Growth Pains

The Power of Obedience: Lessons from the Early Church

In the bustling streets of ancient Jerusalem, a revolution was underway. Not one of swords and shields, but of hearts and minds. The early Christian church, still in its infancy, was experiencing explosive growth. Thousands were flocking to hear the message of Jesus Christ, drawn by powerful teachings and miraculous healings. But this rapid expansion didn't come without a cost.

As the apostles continued to preach in the temple courts, particularly in an area known as Solomon's Portico, they faced mounting opposition from the religious authorities. The Sadducees, a powerful sect that denied the resurrection and the existence of angels, were particularly incensed. They watched with growing alarm as their carefully constructed worldview was challenged daily by the apostles' teachings and the undeniable miracles occurring in their midst.

Driven by jealousy and fear of losing their influence, the high priest and his associates decided to take action. They had the apostles arrested and thrown into the public jail. But God had other plans. In the dead of night, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, instructing them to "Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people all about this new life."

This divine jailbreak highlights a crucial theme: when faced with a choice between obeying human authorities or obeying God, we must choose God. The apostles didn't hesitate. At daybreak, they entered the temple courts and began teaching again, fully aware of the potential consequences.

Meanwhile, the religious leaders convened the Sanhedrin – the full assembly of the elders of Israel. Imagine their shock when messengers reported that the prison was securely locked, the guards still at their posts, but the prisoners gone! As they grappled with this impossibility, word came that the apostles were back in the temple courts, teaching the people.

When brought before the Sanhedrin, the apostles faced a stark reminder: "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood."

Peter and the other apostles' response rings through the ages: "We must obey God rather than human beings!" They didn't deny the charge. Instead, they doubled down on their message, proclaiming that the God of their ancestors had raised Jesus from the dead – the very Jesus whom these leaders had killed by hanging him on a cross. They declared that God had exalted Jesus to his own right hand as Prince and Savior, offering repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.

This bold proclamation enraged the Sanhedrin. They wanted to put the apostles to death. But a respected Pharisee named Gamaliel urged caution, reminding them of past movements that had fizzled out on their own. He reasoned, "If their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

The Sanhedrin took Gamaliel's advice – to a point. They had the apostles flogged and ordered them once again not to speak in the name of Jesus. Then they let them go.

Here's where the story takes an unexpected turn. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, not dejected or fearful, but rejoicing "because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." This radical response challenges us to examine our own attitudes toward hardship and opposition. Do we complain when following Christ becomes inconvenient or uncomfortable? Or do we, like the apostles, consider it an honor to suffer for His name?

The apostles' commitment didn't waver. 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 Messiah. Their obedience to God's calling outweighed any fear of human reprisal.

This account from the early church raises profound questions for modern believers:

1. What guides our actions – jealousy and self-interest, or the leading of the Holy Spirit?

2. Are we willing to obey God even when it conflicts with human authorities or societal norms?

3. How do we respond to opposition or suffering for our faith? Do we see it as an honor or a burden?

4. Are we as committed to sharing the message of Christ as the early apostles were?

The story of the early church reminds us that following Christ has never been without cost. Throughout history, believers have faced persecution, from the systemic oppression under Roman emperors like Nero and Diocletian to the challenges faced by Christians in many parts of the world today.

Yet, as the early Christian writer Tertullian famously observed, "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church." Opposition often serves to strengthen and spread the faith, rather than stamp it out. This should give us courage as we face our own challenges, whether they be outright persecution or the more subtle pressures to compromise our beliefs in an increasingly secular world.

As we reflect on the courage and conviction of the early apostles, let's challenge ourselves to live with the same boldness and unwavering commitment to God's calling. Are we willing to speak the words of life, even when it's uncomfortable or costly? Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our actions, rather than being driven by fear, jealousy, or self-interest?

In a world that often seems hostile to faith, the example of the early church calls us to a radical obedience – one that rejoices in the face of opposition and sees every challenge as an opportunity to demonstrate the transforming power of the gospel. May we, like those first believers, be found faithful in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, no matter the cost.