Finding Joy in the midst of Suffering - ACTS 5:12-42

This sermon was preached by Pastor Tommy Singh at Gospel Community Church, Guwahati

This past recent year, I have been fighting to find joy in the midst of suffering. I have prayed more, read more, and sought counsel from mature pastors and friends. I have even tried going out for sightseeing and taking long drives in order to clear my mind.

 You may ask, “What kind of suffering is our pastor going through? It looks like your family is doing well. You have a beautiful wife, and two beautiful daughters. It seems like you live a happy life.”

 Yes, what you say is true. We are living a good life, and we are able to serve you well. You are all amazing and show us so much appreciation. The Lord has blessed us with good people around us, a wonderful church, and meaningful fellowship. Seeing the growth of the church brings great joy.

 But at the same time, I want to share that the enemy also has been attacking us, trying to destroy the unity of the church. I have been slandered with false accusations. These accusations are not about material things—like you buying a car, traveling a lot, or wearing nice clothes, nothing of those accusations but about my character, the accusation doesn’t come from the inside, it doesn’t come to me directly either, but through others. The accusation doesn’t end locally, but it goes beyond, from south to north and east to west.

 This has even caused me to question relationships with fellow pastors in other churches whom I know, and those relationships now feel different than before. And I am worry that I may lose few of my fellow friends and pastors due to this false accusation.

 In the midst of such a difficult time, as a believer how would I find joy? I know this is not just me alone going this difficult situation, it even affects my family, and it will definitely affect to the church as well. I have received a counseling saying aspect accusation multiple times. And this reminds me of Jesus and his life.

From the very beginning of his life, he had gone through all the false accusation, all the mockery and all the shamed for our sake. Even at the point of death on the cross he was accused and mocked by the people.

 Having this thought in our mind, I want to share on a topic “How to find Joy in the midst of Suffering.” As I was preparing this sermon, the lord is teaching me to fine joy. And through one of mentor who had gone through a similar false accusation taught me and encourage me regularly. And that is what I am going to share this morning from this passage.

 We will be seeing three observations from this passage Acts 5:12-42

Q. How to fine joy in the midst of suffering?

I. I. IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING, SEEK JOY THROUGH UNITY (VV12-16)

12  Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. 

 Remember the passage we looked at in the previous sermon. Pastor Nayan spoke about the story of Ananias and Sapphira. It is not an entertaining story; rather, it is a story of judgment. It teaches a lesson that every believer must learn: we cannot play with God, and we cannot lie to Him. Every sin has a consequences. Our hearts matter—our outward appearance must match what is truly within.

 So, this story serves as a warning, not as something merely interesting to hear. Yet the result of this story is striking. Verse 11 of chapter 5 says, “great fear came over the whole church and over all who heard about these things.” This shows that the fear of the Lord was clearly present in the lives of the believers.

 What happen next is in verse 12. As the fear came upon the church and the same time, the apostles were performing signs and wonders in order to build and strengthen the church. Solomon’s Portico was a place where they meet regularly. The place is almost a place similar to Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where every citizen of India would come and discuss of any matters. So, for the believers in the first century, they regularly meet in this place for they have no church building in those days. Because thousands of people couldn’t fit in the house.

Come to verse 13-16 “ 13  None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem.  14  And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, if you keep reading people bringing out sick one and also the demon possessed on the street for healing and the Lord healed through the apostles.

 Many have debated and questioned this verse 13, asking why people did not dare to join the church. Some suggest that people were afraid or hesitant to join this church because the apostles were arrested earlier.

Others argue that these individuals were unbelievers who did not want to associate with this group of Christians. Another group of scholars, however, believes that people did not dare to join them because of the recent events—specifically, the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira.

 All three explanations may be true, but I am not fully convinced. The view I find most convincing is this: people did not join this church carelessly or easily. They did not rush into the fellowship simply because it seemed like a good thing to do. Nor did they join just because the church was close to their homes.

 The church in Jerusalem was not an attractive church, no building, no lights, no music, no preaching about health, wealth and prosperity. People did not stay away merely because they feared the apostles or persecution; rather, they feared the God whom they worshiped. They could sense His holiness in the life of the church. How do we know that, the church was highly regarded by the people in verse 13.

 When people joined this church, they could not live carelessly. It was not a place where someone could simply show up whenever it was convenient. It was not centered on enjoying good meals or having pleasant conversations about successful lives. It was not a place of easy commitment—no easy path, no easy baptism, no easy coming in and going out, to join this church they must pay the cost.

