Freed to Speak the Words of Life | Acts 5:12-21

Message Notes

What do we do when obedience feels costly? When faithfulness feels risky? When opposition rises, and we feel small, fragile, and overwhelmed?

In Acts 5:12–21, Luke gives us a powerful picture of the risen Christ advancing His mission in ways that do not depend on human strength. This passage reminds us that the mission of God does not rest on our abilities - it rests entirely on His power.

In this sermon, we explore three truths:

1. God advances His mission by His power alone (vv. 12-16)
The apostles were not the source of signs and wonders - they were instruments. Christ Himself was working, continuing His ministry of compassion, authority, and healing through ordinary people. Holiness didn’t hinder the mission; it prepared the soil for genuine belief.

2. God overrules the opposition of man (vv. 17-18)
Jealousy, resistance, threats, and imprisonment couldn’t stop the Gospel. Human opposition is never decisive. Opposition becomes the stage on which God displays His sovereignty.

3. God liberates His servants for proclamation (vv. 19-21)
The angel didn’t free the apostles for safety - he freed them for proclamation. God opens prison doors so His people can speak “all the words of this Life.” Liberation is never merely for comfort. It is always for mission.

THE HEART OF THIS PASSAGE

This is not a story about extraordinary apostles. It is a story about an extraordinary Christ:

• Christ whose power continues

• Christ whose authority overrules

• Christ who breaks open prison doors

• Christ who sends His people

• Christ who empowers obedience

The unstoppable mission of the Gospel flows from the unstoppable life of the risen Lord.

If you’re local, we’d love for you to join us this Sunday at 10:30 AM in Centralia, MO. Come find Refuge. Live the Gospel. Join the Mission.