Acts 5:12-42
Unwavering Faith in the Face of Opposition and Persecution
Christian Persecution Defined: Any mistreatment, intolerance, oppression, or hostility towards a person or group of people for their belief in, and righteous practice of, following Jesus as the Christ.
Old Testament Examples
- Cain kills Abel (Genesis 4:8)
- Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37:23)
- Moses and the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 1:10)
- Prophets in Israel (1 Kings 19:1-18, Matthew 5:12)
New Testament and Early Church Examples
- Jesus: Crucified
- Apostles: imprisonment, beatings, and martyrdom
- Early Church: from Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire ● Christians tortured and killed under Nero, 37 AD–68 AD
Present Day Persecution Facts
- Out of 2.4 billion Christians worldwide, 380,000,000 are under persecution and oppression.
- Violence and Terrorism | Discrimination | Imprisonment | Constant Pressure and force to Conform and Convert | Vandalism and Destruction of Properties, Homes, and Churches | Abductions | Exile/Banishments | Legal and Civil Injustices | Confiscation of Property | Public Mockery | General Prohibition to Thrive | Torment/Torture | Death/Martyrdom
A Standard for the Church
Acts 5:12-42 ESV
➢ They “obeyed God rather than man”
➢ They became greatly influential
➢ They were:
○ Submissive to authority
○ Subjected to oppressions
○ But not subjective to self-preservation
We Were Warned
➢ Like master, like servant – John 15:18-25 ESV ➢ Living Godly draws persecution – 2 Timothy 3:12 ESV ➢ You will be hated – Luke 21:17
Understanding the Root Cause
➢ Spiritual forces – Ephesians 6:12 AMP
➢ Man following Satan – Ephesians 2:1-2 ESV ➢ Sinful nature – Romans 8:7 NLT
Proper Response Toward Persecutors
➢ Love your enemies – Matthew 5:38-48 ESV
➢ Forgive them – Acts 7:60 ESV (Luke 23:34)
Proper Attitude Toward Death for Christ
- Deny self and love not your own life
- Matthew 16:24
- Revelation 12:11
- Consider your life not your own – Galatians 2:20 ESV 3. Learn contentment – 2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV 4. Understand what you gain – Philippians 1:20-21 AMP 5. Count it as joy and be glad – Luke 6 22-23 ESV 6. Eyes on eternity – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV 7. Do not be afraid, but fear God
- Isaiah 41:10 ESV
- Matthew 10:28 ESV
Final Thought: Am I ready to give up my life for Christ?