But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had murdered by hanging Him on a tree. God exalted this man to His right hand as ruler and Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” When the Sanhedrin heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. A Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men to be taken outside for a little while. He said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful about what you’re going to do to these men. Not long ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about 400 men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his partisans were dispersed and came to nothing. After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and attracted a following. That man also perished, and all his partisans were scattered. And now, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” Acts 5:29-39
My words…
Praise
Praise God who gives His Holy Spirit to those who obey Him! Praise to the One whose following has grown over the centuries, across the globe. The message of Jesus of Nazareth rings with peals of hope and peace. It draws those who are seeking a transforming life on earth and a complete life everlasting. Your way is supernaturally powered by Your Spirit – and it comes with a guaranteed eternal reward! False prophets have come and gone, and still come. They claim to “be somebody” – a rival of the true Savior – but their messages do not sustain their followers, and the messenger perishes. But the words of Christ remain alive because the messenger is still living!
Prayer for me
Lord, You have placed a few Gamaliels in my path over the years. They provided wise discernment, a voice of reason during a time of turmoil. Their words were Your words given to me when I needed them most. Oh that I could be a Gamaliel to others! I pray for a deeper understanding of Your holy words and a greater awareness of Your presence so I may be a voice of wisdom for my children and those who walk along life’s path with me.
Forgive me
You make plans, Lord, plans for me. This passage begs the question: Have I fought against You by not submitting to Your plans? Am I like a member of the Sanhedrin who refused to believe your message because it sounded too good to be true? Or because it would mean a major change in my life, one I didn’t want to make at the time? Please forgive me for my weak faith and my pride for taking a stand against You.
Prayer for others
Father, I pray for those wayward souls who have heeded the messages of false teachers; they are like sheep among wolves. Theudas and Judas the Galilean have been followed by many who offer the vulnerable and misguided a way that seems to provide comfort to an aching spirit. But so often it ends in exploitation and sometimes even death. Protect Your children from being devoured by these wolves. Show them the true way, the way that leads to the cross.
More praise
Praise to You, God, whose followers cannot help but praise You even when faced with danger, dissent, ridicule, or indifference. Just as Your apostles stood firm in the presence of the Pharisees, so I, by the power of Your Spirit, stand firm in the presence of my own “Sanhedrin.” With You as the power source, no authority on earth or in heaven or in hell will succeed in diminishing Your message to the lost and suffering. Gamaliel was right then. He is right still. Anything powered by You will never be overthrown. Your plans will prevail.
