But They’re Wrong!

Acts 5:34-42

Fearing that people turning to Christ would further weaken their power, the Sadducees and chief priests were looking for some way to stop preaching in Jesus’ name. When their guilt was pointed out, Rather than acknowledging their sin and being forgiven, they decided to kill the apostles so no one would dare bring it up.

“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; And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.” (Acts 5:34-35)

The prohibition movement was intended to stop drinking in the United States by preventing the production and sale of alcoholic beverages. Instead, the price of alcohol went up and illegal bars and nightclubs flourished. It became a challenge to obtain liquor. When Prohibition was repealed, an minimum drinking age was established, making drinking an adult pleasure kids weren’t allowed to enjoy. Drinking became the proof one was a man, and most kids looked forward to drinking. We’re still dealing with the consequences making drinking something desirable.

Satan used the same philosophy to get Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, telling her that God was trying to keep something good, a Godlike quality, from her. As Genesis 3:5-6 tells us, she fell for it. “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat,…” He still uses the same means of tempting people. How we oppose something frequently makes it more tempting.

During the Reagan administration, drug use declined, although less was spent trying to stop drugs than was spent in the previous few year. The primary anti drug program was Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” campaign encouraging people to turn drugs down as unsafe. The anti drug program was ampped up under Clinton, with a drug tsar and an huge budget, but drug use has risen steadily since the “Just Say No” program was scrapped.

Gamaliel reminded them of other groups that had become quite strong in Israel. Though they seemed a serious threat at the time, they faded away with little impact.

“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. 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 5:36-37)

By attacking the apostles, and forcing the people to take sides without serious consideration, many might be tempted to side with the Christians, because they had established a good reputation. Such an attack would just call more attention to them and their teachings.

“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: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.” (Acts 5:38-39)

Attacking forces those attacked to defend their position, and does not allow them to examine it honestly. An unprovoked attack tends to elicit sympathy, and the position may begin to appear to be legitimate. If the people are allowed to consider the position dispassionately, they will tend to determine the truth. On the other hand, no amount of opposition can change the truth. Even if every proponent were killed, it would eventually resurface.

“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)

Gamaliel was right that we can play into Satan’s hands by how we deal with those who do things we disapprove of. II Thessalonians 3:14-15 instructs, “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” While we should express our disagreement, we should not put them in a defensive position. Changing them is God’s job, not ours.

The Sadducees were still resentful of having their sin exposed and had the apostles beaten, ordering them not to speak in Jesus name, but they let them go.

“And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” (Acts 5:41)

By arresting the apostles, the leaders had given God the opportunity to miraculously deliver them and call attention to their teachings. Re-arresting them just called more attention to it, and this final beating is the icing on the cake. Turning them loose further emphasized that there were no legitimate grounds for the persecution. Gamaliel’s advice came too late. The disciples can rejoice that God has used the anger to further the Gospel. That God chose to use them to suffer is an indication that he considers them spiritually strong enough to do what asked. I Corinthians 10:13 states, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able;…” It was evidence of their walk in the Spirit, and an encouragement to continue.

“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” (Acts 5:42)

The Holy Spirit produced an interest in the things about Jesus Christ, just as John 16:13-15 promised. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.”