Acts 5:33-39 Gamaliel’s Counsel: Be Wary of These Men & Leave Them Alone

 But when they heard this, they were cut to the quick and intended to kill them.  But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time.  And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men.  For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.  After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who followed him were scattered.  So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; t but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”

Gamaliel was a highly regarded teacher, but more than that, he possessed wisdom.  He reminds his countrymen that they should not interfere with the work of the apostles and the Christians who were raising up from among them.  He declared that if their actions are from human origin it will fall apart.  But if they are of diving origin, and they try to thwart it, they will find themselves at war, with God!

Daily Prayer:  Lord, let my work be work that edifies the body of Christ and that I have no agenda apart from His Gospel.  Let my message be one of drawing people to Christ Jesus because He is the source of life and salvation.  In Jesus name I pray Amen.