The apostles started preaching the gospel in Jerusalem beginning in Acts 2. In Acts 2:41, there were around three thousand souls added to the church. Acts 3 records more of Peter’s preaching and the continued growth of the newly established church. Then, in Acts 4, the Bible says the church had quickly grown to about five thousand men. How many that might have been when counting their families, we do not know, but it is clear that the church was growing very rapidly.

Not everyone was pleased with the preaching of the apostles and the growth of the early church. It says, in Acts 4:2, that some were “greatly disturbed” by what was happening. Specifically, it was their teaching about the resurrection of the dead that greatly disturbed them.

It is a sad fact that we live in a sin-sick world, and even sadder that there are so many that love their addiction to sin. For those who love the world and sin, it is “greatly disturbing” to hear of sin’s fate and the call to righteousness.

It’s not only the preaching of the gospel that disturbs the world. It is also, and maybe even to a greater degree, the living of the gospel that disturbs the world. Jesus said that the world “hates” His disciples because they are “not of the world” (John 15:18-21). The disciples of Christ “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7; Ephesians 5:8). However, the world is in darkness (John 3:19).

When the lifestyle of Christianity shines light on the works of darkness, those who love darkness will be “greatly disturbed” by that light.

The world is “greatly disturbed” by the preaching and lifestyle of Christianity. The Sadducees were “greatly disturbed” by the biblical doctrine of the resurrection. There are many who are “greatly disturbed” today by certain teachings from the gospel.

Many are disturbed by the biblical teaching on baptism and the requirements of salvation. Others are greatly disturbed by the gospel’s prohibition of something they want to include in their lifestyle.

If we’re disturbed by the teaching or practice of some element of the gospel, we are the ones in darkness – not the word of God.

I look forward to your questions and comments.