Acts 5:17-32

The Irrationality of Unbelief

We see in this context the apostles once again undergoing persecution for the teaching and preaching of the Words of Life. The central message was about their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who laid down His life as a substitute paying for the believer’s sins. The Apostles are serving a living Christ who sits in Session with His Father. They have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach with boldness. They preached Christ crucified, buried and raised from the dead for our justification.

1. More Persecution – v.17-28

   1. Public Threats, Jailed and Beaten

      1. Satanic retaliation – II Tim. 3:12; I Pet. 2:20; 3:17; 4:15

      2. Promised in the Beatitudes – Matt. 5:10-12; John 15:17-20

2. Sadducees filled with jealousy

   1. What is the cause of unbelief? V.17

   2. Where is the scientific investigation?

   3. Ignoring the facts

3. What an irony!

   1. Angels release the apostles from prison – Turn To: Acts 12:3-12; 16:23-34 cf. 23:8

   2. Things have not changed, looking at the history of the church.

2. More Persistence – v.29-32

   1. Obeying the angel of the Lord –v.20

      1. The message of life – Phil. 2:16; I John 1:1,2

      2. Meanwhile the Council convened – v.21

      3. Perplexed – v.21-25

2. Indictments against the Apostles

   1. Disregard for the Sanhedrin’s orders – v.28; cf. 3:16; 4:10

   2. Intending to bring this man’s blood upon us – v. 28; Luke 23:22; Matt. 27:25

3. Standing for Truth – v.28-32

   1. The Apostles were not intimidated – “We must obey God rather than man.”

   2. God blesses those who obey Him – Exod. 1:17; II Kings 19:14-17

   3. The Sanhedrin and Sadducees are guilty as charged – Deut. 21:33; Gal. 3:13; I Pet. 2:24

   4. The blessing of the Holy Spirit – (Acts 2:4; Rom. 8:9; I Cor. 6:18, 20; 12:13) Luke 24:44-49

   5. God’s gift to the believer – Turn & Read Luke 11:9-13

Pastor Nick Iamaio

Reformed Presbyterian Church 207 South First Street,

Fulton, NY 13069

Web Site fultonrpc.org

8/30/2009