UNSTOPPABLE
Opening Prayer
Thank you, Father, that in this world of uncertainty and chaos, it is in you that I find truth and grace and mercy.
Read ACTS 5:27–42
27 The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”
29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
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 honored 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.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
The Bible places great emphasis on the name of Jesus (see vv. 28, 40, 41). Reflect on the significance of his name, which means ‘the Lord saves.’This is a passage of contrasts. Everywhere the story of Jesus is told, some will accept it as good news while others will attempt to silence the witnesses. Opposition is at its most damaging and tragic when it emanates from those who claim religious faith. It was the Sanhedrin, the supreme council of the Jewish people, who called out the apostles for daring to challenge their prohibition (v. 28). Their fury was deadly (v. 33). But in contrast the apostles’ teaching had ‘filled Jerusalem’ (v. 28) as they taught ‘day after day’ (v. 42). These contrasts are standard for Christian ministry.
The courage and determination of the apostles was impressive. They believed their message desperately needed to be heard. It was from and about what God had done (vv. 29, 30, 31, 32). It focused on Jesus, whose resurrection and exaltation vindicated him as God’s Messiah, sent to bring forgiveness and new life in the Spirit (vv. 30–32). This remains the one message that can bring life and hope. Nothing can stop its advance. It took the Pharisee Gamaliel (a positive view of a Pharisee!) to remind us that what is of God can never fail. None of that negates the pain of unwarranted flogging (v. 40), although even that could not dampen the sense of privilege in serving Jesus (v. 41).
Apply
What can we learn from the courage of the apostles? What difference will it make to your witness today?
Closing prayer
I confess, Jesus, that I am not always courageous when given opportunity to defend my faith in you. Forgive me; help me speak to this needy world in ways that declare who you are.
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