 In this way, the church in Jerusalem was very different from many churches today. People devoted themselves to the reading of Scripture, people devoted themselves in prayers and the church grew inwardly in spiritual depth. Everyone was cheerful in giving and everybody was careful about how they lived their Christian life. And when something went wrong in the church, the Lord disciplined them, we see an example of Ananias and Sapphira. That is the mark of a true church.

 Look at here, Joseph, Vijay and Jimmy stand at the distance. Even though they like the church and the teaching, but they don’t want to commit, therefore they don’t want to join. Here on the other side Jonny, Sarah and Amy join the church for they found a true church and added in the numbers daily. They wanted to be with the group who were seeking joy in the midst of suffering through unity. They wanted to pay the cost.

Appl: Dear brothers and sisters, which category do you belong to? Are you in the “Joseph group” or the “Sarah group”? I am simply using these names as examples. Are you seeking a kind of unity that is based only on tribe, caste, or social background? Or are you seeking true unity through commitment to one another in Christ?

 Unity in the gospel is far stronger than ethnic identity or social divisions. When you truly understand the meaning of gospel-centered unity, it no longer matters which group, tribe, or background a person comes from. The gospel changes the heart. It enables you to love even those whom you once disliked or hated. It leads you to love the church of Christ and to humbly pursue unity by committing yourself to God’s people.

 When we are united in Christ, we stop building walls between one another. Instead, we recognize that we are all members of the same spiritual family. Our identity in Christ becomes greater than our earthly identities.

 When your faith is truly genuine, nothing becomes greater than God in your life. But when your heart is controlled by self-sufficiency or by the desires and values of this world, you will begin to live in the fear of people rather than in the fear of God. And if this continues, even your presence in the church may become centered on pleasing certain individuals—thinking more about what Ps. Tommy or Ps. Nayan might say.

 Learn from the church in Jerusalem. They were united not because they were perfect people, but because they were centered on Christ. They loved one another, committed themselves to fellowship, and remained faithful to God despite trials and difficulties. May we also become a church that values truth, unity, humility, and genuine love for one another in Christ.

TR: The Church in Jerusalem seek joy through unity in the midst of suffering. Not only that they also seek joy by dealing the pride.

II. II. IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING, SEEK JOY BY DEALING OUR PRIDEFUL HEARTS (VV.17-40)

17  But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy  18  they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.  19  But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,  20  “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”  21  And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.

 This incident took place right after Peter and other apostles performed many signs and wonders. One of the greatest miracles we see here was, Peter at least by his shadow healed the sick and also the people who were possessed by demons. And because of this the high priest and the party of Sadducees were greatly jealous.

This was not the first time Peter had encountered with these religious leader. Peter had already encountered the Sanhedrin, which include the Sadducees in chapter 4.

 See here, the high priest and Sadducees loved power and authority. Sadducees were the group of people who possess the highest wealth, power and intelligence. They want to keep everyone under their power and control. But look at here, the Apostles gain more popularity and more influence than them, many people started following them. At least we know that Peter, who was unlearned, a fisherman could boldly preach and thousands of people believe and followed them. Therefore, this group of religious leaders were filled with Jealousy. And they arrested the apostles and put them in prison.

 One very interesting observation here is this: when Peter and the other apostles were put in prison, who came and delivered them? It was the angels of the Lord. The angel of the Lord came and opened the prison doors and carry them out. And give a command to go and teach and preach in the temple.

 Now notice this carefully: why would God send an angel to open the prison doors? I believe God did this intentionally and purposefully. From the day of Pentecost onward, Peter’s preaching consistently centered on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection. Not only that, they also denied the existence of angels.

 So, by sending an angel to free the apostles from prison, God was directly confronting the beliefs of the Sadducees. Their teachings and authority were being challenged publicly. As a result, these religious leaders were filled with jealousy because they saw their influence and power falling away.

 Do you see the irony here? They were filled with hatred, while at the same time their hearts were filled with pride. They knows and heard Jesus was resurrected literally, and they also knows and heard the existence of Angel were real, but out of their prideful heart they denied it.

 Let’s see the reaction of the apostles particularly Peter. Verses “ 27  And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them,  28  saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, which means in the name of Jesus, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.”  29  But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.  30  The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 

 See the response of the apostles. They were fearless and bold enough to stand for the truth. It doesn’t matter who was with them. They were ready to confront whoever, who stand against Jesus and his teaching. See the transformation life of the disciples. This is Peter standing for the second time in front of the Jewish council.

