Sermon Recap: Acts 5:12-42

The Unstoppable Mission of God

Acts 5:12-42

This week, we continued our journey through Acts with a message titled “The Unstoppable Mission of God.” In this passage, we saw that God’s great power gives us courage to follow Him on His mission—a mission no one can stop or overthrow.

As the apostles continued proclaiming the gospel and healing the sick, opposition arose from jealous religious leaders who arrested them. Yet even prison could not contain God’s plan—He sent an angel to free them and commanded them to keep preaching. When brought again before the authorities, Peter and the others boldly declared, “We must obey God rather than men.” Despite being beaten, they left rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for Jesus, and they “did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.”

From this account, we learned three key truths about living on God’s mission:

1. God may lead us into danger for His mission (vv. 17–21). Following Christ isn’t always safe or comfortable. Like the apostles, we are called to obedience even when it leads into difficult or risky situations.

2. God will guide us to the people He wants us to engage (vv. 27–33). Sometimes He tells us directly; other times He places us providentially where we can bear witness. Every location, relationship, and circumstance can be a mission field.

3. God will provide all that we need to follow Him (vv. 38–42). He gives courage, words, strength, and even joy in suffering. The disciples’ rejoicing after being beaten reminds us that God’s provision leads to deep joy and unwavering boldness.

The gospel thread running through this passage reminds us that Jesus left the comfort of heaven to suffer and die for us. Because He accomplished the Father’s mission, we can join Him in His unstoppable work—trusting His power, obeying His call, and rejoicing in His provision.

Listen to the Sermon:

• Browser

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

Reflection Questions:

1. Am I willing to face adversity or danger for the sake of God’s mission?

2. Who has God placed in my life to intentionally engage with the gospel?

3. In what ways have I seen God provide what I need to obey Him?

4. How can the joy of the apostles shape how I respond to difficulty or opposition?

Resources:

• Book: Let the Nations be Glad! by John Piper

• Book: Radical by David Platt

• Book: The Insanity of God by Nik Ripkin

• Article: “Remember the 4 ‘Alls’ of the Great Commission” by Trevin Wax

Songs from Sunday:

• Hear the Hallelujahs Roar

• Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty

• In Christ Alone

• Christ Our Hope in Life and Death