The Law of Gamaliel
A. When good is persecuted and evil is celebrated
1) Following God rather than human beings (27-29)
Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood." Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men! (27-29)
2) Holding fast to your convictions (30-33)
The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead--whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. (30-33)
B. Is that from God?
1) God's plan cannot be stopped, but human plans will fail (34-40)
But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! 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." His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (34-40)
2) How this applies to human relationships (41,42)
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. (41,42)
Summary
In this life, we often wonder why a God who loves justice would allow the reign of evil in the world. The high priests were convinced that justice was on their side. The disciples were accepted by the people, but the high priests were out to kill them. Like the high priests, there are times when we are firmly convinced that we are right when, in fact, we are wrong. There are also times when we, like the disciples, are in the right, but are misjudged by others. We are prone to error as are the people around us. What we need to consider is how Jesus would respond in his thoughts, words, and actions. In doing so, we can stand firm in our conviction even when circumstances are difficult. As Gamaliel said, whether something is of God or of human origin is not for us to decide, but something that God will ultimately bring to light. Let us walk with perseverance, listening carefully to God's voice so that we can discern his will.
For Discussion
1) How can we follow God instead of following other people?
2) In what situations do you need to apply the "law of Gamaliel"?