Gamaliel advised the council: “Don’t fight against God.” The council had arrested the apostles out of jealousy and now had them on trial. Peter had stated that the council was responsible for killing Jesus, but God had resurrected Him. This angered most of the council to the point that they wanted the apostles killed.
Gamaliel was in the minority party but was well respected. He explained that there had been several rebels who had led movements. But when the leaders died, the movement ceased to exist. Acts 5: 38 “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” [1]
Rebels Don’t Prosper
Fighting against God would have been a frightening prospect for devout Jews, and the council relented. These men knew their history. Pharaoh had fought against God when he refused to let the Hebrew people go. God sent ten plagues, the last being the death of the firstborn. Finally, after the death of his son, Pharaoh relented only to try and recapture the people. God intervened with the parting of the Red Sea: His people went free, and Pharaoh drowned.
The apostles also knew they did not want to fight against God, so they obeyed Him. Jesus had commanded them to be witnesses and carry on His ministry. Acts 1:8b And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.[2] The apostles continued this mission even when threatened and imprisoned. Acts 5: 29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.[3]
Discerning God
If we consider all of Scripture, God often moves in unexpected ways. He has used rebels, adulterers, thieves, and even a donkey to get his message across. When a differing religious movement confronts you, check out their beliefs. Do they match with the full Scripture? Or is this the work of humans? Sometimes, only time will show the truth.
Unless a group is endorsing obviously dangerous doctrines or practices, it is often wiser to be tolerant rather than suppressive. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth in these situations. Then be obedient to follow His direction. We don’t want to be on the wrong side of our God.
Don’t fight against God. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/apostles-persecuted
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.