After Pentecost, the apostles boldly preached about the resurrected Jesus. Their growing influence upset the religious leaders, especially the Sadducees who denied the resurrection.
The apostles were imprisoned, but God miraculously released them through an angel. When brought again before the Sanhedrin, the council was enraged and wanted to kill them.
Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, intervened with logic and caution. He cited historical examples of failed movements and reasoned that if the apostles’ movement was from God, it could not be stopped.
First, proclaim the message with courage.
The apostles were imprisoned for preaching Christ, yet an angel released them and told them to return to the temple area and continue preaching. This boldness was not rebellion; it was obedience to divine command.
The early disciples chose faithfulness over fear. Even after imprisonment, they returned to the same place of conflict to speak again. Their authority was not human; it was divine. Their courage came from the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Proclaim the gospel without fear. If you are obeying the call, no prison, threat or resistance can stop the message. God opens the door no one can shut.
Second, trust God’s sovereign plan.
The religious leaders rebuked the apostles for preaching in Jesus’ name. Peter answered with a foundational Christian statement: “We must obey God rather than human beings.” (Acts 5:29)
When facing opposition, trust that God is in control. Even when accused, speak the truth with clarity and confidence. Let your testimony point to Christ and His resurrection.
Third, acknowledge the enduring work of God.
Gamaliel, a respected teacher (and mentor of Paul), stood up. He cited Theudas and Judas the Galilean. These are leaders of failed uprisings. His logic: If this is of man, it will fail. If of God, nothing can stop it. This speech restrained the Sanhedrin and spared the apostles’ lives (though they were still flogged).
Gamaliel’s insight was prophetic. Christianity not only endured; it changed the world. Despite persecution, the Gospel spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. If Jesus were just a man, this movement would have vanished. But history declares otherwise.
Believe in the lasting truth of Christ’s message. When critics arise, let God defend His church. Let the fruit of endurance speak. The church exists today because Jesus is the Christ. | NWI
