to him all those who were afflicted, those suffering from various diseases and intense pains, the demon-possessed, the epileptics, and the paralytics. And he healed them. Large crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. (Matt 4:23-25)

Immediately after this account in Matthew, Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount, saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs” (Matt 5:3). So who received the benefits of Jesus’s grace and power? Those who were humble, poor, and desperate.

The same sort of dynamic is happening here in Acts 5. The humble are being saved(v. 14). While many pulled back from the message, multitudes were drawn to Christ by the power and love of the church (v. 13). The humble are being loved. They were “all together” (vv. 12). They shared life together. They cared for people together.

Additionally, the humble are being healed(vv. 15-16). The poor in spirit desperately seek physical restoration and receive it. While we should recognize the unique nature of the apostles’ ministry, we must still affirm that God heals people even today (cf. Jas 5:14-16), sometimes through medical assistance. But occasionally Jesus decides to intervene, giving the world a clear picture about what life will be like in his coming kingdom. Ultimately, we know that prayers for the healing of those who love Christ are always answered with a “yes, soon” or a “yes, later” (at the resurrection).

Finally, the humble are being delivered (v. 16). Those with unclean spirits receive spiritual freedom. What an awesome reminder of the power of the gospel: no evil power is a match for it.

Do you approach Christ as one poor in spirit? That’s an important question because we must come to Jesus helpless and in need of grace. We can’t approach Jesus in a “middle class spirit,” as if we could take care of ourselves without him but are nonetheless hoping to ensure his assistance as a backup plan. We come poor in spirit, or we don’t come at all. Sadly, many won’t turn to Jesus because they are “rich in spirit,” that is, they’re arrogant (see the next section). While a person can be rich in wealth and still become a Christian, Jesus says that’s a hard thing to do (e.g., Matt 19:24). Why? Because the wealthy are rarely desperate. Christianity has frequently exploded among those living on the fringes of society because the marginalized generally admit great need and reach for the Savior. The gospel enriches the poor in spirit.

The apostles didn’t develop a business plan or a military strategy that started with all the influential people, expecting the gospel movement to trickle down to everyone else. They followed a compassion strategy like Jesus modeled in his ministry (Matt 9:35-38). Thus, the church had a remarkable ministry to the marginalized. Its initial impact, in fact, was made on the social fringes. Jesus’s first convert in Gentile territory was a man possessed by demons (Mark 5:1-20)!

As you have opportunities to minister to the poor, the hurting, the enslaved, or the sick in your community, take them. As you have opportunities to minister to such groups among the nations, step up. You will enrich the poor in spirit, you will reflect the love of Jesus, and you will glorify our merciful Father in heaven.

We must be committed to reaching everyone with the gospel message. Some people will respond to it in faith! So are you inviting people to make Jesus Lord of their lives? Are you moved to feed, clothe, and teach the multitudes who have no shepherd? Don’t fear the small percentage of people who respond negatively to public proclamations and demonstrations of faith. While we shouldn’t expect 100-percent acceptance of the message Jesus entrusted to us, we must act in the knowledge that some will respond in faith. Through remaining faithful to our mission, we give them the chance to do just that.

Gospel Ministry Enrages the Prideful

Acts 5:17-40

What keeps people from the gospel? Pride. Some are handicapped by intellectual pride: the gospel is too foolish to believe. Others are hindered by social pride: they don’t want to risk public alienation or a loss of power for believing. Others get tangled in family pride: they recognize that following Jesus may damage relationships with unbelieving family members or bring shame to the family name. At this point in Acts, we meet a group of prideful individuals exhibiting a mixture of all three pride issues. As a result, the apostles’ ministry “enraged” them (v. 33).

The high priest and the Sadducees loved power. So as the apostles gain popularity and influence, this group gets “filled with jealousy,” arrests the apostles, and puts them in prison (vv. 17-18).

The Sadducees were the theological liberals of the first century. They didn’t believe in miracles like the resurrection or in the existence of angels. That’s why they were sad, you see? The Sadducees’ disbelief makes it a bit ironic that God sends an angel to miraculously free the apostles in verse 19. The Sadducees were a large part of the ruling elite, the Sanhedrin. They were wonderful at politics. They worked to keep the Romans and the Jews happy.

Here this group is filled with jealous anger because their beliefs are being challenged and they are losing power. They hated the relentless testimony of the apostles, who kept telling them they were doubly guilty of crucifying Jesus. But we shouldn’t miss another obvious reason why these men are so frustrated in this scene. Without even realizing it, they are fighting against the very purpose for which the universe was created, the exaltation of Jesus (Sandy Wilson, “Counted Worthy”). How foolish it is to oppose the King!

