In Acts 4-5, we see the apostles taking risks for the gospel.  In Acts 4, when Peter and John had been arrested, the Jewish leaders charged them not to speak any more about Jesus.  Upon being further threatened and then released, the apostles convened a prayer meeting to pray for boldness to continue to speak of Jesus.  And they continued to proclaim the gospel with boldness and power (4:31, 33).  They took risks for the sake of the gospel and multitudes were being saved (5:14).

The chief priests driven by jealousy, arrested the apostles and put them in prison (5:17-18).  God sent an angel to bring them out and command them to go into the temple and continue preaching the gospel.  And so they did.  They continued to take risks for the gospel.  After finding the prison empty and the apostles in the temple, the chief priests arrested the apostles again.  Standing before the Sanhedrin, the apostles began proclaiming the gospel to the very men who opposed them (5:30-32).  They were again taking risks for the gospel.  Indeed the Sanhedrin wanted to kill the apostles!

The advice of a Pharisee named Gamaliel saved their lives, but they were beaten for proclaiming the gospel before they were released.  And what did they do?  They continued to proclaim the gospel (5:42).  They continued to risk everything for the sake of the gospel.

Which brings us to the question:  What are we willing to risk for the sake of the gospel?  Are we willing to risk it all?  Risk our lives?  Our wealth?  Our comfort?  Our jobs?  Our popularity?  Are we willing to risk ridicule and rejection?  What are we willing to risk to make use of the opportunities God gives us to share the gospel?  What are we willing to risk for the One who gave his life for us?