The Book of Acts ~ Study Twenty-Three

"Provoked Mightily"


Acts 5:17-26 (MSG) Provoked mightily by all this, the Chief Priest and those on his side, mainly the sect of Sadducees, went into action, arrested the apostles and put them in the town jail. But during the night an angel of God opened the jailhouse door and led them out. He said, "Go to the Temple and take your stand. Tell the people everything there is to say about this Life."
   Promptly obedient, they entered the Temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching.
   Meanwhile, the Chief Priest and his cronies convened the High Council, Israel's senate, and sent to the jail to have the prisoners brought in. When the police got there, they couldn't find them anywhere in the jail. They went back and reported, "We found the jail locked tight as a drum and the guards posted at the doors, but when we went inside we didn't find a soul."
   The chief of the Temple police and the high priests were puzzled. "What's going on here anyway?"
   Just then someone showed up and said, "Did you know that the men you put in jail are back in the Temple teaching the people?" The chief and his police went and got them, but they handled them gently, fearful that the people would riot and turn on them.


I love this version of the story from the Message Bible. "Provoked mightily..." may be the best description of the Chief Priest and his "cronies" I've read. To say the least they were "provoked mightily" by the Savior of the Universe and His band of believers. When God wants something done He does it. And boy, He really did it this time!! HOOOOT!!!! HOOOOT!! Great is our God!!


To lay it all out, first the lame man was healed in Jesus' Name ~ Thousands were hearing and believing the Good News about the Messiah ~ The Chief Priest and his cronies arrest Peter and John ~ Release them with a stern warning not to use the Name of Jesus ~ The Apostles are back at it again the next day ~ Many more people come to know the Messiah ~ Many more people are healed ~ The CP and his cronies arrest them again ~ The Temple guards find the jail empty and locked ~ They report it to the CP ~ They find the apostles preaching and healing in the Name of Jesus on the Temple Mount ~The Captain and his officers politely (because they were scared of a riot) usher the Apostles back before the CP and his cronies...(more to come)


Whew!! This portion of scripture teaches us that God doesn't give up and neither should we. He provided power to the apostles and rescued them from jail. Jesus had warned them they would face opposition and even possible death, these faithful men were willing to share the Good News with others. Why? Look at the word of Jesus and discover the answers.


Luke 6:22-23 (MSG) "Count yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down or throws you out, every time someone smears or blackens your name to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person is uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—skip like a lamb, if you like!—for even though they don't like it, I do . . . and all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company; my preachers and witnesses have always been treated like this."


Luke 8:16 (NLT) “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house."


Luke 12:4-5 (NLT) “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear."


Luke 24:45-49 (MSG) "He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, "You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You're the first to hear and see it. You're the witnesses. What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you're equipped with power from on high." 


The Apostles knew and believed what Jesus had taught them. They knew persecution would happen. They knew they had to be a light to the world for Christ. They knew there were people who wanted to (and eventually would) kill them because of their beliefs. They knew that God was the true one to be feared and wanted to be on His side. They knew that Jesus had suffered, died and rose again just as He promised. They knew what their responsibility was to spread the life-changing truth about Jesus. And finally, they knew they were equipped to carry out the task that Jesus commanded them to do.


You know what? I haven't really viewed myself as one who would suffer for Jesus. I never really thought that telling others about Jesus was my ultimate goal. Truthfully, I am always moaning and groaning about "my purpose" in this world. I am only now really understanding that the charge Jesus gave to His disciples is the same charge He has given me. What about you? How have you seen yourself as a follower of Jesus? What are your fears about opening yourself up to the danger of this world and those who don't love Jesus? What is your purpose?


There have been many books about finding your purpose. News flash!!!! Our purpose is the same as the apostles. That is, to love God with all our hearts, souls and minds ~ to love others ~ to tell the world we live in about a God who loves them and wants them with Him. There is no other purpose than using the gifts He has given us to shine the light on Him. We are to bring Jesus into focus for those who can't really discern who He is. That's all!! That's it!!


Are you with me? Are you ready to go out to the "temple mount" of your life and tell others this magnificent news of a Savior who suffered, died, rose again and loves them beyond all reason? Nows the time, not later, not just when we feel we have a platform to speak from, not just when a disaster happens, but now, everyday and at every opportunity He gives us.


You will face the persecution of those who resemble the "chief priests and his cronies" (different people same goal) and that is to stop the Name of Jesus being proclaimed. Don't be afraid because He has given you the power to do the things He's called you to do. We are warriors for the King of Kings and we have work to do. Let's do it.