Bible Journey
LESSON 2
Continue Acts 5: 17-42 (beginning at 34) 34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." 40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. New International Version
Yesterday, I completed the study through verse 33, now to continue.
I love this part of the story because it just goes to show you never know where help may come from. Gamaliel was a Pharisee, there is no indication that he was Christian or even in sympathy with Christianity. But he was well known, respected and loved among the Jews of his day. He was a kind man who did not regard Greek culture as sinful. He was one of the very few Pharisees who was given the highest title “Rabban.” When he died it was said, “Since Rabban Gamaliel died there has been no more reverence for the Law; and purity and abstinence died out at the same time.” We hear this name later in the writings of Paul, for this is who he studied under (Acts 22:3). As a Pharisee, Gamaliel would have believed in fate and free-will, that all things were in the hand of God and yet that man was responsible for his actions. Therefore, he stopped the mob rage towards the apostles based upon the fact that they must be careful just in case this was from God and not man. He quotes two examples of false leaders that came to nothing and reminds them if this Jesus “sect” is not of God it will blow over. As we can see 2000 years later, it really was from God or it would have flickered and gone out long ago. In our own situation, there may be times when new and innovative teachings come to our churches. When these come, rather than attack them, maybe we need to allow time, thought and God to sort through them. It could be they are from God and not from man. We must never be closed minded to new ideas but weigh them with prayer and patience. It does not mean we must accept them but, chances are, if they are of human origin they will die out. Our preferences and opinions must take a back seat (not to say they aren’t legitimate) they just have to be in the back ground. God may be doing a new thing and if so…don’t we want to be in on it?
The rulers then have the apostles flogged. I never realized the intensity of a flogging until I saw the move directed by Mel Gibson called “The Passion.” I have a new respect and attitude when I see in scripture that Jesus or other believers were “flogged.” That means these guys were half beat to death and this segment of scriptures ends with them rejoicing after a flogging and going right back to the temple courts and/or houses to PREACH. How can this be???? Truly, they show no thought of self, simply consumed with the risen Savior. We must ask ourselves, are we consumed with the risen Savior? Would we risk life and limb to proclaim what we have seen and heard concerning Christ? Would we rejoice upon receiving the 39 lashes (which incidentally was known to kill some) and consider it something to praise for just because we tasted some of Jesus same suffering? Just where does my love and loyalty lie?
Information obtained from: “The Acts of the Apostle’s” by William Barclay and “All the Men of the Bible” by Herbert Lockyer
