June 24, 2021 - Acts 5:34-42

There are times when the support of an ally suddenly appears that you are not expecting and changes the complexion of an impending situation. I remember when I was about 9 years old a bully on the bus one day decided to make me a target. He picked up the mud and ice off the floor of the bus and smeared it in my face. My older brother, who normally would have enjoyed doing something like that suddenly came to my defense.

The Jewish council was about to pronounce sentence on the disciples and in their anger, commit an injustice. In the previous verse they began to plot how to kill the disciples and it appears that is the path the council is following when Gamaliel, a respected council member, begins to speak. His warning and historical oration slows the emotional response and causes the council to reconsider their actions (vv. 35-39).

Gamaliel’s assistance was an opportunity for the work of God to be further strengthened and the young church to add to their numbers. The disciples were given a reprieve for a few days and the teaching of God’s word proceeds as the disciples continue to proclaim the message of Jesus as the Christ. In verse forty, the disciples are beaten and commanded not to speak the name of Jesus, but this action only created a desire to spread the message further.

When opposition arises and the message of Christ is restricted, God raises up individuals and organizations to assist those dedicated to sharing Jesus Christ. It may be a short reprieve and the moments that are given must be used as the persecution or hostility will return.

Currently, we have advocates and groups that are interceding for the freedoms we enjoy of speaking freely our convictions of Jesus Christ. While some may defend the principle of free speech, they do not agree with our beliefs of Jesus being the only way of salvation. Like here in this passage, the days of freedom of speech or movement may be few and we need to be active in sharing our faith.

We can use the outline we have seen so far in Acts to faithfully present Christ. That outline is:

• following God’s clear direction
• be prayerful
• make careful preparation in studying the scriptures
• clearly present the gospel message empowered by the Holy Spirit.

As the early disciples were committed to sharing the truths of Jesus, may we too be faithful witnesses to those we come in contact with today!