July 31st - Acts 5:38-39

Acts 5:38-39 Gamaliel said: “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.” The success of Peter and John’s healing and preaching ministry was deeply irritating to the Jewish authorities. They were anxious to silence the apostles, but nothing seemed to be working. They tried imprisoning them, but even that didn’t work, as the apostles miraculously managed to escape and carry on their preaching ministry in the temple. So, once again, they were hauled before the Jewish leaders. Gamaliel was one of the most prominent rabbis of the time and was greatly respected by everyone. He suggested that it would be wise not to take action against the apostles for the simple reason that if the new movement was not of God, it would fizzle out anyway. The decision was to flog the apostles and let them go. Wise Gamaliel got it right. It is impossible to stop God. Take China as an example. In 1960, there were about 1 million Christians in the country. During the Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976, thousands of Christians were imprisoned and subjected to humiliation, but the Church was merely driven underground, and since that time it has grown enormously. It’s impossible to know how many Christians there are in China today, but it is likely to be about 100 million! When God is at work it is impossible to stop Him, however hard people try. Question In what way do Gamaliel’s words encourage you? Prayer I praise You loving God that ultimately no one can stand in the way of Your plans. Amen