"Obeying the Saviour by Speaking and Suffering"

Acts 5:29-32,40-42 April 18/04

Go for the Goal

There is much in life that would distract us from steadfastly serving our Lord: fear of man, the threat of being poked fun at or made to feel ashamed for our beliefs, among other things. But Jesus through the Spirit gives us courage to stay on track and on target in sharing with others the good things He's done in our lives.

      Everyone has goals in life. For hockey teams, those goals are very precisely defined by a steel frame and net. But NHL teams are not the only ones making front-page news these days. The April 8 edition of The Citizen related how Blyth's own Justin Peters scored an OHL goal in a quarter-final series on March 30. What makes this unique is that Justin himself is a goalie. No, he didn't accidentally knock the puck into his own net. With three minutes left in the third period, the opposing team pulled their goalie to give their team an extra player on offence. When they dumped the puck into Justin's end, he caught it and shot it down the ice, scoring an empty-net goal which won the game 5-2. That makes him the first goalie to score in an OHL playoff game since 1993. What a dream come true!

      When Jesus was resurrected and after 40 days taken to heaven, He left His followers with one clear goal: to make disciples, what we call "the Great Commission". That requires evangelism, sharing our faith; yet many of us are uncomfortable with that, and develop other goals instead. The Enemy is only too happy to keep us busy by firing pucks of temptation, stress, and misguided desires down the ice at us. We feel we're doing well if we just manage to fend off his slapshots and keep our own net clear. But we tend to forget the Chief Coach has given us the objective of scoring in that other net way down the ice. Evangelism puts us on the offensive against Satan, and it's exhilarating when we "score" - escorting another soul into salvation and knowledge of God.

      Justin is reported to have said, "It was a whole body rush, I started shaking a little bit...I didn't believe it at first." Some mothers have said that there's no experience to compare with childbirth, it's the most profound experience one can have. Likewise, spiritually speaking, there's no "rush" like being a midwife in a religious conversion, having the privilege of introducing someone to Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Yet mention the "e-word" and many believers' knuckles turn white with fright, we want to turn and run. What can we learn from Peter and the other apostles who started the soul-winning series? In Acts 5 we see Peter taking a "long shot" and daring to go for the goal.

Who's Boss?

In order to share the good news or "evangelize", the first hurdle we have to overcome is fear of man. The youngest child who is picked upon or made to feel ashamed in the slightest way develops a natural dread of bullies. Jesus urges us to overcome this. He said in Luke 12(4-5), "I tell you...do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." God is the One we should revere most, rather than being terrified by other people, or afraid of what someone might think of us for speaking out about our faith. In Acts 5 Peter shows exceptional boldness in standing up to the threats of the most powerful Jewish ruling council, and this theme of authority, who's in control, whom we really have to deal with, runs throughout the passage.

      In v28, the high priest reminds the apostles, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name." There is a double repetition for emphasis in the Greek, "we commandingly commanded you," as if he's underlining the disobedience of Peter and company. They'd had their warning, this time there would be serious consequences. V29 Peter replies: "We must obey God rather than men!" The authority issue front and centre, who's to be feared and heeded - God or human authorities? V32, Peter points out that God gives the Holy Spirit "to those who obey Him." Again he's hammering home the idea that the Lord is the One we're to revere and serve, instead of shaking in our boots because of what other people do or say. But Peter's audience wasn't very receptive. V40, they flog the disciples then order them not to speak in the name of Jesus. Trying to intimidate them and assert their own authority. Playing the political game; the Sanhedrin must have been very much aware of power-politics and the usefulness of fear of man. They themselves were caught in a powerlock between the militarily superior Roman overlords on the one hand, and the Jewish patriotic Zealots and rebels on the other. For these politicians, fear of man was their trump card in controlling the masses, and it usually worked. Why were Peter and the others so courageous and bold before them, so unimpressed by the threat of punishment?

      The first time they'd hauled them up on the carpet for the healing of the crippled man, Luke tells us in Acts 4(13), "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." Christ's own boldness had rubbed off on the disciples. Peter was beginning to change from the turn-coat who'd denied Jesus three times the night He was betrayed. Think about what he'd been experiencing lately. The Risen Lord had said to them, "you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8) Pentecost had happened, equipping them to speak in other languages, changing the hearts of thousands. The apostles were given the ability to perform other miraculous signs (Ac 2:43). God had healed a well-known cripple through Peter (3:7). Peter had seen the wealthy made willing to sell their property and distribute the proceeds to the needy - bursting the bonds of greed (4:34f). Ananias and Sapphira had dropped dead when they tried to lie to God about their giving (5:5,10). The disciples' acts of healing became more widespread (5:16); an angel even released them from prison (5:19). Peter was starting to get used to the fact that God was protecting him; no matter what opposition they encountered, it didn't matter, because God was in control and calling the shots. The Lord had ultimate authority, not man.

