Opening: Do you remember a time when you were told not to do
something, and you did it anyway? Maybe when you were a child? Have you ever
gotten in trouble for doing something, said that you wouldn’t do it again, but
went ahead anyway? Maybe speeding?
Scripture: Read Acts 5:17-42.
Insights:
- This is the second arrest by the Jewish leaders. First was Peter and John; now it is all the apostles. This arrest was inevitable. The Sanhedrin had strictly ordered them to abstain from teaching in the name of Jesus, and they had publicly disregarded that injunction. That to the Sanhedrin was a doubly serious matter. These apostles were not only heretics, they were also potential disturbers of the peace. Palestine was always an inflammable country; if this were not checked it might well result in some kind of popular rising that would result in violence and suppression by the Roman government.
- The Greek word from which we get our word “angel” is angelos, which literally means “messenger.” A messenger of the Lord frees the apostles, then gives them a message: go back to preaching God’s message of Jesus to the people.
- Gamaliel was the most famous of his time and considered to be a leader and expert in the Law. A young Saul was one of his pupils (see Acts 22:3). Gamaliel effectively persuaded leniency for the apostles (they were flogged, but it could have been worse). Using the example of previous uprisings, he argued that if the apostles convictions and teachings were false, the movement would die. But if they were true, the Council would be fighting God.
Life Questions:
- The angel of the Lord gave the apostles a command that, when followed, would lead to a brutal flogging (see Acts 5:40). If that strikes you as odd, it is probably because of the prevailing idea among many believers that obedience inevitably leads to blessing (defined as “a problem-free, blissful existence”). Serious students of the Bible know, however, that obeying God often results in pain and suffering. They also recognize that being persecuted for Christ is a deeper kind of blessing. What biblical commands, if obeyed, might result in discomfort for you today? Will you commit to live them out anyway?
Prayer Focus: For the
courage to proclaim the Gospel no matter the cost.
