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MESSAGE SERIES: “CHURCH ON THE MOVE”
Acts 5:12-42

INTRODUCTION: Our message series is called Church on the Move, but today we are going to look at how the enemy tried to stop the church from moving forward with the gospel. And then we will explore how he tries to stop us as well. (Read Acts 5:41-42 and pray.)

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In our study in the book of Acts the enemy has now tried several ways to stop the church from moving. First, he tried outside opposition. The religious leaders arrested Peter and John and warned them not to speak in the name of Jesus anymore. When that didn’t work, he tried the inside approach by tempting Ananias and Sapphira to lie and thus compromise the integrity of the church. When that doesn’t work, he goes back to outside opposition.

You would think opposition would stop something from moving, but with the church it had just the opposite effect. Ironically, one of the ways God helped the church to move and grow was by allowing opposition. We will especially see this when we get to chapter eight and the great persecution of the church in Jerusalem.

But as we look at the opposition to the gospel in today’s passage, I want us to focus on the fact that nothing can stop the gospel from going forth. The gospel is God’s power for salvation for everyone who believes, and nothing can stop the gospel.

I. The apostles’ message confirmed (12-16)

First, we see the gospel going forth as the apostles’ message is confirmed. Many are added to their number, and many are also healed.

   A. Many are added (12-14)

In verses 12-14 we see many added to their number:

The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. (Acts 5:12-14)

The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. Once again, this was one of the signs of an apostle. The miracles affirmed their status as apostles and affirmed their message as coming from God.

The believers held regular meetings in Solomon’s Colonnade. This was a roofed section within the temple courts, so they were meeting in a public place. Still, even though it was public, no one else dared join them. It’s not that they were looked down upon in the community. On the contrary they were highly regarded.

So, why didn’t others dare join them? Well, they probably knew that Peter and John had been dragged before the authorities, so they didn’t want to get in trouble. But I think the biggest factor is that word about Ananias and Sapphira got out. Luke has just shared with us about Ananias and Sapphira who both died after lying about the property they had sold. Verse eleven right before this passage tells us that great fear seized those who heard. So, this probably wasn’t a big selling point: “Come join this church where if you lie, you die!”

Yet even so, more and more men and women believed and were added to their number. This may seem contradictory at first, because Luke just said no one else dared join them. But he simply means those who believed and were added continued to meet, while those who did not stayed away.

   B. Many are healed (15-16)

So many are added, and then also many are healed. Look at verses 15-16:

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. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed. (Acts 5:15-16)

This is part of the many signs and wonders the apostles were performing. Miracles and healings are abounding. Expectations are high. People even try to position their sick in such a way that Peter’s shadow might fall on them as he passes by. Crowds are gathering from the surrounding towns. Sick people are healed, and demons cast out. It’s almost as if Jesus was still here! And of course, that’s the point—he is! Jesus is still present in the church through the Holy Spirit, and he is authenticating his word through the apostles.

So, that’s the first thing we see in this passage. The apostles’ message is confirmed as many are added and many are healed.

II. The apostles arrested – twice! (17-26)

Next, we see the apostles arrested— twice! But even being arrested can’t stop the gospel.

   A. Catch and release (17-20)

The first arrest turns into a catch and release situation. The Sadducees arrest the apostles, and God releases them overnight. Look at verses 17-20:

Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people the full message of this new life.” (Acts 5:17-20)

Last time it was just Peter and John. This time they arrest all the apostles! And why? Because they are jealous! They are filled with jealousy at all the attention the apostles are getting. They arrest the apostles and put them in public jail. The Sadducees are sending a message. This was all done publicly in full view of the crowds.

But then the miracles continue, because God sends an angel to rescue them in the middle of the night. What’s ironic here is that God sends an angel, and the Sadducees don’t believe in angels! Nothing can stop the gospel, not even locked and guarded jail cells. The angel opens the doors of the jail and instructs the apostles to go back to the temple and tell the people the full message of this new life God offers them through Jesus Christ.

   B. Missing persons (21-24)

In the morning the Sanhedrin gathers, but when they send to the jail for the apostles, they discover they now have a missing persons case on their hands. Look at verses 21-24:

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. But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this. (Acts 5:21-24)

So, at daybreak, as soon as the temple opens, the apostles enter the temple courts and begin to teach the people. Meanwhile the Sanhedrin assembles for court and sends for the apostles. There is an emphasis here on the full assembly of the elders of Israel. This is an important enough matter that all the religious leaders are there.

Well, all the religious leaders are there, but the apostles are not there! The jail is securely locked, the guards are standing at the doors, but when they open the doors—no apostles! So, God not only sent an angel to open the doors; God also worked the miracle of getting the apostles past the guards without the guards knowing. The authorities are confounded. What will come of this?

   C. “Found ’em!” (25-26)

And while they are wondering what all this could mean, someone comes and says, “We found ’em!” Look at verses 25-26:

Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” 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. (Acts 5:25-26)

They found them standing in the temple teaching the people—which is exactly what the angel told them to do. So, they go and arrest the apostles a second time. But they do not use force for fear of the people. That’s funny, they weren’t afraid of the people the day before! But remember, they arrested the apostles publicly the day before and now the apostles are back out in public. And so, the people know something unusual is going on.

Notice the apostles do not resist arrest. There is no record of any violent response at any time from any of the believers in the book of Acts. Perhaps they learned their lesson from the in the garden of Gethsemane when Peter cut off the servant’s ear and then Jesus healed him.

Once again, nothing can stop the gospel. Despite the Sanhedrin’s earlier threats and the fear caused by Ananias and Sapphira, more people were being added to the believers’ number. Despite all twelve apostles being arrested and put in jail, the next morning they are back in the temple preaching the gospel.