In his first encountered, he confronted them by telling you people crucified Christ who is the chief cornerstone and there is salvation in no one else apart from Him. Even here in his second encountered he also confronted them saying, you put Jesus to death by your own hands, by hanging him on a tree.

 I mean, Peter did not play a word here. He was just telling the truth. Peter and other apostles were consumed with Jesus. When you and I are consume with Jesus, when you are in love so much with Jesus, nothing cannot hindered. Your exam will not hinder, your preparation will not hinder, your job will not hinder. You will take every opportunity to make Christ known no matter where you are. They confronted the religious leaders their prideful nature and revealed the truth without compromised.

 Today, we see many so-called “seeker-sensitive” Christians and churches around us. By this, I mean churches that are designed to be welcoming, comfortable, and non-offensive at all costs. Many people say, “We should not speak too strongly about Jesus. We should not be too spiritual. We should avoid offending people.”

 We should make the church a place where people feel good about themselves and the message.

 Church membership is treated as unimportant, covenant commitment to the church is neglected, and biblical accountability is often avoided. Many do not want to hear sermons that confront sin or challenge people to repentance.

 Their worship service was very engaging, music was so contemporary. Preaching was so short and sweet. They would say don’t talk about sin, don’t talk about correcting one another. Talk only about things that everyone can comfortably accept together. Let the homosexual people remain as it is, that is his life. Do not confront him or her that is their choice. The mindset becomes: “As long as everyone feels welcomed and happy together, that is enough. Do not make the Christian life too difficult.”

 Yet the gospel of Jesus Christ calls us to something deeper than comfort. True biblical love does not ignore sin; it lovingly points people toward repentance, transformation, and holiness. Jesus never taught that following Him would always be easy or comfortable. Instead, He called His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him faithfully.

 The church is not meant to entertain people or simply make them feel comfortable. The church is called to proclaim truth. Therefore, brothers and sisters, let us not seek only a comfortable Christianity. Let us seek a genuine and faithful walk with Christ—one that values truth, holiness, love, commitment, and obedience to God above the approval and comfort of the world.

 We all want a easy Christian life, don’t we? But here, the church in Jerusalem and the preaching of Peter is completely quite the opposite. When Peter confronted them by telling the truth, he also giving them the gospel. Peter exalted Jesus as the only one who could give these hardened men new life. That’s why in verse 31-32 say “ 31  God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.  32  And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Upon hearing that the religious leader were again filled with anger and wanted to killed. On that very moment something very significant thing happened.

Verses 33-40, a man name by Gamaliel, who was a Pharisees, the teacher of the law well respected by many stood up. God used Gamaliel a member of Jewish community who was not a Christian to help free the apostles. This has always been a fascinating strategy of God. He often has used the most unlikely sources to help his people or to get

His message across. We see Joseph was help Potiphar and Pharoah, and he became the prime minister, we see Nehemiah was help by Artaxerxes and return to Jerusalem, with Daniel, God used Nebuchadnezzar a wicked king. We also have an example, God used the adulterer Rahab to saved his people and many more examples.

 It is the first speech by a non-Christian in Acts and it has a great significance. It is the speech of warning not to acts too fast on someone opposing with our viewpoints. Time will tell, he urges. Let me stop here.

Appl: Brothers and sisters, as we reflect on this passage, we see Peter confronting those prideful leaders by boldly speaking the truth. This raises an important question for all of us: should we remain silent when one of our fellow church members goes astray?

Think about your own family. What do you do when a family member has gone wrong or wandered away from what is right? We do not simply ignore the situation. We talk to them, correct them, and sometimes discipline them—not out of hatred, but out of love and concern. We do our best so that everyone in the family may continue to live in unity, peace, and righteousness.

The same principle applies to the church. In fact, the church is our true spiritual family. As members of one body, we are called to care for one another deeply. There may come a time when I myself will need correction from someone else. Likewise, there may be times when you will be confronted because you have chosen to go your own way instead of God’s way. None of us is above correction.

Therefore, we must deal with our prideful hearts by lovingly confronting one another with truth, humility, and grace. True love does not remain silent when someone is walking toward danger. Instead, it seeks restoration, reconciliation, and spiritual growth, so that together we may walk faithfully as one family in Christ.

