Acts 5:17-42

The disciples were under attack from a lot of directions. They had to undergo physical, emotional, and legal opposition. But God was working for His purposes in all of this. God worked in 3 ways...

Miraculous Intervention

God sent an angel to release Peter and John from prison. This is not a common ocurrance, despite the fact that God has thousands of angels at His disposal.

Strategic Counsel

God has always used specific people at specific times for His purpose. Often they are unexpected. Here, God used Gamaliel to stop the Sanhedrin killing Peter and John. Gamaliel was a trusted and wise teacher, so people listened to him. He may not have been a beleiver, but God used Him anyway to allow the gospel to continue spreading.

Human Bravery

It took incredibe bravery for Peter and John to openly defy the ruling of the Sanhedrin. Empowered by the Holy Spirit they bravely continued preaching, even against the threat of death. God's word cannot be stopped.