May the mumbling commence!
And the apostles are called on the carpet again. The Sanhedrin discovered that a strenuous warning did no good. The name of Jesus was still being preached. The name of Jesus was still being used in healings. The number of people following the way was increasing exponentially. Some priests were even following the way of Jesus (Acts 6:7).
Something needed to be done. “Let’s try it again,” the Sanhedrin must have said as they arrested the apostles. The Sanhedrin probably thought they were safe from Jesus propaganda at least for the time being. BUT the angel of the Lord released the apostles from prison for the express purpose of telling people about the way of Jesus. As soon as it was dawn, the apostles began to preach in the temple again. The Sanhedrin had to round up the apostles again – much to their chagrin. Read the exchange that they had with the apostles and among themselves from Acts chapter five:
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! 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. 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.
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. (Verses 27-42)
Obedience to God trumps obedience to men. That is the message plain and simple. The Sanhedrin was incensed and ready to kill the apostles, but cooler heads prevailed. Gamaliel, a Pharisee who was a little more sympathetic to the Christian cause of resurrection, told them to leave the apostles alone. He pointed to former leaders of rebellion, who found their followers scattered after their deaths.
With the followers of Jesus, the death of Jesus did not have the same effect. In fact, Jesus’ death spawned a great reawakening of followers of his way. What would happen if they killed Jesus’ closest followers? Well, if this way was of man, it would eventually fade away. If it was of God, there was no victory in opposing God. The way of Jesus would prevail in this case. Gamaliel counseled the Sanhedrin to bide their time and see what happened with this Jesus movement.
The Sanhedrin listened. They had the apostles flogged and ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus anymore. Another exclamation point was added to the order – flogging. Yet the apostles rejoiced in being counted worthy of suffering for the sake of the Name.
The flogging gave them more fuel to preach and teach in the name of Christ Jesus. When we boldly stand and testify for Jesus – pronouncing the Good News of the way of Jesus, we get a standing ovation from Jesus in heaven. Read the last statement Stephen made before being stoned to death from Acts chapter seven:
"Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." (Verse 56)
When Jesus spoke of ascending into heaven in Luke chapter twenty-two, Jesus spoke of sitting (Vs 68). As we stand in witness to Jesus, Jesus stands in heaven as witness to our faith. So, know that when you stand for Jesus no matter the odds, Jesus stands at the right hand of God. A standing “O”!
Enough mumbling for now…
Peace Out
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