Indeed, all of us struggle with pride. Some may be more arrogant than others, but pride is present in every human heart. Our prideful nature often leads us to live according to our own desires and our own ways instead of submitting to God’s will. Therefore, brothers and sisters, examine your own lives carefully. Deal with your prideful heart, or seek godly people who can help and correct you in love.

Book of Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction.” Throughout Scripture, we see that every downfall and destruction is rooted in pride. Satan fell because of pride. Nebuchadnezzar was humbled because of pride. Herod Agrippa I fell and died, being eaten by worms, because he accepted glory for himself instead of giving glory to God. Likewise, Epistle of James 4:6 reminds us, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

If you are a true believer yet continue living in the sin of pride, then live carefully and examine yourself before the Lord. God lovingly disciplines His children in order to humble and restore them. If you refuse to humble yourself, the Lord may allow hardships to come into your life to correct you. It may involve the loss of a job, difficult circumstances, disappointments, or failures despite your hard work. Through these trials, God teaches us dependence on Him rather than confidence in ourselves.

And if you are not yet a believer and are struggling with many questions, doubts, and confusion, consider whether pride may be keeping you from surrendering to God. Come to Him with humility and reverence, for “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” True wisdom begins when we humble ourselves before God, acknowledge our need for Him, and trust in His truth rather than our own understanding.

TR: In the midst of suffering seek Joy through unity, seek joy by dealing our prideful and finally, the third observation is..

III. III. IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING, SEEK JOY BY TEACHING AND PREACHING THE NAME OF

JESUS (VV.41-42)

41  Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.  42  And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

 Notice the joy the apostles had after they left the presence of the council. It was as though they had been given full permission to speak and preach about Jesus freely. These verses summarize the outcome of the apostles’ experience: nothing changed in their attitude or ministry. They remained steadfast and faithful. They continued to be bold and courageous, loving the gospel more and more, and they were even willing to pay the cost for the sake of Christ.

 Two important things happened here. First, they rejoiced because they were counted worthy to suffer and shame for the name of Jesus. Instead of being discouraged by persecution, they considered it an honor to suffer for their Savior. Second, they never stopped preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus. Their persecution did not weaken their faith; rather, it strengthened and energized it.

 In the minds of the apostles, witnessing for Christ was a far greater honor than seeking the approval of men. Proclaiming Christ brought them joy, even in the midst of suffering. Therefore, the apostles continued to preach boldly, even though it meant disobeying the commands of the religious leaders, because their ultimate obedience belonged to God. Do you see that? Their loyalty to God was greater than their fear of man.

Illus: Among the early missionaries, Adoniram Judson became a beloved example to many believers. When he and his wife, Ann Judson, first arrived in Myanmar, they were forbidden and heavily restricted from preaching and teaching about Jesus Christ. Yet despite these restrictions, Judson did not give up. Instead, he sought different ways and opportunities to share the gospel.

 During the war between the British and the Burmese, the Burmese government viewed every foreigner as a spy. As a result, Judson was arrested and thrown into one of the most brutal prisons of his time. While imprisoned, chained, terrible suffering and torture, Judson continued to share his faith with fellow prisoners. Even after he was finally released, he did not abandon Burma. Instead, he remained there and continued faithfully in the work of preaching the gospel.

 What made this man live such a sacrificial life? The answer is that he found joy in proclaiming the good news of his Master and Lord. This is exactly what we see in the lives of the apostles. They were threatened, tortured, beaten, and even faced death, yet they never stopped preaching. They continued to teach, proclaim the truth, and testify about Jesus Christ because they loved Him more than anything else. Because of the faithfulness of the apostles, we are able to know the truth today. And because of faithful missionaries in history—such as Adoniram Judson, William Carey, William Pettigrew, Nathan Brown, and Mile Bronson—you and I have had the opportunity to hear the gospel.

 Did these men and women live comfortable lives? No. They suffered greatly. They faced persecution, hardship, imprisonment, and even brutal torture. Yet in the midst of suffering, they found joy in serving their Master. Many of them were highly educated and capable people who could have pursued comfort, success, and worldly security. Instead, they willingly left behind their dreams, their comfort zones, and everything they possessed in order to follow Christ and pay the cost of discipleship. Why? Because they had found the true Savior—Jesus Christ—who humbled Himself even to the point of death on the cross. He was brutally beaten and tortured by Roman soldiers for our sake. Though He was completely innocent and without guilt, He willingly died like a criminal so that sinners might receive salvation and eternal life through Him. Shall we follow this man Jesus truly. You will fine true joy in him.