III. The apostles before the Sanhedrin (27-40)

Now the apostles stand before the full Sanhedrin. But not even this can stop the gospel.

   A. The accusation (27-28)

The high priest brings the accusation against them. Look at verses 27-28:

Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. “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.” (Acts 5:27-28)

The high priest brings three accusations here. First, he reminds them of the order given back in chapter four not to teach in this name. Yet not only have they persisted, but they have also filled Jerusalem with this teaching. Of course, that’s exactly what Jesus told them to do! Jesus said you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. The apostles are just fulfilling the first part of that commission. And then finally he says you are blaming us for this man’s death. His specific words here are: “[You] are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” This is ironic because that’s exactly what the people said to Pilate back in the gospel of Matthew: “His blood be on us and our children” (Matt. 27:25).

Notice also how the high priest avoids saying Jesus’ name. He says, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name.” He says, “You are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” He speaks in general terms of “this name” and “this man.” It’s almost as if he’s afraid to speak the name of Jesus! You know what else he avoids? Any mention of their escape! This is an embarrassing incident for the Sanhedrin and maybe he just doesn’t want to know the details.

   B. Peter’s response (29-32)

Next, we come to Peter’s response in verses 29-32:

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men! The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5:29-32)

Peter responds, “We must obey God rather than men.” This is exactly what he said the last time they told him to stop teaching in Jesus’ name. Then he proceeds to speak of Jesus death, resurrection and ascension—again! He declares their responsibility in Jesus’ death—again! He preaches repentance and forgiveness of sins—again! And then he reminds them that he and the other apostles are witnesses of all these things—again!

Peter says the apostles are co-witnesses with the Holy Spirit who has confirmed their message through the various signs and wonders (cf. John 15:26-27). And then, he says God gives the Holy Spirit to those obey. This ties back to his opening statement that we must obey God rather than men. The inference here is that the apostles have obeyed God while the religious leaders have not.

   C. Gamaliel’s counsel (33-40)

Finally, we are allowed to eavesdrop on Gamaliel’s counsel to the Sanhedrin. Let’s listen in to Gamaliel in verses 33-40:

When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 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. Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 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. 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. 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. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” 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. (Acts 5:33-40)

Suffice it to say, Peter’s response did not go over well with the religious leaders. Luke says they were furious, literally “sawn in two.” They were beside themselves, and they wanted to put the apostles to death.

But this is where Gamaliel comes in. Gamaliel was a highly respected rabbi and Pharisee. He was considered the greatest teacher of his time. He was also Paul’s teacher before Paul converted to Christ.

Gamaliel has the apostles removed from the room and advises the religious leaders not to kill them but rather to adopt a wait-and-see attitude. He reminds them about other movements that started up in the past, but after the leader was killed, the movement eventually stopped too. And so, Gamaliel’s advice is: “Leave these men alone!” If their activity is of human origin, it will all come to nothing. But if it is from God, then the religious leaders are fighting a losing battle anyway. Why? Gamaliel says: “Because if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” In other words, nothing can stop the gospel, because when you’re fighting the gospel, you’re fighting God—and that’s a battle you will never win.

Gamaliel’s speech persuades them, although you can tell they are not willing even to consider the possibility that this is from God. Otherwise, they would never have had the apostles flogged. After the flogging, they order them once again not to speak in Jesus’ name, and then they let them go. Perhaps this will finally stop the gospel?

IV. The apostles’ response to persecution (41-42)

Or maybe not. How do the apostles respond to all this? Look at verses 41-42:

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 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 Christ. (Acts 5:41-42)

   A. Rejoicing in suffering (41)

How do the apostles respond to persecution? First, they rejoice because they have been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name of Jesus. They had just received a very serious punishment. Flogging was not something you just walked away from. They would each have received thirty-nine lashes, causing severe trauma and extreme loss of blood. Some people even died from floggings.

And yet they rejoiced. Why? Not because of the pain and humiliation they had just experienced, but because they had suffered for Jesus. They had been counted worthy of suffering for his name. Jesus said something similar in the Sermon on the Mount when he said: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt. 5:11-12).

   B. Never stop sharing! (42)

So, the apostles rejoiced in suffering. And then, they continued sharing about Jesus. 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 Christ. This is the first of many uses of the phrase “good news” in the book of Acts for sharing about Jesus. Good news means “gospel” or “evangelizing,” and we are about to see an evangelism explosion in the chapters to come.

The apostles were flogged and ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus. How did they respond? They rejoiced in suffering, and they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. They never stopped sharing the gospel.

CONCLUSION: Satan continues to attack the church by force where he can. But nothing can stop the gospel from going forth. Ordering the apostles to no longer speak or teach about Jesus didn’t stop the gospel. Arresting the apostles and putting them in jail didn’t stop the gospel. Bringing them before the full Sanhedrin didn’t stop the gospel. Flogging the apostles and ordering them a second time not to speak in Jesus’ name didn’t stop the gospel. Nothing can stop the gospel, because “the gospel is the power of God for the salvation for all who believe” (Rom. 1:16).

Just like the apostles, we too have been called to share the gospel with others—both as a church and as individual believers. So, let me ask you. If you’re not sharing the gospel with others, what’s stopping you? If orders and threats and being arrested and dragged before the authorities and being flogged didn’t stop the apostles, what’s stopping you?

We are called to be a church on the move, so don’t let anything stop you from sharing the gospel. May we be encouraged by the apostles’ example to be active in sharing the gospel with others. May we be challenged to think about those things that are stopping us from sharing in the present. May we be determined not to let anything stop us from sharing in the future. Nothing can stop the gospel. So, what’s stopping you?

© Ray Fowler

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