HOW TO DEAL WITH OPPOSITION (ACTS 4:1-31)
Introduction
On January 4, 2026, a pastor in Odisha named Bipin Bihari Naik was dragged from his home, beaten by a mob of about 40 people, humiliated, and paraded around his village for two hours. He was even forced to consume the remains of a cow. Even when the police arrived, they were unable to stop the crowd. The accusation against him was that he was converting people. Incidents like this are not isolated. Similar opposition happens in places like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and even Assam. In 2025, reports indicated that nearly 7,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria within a short period of time.
The truth is this: Christianity has always faced opposition. This is not new. In the first century, under Emperor Nero, Christians were blamed for a massive fire in Rome. Many were burned alive or crucified. Throughout history, believers have been beaten, mocked, imprisoned, and even killed, all because they proclaimed Christ.
And friends, this includes us. If we follow the crucified Christ, opposition is not a question of if but it is a question of when. So the question is: What should we do when opposition comes? Today, from Acts 4:1–31, I want to speak on this theme: How to Deal with Opposition
1. Expect Opposition (vv. 1–7)
Peter and John were preaching after the healing of the lame man. They were boldly proclaiming that the miracle happened through Jesus Christ, the one whom the people had crucified and whom God raised from the dead. While they were still speaking, they were suddenly interrupted. The priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees came and stopped them. Why? Because they were deeply disturbed.
First, Peter and John were teaching in the temple, something only religious leaders were supposed to do.
Second, they were preaching the resurrection of Jesus, something the Sadducees did not believe in.
So what happened? They arrested Peter and John and put them in jail. This is the first recorded persecution of the church after Acts 2. But here’s something amazing: Even though the preachers were arrested, the message was not stopped. About 5,000 people believed in Jesus. This shows us something important: Salvation does not depend on the preacher; it depends on the power of God.
As Romans 1:16 says, the gospel is the power of God for salvation. We contribute nothing to our salvation except our sin. We are sinners, full of pride, jealousy, disobedience, and impurity. We cannot stand before a holy God on our own. But God, in His mercy, sent Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man who lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. And this same gospel that saved 5,000 people can save anyone today who repents and believes.
Now here’s the application: As we live for Christ and speak the truth, we must expect opposition.
Young believers may be questioned for leaving their old traditions.
Families may create tension because of your faith.
Students may be mocked in schools or colleges.
But Jesus already warned us in John 15:20:
“If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”
Christianity is not a promise of comfort and prosperity. Yes, God blesses us but following Christ also means facing opposition. So don’t be surprised. Instead, expect it.
2. Depend on the Power of God and the Gospel (vv. 8–22)
The next day, Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish council.
They were asked:
“By what power or name did you do this?”
Peter’s answer is bold and direct:
It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
whom you crucified,
whom God raised from the dead,
whom you rejected.
And then he makes a powerful statement:
“There is salvation in no one else.”
Peter clearly declares that Jesus is the only way of salvation.
Now think about this: Peter was standing before the most powerful religious leaders of his time. And yet, he spoke with boldness. Why? Because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. This is the same Peter who once denied Jesus before a servant girl.
What changed him? The power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had already promised in Luke 12:11–12 that the Holy Spirit would teach His followers what to say in difficult moments.
And that’s exactly what happened. Peter did not rely on his education or ability. He depended on God.
Application:
When we face opposition, we may feel afraid. We may feel unprepared. But boldness does not come from education; it comes from dependence on the Holy Spirit. God often uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. As 1 Corinthians 1:27 says, God uses the weak to shame the strong.
Also notice this: Peter did not waste the opportunity. He used it to preach the gospel. Even in opposition, he pointed people to Christ. In the same way, when we face opposition, we should not respond with anger. Instead, we should see it as an opportunity to share the gospel.
And we must be careful not to dilute the gospel. Sometimes even churches avoid talking about sin, judgment, or repentance because they want to attract more people. But Peter did not soften the message. He spoke the truth boldly. So must we.
3. Respond with Prayer (vv. 23–31)
After being released, Peter and John returned to the believers and shared everything. What did the church do? They prayed. Together. They praised God as Creator and quoted Psalm 2, recognizing that opposition against them was ultimately opposition against God’s Anointed, Jesus Christ.
But notice what they prayed for. They did not pray: “Lord, remove this opposition.” Instead, they prayed: “Lord, give us boldness.” And what happened? God answered. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God boldly.
Application:
Our natural tendency is to pray for comfort. But the early church prayed for courage. So how should we respond?
Pray together as a church.
Pray for one another.
Pray for boldness, not comfort.
God hears and answers such prayers.
Conclusion
How do we deal with opposition?
Expect it.
Depend on God’s power and the gospel.
Respond with prayer for boldness.
Let me leave you with three questions:
Are you avoiding opposition instead of standing for Christ?
Are you relying on your own strength or on God’s power?
When was the last time you prayed specifically for boldness
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