Steven A. Bush - August 23, 2015
Fighting Against God
Despite being warned by the Sanhedrin to stop preaching, the apostles and believers kept proclaiming the name of Jesus. God affirms their ministry with powerful miracles and the church grows expeditiously. Fueled by jealousy, the Jewish leaders have the apostles arrested and thrown in prison. But an angel supernaturally facilitates their escape and exhorts them to keep on preaching. They do. Dumbfounded by their prison break, the none-too-pleased Sanhedrin re-apprehend them and make them testify. Peter delivers: “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree. God exalted Him at His right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” (Acts 5:29-32 ESV) Peter's words enraged them all the more and execution was their plan. But a wise Pharisee among them named Gamaliel steps forward and urges a more measured response. His most profound counsel was this: "...Keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” (Acts 5:38-39 ESV) Gamaliel's wisdom wins the day. And 2,000 years later, with no shortage of opposition, the Gospel is still being preached. The plan must have been of God.