Opposition to preaching the risen Christ and reaching the Gentiles emerged early in the ministry of the apostles. Peter and the others quickly found themselves on the front lines of defense against attacks regarding the cogency and credibility of the message they were preaching. Emboldened by the presence and power of the Holy Ghost, many of the apostles gained renewed fortitude in proclaiming the message of Christ to Jewish and Gentile communities in the early days of the church.

Anytime the gospel is preached with authority and power invariably there will be those who line up in opposition to the message. These forces of blistering belligerence often question the authenticity of the message, if not the credentials and authority of the messengers. Peter reminded his audience that Christ “c…