Introduction

Welcome, beloved family in Christ. It is a joy to gather together once again, united by our shared faith and love for our Savior. We are here to encourage one another, to learn, to grow, and to share in the beauty of God's Word. We are here to be refreshed and challenged, comforted and convicted. We are here to be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us.

Today, we will turn our attention to the book of Acts, specifically Acts 5:17-42. This passage tells a story of courage, faith, and the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a story that speaks to us today, reminding us of our calling as Christians to be bold in our faith, to stand firm in the face of opposition, and to trust in the power of God working in us and through us.

As we prepare to delve into this passage, let us remember the words of the great preacher Billy Graham, who said, "Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened." Oh, how we need that contagious courage in our world today! May we be men and women who, through our boldness in Christ, inspire others to stand firm in their faith.

Now, let us read the passage together: "Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 'Go, stand in the temple courts,' he said, 'and tell the people all about this new life.' At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, 'We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.' On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to. Then someone came and said, 'Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.' At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them. The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 'We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,' he said. 'Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.' Peter and the other apostles replied: 'We must obey God rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.' When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: 'Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.' His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah."

Boldness Birthed from Baptism of the Holy Spirit

The boldness that we see in the apostles, the boldness that is needed to live a life that is pleasing to God, is not something that we can generate on our own. It is not the result of our own strength or determination. It is the result of being filled with the Holy Spirit. It is the result of surrendering control of our lives to Him, of depending on His power, and of being sensitive to His leading. This is the boldness that is birthed from the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is the boldness that we need in our lives today.

Boldness Boosted by Miracles

As we continue to examine the narrative in Acts 5:17-42, we find ourselves in the midst of a powerful display of divine intervention ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO