The Book of Acts reveals how the life of Jesus is unstoppable, advancing through His people despite every form of opposition. Acts 5:17–42 answers the question of how Jesus works through us to change the world, showing a divine partnership between God’s power and our participation. This passage presents four key ingredients that demonstrate how we join Jesus on His mission.
1. Unexpected Power
- Through weakness, God reveals His strength
In Acts 5, the apostles are imprisoned by jealous religious leaders for boldly preaching about Jesus. But during the night, an angel miraculously releases them and instructs them to return to the temple and keep proclaiming the message. Despite their weakness and powerlessness, God demonstrates His strength by freeing them and continuing His work through them. The apostles’ imprisonment becomes the stage for God’s unexpected and undeniable power. – Through weakness, God reveals His strength
2. Undaunted Witness
- Through obedience, God displays His supremacy
When brought before the Sanhedrin, the apostles refuse to back down. They boldly declare that they must obey God rather than men and proclaim Jesus as the crucified and exalted Savior. Their courageous witness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, confronts their accusers with both truth and invitation. Despite pressure and threats, their obedience becomes a testimony to God’s supreme authority and unmatched worth.
3. Unfading Endurance
- Through perseverance, God proves His purposes
The council is enraged and wants to kill the apostles, but Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, advises caution. He points to past failed movements and argues that if this movement is from God, it cannot be stopped. His words prove prophetic, as the gospel spreads across the world, showing the endurance of God’s purposes through His people. The apostles keep showing up—faithfully living, proclaiming, and enduring—and through them, God proves the lasting truth of His mission.
4. Unquenchable Joy
- Through suffering, God unveils His worthiness
After being beaten and warned not to speak in Jesus’ name, the apostles leave rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for Him. Their suffering doesn’t discourage them—it deepens their joy. It proves the authenticity of their faith, draws them closer to God, strengthens their character, and displays Jesus as their highest treasure. Their joy in suffering highlights the incomparable worth of Christ, who is more valuable than comfort, safety, or reputation.
Takeaway: Through our weakness, obedience, perseverance, and suffering, the unstoppable life of Jesus continues to transform the world. We each have a role to play in bringing this life to others.