Let’s beware of jealousy. It leads to all sorts of other sins. And let’s not be surprised when others are filled with it and attack us as believers.

If you’re wondering what the apostles did to create such outrage among the religious leaders, here’s the answer: they healed people! They loved people! They shared the gospel with people. The religious leaders want all of this to stop. Does that mean they wanted more people to be sick or demon possessed? No. But they certainly didn’t want their own lack of power to grow more evident.

Even in our modern world, this type of reaction happens all the time. Many hostile unbelievers attack mercy-minded Christian organizations like orphan-care ministries and crisis pregnancy centers. Why? For many of the same reasons. Many hate the message and motives of these organizations. And many have political agendas that clash with our kingdom agenda. Some rail against these institutions because they are fighting internally against the purpose of the universe, and that inevitably leads people to say and do outrageous things. So be prepared. Opposition often follows those who do good (1 Pet 4:12-19).

In verses 19-20 we see what happens to the apostles. An angel opens the door and tells the apostles to resume preaching in the temple (v. 20). This instruction is kind of funny because it was precisely that act that caused them to get put into prison in the first place. Yet, in obedience, the apostles offer people the words of life. God frees them physically in order to free others spiritually.

These rulers are using bully tactics, and we will encounter bullies too. But take comfort here. God may or may not send an angel to free you from prison should you find yourself incarcerated wrongly, but he is always with you. He does know the full truth. We don’t enter the Christian mission alone. We have the power of God in us. The King of glory is for us.

So, what happened after the miraculous deliverance? In verses 21-23 the officers say something like this: “I’ve got good news and bad news. The doors were locked, the guards were in place, but the prisoners . . . weren’t there!” The response of the council sounded like this: “We’re totally baffled by what you’re telling us” (v. 24, paraphrased). When someone reports the shocking news that the former prisoners are now teaching in public, the council changes tactics and brings them in “without force” so as not to upset the people.

They accuse the apostles of violating their command not to teach in the name of Jesus. They also say the apostles are making the council look bad (v. 28). You have to love the apostles’ answer in verses 29-32. It involves civil disobedience and gospel opportunity.

God has set up authorities, and obeying authorities is part of the Christian walk. God’s institutions include family, church, and state. In the case of the last, Peter himself would write, “Honor the emperor” (1 Pet 2:17; cf. Mark 12:13-17; Rom 13:1-2; Titus 3:1). The biblical writers consistently teach that we must recognize authorities as being established by God. We must respect them. (In Acts, the court manners of Peter and Paul are above reproach.) And we must submit to the authorities, providing they do not contradict God’s Word. Ultimately, we submit to the state out of submission to Jesus (1 Pet 2:13). This act includes obeying things like speed limits and stop signs, wearing seat belts, paying income taxes, adhering to building codes, and renewing our fishing licenses out of reverence for Jesus, for we don’t have two masters (Thomas, Acts, 134–35). But there are times when a Christian cannot obey the state, and should not.

I’m not suggesting we should rebel when we simply dislike a law that makes us uncomfortable or because we don’t like the leaders. I’m talking about acting wisely on occasions in which the state forbids what God requires or sanctions what God forbids. Going against the state, of course, may lead to consequences. But many biblical examples of holy disobedience, as evidenced by the Hebrew midwives, Daniel, and Esther, remind us that the cost is worth the sacrifice (Thomas, Acts, 134–35 ).

Here in Acts 5 the apostles choose civil disobedience for an obvious reason: they can’t stop preaching the gospel. Nevertheless, the apostles don’t respond to the authorities with hate speech or violent demonstrations. They simply keep declaring the good news as people of the cross should.

Notice that Peter and the apostles also take advantage of every gospel opportunity. They see confrontation before the council as an occasion to proclaim a summary of the gospel (cf. Luke 21:12-19). They use it to remind the audience of Jesus’s death, resurrection, exaltation, and trail-blazing work (vv. 30-31a). They remind them that Jesus came, and people need to repent to receive forgiveness. They point out that they saw Jesus and that now his Spirit testifies with them (vv. 31b-32).

The apostles are consumed with Jesus. They take every opportunity to make Christ known. So don’t waste your own Sanhedrin moment! When you have someone’s ear—even in the face of persecution—give the truth. That’s all the apostles are doing. They didn’t set out to create conflict; they set out to do ministry. When the Lord gives you opportunities to bear witness, take them (cf. Col 4:4-5). Remember that he is with you and that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation (cf. Matt 28:18-20; Rom 1:16).

