This Sunday we are continuing our study of Acts by skipping to chapter 5, and looking at verses 17-42. As the early church progressed in Jerusalem, the Sadducees (who were really political power brokers) became furious with jealousy. Their response is to throw some of the leading followers of Jesus in prison.

How do we deal with opposition? It will surely come if we remain faithful to Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:12 promises that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 

Those of us who live in America don’t know as much about this as those who follow Jesus in many parts of the world. Still, if we don’t ever suffer for following Jesus, maybe we should ask ourselves how closely we are following Him. 

Opposition will come. Sometimes it comes from those who hate the gospel. Ultimately it comes from the enemy himself. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” 

The world, the flesh, and the devil all oppose us. How do we deal with opposition? We will see some principles in our passage on Sunday. So come prayed up as we think together about… 

“Dealing with Opposition”

Acts 5:17-42

By His Grace, For His Glory, To The Nations,

Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr.