WHEN GOD’S PLAN INVOLVES PAIN
Acts 5:33-42
(Antioch Baptist Church: Wednesday, December 17th, 2025)
- Annie Johnson Flint wrote a hymn that says:
God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.
But God has promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
God has a perfect plan for each of His children but there will be times when this perfect plan involves pain. However, the Scriptures assures us that we can trust the Lord in the midst of pain and suffering. The Psalmist said, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Jesus said, “…In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
There are also passages that tell us how the Lord uses times of trial, tribulation, and pain for our benefit and for His glory. James said, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4). Paul said, “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5).
Our selected text chronicles the first physical persecution in the history of Christ’s Church. As a result of their courageous and uncompromising preaching of the Gospel, the High Priest and the members of the Council began to seek the death of the Apostles. v33 says that “… they were furious and plotted to kill them.”
However, there was an influential Pharisee who intervened and prevented this religious body from taking such drastic measures. (v34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while).
Gamaliel was a highly revered and distinguished Jewish Rabbi. He was the teacher who mentored, instructed, and trained Saul of Tarsus (Acts 22:3). This respected Rabbi had the Apostles sent outside so the council could discuss the situation. His motivation was not compassion for the Apostles; rather he sought to prevent the Council from doing something that could have caused a major uproar that would have drawn the attention of the Roman authorities.
In his remarks, Gamaliel shared two examples from recent history that would have been familiar to every man in attendance. (v35 he said to them: "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing). Theudas was a leader of about four hundred revolutionaries. He was killed and all of his men “were scattered” and their movement “came to nothing”.
Gamaliel’s second example was that of a man named “Judas the Galilean” (v37 “Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.”) According to Jewish Historian Josephus, Judas of Galilee was a man who led a tax revolt in early in the first century. Many people zealously joined with him in this revolt. In time, he died and all who followed him “were dispersed”, his movement died with him.
Gamaliel was of the opinion that if the things that were happening in and through the Apostles was not of God, then it would soon fade away. However, he was also wise enough to know that if this was truly a movement of God, then they would have no power to stop it. (v38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it--lest you even be found to fight against God”).
Gamaliel was a voice of reason; and in verse 40 we are told that the members of the Council “agreed with him” and they “let the Apostles go”. But not before having them beaten and again “commanding that they should not speak in the name of Jesus”. It is likely that they received 39 lashes, which was the maximum number of stripes allowed by Jewish law (See: Deuteronomy 25:1-3).”The lashing consisted of striking the victim’s bare skin with a tripled strip of calf’s hide. The victim received two blows to the back, then one to the chest. Thus each cycle had to be divisible by three, which explains the maximum limit of 39 (Source: ESV Study Bible: Crossway).
This is the first recorded instance of Christ’s followers enduring physical punishment for their devotion to Christ but it would certainly not be the last. However, no matter how much the persecution intensified, the followers of Christ never compromised and they refused to be silenced.
The Apostles suffered because of their refusal to cease preaching the Gospel, but they rejoiced in their suffering. (v41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.) The Apostles did not become discouraged or fearful because of the suffering that they experienced. Rather, they rejoiced and considered it an honor to be persecuted for the cause of Christ.
Furthermore, the Apostles were also motivated by their love for their fellow Israelites in Jerusalem and beyond. They knew the Messiah personally and they wanted their brothers and sisters to come to faith in Him as well. They resolved to be faithful witnesses in spite of the harm and potential death that they would face for doing so.
They “departed from the presence of the council” and returned to the Temple on a daily basis and taught the people. They also met in people’s homes and everywhere they went they shared the message of Jesus Christ. (v42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.)
The Sanhedrin wanted to prevent the further growth of the Church, but their plan failed and instead of silencing the Apostles, their actions furthered their resolve. The Lord continued to use His people and He continued to add to the church daily.
Ironically, Gamaliel’s words when he addressed the Sanhedrin were prophetic. He declared that if this movement was of God, they would not be able to overthrow it. Church history proves that the establishment and growth of the Church is most certainly a work of God.
Christ is still moving in and through His Church today and we are blessed to be a part of this great work. We would do well to follow the example set forth by the Apostles and remain faithful to our Savior even in the face of opposition and persecution. When we do face persecution, we should rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. No matter the cost, like the Apostles, we must not cease preaching the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Since the earliest days of the Church, Christians have suffered and died because of their devotion to the Master. Untold millions are facing extreme persecution as we speak. We do not know what the future holds for us; therefore it is important for us to learn from the bold resolve of the Lord’s Apostles in this passage. If we suffer for His sake, scripture shows us that we can rejoice in the midst of our suffering. I would like examine this reality and consider the thought “When God’s Plan Involves Pain”.
The lives of the Apostles were spared on this occasion but they did not escape unscathed; they were severely beaten and ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus. They were in this situation because they were obedient to the Lord. If we follow God’s plan for our lives, there will be times when we suffer as a result of our obedience.
God has a special and specific plan for all of His children. He said to Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). Jesus chose Paul to bear His name before Kings, the Gentiles and the children of Israel. When He called those first Disciples He told them that He was going to make them “fishers of men”. Later, all of the Apostles were informed that Jesus had chosen them to “be His witnesses”.
God had a plan for you before you were ever created. He has saved you for a purpose and He has a special plan for your life, but there will be times when you do not like His plan.