      So now, in His defence to the Sanhedrin, we hear Peter emphasizing God's sovereignty. He says in vv30-31, "The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead...God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince..." God's "right hand" is an expression for the position of highest authority. The Greek word for "prince" means chief leader, the one who takes the lead, pioneer, Author - hence authority. Much as the Jewish rulers might like to think they were the "movers and shakers", Peter was very clear that the Galilean they'd killed was now the One now "who's Boss". As evidenced by all the miracles happening around them.

Free from Shame

"Fear of man" is one puck the Enemy tries to shoot at us and knock us over with; "shame" is another. His name, Satan, means Accuser, the one who bad-mouths and condemns us. He tries to lock us in destructive patterns of guilt, self-contempt and self-pity. We can detect this as another area of concern in the high priest's charges against the disciples. V28, "You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood." As much as to say, 'What are you doing, trying to make us look bad in front of everybody?' Strangely, just weeks before, the leaders and people seemed quick enough to say before the governor Pilate, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!" Perhaps the mighty wonders were now making them change their minds.

      Peter doesn't dodge the accusation but confronts it head-on. He says in v30, "...you had killed [Jesus] by hanging Him on a tree..." - placing the blame squarely on those who passed the judicial vote. Yes, they were responsible. Rather than killing Jesus by the more respectable method of stoning, they had chosen to have the Romans kill Him by crucifixion, knowing full well that Deuteronomy 21(23) said, "anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse." Their attempt to curse Christ had backfired; that's why the apostles' teaching was making them squirm so much. They fully deserved to be ashamed of condemning and killing an innocent man, in fact, the Messiah.

      But shame need not be their final fate. Peter announces in v31 that God exalted Jesus not only as Prince (for authority), but as Saviour (for redemption) -- "that He might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel." You don't need to be trapped in your shame. Yes, you have done things wrong, we all have sinned and fall short of God's glory (Rom.3:23). But the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ (Rom.6:23). The Lord was offering even those who'd tortured and killed Him a complete amnesty, total forgiveness and acceptance. The slate would be wiped clean if they only repented, had a change of heart and received Him.

      Peter's bluntness about their blunder leads, however, not to repentance but to murderous rage. They are "cut to the heart" with anger. Gamaliel narrowly convinces the Sanhedrin not to commit another judicial blunder, and in this way, the apostles' lives are spared. Yet they must undergo a painful beating - not as deadly as a Roman flogging, but still very painful. Yet their response to this punishment becomes a live demonstration for their accusers of the freedom from shame Jesus has given them. V41, the apostles leave "rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." What was designed to bring suffering and humiliation instead brought joy. This is a strange phrase - "counted worthy of suffering disgrace": it's what we'd call an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms, as in "a silence that spoke volumes". They felt honoured to be dishonoured - for the Name of Jesus. What was meant to be the most debasing public treatment possible instead exalted them with every lash because they realized they were being associated with the Nazarene who likewise was flogged. Jesus was right there, going through it with them, strengthening them, bolstering their heart. As Paul later expressed it, "I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions..." (Col.1:24) Peter and the others identified with their leader through every blow, and that turned ridicule into rejoicing. Shame evaporated through solidarity with the Saviour.

Proclaiming Good, Relevant News

So Peter's presentation seems to focus on these two issues that surface in the high priest's comments: fear of man, and the bondage of shame. By his response, Peter doesn't water down the significance of what Jesus had done, but adjusts what he says to answer the issues of those he's addressing. What can we learn from this for occasions when we have the opportunity to share about Christ with others?

      In his short (3-verse) presentation of the gospel, Peter doesn't feel the need to present a summary of the Sermon on the Mount, or a review of all Christ's parables. Instead he zeroes in on what God has done through Jesus as it applies to the lives of those he's addressing. The fact of the Resurrection and Ascension, yes - but more importantly, what the Lord offers these people that has to do with their issues of authority and shame.

