Slices
Prepare
‘The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?’ (Psalm 27:1)
Bible passage
33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honoured by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: ‘Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.’
40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
Explore
Ever since God chose Abraham to father a nation, to be Jewish was to be special. Over time, there were some who became proud and fiercely protective of their exceptional status. The apostles were teaching that salvation was now for anyone who believed in the name of Jesus. They were told to shut up, and when they didn’t they were brought before the Sanhedrin – the religious court.
The Sanhedrin had immense authority. Only the intervention of the highly rational and articulate Gamaliel prevented the high priest ordering the immediate execution of the apostles (v 38). They were flogged and released on condition they stopped talking about Jesus. That could have been the end of the story. But ‘they never stopped teaching and proclaiming’ (v 42). Their clear allegiance was to Jesus and they were compelled to ‘make disciples of all nations’ as he’d instructed them to (Matthew 28:19). As a result, you and I have come to hear, believe and become disciples. We are part of a worldwide church, still worshipping Christ and living in hope of eternal life.
Who will believe because we chose to speak about our faith, regardless of the consequences to our status, careers or even safety?
Respond
‘Lord, give me the courage to suffer in your name so that everyone who knows me has a chance to hear what you have done for them. Amen.’
Deeper Bible study
‘Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial … that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.’1
The growing tension between the apostles and the Jewish religious authorities of the Sanhedrin was in large part due to the disciples’ public refusal to obey the orders of the high priest to abstain from preaching in Jesus’ name. The Jewish council itself was divided as to what to do with the Christians, because not everyone supported the Sadducees’ views.
However, the disciples found a surprising ally in Gamaliel – but for his diplomatic intervention they would probably have been killed. God works in strange ways! Gamaliel was a Pharisee and, as such, exhibited a more tolerant attitude than the rival party of the Sadducees. Grandson and follower of the famous liberal Hillel the elder, he was given the honorific and affectionate title of ‘Rabban’, or ‘our teacher’, and Saul of Tarsus had been one of his pupils.2 He had a reputation for scholarship, wisdom and moderation, so his word meant something. His wise counsel prevailed. The apostles left the Sanhedrin rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Gamaliel’s judgement proved right and the church continued to grow: persecution could not stop it.
In India today, as in many other parts of the world, there is opposition to those who are preaching the gospel – for example, from certain extreme Hindu groups who oppose conversion and advocate ‘ghar vapasi’ (or ‘return home to Hinduism’). Yet, as one lady responded, ‘My people were Dalits [untouchables] which is why my ancestors converted. What caste will you give me now?’ These groups are beating pastors, interrupting worship and vandalising churches. What should we do in such circumstances? Acts teaches us to persevere and trust God.
Pray that you may persevere in all problems. Pray for the persecuted church worldwide.
1 James 1:12 2 Acts 22:3
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ezra 9,10; Luke 5
Pray for Scripture Union
Blend on Tour last year reached out to young people with games, crafts and a barbecue in a field next to a housing estate in Goudhurst, Kent. SU Mission Enabler Lisa Jones is in discussions about the possibility of taking it to other locations in the area. Pray for fruitful conversations as they plan for a longer-term future.
