THE SOUND ADVICE OF GAMALIEL

Acts 5:40-42 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. (Also See Vss. 33-39)

Previous verses tell us that Peter and the other apostles were found violating the commandment of the Sanhedrin by continuing to teach that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and Savior of all men and women that seek eternal salvation. For this, they were again arrested and brought before the Jewish council and asked to explain their actions. The answer of the apostles was that we ought to obey God rather that men (Vs. 29). Then after accusing the Jewish leaders of putting Jesus to death, they assured all members of the Sanhedrin that God had raised Him from the dead and exalted Him to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins (Vs. 31). Hearing these accusations by the apostles, the members of this Jewish body were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them (Vs. 33).

Verses that follow this tell us that one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel stood up and addressed the other members of the Sanhedrin. As a Pharisee, Gamaliel was in the minority party that makes up this Jewish governmental body. But unlike the high priest and the Sadducees, the Pharisees agreed with the apostles' teaching on the resurrection of the dead. Gamaliel was a doctor of the law, that is, a teacher of Jewish law, under whom the apostle Paul had studied (Acts 22:3). As such, Gamaliel was well known among all the people. He suggested that the apostles be removed from their presence so they could discuss their fate more privately (See Vs. 34).

After having the apostles removed from the assembly, Gamaliel reminded the council of two other "religious" men that had incited, and drawn many Jewish people to follow them. The teaching of Theudas caused four hundred people to become his disciples and follow him (Vs. 36). Also, Judas of Galilee ...drew away much people after him (Vs. 37). Gamaliel reminded the members of the council that in each of these instances, their influence died out and never became a problem to the Jewish nation. With these examples brought to mind, Gamaliel suggested that the members of the Sanhedrin Refrain from these men (the apostles), and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God (Vss. 38-39).

And to him they agreed. The men making up the council agreed with the sound advice of Gamaliel. The rash determination of the Sanhedrin to have the apostles of Jesus Christ slain, was tempered by the calm and composed counsel of this Pharisee (and) ...doctor of the law. Although the teaching of the apostles was probably not convincing to Gamaliel, he did not want to prevent it if these men were, indeed, messengers of God. If they were teaching the true, inspired word of God, it would prevail - it could not be contained or overthrown by the will of men. If they were imposters, preaching a false doctrine, Gamaliel said, that nothing would come of it. And if they were truly disciples of the Messiah, the opposition of these Jewish leaders to the apostles' teaching would demonstrate their hostility toward the same God whom they desired to worship.

The council agreed with Gamaliel's advice, and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. To suffer for the cause of Christ was welcomed by the first-century Christians, and as our example, should be welcomed by each Christian today. When a new-borne child of God knows he or she is following in the steps of the Savior, Christ Jesus, being shamed by the world around them is cause for rejoicing, realizing they are counted worthy by their Heavenly Father to teach and preach Jesus Christ. Why? Because of the sound advice of Gamaliel, God's plan of eternal salvation is assured to all men and women that hear, believe, obey His commandments, and are baptized into the body of Christ. This truth of God may be hindered, but no individual, council, or governmental body of mankind can defeat it. It is so, amen!