God, through the Holy Spirit gave special gifts of healing to the Apostles. The initial church in Jerusalem grew rapidly. Nowhere was there space to meet with such large crowds except within the courtyards of the temple, precisely Solomon’s Porch. Here is where all the crowds of people met to listen to Peter preach. Oh, yes! Peter was warned to never speak the name of Jesus again. Yet, his voice could not be stopped. Even if it meant his death, he was not willing to go speechless. His fear had caused him to deny His Lord once upon a time. Never again! For this same Jesus who died on the cross, rose from the grave, forgave him and commissioned him to preach the gospel. Nothing and no one can stop the spread of the gospel because it is of God. Neither can anything Thwart God’s Plan.
Whatever the personal cost, Peter knew he must continue to speak God’s word to the people, crying out for them to repent and be saved. Furthermore, he knew that this must be done in the power of the Holy Spirit and not his own power. Afterall, he experienced defeat before when trying to stand for Jesus in his own strength. Nothing and no one can stop the growth of the church when it be of God. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). Peter’s task: obey God and leave the consequences to Him.
No One Can Stop It
Here we have Peter preaching the truth. Salvation can only come through Jesus Christ. The very same Jesus Christ whom the Jewish leaders petitioned the Roman courts to hang on the cross. Jesus whom God the Father raised from the dead. The same Jesus now offering forgiveness to all who would repent of their sins, acknowledging Him as Lord. This frightened the Jewish leaders. Afterall, the church grew so rapidly. And this Peter they believed condemned them for the death of Jesus. The throngs of followers grew too large. So, once more, they took Peter and the apostles to place them in the common prison this time. However, God sent an angel to lead them out without so much as disturbing the jail nor the guards. And where did God send them? Back to the temple court to preach. Imagine the frustration of the Jewish leadership!
So, they brought them before the council again and said,
Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, ‘We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.’ When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. (Acts 5: 28-33).
If it Be of God
Well, among the priests there was Gamaliel who reasoned with the other priests not to kill them because it would cause an even bigger uprising. He reminded them of “false” teachers who came and went in the past. Their presence never lasted. Furthermore, he said one of the most profound of statements before the council. “Refrain from these men and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.” (Acts 5:38-39).
Even now in the end times, surrounded by evil and false ideologies, we cannot forget the victory is already won. Peter knew the truth! No matter how dark the world seems around us. Regardless of the obstacles that lie within our path. We are to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has already won the war. His plan will not be thwarted. Jesus said, “
Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away (Mark 13:31). He will come again soon to rapture His church (all who know Him as Savior and Lord). Judgment will come upon the earth. Then, He will return to reign for 1000 years while Satan is chained. After that, the final judgement. A new heaven and a new earth will then be created where we who know Him might live eternally in His presence.
So, what do I have to fear on this earth? And consider this, Gamaliel’s words became somewhat prophetic for Christianity continues today. False ideologies and religions surround us; but they will fade away when Christ returns.
God Will Accomplish His Purpose
God will accomplish all that He has purposed. As written in Isaiah 46: 9-13
Remember the former things of old. For I am God, and there is none else. I am God, and there is none like me. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done. Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness. I bring near my righteousness. It shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry. I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.
Concluding Thoughts
Beyond all that, He is constantly about the work of performing His perfect will in my life. When it appears that everything is crumbling around me, I know, in truth it is not! For God is in control! Nothing and no one can stop the perfect plan of God for my life. All that happens, I must realize comes from or is allowed by Him, for He is Sovereign.
Therefore, if it be of God, no one can stop it. Furthermore, “all things work together for good to them who love God” (Romans 8:28). Faith is knowing God IS and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6). I may not always understand, but I can stand firm on this truth. His truth makes me fearless in life. And His truth does not allow me to stand by idly, speechless in a world that desires to destroy His truth.
So, whatever dilemma you face today. Remember this, “If it be of God, no one can stop it. If not, then you really don’t want it. Regardless of how you might feel today.”
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Previous Posts in This Study of ACTS
What is the Big Deal With Hypocrisy?
One United Prayer of Praise. How with Perilous Threats?
What if You Were Forbidden to Speak of Jesus
How to Really Speak the Truth Boldly
Miracle of God, His Timing, and the Faith to Stand
Do We really Have Singleness of Heart?
What is our Greatest Opportunity at Hand?
The Remarkable Communication of the Holy Spirit in Revival
Is Being Filled with the Spirit a Different Experience?
What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
How to Wait with Cautious Discernment
How to Hold Fast to the True Gospel Message
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.