There is strong opposition to the gospel everywhere it goes. People will debate, dispute, disrupt, conspire, lie and even murder to prevent the spread of the gospel. Do not be surprised. Also, do not be discouraged. It didn't work then, hasn't worked since, doesn't work now, and never will work. The gospel will advance. will you be a gospel laborer, whatever it brings-

As the early church grew, the responsibility to care for the Body of Christ both spiritually and physically became more than the Apostles could handle, so men were chosen to share the ministry of serving the Saints. God provides for the care of His people, both physically and spiritually, to this day, through the offices of pastor-elders and deacons.

When the Apostles were brutally beaten it did not deter their mission to preach Christ and Him crucified. Persecution for Christ's sake is promised, we must be willing to evangelize even to those who hate the message, and may we rejoice if we are counted worthy to suffer for His sake.

The Ministry of the Church continues, as God providently makes a way for the Gospel to go forth. May we too, Beloved, continue the ministry of the Church as God makes a way for us to go and proclaim the Gospel to all types of people in all types of circumstances.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Apostles continued to do sings and wonders, and proclaim the gospel boldly. While they esteemed them highly, most dared not join them for fear of human persecution or God's judgement for sin. This is the model for us, to proclaim the Gospel at all costs for the sake of God's people who are yet to believe.