Under the extreme heat of persecution and opposition, the word of God advanced. That brings us to the big idea of our passage this morning: When opposition increases, so does the advance of the gospel. For many of you, following Jesus openly and publicly at home, at work, at school, or in your neighborhood is becoming increasingly risky. Don’t be afraid or discouraged. Almighty God loves to spread the glorious gospel Jesus Christ under the most scorching of circumstances. Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness. The question that our passage helps us consider is “how?” How does the gospel advance when opposition increases? We’re going to explore three ways today: (1) Through “ordinary” people, (2) to “those” people, and (3) over “great” people.

Resources:

Acts 8:1-25
Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Acts of the Apostles, by David Peterson
Exalting Jesus in Acts, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary, by Tony Merida
New Age Beliefs Are Common in America – And In Our Churches (article by Joe Carter)

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