Tribulations permitted by God for the growth of the Gospel – Acts 04:04

Acts 4:4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand._*

The leaders of the temple came and arrested Peter and John. They were arrested because they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. We have already seen that what Peter and John taught was what the prophets had said. This was the heritage of the Jews.    

Though their arrest, seemed to be against God, we see that the Gospel was not restricted. 

Apostle Paul says that all that happened to him, referring to his imprisonment, had actually turned out for the furtherance of the Gospel. Philippians 1:12-14 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, (13) so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; (14) and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

What we see happening currently, as we enter 2023, is precisely a repetition of all that happened with the early church. We must take heart. The Lord is permitting these violent attacks against His church and His Gospel to take place, for they actually result in the growth of the Gospel.

We must, therefore, not be ashamed of the Gospel or be apologetic before those who oppose the Gospel. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

We see here that about 5000 people came to faith in Jesus. These were the elect of God, whom God had chosen. As His church, we are responsible for those who are the elect of God in every context. We do not know who they are but as we present Jesus, as Lord and King, the elect will be saved.  

Apostle Paul was sure of one thing in his life, which was chains and tribulations. Chains and tribulations did not bother him in any way. This is how it ought to be for us as His church in the 21st century. Acts 20:23-24 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. (24) But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Paul did not count his life dear to himself. As His church, we are still operating in the safety and security mode, in our relationship with God. We are praying for the Lord to protect us and save us from those who treat us violently. This is understandable as this was how the early church too measured their situation. 

Yet, the apostles, set the pace for the church that the focus ought to be on the growth of the Gospel, not for our safety. II Timothy 2:9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. ‘The word of God not being chained’, was the focus of Paul.  

Even his imprisonment, Paul saw as being arranged by God for the fulfilment of the ministry that the Lord had entrusted to him, which was to minister to the Gentiles. Ephesians 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles—

So, friends, let us take heart that God is in control and we must be faithful to Him.  

Paul did ask for the church to pray for him, while he was in chains. As we look at his prayer request, we see that he is not asking the church to pray for his early release but that utterance may be given to him, to make known the mysteries of the Gospel with boldness. Ephesians 6:19-20 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, (20) for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

This was how the church prayed, while they were being mistreated. Acts 4:29-31 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, (30) by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” (31) And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Will we as His church, enter 2023 asking the Lord to give us boldness to face the hardship that awaits us, knowing that these are permitted by God for the extension of the Gospel?

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