Acts 5:11-42

Acts 5:11-16
 Apostles did many sings and wonders;  ALL were healed  (could mean vast majority - could be 'all'.)
(implication - healings even by Peter's shadow)
In other words, God clearly was validating the Message and the MESSENGERS!! 

The bulk of Acts is narrative = telling the story.  But = narrative with a point!

However, though many indisputable miracles, and many turning to Christ ..
nevertheless, some became more hostile, calloused, hardened!!

Acts 5:17-18
Sadducees = social and political elite - yet = losing control to a dead Galilean Carpenter!!
(temple police - kept order in temple area with Rome's permission)

Acts 5:19-21
Sanhedrin = ruling body of Israel;  70 elders/judges patterned after Moses' helpers.  (Num. 11)

Acts 5:22-32 - Verse 29 - very important
Implication of verse 32b?  

Acts 5:33-40
Gamaliel = grandson of Hillel.  Was tutor of Saul (Paul)
So.... Apostles - (1) released
             But        (2)  punished
            and        (3) ordered NOT to speak in Jesus' name! 
at issue was not the miracles, teaching the people. 
At issue = doing this IN JESUS' NAME!!!
ie:  A)  promoting the One the Sanhedrin had worked to eliminate
     B)  having people follow them (in huge numbers)

Apostles' Response = "Rejoicing" and "proclaiming" - went back to same place, preached same message

AS we continue through Acts ... will see on one hand, many turning to Christ.
However, persecutions increasing!!

Some Truths; Applications; Lessons for us:

#1.  "We must obey God rather than men"  Acts 5:29
(This = primary point of the text!)
Doesn't mean Christians are free to defy all civil authorities/statutes - Rom. 13:1
Rather - when civil authorities in Clear contradiction to God's will ... Allegiance and Obedience to be with God!!!

#2.  Living for Christ will (sometimes) put you at odds with the world.  2 Tim. 3:12 - mindset, thinking
Why?  The difference is more than cultural, personal preference, etc. 
It = Spiritual   Eph. 6:12

Therefore, we should, on one hand, Count the cost of following Christ (Luke 14)
However, should also Consider the benefits  (compensation)
Rom. 8:18    2 Cor. 4:17

#3.  God doesn't always deliver His messengers from persecution!  (as here)
(10 of 11 Apostles were martyred!!

He will deliver you!!  BUT ... not necessarily from physical harm in this life!!
And He promises to be with you whatever the situation.  We don't always see the blessings.

#4.  The immediate, powerful and active Presence of the Holy Spirit does NOT guarantee repentance or conversion!
(those who recognize and submit => mercy, grace, salvation
(those who continually resist can expect...
    (1)  Strong delusion  2 Thess. 2:9-12  God gives what asked for
    (2)  Spiritual callousness - Rom. 1:21, 32  (God gave them up)
                                            Rev. 16:10-11
Be careful what you seek in life;  God might just let you have it!!

#5. What was 'Good News' THEN is still 'Good News' today!
The offer of grace/salvation still stands.. AND "whosoever will may come!!"

You may NOT experience miracles (of that generation)
But the gentle wooing/still small voice is sufficient for you!!
You don't' need a miracle to convince you of what you already KNOW is true!!

So... IF He's been calling... THEN you should respond!
This = true not only of salvation.  Also true of call to repent; greater commitment; a call to serve; a call to grow, etc.

So, IF you know.... don't wait for a SIGN before you do what you Know is Right!!

Closing Scripture:  Isa. 41:10