Tuesday: The Rise of Opposition
It was not long until the church’s success aroused opposition from some Jerusalem leaders. The Jerusalem temple was run by the high priest and his associates, most of whom were Sadducees. The high priest was also the president of the Sanhedrin council, which in those days was comprised mostly of Sadducees and Pharisees.
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Because the Sadducees did not believe in resurrection, they were greatly disturbed that Peter and John were teaching that Jesus had been raised from the dead. Arrested by the temple guards, the apostles were put in custody until the following day, when they were brought before the council (Acts 4:1-7).
Read Acts 4:1-18. When asked about by what authority they had been acting, how did Peter reply? What was an underlying message in what Peter said that the leaders would have found so threatening?
The challenge about authority posed by the Jewish leaders suggests a concern for power. Peter, however, declared not only that the miracle had been performed in the name of Jesus but also that salvation comes from Him only. The apostles were before the highest Jewish body; yet, they were in the service of a much higher authority. These men were simple, unschooled Galilean fishermen; thus, their courage and eloquence struck those who were there. Although the leaders did not realize it, the point was that the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, exactly as Jesus had foretold (Matt. 10:16-20).
Without being able to deny the miracle—the healed man was also present so that all could see him—the Sanhedrin commanded the apostles to stop preaching. They feared the message as much as the increasing popularity of the movement. Failing to evaluate the evidence properly, they allowed prejudice and desire for self-protection to dictate their actions.
Peter’s final words are among the most precious gems of the book of Acts: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20, NKJV).
| Think about the desire for power and how potentially dangerous it can be, at any level and in any context. As Christians called to be servants, why must we be careful about the lure of power? |
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Here we see another step in God's progressive revelation of his plan. Because the current rulers/priests/prophets did not accept His revelation of the Messiah they could no longer be the ones to lead the people in His will.
Failing to evaluate the evidence properly, they allowed prejudice and desire for self-protection to dictate their actions.
They allowed - everyone from the prisoner to the one sits on the throne as ruler. Poor to the wealthiest are all given the chance to evaluate the evidences placed before them.
Prejudice - if we are not careful, our preconceived opinion will cloud our mind.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.
Self-protection - This is why evolution took a strong hold on humanity. The moment sin entered the world self-preservation became paramount to humanity.
You don't realize that it's better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed."
This must have been a very challenging time for the disciples, leading out in God's will while standing outside the structures of leadership. No wander this is called the 'age of the Holy Spirit'. In light of this, how do we as a church guard against claims by individuals today who go against structures (doctrine or leadership) following what they call 'the spirit's guidance'?
Now we have the Old & New Testament. At that stage they didn't have the New Testament, and they had spent 3 years with Jesus plus the extra intensive 40 days after the resurrection.
It is quite interesting to note that opposition come from within the religious establishment of the time...
This confrontation with the leaders of Israel was nothing less than the appeal of Jesus to these sinners He had died to save, in fulfillment of Dan 9:27. In this we see the love of Christ revealed toward those who made themselves His enemies.
Perhaps one of the vital lessons in this would be the great peril of harboring sin and the spirit of the world, which will blind the soul, leading them to oppose the truth and shun the mercy of God. As the Wise man wrote, "Pride goes before destruction...", and this destruction they were hastening toward while knowing it not, though Jesus had warned them more than once.
The first of the 7 lamps in the heavenly sanctuary had been lit, burning brightly, but these leaders of Israel hid themselves from the Light, preferring the darkness of the world. As Jesus said; "how great is that darkness!"(Matt 6:23).
Interesting lessons however, I find that the lessons are not related in a way that I can find them relevant, interesting or applicable to daily life. Am I the only one having this problem?
Welcome to our blog, Shauna!
As for how applicable the lessons are to our daily life - it seems to me that's largely up to us. Do we want the Holy Spirit to fill us, as He did the early believers? If so, we must follow their example of confession, humble repentance and expectancy of His work in us.
This week, we have the example of the generosity of early believers as they held all things in common. While we need not necessarily imitate their communal lifestyle (after all, they did run into problems), we need to ask ourselves whether we are good stewards of God's goods and make them available to our brothers and sisters in need.
And today's lesson can help us not to be surprised when our obedience arouses opposition. We can know that we are on God's side and trust Him.
And here's a hint for all the lessons: Check the little colored box at the bottom of each lesson. Usually it provides application to our daily life. Today's lesson says this:
Now apply this to your own life: Do you sometimes wish you had more control (power)? Are you being a true "servant" today?
Praying you may be blessed as you study the lessons with us,
Inge
Not knowing your experience Shauna, I would say; give it time and much prayer for the specific purpose you address here. God gives when asked, and always invites/encourages our asking.
