The Church Must Stick to its Core Assignment
Rev. O. K. Nkrahene | March 9 2025 | Acts 5:40-42
KEY VERSE: And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. Acts 5:42 (ESV)
MESSAGE: Before His ascension, Jesus made it clear that His disciples were to be witnesses, preaching repentance and the forgiveness of sins to all nations (Luke 24:46-49). In Acts 1:6-8, He redirected their focus from earthly restoration to the greater mission of being empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread His message worldwide.
This divine mandate was immediately put into action. In Acts 2, the apostles preached and taught, ensuring the Church was built on both proclamation and discipleship. Acts 3:19 records them calling for repentance after a miraculous healing, a moment that led to the Church’s first wave of persecution. When warned to stop preaching in Jesus' name, they instead prayed for boldness to continue their mission (Acts 4:18-31).
Now, in our passage today, we observe two remarkable responses from the apostles in the face of persecution:
They were beaten and prohibited from preaching, yet they rejoiced. (Acts 5:40-41).
They counted it an honour to suffer for Christ’s name (Acts 5:41).
This echoes Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:10-12, where He declared that those persecuted for righteousness are blessed.
They remained unwavering in their mission. (Acts 5:42).
They ignored the prohibition and continued to preach and teach.
They proclaimed the Gospel in the temple and from house to house.
Their message was clear and uncompromising: Jesus is the Christ.
This simple yet profound focus reflects Jesus’ mission. Matthew 1:21 reveals that Jesus came to save us from our sins. In Luke 4:18-19, we see that the anointed Christ brings healing, freedom, and restoration. Even at the end of Paul’s ministry, Acts 28:30-31 shows him still teaching and preaching Christ without hindrance.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Jesus commanded His disciples to be witnesses through both teaching and preaching. The modern Church must return to this core mission. How does your life reflect the mission of the early Church? True discipleship is not passive; it involves actively sharing Christ. The apostles endured suffering yet remained faithful—would you do the same? Take action today: share Christ, mentor someone in the faith, or start a Bible study. The world needs the message of Jesus, and it begins with you.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, revive Your Church. Restore us to our core mandate—proclaiming and teaching Your truth with boldness and clarity. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: CEASE The Greek word for cease in Acts 5:42 is παύω (pauō), meaning “to stop, to bring something to an end, or to give rest.” It conveys an absolute halt—not just a temporary pause.
In Acts 5:42, the apostles did not cease teaching and preaching despite opposition. This word contrasts sharply with the Council’s intent—they wanted to silence them permanently, but the apostles refused to stop. Theologically, this highlights the unstoppable nature of God’s mission. Even when threatened, persecuted, or pressured, true faith perseveres. The same verb is in Luke 8:24, where Jesus “ceased” the storm—showing that only God has the power to truly halt something permanently.
Reflection:
Have you allowed fear, opposition, or discouragement to make you "cease" in sharing Christ? Unlike the apostles, many believers today retreat at the first sign of resistance. What has silenced your witness? Remember, the Church's mission does not pause—it presses forward!
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