      We can see a similar approach in a useful evangelistic resource published by Campus Crusade for Christ, a little colourful 8-page pamphlet called "Experience the Passion of the Christ". [picture of p.3, ETP] Inside the cover it says, "Your Deepest Needs: pure love, complete forgiveness, ultimate wholeness, everlasting life." In smaller print it says, "We can spend most of our lives on trivial issues. But this movie reminds us what really matters and what we really need. Our greatest felt needs are to be loved, forgiven, whole, and alive." It's identifying, like Peter, where the audience is at, the issues that are most of concern to them.

      Our sharing of the good news needs to be tailored to our listeners. Back in 1965 Bill Bright authored a tract called, "Have you heard of the Four Spiritual Laws?" For decades this was a standard resource for evangelism. [picture of pp.2-5, FSL] Look inside and you'll find a lot of scripture and a little commentary; mainly black and white, with very elementary diagrams. Law 1: "God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life" - with John 3:16 and 10:10 written out. Law 2: "Man is sinful and separated from God. Therefore, he cannot know and experience God's love and plan for his life." There's Romans 3:23 and 6:23.

      This tract worked for a print-based, Bible-aware generation. It relied heavily on the authority of Scripture, assuming the reader would already be somewhat aware of it; back then, most people had gone to Sunday School, so were familiar with Biblical concepts.

      Fast forward nearly 40 years to today. A minority of young people have gone to Sunday School. This generation tends to watch TV or DVDs or surf the net or play video games rather than read. It is largely Biblically illiterate. But people still have a need for what only Christ can supply. How do we make them aware this is possible?

      [pp.4-5, ETP] Campus Crusade's current pamphlet uses full-colour graphics to catch the attention of our media-savvy culture; bold headlines - "Experience Pure Love", "Experience Complete Forgiveness" - a lot of commentary and a little Scripture. For example: "Do you live with guilt? Have you done something you feel ashamed of?...Guilt is a horrible thing to live with. How do you stop living with guilt?...Maybe you have tried burying your guilt in denial. You can't live with it, so you deny it. But it keeps coming back - it won't go away. Maybe you have tried covering your guilt under a pile of good deeds. You can't live with it, so you try to make up for it. But it is never enough...So how do you get free from your guilt?...In The Passion of the Christ you saw Jesus give complete forgiveness. Even while He was being beaten and crucified, Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Lk.23:34) As you were watching the movie, did you wonder why Jesus had to be beaten so badly?...Your sin and guiltiness had to be punished and paid for...Jesus was brutally beaten and killed because that is what it took for us to be forgiven of our sins...You can experience complete forgiveness."

      Like Peter facing the Sanhedrin, the pamphlet addresses the basic human problem of shame and our need for forgiveness. Peter didn't have the pamphlet, but he still saw the need, and addressed it using the people's experience - they had probably seen Jesus' crucifixion. The core message hasn't changed. It's just that now, as compared to the '60s, we can't assume the person recognizes the authority of Scripture; but we can still start with their "itch" as a shopper. The key is prayerfully asking God to show us what each person's basic needs are, then explaining to them in an engaging way how Jesus offers an answer for that need. For some people it will be shame; for others, fear of man, who's in authority; for others, love, or healing, or eternal purpose. We don't need to carry the pamphlet around with us - though keeping some in your car or purse might not be a bad idea. But we should be familiar with this sort of presentation and how to put it in our own words. As Peter later wrote to the church, “...in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.But do this with gentleness and respect...” (1 Peter 3:15)

Preparation to be "In the Zone"

On Monday night the Maple Leafs goalie, Eddie Balfour, handed the Senators a 2-0 shutout. The next day the radio carried an interview with Jim Park who runs a hockey goalie training school. They discussed what a goalie needs to do to develop that kind of concentration and focus that puts them "in the zone" as it's called, where you're fully aware and the pucks appear to be "the size of basketballs" so you can catch them. Mr Park said goalie Balfour has a very careful plan each day there's a game, he has everything carefully laid out and follows a determined schedule without distractions. This helps him to arrive at the rink totally focused and "in the zone", ready to grab those pucks.

      From such dedicated athletes we Christians can learn a tip about focused living. Develop good habits, minimize the distractions, concentrate on what's most important. Give priority to your spiritual nurture and exercise, then you'll be prepared for situation like Peter encountered, "in the zone" for evangelism. V42 of Acts 5 says, “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.” "Day after day" - that's their regular habit, 'all through every day'. "In the temple courts" - their worship life; perhaps our regular quiet time with the Lord in prayer and the Word, as well as coming to church each week. "And from house to house" - that's our fellowship with other Christians, through small groups and our daily interaction. "They never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." Their eyes were on the goal; may the Holy Spirit "score" through us! Let's pray.