Because of the Apostles obedience to Christ’s command to be His witnesses they are now enemies of the Jews. They have been arrested and severely beaten because of their faithfulness. I am sure there were times when these men were tempted to return home to their families, friends, and the old way of life, but they pressed on in spite of the pain. The Apostles knew that this was rebellion and would result in disastrous consequences. Furthermore they were so devoted to their Savior and transformed by Him that they could not give in to the temptation to retreat.
There will be times when we are tempted to return to the old life and to settle back into our comfort zone. There will be times when being obedient and following God’s will brings mental, emotional, and even physical pain. Because of this, there may be times when we are tempted to abandon God’s plan. In such times, it is imperative for us to remain faithful to the Lord and His plan for our lives.
Knowing that God was on their side, even in the midst of their persecution and pain, the Apostles possessed peace and assurance. History would have been tragically different if the Apostles had allowed their pain to cause them to abandon God’s will. The scriptures show us how God used their faithfulness to reach the world with the life changing Gospel of Jesus Christ.
If you allow your pain to cause you to retreat, the consequences will be disastrous. On the other hand, if you press on in the midst of the pain, the blessings and eternal impact will be immeasurable! If you will follow God’s will for your life you can live a life that will bring Him honor and glory. You can be used of Him to reach others with the Gospel and to advance His Kingdom.
It should be the desire of every Christian to be able to stand before our Savior at the Judgment Seat and hear Him say “well done”. Therefore, it is important for us to press on for God in spite of the pain. Our text shows us how to respond when God’s plan involves pain.
The Apostles have gone where God told them to go; and even after prior persecution and threats they were faithful to do what God commanded them to do. As a result they are bruised and physically weary; the flesh on their backs is torn and blood is pooling at their feet. After all of this, they did not become discouraged, disillusioned, doubtful or bitter. Instead, they prayed, they praised, they worshipped, they trusted and obeyed God and they refused to retreat because of their pain. Through their example we see:
WHEN GOD’S PLAN INVOLVES PAIN, CRY OUT TO HIM
Throughout Acts we read about the constant persecution that was experienced by the followers of Christ. Through it all, they never stopped praying! Prayer was an essential element of their endurance. The same is true for us; in times of peace and in times of pain prayer must be a priority. It is important to note that the Apostles didn’t pray for deliverance, they prayed for boldness and for God’s will to be done. This should be our prayer as well. God has a purpose for your pain; He will deliver you from it in His time, until then, pray that He would give you grace and strength to endure. Most of all, pray that He would receive glory from your struggles.
- This passage also shows us that:
WHEN GOD’S PLAN INVOLVES PAIN, LISTEN TO HIM
The reason these men were in the position they were in was because God put them there. Countless souls were eternally transformed because of the boldness and devotion of the servants of the Lord.
We have the same opportunity to have an impact on the world around us. It is imperative that we are in the right place at the right time. This is only possible for us to listen to the Lord. If you will listen, He will speak to you through His Holy Spirit and through the Holy Scriptures.
- Moving on we will see that:
WHEN GOD’S PLAN INVOLVES PAIN, TRUST HIM
The Apostles were able to face every moment of persecution with courage because they knew that God had delivered them in the past. These men possessed immense trust in the Lord and that trust grew stronger after every victory they experienced.
If you are enduring a time of immense pain and heartache, remember who you serve, remember what He has done in the past and trust Him to see you through your current situation. Remember, He is the one who put you where you are and He did so for a reason.
- This occasion in the lives of the Apostles also shows us that:
WHEN GOD’S PLAN INVOLVES PAIN, REJOICE IN HIM
v41 Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name.
Instead of crying, doubting or complaining, these men rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for the cause of Christ. There is no greater honor than to be used by the Lord. The goal of the Christian life is for us to become more and more like our Savior. If He suffered, why would we think that we should be immune to suffering?
Peter said, “If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you”. Jesus said, “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12).
Suffering for Christ is not just something that we can endure; it is a cause for rejoicing. Intertwined with rejoicing is the fact that we should also worship in times of trouble. Notice:
WHEN GOD’S PLAN INVOLVES PAIN, WORSHIP HIM
No matter how intense the persecution became, the Apostles never stopped worshipping the Lord. Likewise, we cannot allow our pain to prevent us from worshipping the Savior. Often when our prayers are answered when and how we want, we will praise the Lord and say “God is so good!” God certainly is good and it is wonderful when He sees fit to deliver us from our troubles, but we must never forget that God is still good even when things go from bad to worse. He is worthy and we should worship Him, even in our pain.
- Finally, this passage show us that:
WHEN GOD’S PLAN INVOLVES PAIN, OBEY HIM
v42 Every day in the temple, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
These men were brutally beaten and threatened to cease preaching Jesus in Jerusalem. Yet, they did not allow their pain to cause them to abandon God’s will for their lives. They did not allow their pain or (even the threat of death) to prevent them from serving Him and sharing Him with the world.
We may not face the physical threats that the Apostles faced, but there will be times of pain if we are faithful to follow God’s will for our lives. We must not allow the pain to provoke us to abandon the One who loved us so much that He gave Himself for us. He is worthy of our service, our praise and He is worthy of our obedience even in times of trouble, pain and heartache. So, no matter what you are facing, look to the example of the Apostles and when God’s plan involves pain: cry out to Him, listen To Him, rejoice in Him, worship Him, trust Him and obey Him.
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