Gamaliel proposes to the Sanhedrin Council that the speech or actions of Apostles Peter and John could be the result of the work of God among them. Does God work among men?
Let’s continue with our Book of Acts Bible Study. Today’s reference is from Acts 5:34-42.
“Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space” (Acts 5:34).
It’s ironic how the Council separated these two apostles to speak about them. They didn’t want them to hear that the Council thinks that God may be working among them. But the latter knew that from day one.
He Starts With a Solemn Warning
Therefore, we read how they “put the apostles forth a little space” to discuss the possibility of God working amongst them (Acts 5:34).
Doctor Gamaliel makes his proposal to the Council. He starts with a solemn warning. Therefore, he says:
“Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men” (Acts 5:35).
He being “a doctor of the law” recognizes an aspect of their operation that the other members of the Sanhedrin Council overlooked (Acts 5:34).
Nevertheless, he justifies his proposal.
He cites two examples which ended in futility because the work of God was absent from among them.
First he says: “For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought” (Acts 5:36).
The Work of Men Will Fail
Next, he advances another effort which resulted in futility, like the one before, because the work of God was absent.
“After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed” (Acts 5:37).
Finally, he puts forward his real reason for his discourse. He wants them to do something or refrain from doing some act.
Therefore he requests:
“And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought” (Acts 5:38).
In other words, if what they preach or the miracles that they perform in the name of Jesus is the work of men it will fail. They couldn’t sustain it. It will not last long!
Their Ministering is the Work of God
However, he continues with his justifications: “if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God” (Acts 5:39).
“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” (Acts 5:40).
Irrespective of the outcome of the doctor’s little speech the reaction and response of the apostles would have been consistent. How do I know that?
“And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” (Acts 5:41).
Would others speak on your behalf in this regard? Would they ascribe your behavior to the working of God in your life?
In all that we do in this life, one of the most important things is to obey the Word of God. Obey Him! When we obey Him we worship Him. And if we do, He takes care of His worshippers.
Leroy A. Daley is an author, blogger, YouTuber, and Bible teacher. Globally, he's helped hundreds of Christians understand the Bible better. He has been studying and teaching the Bible for more than forty years. He is passionate about the Lord and spends quality time with the Word of God every day.
His Books are available for purchase wherever books are sold.