God has tailored His Word for the needs of all sinners, and He will "instruct and teach" any who ask Him to, that they might understand and obey.
My question on Tuesday's lesson is this, how come have the jews not believed in our Lord Jesus Christ?
I think that the reason the Jews got it wrong was that they expected a Messiah that would come and release them from Roman oppression, making the Jewish nation the foremost nation in the world. Jesus did not fulfill their expectations, so they dismissed him as just a phenomenon.
To answer this question "how come have the jews not believed." What you really mean is why is it that some jews did not believe while other Jews (the Jews that made up the early church we are studying about in Acts) did believe?
The reason the Jews other than those in the early church did not believe may have been for various reasons. The simplistic common answer they had wrong expectations of the Messiah releasing them from Roman oppression is very questionable, while perhaps some may have believed that clearly not all did. Probably the best answer to why some of the Jews did not believe is answered by Paul in Romans chapter 11.
Here's my a thought! Please note these so-called unlearned Men (the Apostles) were told to stop preaching in the name of Jesus Christ! But the obeyed God rather than man agreed? Here's my question tho, on or jobs and in schools, we are told not to preach can we go back and follow the examples that Apostles did even tho it cost their lives? Think about these things!
That is indeed something to think about. Here are my thoughts on the issue.
1) I have seen people calling themselves Christian acting in an obnoxious way trying to shove Christianity up the noses of others. For example, recently a "Christian minister" here is Australia went into mosques and harassed the worshipers, telling them they were wrong and that Islam was a fraud etc. Such actions are about as far from Christian principles as you can possibly get as it denies others the right to worship as they choose (a right we vigorously defend for ourselves).
2) Following on; preaching Christianity is much more about living Christian principles than just talking Jesus talk. Too often, I see Christians take a confrontational approach that is entirely unnecessary. There is no call to be obnoxious in our efforts to lead others to Christ.
My prayer is that every wind of opposition should lift us to where God has destined for us.
When we are led by the Holy Spirit we would speak with boldness about the things we have witnessed, testifying of the Mighty name of our Lord and Saviour. Because even if we choose to remain silent, the stones will glorify His name. This is how Peter, the Spirit filled apostle, felt in front of the council: "As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20. Centuries later, Martin Luther, appearing before the Diet of Worms, refused to renounce his writings was saying , " I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen"~ let's prayi to be that last generation who is seeking the anointing of the Holy Spirit to present the 3rd angel's message to all nations, tribes and tongues 🙏🏾
Where is the scriptural command to "present the 3rd angel's message to all nations, tribes and tongues?" We ARE commanded to share the Gospel (Mark 16:15). The 3rd angel's message is NOT the Gospel, folks. Jesus, and all that He has done to pay our sin debt and make it possible to have eternal life, THAT is THE Gospel. Preach Jesus! NOT the law and NOT the 3rd angel's message!
Joanne, that the 3 angels' messages are not the gospel is a mistake that too many have made. Note how the messages begin: "6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people... " Rev 14:6.
"The third angels message" is usually shorthand for referring to all three messages, and not one of them says anything meaningful without the gospel as a basis.
I agree with your suggestion,
The third angel's message is simply the gospel preached in the context of the end times, and when God's people who have been called preach it will do so not only through words but also the witness of their lives, it will cause God's people in Babylon to leave Babylon and join together as one company of God's people.
Greetings Grammy!
It is good to hear from you again. I have been thinking of and praying for you, and hope all is well.
You say there is no command to preach the 3rd angels message. In your last sentence you command us not to preach the law or 3rd angles message. Since you are asking for Scriptural commands, can you please show me in the Bible where we are commanded by Scripture not to preach portions of the Bible including Revelation 14?
You say we should preach the gospel and I agree! The first angel's message is the everlasting gospel. " Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people" Revelation 14:6
The third angels message is the gospel, because it teaches us to reject the legalism of the mark of the beast, and to accept the cross. This is why those who accept the legalism of the mark of the beast must drink the cup that Jesus drank for them. When they reject the cross and accept the legalism of the mark of the beast, they choose to drink that cup themselves. This may shed a little light on the subject. https://ssnet.org/blog/the-three-angels-messages-and-the-triumph-of-the-gospel-over-legalism/
2 Timothy 3:16 tells us all Scripture is profitable so I believe that includes Revelation 14. I am rather confused why you are commanding us not to preach the Scriptures. The Scriptures testify of Jesus and the gospel. John 5:39.
Since the three angels message is the everlasting gospel you have have answered your own question. Where is the Scriptural command to preach the three angels message and the everlasting Gospel? You said it. Mark 16:15. Thank you.