Lesson 4615

 (Lesson 4615)(09-22-24) Acts 5:34-42 

   “Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” 

 

   Today’s quote relates that a respected Pharisee named Gamaliel called the Sanhedrin aside and advised the Sanhedrin to be cautious in dealing with the Peter and John. He cited past rebellions that failed, suggesting that if the apostles' movement is of human origin, it will fail on its own, but if it is from God, they cannot stop it and would be fighting against God. The council agreed, flogging the apostles but releasing them. The apostles rejoiced, seeing their suffering as an honor, and continued preaching Jesus daily, undeterred by the Jews. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing if today we had preachers as devoted to the pure doctrine of Jesus as were Peter and John? ~