Acts 2:1-13
A Special Sign for the Early Church
Acts 2:14-21
Peter Preaches On Prophecy
Acts 2:22-36
Peter Proclaims Jesus’s Resurrection Power
Acts 2:29-36
Four proofs of the Resurrection and Ascension
Acts 2:37-47
Characteristics of the early Church
Acts 3:11-26
Peter’s Message of Repentance
Acts 3:17-26
Peter’s Message of Repentance
Acts 4:1-12
Early Church Persecuted for their Faith
Acts 4:13-22
Boldness Brings Results
Acts 4:23-37
Praying and Sharing
Acts 4:32-37
Sharing Shows Brotherly-Love
Acts 5:1-11
Ananias and Sapphira Hide the Truth
Acts 5:12-23
Effective Church Ministry
Acts 5:24-32
Obedience to God and Man
Acts 5:33-42
Gamaliel Convinces the Council
Acts 6:1-15
Deacons Chosen To Serve
Acts 6:8-15
Stephen Summoned before Synagogue Leaders
Acts 7:1-8
God’s Covenant of Circumcision
Acts 7:9-19
Abraham’s Promised Descendents
Acts 7:20-29
Moses Identifies with God’s Chosen People
Acts 7:30-43
Moses’ Mandate From God
Acts 7:44-60
Stephen Stoned to Death for His Faith
Acts 7:54-60
Stephen Stoned to Death for his Faith
Acts 8:1-13
Persecution Scatters Believers
Gamaliel Convinces the Council
Acts 5:33–42
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Since the death of Jesus Christ, 2000 years ago, 43 million Christians have been martyred ... More
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 (English Standard Version)
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