Just as warfare, in one form or another, is part of human history, so too the Bible teaches that there is an ongoing spiritual warfare with the Kingdom of darkness and the Kingdom of light in conflict (Ephesians 6:12). Opposition and even persecution come with the territory of being a Christian.
Jesus faced the reality of attacks from the kingdom of darkness right from the time of his birth when Herod wanted to kill Him. Later He was tempted by Satan and opposed by evil religious people throughout his ministry. Finally, He was unjustly arrested, violently abused and ultimately crucified. But through His death and resurrection He conquered death and showed us how we can all overcome evil in life. His disciples were therefore not surprised when they experienced opposition to the teaching, signs and wonders that they were doing in the name of Jesus.
As we now move into the next stage of our studies in Acts chapters 5-7, we see that the early Christians saw great blessing. But they also went through a tough time:
• The believers were put in jail (Acts 4:3)
• They were put on trial (Acts 4:7; Acts 6:12-13)
• They were threatened (Acts 4:18-21)
• They were physically beaten (Acts 5:40)
• They were even stoned to death (Acts 7:57-58)
And yet in spite of all this the church surged forward. They knew how to stand strong in the face of opposition and keep focused on Jesus and their spiritual calling. We too need to all stand strong whatever type of opposition we may be facing either as individuals or as Christian communities in different nations. We see how the first Christians reacted when the going got tough and what happened as a result:
1. They never stopped boldly teaching about Jesus (Acts 5:42; Acts 4:18-21; Acts 5:29-32; Acts 6:10; Acts 7; Luke 12:11-12)
2. They never stopped rejoicing (Acts 5:41-42; Romans 14:17; Acts 8:8; Hebrews 1:19; Acts 5:18-20; Romans 8:28)
3. They never stopped growing (Acts 4:4; Acts 5:14; Acts 6:7; John 12:24; Romans 14:8; John 1:5)
Apply
Have you decided that no matter what the opposition or intimidation, no matter who the audience is, and no matter what the potential cost or consequence maybe, that when the time comes, you will speak up for your faith and rely on the Holy Spirit to give you the right words? When the apostles were commanded not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus, they were not intimidated into being silent (Acts 4:18-21; Acts 5:42). We see in Acts 5:29-32, and many other times, that they taught:
• Who Jesus was
• How he was crucified to save us from our sins
• The power of his resurrection
• The need to repent and become obedient to God
The apostles were speaking to the religious rulers of their nation who, only weeks before, had Jesus arrested and crucified. But the disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit, were not afraid of them. When the religious leaders picked on Stephen and argued with him, Acts 6:10 says that they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. Instead of backing down, Stephen, anointed by the Holy Spirit, boldly declared how they were resisting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 7). Most probably Stephen would have been aware of what Jesus said in Luke 12:11-12. Today Christians face hostility, ridicule, peer pressure and bullying, as well as the threat of legal repercussions, which can all cause Christians to be reluctant to speak about their faith. But if we are going to see change in our nation we are going to have to step out of our fear and face down the intimidation through bold and clear testimony of the love, life and light of Jesus Christ. Whatever the opposition, just keep speaking about Jesus, just as the first Christians did.
Have you learnt not to let difficulties rob you of your joy? Through all that the apostles and first Christians faced, they never lost their joy. And nor must we ever lose our joy and become worried and sad. The apostles were clearly not discouraged, depressed or disillusioned for being imprisoned and flogged for sharing the gospel and seeing miraculous healings in Jesus’ name but rather rejoiced (Acts 5:41-42). They counted it a privilege to be persecuted for their association with Jesus and were delighted to be identified with Him. Jesus was their Saviour, their Lord, their greatest love and the source of their life. And they knew that when the Holy Spirit was with them, they could know the joy of the Lord in all situations (Romans 14:17). This joy, which is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, is evident throughout the book of Acts as the gospel spread (Acts 8:8; Acts 16:25). The word 'rejoice' appears constantly in the New Testament. When the Holy Spirit is with us we are, as Hebrews 1:19 puts it, ‘anointed with the oil of gladness.’ Whether God delivers us from our problems (Acts 5:18-20), or whether He permits us to pay the ultimate price for our faith (Acts 7:60), God’s grace will always be sufficient for us (Romans 8:28). Whatever difficulties you face in your family, finances, health, ministry, work, studies or in any other area, learn this lesson from the first disciples and keep your joy in all circumstances.
Are you confident that the more of the Holy Spirit you receive, the more you can overcome and see God’s kingdom come and His will being done here on earth and in your circumstances, as it is in heaven? As the opposition increased to the early Christians, so did the number of those believing in Jesus (Acts 4:4; Acts 5:14; Acts 6:7). One of the most significant figures in the future growth of the church was actually right there giving his support when Stephen was being stoned to death. His name was Saul, soon to become the apostle Paul. Stephen had the most amazing peace and revelation of Jesus before He died praying for his enemies. And God used this to further advance the conquest of the kingdom of God over the Kingdom of darkness (John 12:24). Our attitude should be like that of Paul (Romans 14:8). In other words, as the famous World War 2 poster instructed: Keep calm and carry on! For sure this world is the combat zone between the kingdoms of light and darkness. When you come out of the kingdom of darkness and start to live in the kingdom of light, the more there will be a reaction. But there is no need to be intimidated or discouraged when you or your family or the church face difficult times, for Jesus has conquered everything (John 1:5).
