Gamaliel Convinces the Council
October 10, 2021
Commentary
On their second appearance before the Sanhedrin the apostles found an unexpected helper – Gamaliel, a Pharisee (vv. 33-34). He was highly respected and loved. He was a kindly man with a far wider tolerance than his fellows. When the Sanhedrin seemed likely to resort to violent measures against the apostles, Gamaliel intervened (vv. 35-37). The Sanhedrin listened to Gamaliel, and once again, after threatening the apostles, they let them go. God used one of the most celebrated teachers of the law, Gamaliel, to prevent any harm from coming to the apostles. As a Pharisee he probably wanted to keep the Sadducees from winning any victories. This was the same man who was one of Paul’s theological seminary professors (Acts 22:3). He was a scholar who was highly respected by the people, but very liberal in his applications of the law.
Gamaliel convinced the council that there wasn’t any reason for them to worry about these apostles. He said: “If these troublemakers are just operating on their own, they will soon fade away. Just sit tight and wait. On the other hand, if they are truly God’s men you will not be able to stop them anyway” (vv. 38-39). This sounds like good advice on the surface but does not ring true. He projected the idea that if something is not of God, it must fail. Success is not a good test of truth, however. If it were, why do the false cults often grow faster than God’s church?
The Sanhedrin agreed to let the apostles go but commanded them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus Christ and had them beaten for being disobedient to their previous command (v. 40). However, neither the threats nor the beatings stopped them from witnessing. Instead, they rejoiced in the privilege of being able to suffer for His name (v. 41). They didn’t stop teaching and telling the good news that Jesus is the Messiah (v. 42). Jesus had told them they should expect persecution, and to rejoice in it when it came (Matthew 5:10-12).
Application
True believers are not quitters. When I receive criticism and persecution for my witness, it should only cause me to trust the Lord more.
Acts 5:33– 42 (NET)
33 Now when they heard this, they became furious and wanted to execute them. 34 But a Pharisee whose name was Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the council and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. 35 Then he said to the council, “Men of Israel, pay close attention to what you are about to do to these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about 400 men joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and nothing came of it. 37 After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census, and incited people to follow him in revolt. He too was killed, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in this case I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, because if this plan or this undertaking originates with people, it will come to nothing, 39 but if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them, or you may even be found fighting against God.” He convinced them, 40 and they summoned the apostles and had them beaten. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. 41 So they left the council rejoicing because they had been considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. 42 And every day both in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus was the Christ.
Illustration: Most American Teens Believe in a Works Salvation
Researchers with the National Study of Youth and Religion have concluded American teens believe in a combination of works based righteousness, religion as psychological well-being, and a distant, non-interfering god. With no place for sin, judgment, salvation, or Christ; their creed is a far cry from Christianity. The study found they believe:
A god exists who created the world and watches over human life.God wants people to be nice to each other.The central goal of life is to be happy and feel good about oneself.Good people go to heaven when they die.(World 6/25/05)