“Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.”
Acts 5:17
After Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, the apostles taught about Jesus without ceasing. In fact, they filled Jerusalem with their teaching (see v. 28).
Furious, the Jewish leaders brought them before the Sanhedrin. Since they had already warned the apostles not to preach about Jesus, they wanted them put to death. For what if these radical new ideas took hold among the common people? Would there be a revolt? What would become of the Jewish rulers’ positions of prestige and power?
The apostles were sent out of the chamber, and Gamaliel, a Pharisee who had been Paul’s teacher (see Acts 22:3) had the floor. Held in high esteem by all Jews, he encouraged his fellow Pharisees to show leniency to the apostles of Jesus Christ. “Leave these men alone! … For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God” (v. 38-39). God moved in Gamaliel’s heart so that his strong and respected advice would spare the apostles.
Furious, the Jewish leaders brought them before the Sanhedrin. Since they had already warned the apostles not to preach about Jesus, they wanted them put to death. For what if these radical new ideas took hold among the common people? Would there be a revolt? What would become of the Jewish rulers’ positions of prestige and power?
The apostles were sent out of the chamber, and Gamaliel, a Pharisee who had been Paul’s teacher (see Acts 22:3) had the floor. Held in high esteem by all Jews, he encouraged his fellow Pharisees to show leniency to the apostles of Jesus Christ. “Leave these men alone! … For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God” (v. 38-39). God moved in Gamaliel’s heart so that his strong and respected advice would spare the apostles.
Scripture Focus
Acts 5:17-41
Insight
“Day after day … they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.” (Acts 5:42)
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 45-46
- Psalm 23
- Mark 3
