When Preaching Grieves

Throughout the last two millennia different men have taken on the task of preaching Christ to the world.  It is saddening to realize just how much disdain and hatred has arisen over this preaching.  One would think that the greatest news that mankind could ever receive would be welcomed and lauded.  Instead, time after time, mankind has largely shown a refusal and rejection of the Gospel.  Take for instance the apostles of the first century.  They were blessed to be the first to proclaim Christ and Him crucified.  Yet, upon examination, they were regularly met with opposition and persecution.  Let us look at just a little of what they endured because they would not compromise the truth.

By the time the events recorded in Acts chapter four take place, the church had been built and the Gospel was being preached to the Jews.  Also, a lame man had been miraculously healed, which caused a stir amongst the people.  The chapter opens with the arrival of different Jews (priests, captain of the temple, Sadducees).  Their initial reaction to all that had previously been done was far from grateful.  Instead, the Bible records that they were “…grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead” (Acts 4:2).  Can you imagine that?  They were actually “grieved” that the apostles were doing such great things.  These things should have been welcomed and appreciated by all, but sadly that was not the case.  Even today, when we preach to the world that Jesus rose from the dead, many scoff and ridicule.  Some even become belligerent and violent.  With that thought, we should not be surprised because that is exactly what happened in the first century as well.

The “grieved” Jews then reacted in a despicable way.  It is written, “And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day:  for it was now eventide” (Acts 4:3).  For healing a man, and for proclaiming the Gospel, the result was arrest and imprisonment.  The events of the next day further show the dedication and faithfulness of the apostles.  After being brought before Annas, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and others, Peter and John were questioned, “…By what power, or by what name, have ye done this” (Acts 4:7)?  The intimidation and mistreatment that had already been experienced did not deter Peter from stating, “…Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.  Neither is there salvation in any other:  for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:8-12).  As a preacher myself, I am so encouraged by the bravery and willingness of Peter to stand boldly for Jesus.  The Jewish leaders were not so grateful.  Instead, their reaction was, “…they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18).  Some might think that since the preaching was upsetting so many people that Peter and John should have spoken more delicately.  In fact, some might have called on the apostles to be more politically correct.  Thankfully, “…Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).  Later on, the apostles were again imprisoned.  This time they joined together in saying, “…We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).  Then, a short time later, the apostles were beaten and commanded again not to “…speak in the name of Jesus…” (Acts 5:40).  These “grieved” Jews wanted the preaching of the Gospel to stop.  I love the reaction of the apostles.  It is stated, “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:41-42).

So what about today?  It is true that many become “grieved” when we preach Jesus Christ.  What should we do about it?  From the example of the apostles, we should keep preaching the Gospel regardless of the world’s acceptance or rejection.  We should keep proclaiming the truth even when it is socially unacceptable (2 Tim. 4:2).
~ Corey Barnette