The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him." When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.
Acts 5:30-33

When the new fledgling church in Jerusalem was persecuted, they did not soften the message to make life easier. They proclaimed the gospel once again. Could it be that “the gospel is the power of God to salvation” (Romans 1:16) not only spiritually, but also when facing persecution?

As the Apostles reiterated the gospel message, they zeroed in on their persecutors by pointing out four facts:

First, God was in control. He raised up Jesus as the Messiah and Savior of His people.

Second, the persecutors of Christ’s people were, humanly speaking, responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion.

Third, God, orchestrated the whole affair to be the means by which He would save His people. The salvation of God’s people comes through Jesus’ death and resurrection. How is it received by His people? Interestingly, faith is not mentioned, but repentance is. That does not men that faith is not involved. Rather we understand that those who repent must be “given” the gift of repentance, which is inseparably associated with the gift of faith.

Fourth, while believers cannot save anyone (only God can), working in concert with the Holy Spirit, we are to be “witnesses of Christ and the gospel.

How did the persecutors respond? Fury and a desire to kill Christ’s people, just as they desired to kill Jesus.

Oh, let us proclaim Christ and the gospel, no matter the circumstances or the consequences! And let us not be surprised when those who hate Christ hate us.