The church was brought to great fear, holiness increased, and the gospel spread. The Apostles were bold death defying men. This is God’s commission to us today, right now.

First, great fear comes upon the church, when she is purged from sins. Acts 5:9-11, “Then Peter said to her, ‘Why did you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out!’ Instantly she dropped dead at his feet. When the young men came in, they found her dead, carried her out, and buried her beside her husband. Then great fear came on the whole church and on all who heard these things.”

People hear how God has exposed and dealt with the evil of others, so they get in order. Ananias and Sapphira were made examples of absolute wickedness, so the people took notice. They don’t want to be guilty of hypocrisy themselves, so they look up to God for help. He will surely help. No one calls on His name in vain, so the fear of the Lord leads to holiness and then happiness. People tire of insincerity. They see God that takes sin seriously, so they take it seriously and change.

Let us learn from the failures of others. The Flood, the fire and brimstone on Sodom, and the destruction of Israel ought to warn us. Many have played the hypocrite only to perish in their unbelief. They sought human praise instead of authentic worship. They chose to pretend niceness, rather than be truly transformed. They faked religion, rather than possessing the real thing.

It is better to be a sinner struggling for mercy or a saint under chastisement than to pretend that all is well, preaching well while hiding transgressions. Betraying the Son of Man with a kiss is unacceptable!

Secondly, we have a commission! Acts 5:17-20, “Then the high priest took action. He and all his colleagues, those who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. So they arrested the apostles and put them in the city jail. But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail during the night, brought them out, and said, “Go and stand in the temple complex, and tell the people all about this life.”

It doesn’t matter what man says. We’ve received commandment from God, and we must obey it. Ezekiel cannot draw back, Moses cannot refuse, and Jonah must go to Nineveh. Paul says, “Woe is me, if I preach not the gospel,” and every believer is to fully testify of Christ.

How shall we do it? By the power of God. 2 Timothy 1:8, "So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me His prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God." Don’t look at the command and say, “It’s too hard.” Look at grace to give you strength [2 Timothy 2:1]. Pray obedience into your heart, believing the promises of the gospel.

Many can talk, but talk is cheap. We are DOERS of the word, and God has told us to ask for wisdom, which is power to obey, and He will give it! The difference between the gospel in the flesh and the Spirit is tremendous. Only one bears good fruit [James 3:17]!

Thirdly, it is impossible to overthrow God. Therefore, all who labor with Him are blessed, and all who oppose Him are cursed. Acts 5:38-39, “And now, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.’ So they were persuaded by him.”

You cannot fight God and win. Therefore, we can’t fight for God and lose. 2 Kings 6:16, “Elisha said, ‘Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.’” We may lose our life, but we don’t concern ourselves with this. The Apostles were not backing down because of death. They’d seen the Son of God alive from the dead, and the Holy Spirit was working Obedience [Acts 5:32]. They were willing to give up all, and so are we, if the Spirit is in us.

Look at Christianity. It started small, just a seed that’s now full grown; it has conquered the earth, and Jesus’ name is known. He didn’t use the sword in Acts. He used preaching, prayer, and love, and His message was in the king’s palace [Phil 1:10-11]. He is all wise and powerful God. He cannot be stopped.

Thus, let us go with boldness. There are more for us than there are against. With God on our side, we are the majority!