Central Truth

The apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit and instructed by an angel of the Lord to speak to the people the message of life. Despite being thrown in jail and threatened with their lives, they continued to preach and teach Jesus as the Christ.

Reflections

Acts Chapter 5 reads like an action movie script; an exciting story with good guys, bad guys, daring escapes and defiance! I liked the story so much I almost missed the point!

Here's the setup: the apostles are in Jerusalem teaching about Christ. Multitudes believe, people are healed, those opposing the way are falling out of windows! Obviously the jealous Sadducees don't like this; they seize the apostles and throw them in jail. (Lights dim.) In the night, an angel appears to the apostles. "GO," he says, "speak to the people this message of life!" And the angel releases them! Straight away the apostles go to the temple—and teach! When questioned they say, "We must obey God." Imagine the surprise and rage of the Sadducees who are "cut to the quick" and intend to kill them.

This is the interesting part where I almost got side tracked—Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the law, steps in. "Maybe you should just let them go." "What?" Yep. His reasoning is brilliant. "If they are of man, they will fail—but if they are of God, leave them alone or you may be fighting against God HIMSELF!" I love that. Isn't that empowering!? If we are of God, we cannot fail; those against us may as well be fighting against the great I AM !

For a while I stopped at that verse claiming: I am "of God", everyone should like me; my work and projects will be awesome; I can cook, clean, raise kids, love my husband . . .Wow, stay out of my way!. Then I started thinking, "Is that what it says?" I remembered the inductive study method and thought, "what theme is being repeated here?" I read on. Verse 41 says... "SO" (always a good clue when you see a transition word) "they went on their way rejoicing for suffering and ceased not" (active voice, did not rest, kept right on) "teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." Ah, there it is, "preaching the Christ." Roll the credits. The cause God will always champion: (Acts 1:8, 2:17-28, 3:12-26, 4:10-12)—witnessing about Christ.

Discussion Questions

1. What causes do I think I am fighting for God, that I may really be fighting for my own selfish desires?
2. How do I respond when that fight does not go the way I think it should? Do I blame God?
3. What causes do I champion for God?
4. Is my speech seasoned with words about God's grace and truth in my life?
5. Am I ready to give an answer to someone who asks the reason for the hope I have?
6. Do I know Him well enough to teach Jesus as the Christ?