Acts 5: 38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel, or this work be of men, it will come to naught. 39 But if it be of God, you cannot overthrow it; lest haply you be found even to fight against God.
This is what the spiritual leaders, and the politicians of old found out the hard way, for efforts to stop the spread of the true gospel, meant essentially to pick a fight with God Himself. And this is something you never want to do. Nations may choose to pick a fight with Russia, Iran, or China, but when it comes to picking a fight with God, you will lose even before the fight begins.
As a matter of fact, if you can’t win them, you are better off joining them as the saying goes. This is what had taken place just after the day of Pentecost. Concerted efforts were made by those in authority to stop the spread of the gospel, as the apostles in Jerusalem were hunted down by Saul. The Lord’s servants were jailed, beaten, threatened, punished, ostracized, marginalized, fined and killed, and yet the gospel continued to spread like wild fire.
Acts 8:1 And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere, preaching the word.
Acts 8:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecute thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecute: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!