“Acts 5:33-42”

Saturday, December 26, 2015

“But when they heard this, they were cut to the quick and intended to kill them. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. And he said to them, ‘Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.’ They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”

---End of Scripture verses---

We can clearly see why Gamaliel was “respected by all the people” (verse 33). He proved to be the one voice of reason in the entire gathering of the Sanhedrin. The other members were seething with fury and hatred because the Apostles blamed them for putting the Messiah to death (verses 30-31). Their very predictable response to that was to want to kill Jesus’ followers as well. But Gamaliel’s logic momentarily subdued them and their murderous intentions.

I’m not sure who Theudus (verse 36) and Judas (verse 37) were, but I do know that when they passed away their followers dispersed and their aspirations died with them. Now consider the extraordinary nature of the mission of Christ Jesus. It didn’t build up a head of steam until He actually did die. Jesus’ intentions from the very beginning were to die in order save His people and establish His church. But unlike all the champions of all other movements, our Leader didn’t stay dead. It was Jesus power over death that seated Him on His everlasting throne and provided His adherents eternal hope (Acts 2:30-32; Hebrews 6:19).

Gamaliel was wise to advise the council to, “stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown” (verse 38). There are a lot of bizarre religious fads in the world, and most times the best thing to do is leave a sect alone and let it fizzle out. But that would not have been good advice if the Apostles were religious radicals who actually posed a threat to the health and safety of the people they came in contact with. It is the height of foolish to take a passive stance toward the actions of evil, violent extremists.

“But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God” (verse 39). When we fight against God and His will for us, we never have a chance for victory. Either on earth or in eternity. Have you been resisting God’s commands and desires for you? Do you need to repent of your sins and be baptized in order to have your sins forgiven (Acts 2:38)? Do you need to be an active part of the one, true church that Jesus died for (Matthew 16:18; Romans 16:16; Acts 20:28)? Do you need to regularly assemble with the saints (Hebrews 10:25), and worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24)? Relinquish your will to God. Follow Him and be blessed.

For tomorrow please read Acts 6:1-7.

Have a blessed day!

- Louie Taylor

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