Gamaliel Said It Best

In Acts chapter 5, the apostles are on trial yet again for preaching the gospel of Jesus. When asked why they were still preaching the gospel after being told not to, Peter and the apostles, very confidently, said the following (Acts 5:29-32):

              “But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

This infuriated the council, who began making plans to kill them (verse 33). Then one of the council members, a Pharisee named Gamliel, who was described as a teacher of the law held in respect by all people, and who the apostle Paul studied under, sent the apostles outside and began trying to be a voice of reason to the other members of the council. Notice what Gamaliel said in verse 38-39

              “And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

So, what is the conclusion of the matter? Were the apostles’ actions the work of men or the work of God? Was what they taught and believed overthrown or were its enemies found to be fighting an unwinnable battle against God?

Here we are, brothers and sisters, gathered on the first day of the week to worship just as they did in the first century. Here we are still teaching and preaching the very gospel that the apostles taught and were commanded not to teach. Here we are still telling people that Jesus is the Son of God, that he came down to earth to sacrifice himself as a propitiation for the sins of the whole word, and that he was crucified and rose again!

 Gamliel said it best. The gospel of Jesus Christ is of God and cannot be overthrown!

-Caleb Westbrook