Opposition to the Mission

Acts 4:1-22

Introduction

1.  Peter’s bold sermon in the Temple provoked the hostility of the Jewish leaders

2.  We learn three facts about the Christian mission from this encounter between the Apostles and the authorities

I. Persecution is Unavoidable

1.  Motivation for the Persecution

• The Sadducees strongly objected to Peter’s teaching on the resurrection (v. 2)
• The Jewish Sanhedrin placed political expedience above truth – fear that a riot might break out (v. 1)

2.  Shape of the Persecution

• They were viewed with contempt (v. 13)
• They were threatened (v. 21)
• They were imprisoned (v. 3)

3.  Biblical Response to the Persecution

• Filled with the Spirit and trusting fully in God (v. 8)
• Turning difficult circumstances into an opportunity for evangelism (vv. 8-12)
• Peaceful submission to the authorities (vv. 3, 20)
• Civil Disobedience if absolutely necessary (v. 20)

II. The Christian Message is Exclusive

1.  Salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone!  (v. 12)

• Jesus stands alone in his power over death
• Jesus stands alone in his Messianic identity
• Jesus stands alone in his power to transform lives

2.  We must resist the temptation toward ‘Pluralism’

• The exclusivity of the Christian message is offensive in our culture – expect opposition if you preach it!
• The Early Church had no tolerance for religious pluralism (ie.  The viewpoint that all religions or spiritual beliefs eventually lead to God)
• To compromise the exclusivity of the Christian message is to lose the gospel entirely

III. The Evidence is Undeniable

1.  The persecutors recognized Jesus (v. 13)

2.  The gospel continues to advance in spite of severe persecution (v. 4)

3.  The persecutors could not deny that a miracle had been performed (v. 16)

4.  The best evidence for the truth of the gospel is a transformed life – don’t be afraid to share your story of how God’s power is changing you!