In Acts 5:33-34 the enraged group finally receives some common sense wisdom from a leading Pharisee, Gamaliel (cf. 22:3). Gamaliel uses a pragmatic argument (vv. 35-39). While the men found Gamaliel’s wisdom compelling, it didn’t stop the religious leaders from assaulting the apostles (v. 40).

Christians have faced this type of hostility throughout church history. Evil leaders have beaten and tortured Christians. Illustrations of this sad fact abound from the days of Nero to the reign of ISIS. But no one can ultimately stop the mission of the King.

Gospel Ministry Energizes the Minister(s)

Acts 5:41-42

How do the apostles respond to the threats and the flogging? Two things happen: (1) They rejoice because they’re counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus; (2) they don’t stop preaching the gospel. Remarkably, the persecution energizes the apostles!

Ministry done by the power of the Spirit and focused on the gospel brings a crazy sense of joy and energy to the person ministering. Why do Christians report feeling blessed by going to impoverished countries to love people? Why is it that after a gospel-centered conversation, a Christian’s downcast spirit gets rejuvenated? It’s because gospel ministry actually lifts us up. Passionate gospel-centered ministry energizes us on a personal level, and reports of it will often energize others in the church too.

This text is important in understanding a New Testament theology of suffering for the gospel. D. A. Carson reminds us of six related aspects of such suffering:

• Jesus himself connects his suffering with our suffering. He does this fundamentally by connecting his cross with our taking up of the cross (Matt 16:24-28; cf. John 15:18-25).
• This suffering for Jesus’s sake presupposes that the world is evil.
• This suffering connects us with genuine believers across the ages (Matt 5:10-12).
• Paul teaches us that suffering for the gospel is part of our Christian calling. “For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,” he tells the church in Philippi (Phil 1:29).
• Paul goes on to say that this suffering is tied to experiencing Christ’s resurrection power (Phil 3:10-11).
• Christian suffering is tied to the dissemination of the gospel, and when suffering for gospel proclamation, the evangelists often experience great joy. (“Rejoice to Suffer for the Name”)

Revelation 12:11-12 reminds me of Acts 5. It says,

They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; for they did not love their lives to the point of death. Therefore rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you with great fury, because he knows his time is short.

How did those in the passage overcome the rage of the evil one? By the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. The former involves throwing back to the accuser the fact that Christ, the Lamb, has taken our place. Christ’s blood has cleansed us. The latter involves bearing witness—that is, talking about the gospel all the time. And John adds one more thing in this verse that I don’t want us to miss: They didn’t love their lives so much to shrink from death! All of this is found here in Acts 5, where we observe these relentless witnesses who follow the Calvary Road, loving Christ more than comfort, more than life.

Peter was present when Jesus taught about persecution in the Sermon on the Mount. He was there in Caesarea Philippi when Jesus taught about the calling to take up the cross. Peter listened to Jesus teach about the reality of people persecuting the servants of the Master (John 15:20). But now in Acts 5, Peter and his friends experience Jesus’s teaching. Carson says,

It is almost as if the apostles were, dare I say it, relieved. They had been given astonishing authority but instead of strutting around talking about their power, they were a little worried that they had not suffered yet. . . . Now they’ve been good and flogged, and they smile because they’ve been counted worthy to suffer for the name. (“Rejoice to Suffer for the Name”)

What comfort Acts 5 must be to the suffering church in North Korea, in Somalia, in Iraq, in Syria, in Sudan, in China, and in so many other places that remain hostile to the gospel. And it should also be of great encouragement to those who continue to be mocked, shunned, intimidated, and shamed here in the West. If you find yourself suffering as a Christian, rejoice! You’re in good company.

Do you want real Christian joy? Then follow the Acts model. Be compassionate toward the needy. Be bold in your Christian witness. Be filled with integrity, respect, and humility before people. You will face opposition, and you will be filled with joy—not just now but even billions of years from now. You will never regret having suffered for the Name.

Christians can take a beating with joy because Jesus took the ultimate beating for us, even rising from the dead for us. One day the mighty will cower at his terrifying justice. So align yourself with this King, and you too can rejoice.

Reflect and Discuss

1. What does it mean to come to Jesus as one “poor in spirit”?
2. How are you currently ministering to those in need?
3. What can we learn about gospel ministry from the apostles here in Acts 5?
4. Why should we expect opposition when we do faithful gospel ministry?
5. How do some people try to intimidate Christians today?
6. What does this passage teach about civil disobedience?
7. What does this text teach about being ready to present the gospel at all times?
8. Why does the act of doing gospel ministry bring joy?
9. What does this passage teach about God’s sovereignty over persecution?
10. Take a moment to pray for the persecuted church around the world.