Joel M Bradshaw

27The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28“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.”

29Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

33When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34But 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. 35Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36Some 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. 37After 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. 

38Therefore, 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. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”–Acts 5 (with emphasis)

1. The religious leaders were opposing the things of Jesus at all costs.
2. This meant they were rejecting obvious healing miracles and good being done. A movement of joy and purpose was growing and building. It also honored God.
3. Gamaliel gave them perspective. Their rage caused them to be blind to what was going on. They defined the fight as other people encroaching on their territory.
4. Gamaliel reminded them that God might indeed be at work, and so therefore their opposition was against the God they claimed to serve. God doesn’t require anyone to be mad for Him.
5. Who or what do you oppose? What personal stances do you take? What arguments do you insist upon maintaining?
6. If good is being done by who or what you oppose most, take a step back and ponder. Are you being selfish or self-centered in your responses? Is this issue more about you?
7. You may be right in your opposition, but little good will come from selfish, reactionary moments. At some point, is your fight against God? Especially if you are mad at God for how His plan has worked out. Define your fight.–JMB