YOUTH STS LESSON 182 PERSECUTION OF THE APOSTLES

MEMORY VERSE:

“And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” (Acts 5:41).

TEXT: Acts 5:12–42

Introduction

In our last lesson, we saw the divine discipline laid on Ananias and Sapphira his wife. Satan wanted to corrupt the church. His aim was to bring defilement into the church, in order to rob her of the power of the Spirit that was already working mightily. But the leadership of the church, under the influence of the Holy Spirit moved to arrest the situation immediately.

The church, under the watching eyes of Christ the Head, kept marching forward. “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people” (Acts 5:12).

This provoked the high priest and the Sadducees which led to the arrest of the apostles. They, however, experienced a miraculous release from prison through the intervention of angels. They were later re-arrested and brought before the council for trial. However, with the intervention of Gamaliel, they were beaten and released. Despite the persecution, the apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ.

POWERFUL APOSTOLIC SIGNS AND WONDERS

(Acts 5:12–16; Mark 16:15–20; Acts 19:10–12; 9:32–43; John 14:12–14)

“And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch)” (verse 12).

Christ is always true to His word and promises. His promises are as sure as Himself. He had assured the apostles long before His departure from the world that if they believed on Him, the works that He did would they also do. It appeared incredible at that time to the apostles. But now, the reality dawned on them as people came from different cities to get healed of their ailments just the same way multitudes came to Christ when He was with them physically.

Question 1: What was the effect of the signs and wonders performed by the apostles?

It is however instructive to note that Christ’s promise was fulfilled for them as they kept to the condition of preaching the gospel. We learnt from the word of God that miracles, signs and wonders are performed to confirm the word of salvation. Therefore, the Lord allows miracles to follow evangelistic outreaches as confirmation of the truth we preach.

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature… And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen” (Mark 16:15,20).

The strange wonder that took place through Peter, which led to the sudden death of Ananias and his wife Sapphira, had purged the church and kept hypocrites and counterfeit believers away. Nevertheless, more people believed in the Lord and were added to the church.

“And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women” (verse 14).
“And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them” (verse 13).

We do not have to be tolerant of sin or compromise the truth of the word of God just to keep members in the church or school fellowship. Compromise attracts God’s displeasure. Also, scriptural church discipline does not hinder spiritual or numerical growth of the church or school fellowship.

Keeping to Bible standard as we see in the early Church keeps our assembly pure; scares fake Christians from the body of Christ and prepares a glorious Church as Christ’s bride, waiting for the Bridegroom’s return.

“Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them” (verse 15).

In our text, special healing miracles took place through the shadow of Peter.

Question 2: Did miracles, signs and wonders end with the apostolic age?

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:12).

Miracles, signs and wonders did not end with the apostolic age. Believers today, who are in the path of duty of preaching the gospel, will experience the demonstration of God’s power.

PERSECUTION OF THE APOSTLES BY THE COUNCIL

(Acts 5:17–40; 4:1–3,15–22; John 15:20–21; Acts 13:50–52)

“Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison” (verses 17,18).

The Sanhedrin was the Jewish religious council consisting of the Pharisees and the Sadducees, with the high priest as the head. These same religious sects opposed Christ in various ways during His earthly ministry. Christ told the apostles beforehand to expect the same.

“But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them” (Mark 13:9).

Question 3: What was the reason for the arrest and imprisonment of the apostles by the Sanhedrin?

Being afraid of the growing influence of the Church and threatened by the signs and wonders done by the apostles, the council, moved by Satan, arrested and kept the apostles in a public prison. But the angel of the Lord came by night, opened the prison doors, brought them out and said,

“Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.”

Question 4: Give another instance where angelic ministry assisted Christ’s ministers in the propagation of the gospel.

No man-made council inspired by Satan can stop the preaching of the everlasting gospel for which Christ died and shed His blood. Although, angels are not directly involved in preaching the gospel, yet, the Lord uses them to assist evangelists and soul-winners where necessary.

This is especially where supernatural interventions are needed.

“And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert…” (Acts 8:26).

Though we may not see them, many times, angels guide, direct, intervene and aid believers in the business of soul-winning.

“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14).

Not minding the outcome, the bold apostles, having heard the message from the angel to “GO”, entered the temple early in the morning and taught the word of God.

They realised that the purpose of their release was to go and release sinners from the captivity of sin.

What a lesson for believing youths! Christian youths should have a sense of urgency in the preaching of the gospel. They should reach out to other youths in their school and others around them.

Question 5: What was the reaction of the apostles to the threat of the council?

“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men” (verse 29).

God is greater than men of whatever status. Once man’s directives contradict the word of God, we must stand and obey God.

The boldness of Peter and the other apostles is an encouragement for Christian youths today. We must not be afraid to obey the word of God even if the result will be persecution.

These apostles were courageous for Christ’s cause and declared,

“…we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him” (verse 32).

As it was then, so is it today. Some religious sects may oppose and even go ahead to openly persecute Christian youths who preach the gospel or are standing for the truth of God’s word.

Christian youths should neither be surprised nor get discouraged.

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).

“And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go” (Acts 5:40).

While contemplating what to do with the apostles, Gamaliel appealed to the council to refrain from them, otherwise, they will be fighting against God.

PERSUASION AND ABUNDANT JOY IN SUFFERING FOR CHRIST

(Acts 5:41–42; Romans 8:35–39; Philippians 1:29; 1 Peter 4:13–16; Matthew 5:10–12; 2 Corinthians 12:10)

“And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” (verses 41–42)

Question 6: How did the apostles react to the beating they received from the council?

The apostles knew that suffering for Christ was part of identification with Him.

“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for his sake” (Philippians 1:29).

Rather than go back home with sad countenance, they left the council joyfully for being partakers of Christ’s suffering. They knew that great would be their reward in heaven just as Christ promised them.

Their zeal and passion for souls did not diminish. They did not reduce the frequency of preaching. But daily in the temple and then from house to house, they did not cease to preach the gospel, knowing that God does not forget the labour of love of those who faithfully serve Him (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Christian youths should not allow persecutions to diminish their fervency, prayer life, evangelistic outreach and service to God.

Great is the reward awaiting all those that will endure to the end.

Are you being persecuted for preaching the gospel? Are you being ridiculed by your classmates because you are a child of God? Are you being opposed by some religious youths for taking your stand and defending the truth? Are you subjected to suffering or deprivation for Christ’s sake?

Leap for joy because great shall be your reward! Be firm; persist in your conviction and service for God.

“For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end” (Hebrews 3:14).