Acts 4 The Backlash Acts 4 Backlash of

Acts 4 The Backlash

Acts 4 – Backlash of persecution Why was this persecution launched? What methods were used? How did the apostles respond?

Why? Acts 4 1 As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, 2 being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Acts 5: 17 But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (…the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy.

Why? What Acts 4 did they want from persecuting the church? 1 As they were speaking to the people, the Acts 4: 17 -18 priests and the captain of the temple guard "But so 5: 27 -28 a that it will notcame spread any and the Sadducees up tofurther them, among Acts the people, let us warn them to they speak no longer 2 being greatly disturbed because they were When they had brought them, stood them Acts 5: 40 in this name. " to any man teaching the. Council. people. The and proclaiming in Jesus before the high priest questioned They…ordered them not to speakthem, in thethey name of 18 And when they had summoned saying, "We gave you strict orders not to thethem, resurrection from the dead. Jesus, and then released them. commanded them not to speak continue teaching in this name or teach at all in Acts 5: 17 of Jesus. the name But high priest along withbeing all Thethe problem wasrose notup, with them his. Christians, associates (…the Sadducees), and they but with them sharing the were filled with jealousy. message with others.

What methods? Intimidation Acts 4: 3 And they laid hands on them and put them in jail until the next day, for it was already evening. 5 On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; 6 and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. 7 When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this? "

What methods? Intimidation Threats Acts 4: 21 When they had threatened them further, they let them go

What methods? Intimidation Threats Physical Punishment Acts 5: 40. . . after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them.

How did they respond? Made a defense. Good behavior Acts 4: 8 -9 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, 1 Peter 2: 12 "Rulers and elders of the people, 9 if we are on trial Be careful how you live among your unbelieving 1 Peter 4: 15 today for a benefit done to a sick man neighbors. theyofaccuse you ofasdoing wrong, or Make sure. Even that ifnone you suffers a murderer, they willorsee your honorable behavior, and they will thief, evildoer, or a troublesome meddler believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world. (NLT)

How did they respond? Made a defense. Good behavior Truthfulness of the message Acts 4: 10 -12 let it be known 1 Peter 3: 15 to all of you…, that by the name of Jesus Nazarene, you crucified, whom always. Christ beingthe ready to makewhom a defense to everyone God from "Hefor is the STONE whoraised asks you tothe givedead… 11 an account hope that is WHICH WAS REJECTED you, THE BUILDERS, but in you, yet with gentlenessbyand reverence WHICH BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone. 12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. "

How did they respond? Made a defense. Refused to compromise. Acts 5: 40 4: 18 -19 …after calling thehad apostles in, theythem, flogged And when they summoned theythem and Acts 4: 31 ordered them not to not speak in the or name of at Jesus, commanded them to speak teach all in Acts 5: 27 -29 And when they had prayed, the place where and released them. thethen name of Jesus. 19 them, But Peter John When they had brought theyand stood them they had gathered together was shaken, and 41 So they went on. The their waypriest from questioned the presence of answered and said to them, "Whether it is right before the Council. high them, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and the rejoicing that they had considered in Council, the sight of God give heed tobeen you rather 28 saying, "We gaveto you strict orders not to began to speak the word of God with boldness. worthy to. God, sufferyou shame for His name. than to bethis the judge continue teaching in name, and yet, you have 42 And every day, in your the temple and from house filled Jerusalem with teaching and intend to to Acts 4: 20 house, they kept blood right on teaching and bring this man's upon us. “ 29 Butpreaching Peter and we cannot stop speaking about what we have Jesus as the Christ. the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather seen and heard. than men.

How did they respond? Made a defense. Refused to compromise. Went back to get built up. Fellowship Acts 4: 23 When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.

Acts 4: 24 How did they respond? When they heard this, they raised their voices Made in a prayer defense. together to God. "Sovereign Lord, " they Refused to compromise. said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. Went back to get built up. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Fellowship your servant, our father David: "'Why do the nations Prayer rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth take their stand the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.

Acts 4: 24 How did they respond? When they heard this, they raised their voices Made in a prayer defense. together to God. "Sovereign Lord, " they Refused to compromise. said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. Went back to get built up. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Fellowship your servant, our father David: "'Why do the nations Prayer rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the Peter 4: 12 earth 1 take their stand the rulers gather together Beloved, do not surprised at the fiery ordeal against the Lord andbe against his Anointed One. among you, which upon for your 29 And now, Lord, takecomes note of theiryou threats, and as though some strange thing. Your wereword granttesting, that Your bond-servants may speak to you withhappening all confidence

Application They were allowed to be Christians as long they agreed not to share Christ. Acts 1: 8 2 Timothy 3: 12 but you will receive power when the in Holy Spirit has Indeed, all who desire to live godly Christ Jesus 1 Peter 4: 1 -2 come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses will be persecuted. Therefore, since Christ suffered the flesh, both in Jerusalem, and inhas all Judea andin. Samaria, arm yourselves also withpart the of same so and even to the remotest the purpose… 2 earth. as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

Application They were allowed to be Christians as long they agreed not to share Christ. They had a vertical perspective. Opportunity to share God’s grace. Romans 12: 19 -21 Do not take 5: 39 revenge, my friends, but leave room for Matthew God's wrath, for it isyou written: "It is mine to avenge; I. . Matthew. whoever slaps on your right cheek, 5: 44 will repay, " saystothe Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your turn the other him also But I say to you, love your enemies and pray Acts 4: 4 enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him for who persecute you heard the message Butthose many of those something to drink. In who doinghad this, you will heap believed; thehead. " number 21 of Do thenot men to burning coalsand on his became overcome be about five thousand. by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Application They were allowed to be Christians as long they agreed not to share Christ. They had a vertical perspective. Opportunity to share God’s grace. Never discount the openness of a persecutor.

Acts 4 – Backlash of Persecution Questions? Comments? Experiences?