Recognition of God’s Transforming Power
I was studying Acts 5 this week. There are a few different sections of this chapter filled with encouragement and inspiration. But I was especially motivated by studying the last part which talks about the Pharisee Gamaliel. Here is the excerpt from Acts 5:34-39. “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 the Sanhedrin: “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.”
So first let’s talk about what he says to the people. “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.” I don’t think this statement needs much explanation. It is pretty straightforward. But it is also pretty bold. Gamaliel was 100% sure that anything apart from God would fail. And not only was it apart from God, it was fighting God. And the way it is stated here makes it seem like to Gamaliel, fighting God was definitely not worth it. Some scripture to look at to support this statement is John 15:5. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing”. This whole chapter talks about the life abiding in Christ compared to being apart from Christ. But gives a perfect picture of bearing fruit verse being barren. So Gamaliel was reiterating the same message that Christ gives in John 15.
Secondly, let’s point out that he is a Pharisee. They normally did not recognize or promote the work of the apostles. Usually, Pharisees were threatened by anyone that tried to speak of Christ or spread the gospel. They did whatever they could to stop the sermons or put an end to the apostles work. Many of the apostles ended up in prison because it was the easiest way for the Pharisees and governing officials to deal with them. So Gamaliel, the Pharisee, maybe didn’t agree exactly with what they were preaching (we aren’t sure about that). But he was definitely saying they should not be messed with. Even in his place of authority he was willing to admit what he was up against.
Third, I want to talk about something I realized through my more in depth study of this chapter. Gamaliel was Paul’s teacher when he was Saul of Tarsus. That means he taught the man who is known as the greatest messenger of the gospel. He taught Saul, who persecuted Christians. But he witnessed his transformation to becoming Paul, the apostle. And not only did he respect who Saul had become, he respected and recognized the transforming and powerful work of God.
So from this small part of Acts 5 we can gain a lot of insight and wisdom. One of the most overarching themes of Acts is that nothing can stop the progress of the gospel. What is of God cannot be overthrown. No matter who God is up against, He is victorious. So as we live and move and breathe in our world today, let’s see God’s will and plan for our lives. Let’s trust his ways are higher than our own. And let’s believe in His power.
How have you seen the Lord working this week?
