Slides: Missions and Politics (David Feddes)

Missions and politics

• God outranks rulers.
• Rulers need the gospel.
• Missions upset opponents.
• Holy hearts use smart heads.
• Christians are citizens.
• Eternity is the top priority.

God outranks rulers

“We must obey God rather than men.” (5:29).

But the word of God increased and multiplied. (12:24)

So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. (16:5)

Rulers need the gospel

• Sanhedrin
• Ethiopian treasury secretary
• Captain Cornelius
• Sergius Paulus, ruler of Cyprus
• Philippian jailer
• Felix & Drusilla
• Festus
• Herod Agrippa II
• Publius, ruler of Malta
• Nero Caesar

Missions upset opponents

Now when they heard these things they were enraged. (7:54)

“These men who have turned the world upside down have come here.” (17:6)

“Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” (19:28)

They were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air (22:23)

Rejoicing under fire

Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. (5:41)

The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (13:52)

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. (16:25)

Holy hearts 
use smart heads

Paul refused to flatter or bribe. (24:25-26)

“I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee.”

 (23:6-11).

Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.” (23:17)

Knowing when to run

Paul escaped Damascus in basket. (9:25)

Peter left after prison escape. (12:17)

Paul fled towns to avoid mob violence. (13:51; 14:6, 20; 16:40; 17:10, 14)

Disciples prevented Paul from trying to preach at the Ephesus riot. (19:30)

Paul changed his route to avoid assassins. (20:3)

Christians are citizens

“They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.” (16:37)

“Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn't even been found guilty?” (22:25)

“God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall!” (23:3)

“If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” (25:11)

Eternity is top priority

Peter told Cornelius: “Jesus commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.” (10:42)

Paul reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed (24:24-25).

Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” (26:28)

Missions and politics

• God outranks rulers.
• Rulers need the gospel.
• Missions upset opponents.
• Holy hearts use smart heads.
• Christians are citizens.
• Eternity is the top priority.