Acts 5:17-42 The Apostles Arrested and Freed

Here is another confrontation between the Apostles and the authorities. As Jesus had predicted, they would be hated in the world. Why? Well, the Sadducees were part of the established authority and they preached no resurrection. Also, they were jealous of the following the apostles were able to gather around them. Finally, the message of the apostles laid guilt upon them as they participated of Christ's crucifixion. Belief, jealousy, and guilt are only some reasons why the world stands against the Gospel. Even today, these three reasons still stand as powerful reasons to persecute the Christians and the Church. The world will do everything it can to silence the good news of the Gospel and stop it from spreading.

How did the Apostles react to the authorities' persecution? For one, they were submitted to the authorities. I don't see any attempts to even resist arrest. They did what they had to do and allowed the authorities to do what they had to do. No violence. No name calling. No animosities. The Apostles did not hesitate to obey even in the midst of great pressure. They were preaching and teaching when they were arrested the first time. They were preaching and teaching when they were freed and commanded to continue to speak all the words of this Life by the angel. They went out to preach and teach after they were beaten and charged not to speak in the name of Jesus by the authorities. Their motto was: "We must obey God rather than men."

What could motivate the apostles to risk their own safety for the sake of the Gospel? So much for Maslow's hierarchy of needs. According to Maslow, safety ranks way above self-actualization; second only to physiological needs. Yet we see the apostles giving their all to preach and teach the gospel of the kingdom. Safety needs pale in comparison to the need to obey God. The apostles found all their needs met by God. They found joy even in the midst of their lack of safety. My greatest need is not physiological or even safety. My greatest need is God and he is the provider of all my other needs.

It is quite idolatrous of me to have my needs to outrank God. It is unbecoming of the kingdom of God to think that my service to others is contingent upon the satisfaction of my needs. If I make God my everything and obedience to him my priority, then I am able to serve despite my hunger. I will be able to serve despite unsafe surroundings and threats. Obedience to God becomes my food. God himself becomes my safety. Iam able to give to others because my needs are satisfied by my God.

Dear Lord, may I never make your gifts and provision a requirement to obey and serve you. Make me see that you are all I need. Amen.