As the Church grows, opposition increases.
1. Seeing the pattern. In Acts 3:1-6:7 pattern of healing, preaching, persecution, prayer, money and stewardship. Why? Luke has ordered his material to see the theological significance of what was going on. Luke wants us to notice two things (a) the increase in opposition. (b) there an increase in blessing.
2. Increase in opposition. The Sanhedrin (religious rulers) had a problem. Previous warnings to the disciples failed, and now 'plan b' is implemented (v17). But this didn't work (see v19-21), and so the Sanhedrin tried again. This time they gave the Christians a beating and told them not to preach (v40,41). How many Christians are persecuted today - 200,000,000 were being persecuted in 2002. Persecution can take many forms. Can be physical, or like today the problem is 'post-modernism'. We don't know who the enemy is. (liberalism, pornography, materialism). Are we quietly being deceived?
3. Increase in blessing - despite the persecution, the Church grows (v12-14). God confirmed the apostles by miracles and clarity of their preaching. (eg Acts 1:8) They had no need to fear - nothing will stop God from fulfilling His promises (Gamaliel v38,39). The way the Church grows is through faithful preaching (v42) - Jesus is the Christ.
