In this sermon, Pastor Jordan Caro preached from Acts 5:17-26.
As the apostles faced opposition, imprisonment, and pressure to stop preaching the Gospel, God miraculously opened the prison doors and sent them right back to continue the mission. What opposition in your life has started to feel bigger or more permanent than God? Through this passage, we’re reminded that opposition never has the final word because God is always more powerful and more permanent than what stands against Him.
Watch the full sermon to learn more!
Sermon Notes
Acts When the Door Opens // Acts 5:17-26
“But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.’” And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.” Acts 5:17-21
“But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.” Acts 5:17–18
“But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.” Acts 5:17–18
“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:31
Four Realities That Reframe Opposition 1. What Fills You Determines What You Trust
“But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.’” Acts 5:19–20
Four Realities That Reframe Opposition 2. Resurrection Is Not Just a Past-Tense Event. It's a Present-Tense Pattern
“And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.” Acts 5:21a
Four Realities That Reframe Opposition 3. Spirit-Given Freedom is Always Meant for Spirit-Driven Mission
Are you looking for an escape, or listening for an assignment?
“But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, ‘We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.’ Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to.” Acts 5:22–24
“… but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel.” Luke 24:3-5
“And someone came and told them, ‘Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.’ Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.” Acts 5:25–26
Four Realities That Reframe Opposition 4. God is More Permanent Than What Opposes Him
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.’” John 11:25
