Truth's Victory Over Five Antagonistic Forces

They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer (Acts 3:41). The apostles faced bitter antagonism from those who wielded power against the Gospel. Five formidable forces arrayed themselves against the truth of Christ.

First, social status. The high priest and rulers despised teaching from common men. Second, legal might. The judges and lawyers, who should have defended them, drew the sword to persecute instead. Third, mental power. The council possessed the intellectual elite of the Jewish nation, their polished arguments shot like poisoned arrows at the army of the Cross. Fourth, sympathy of numbers. Truth remained in the minority—error gained the show of hands. Men with holy purposes must expect comparative loneliness, as the Master and apostles endured. Fifth, antiquity. The Jews venerated Abraham and Moses, regarding Christ as an innovator and sower of sedition. Error still pleads that antiquity defends it, for sin is as old as Eden.

Yet despite these five overwhelming obstacles—rank, law, intellect, numbers, and tradition—the truth prevailed. The apostles departed rejoicing, their joy rooted not in comfort but in Adonai's vindication. If these forces could not impede the Gospel when it was a streamlet, how shall they succeed now that it flows as a mighty river? The victorious Church testifies: truth cannot be arrested.