Precedent is of Significance
Rev. O. K. Nkrahene | March 8 2025 | Acts 5:33-40
KEY VERSE: ³⁸ So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or undertaking is of man, it will fail; ³⁹ but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice. Acts 5:38-39 (ESV)
MESSAGE: The defiant yet victorious stance of the apostles deeply infuriated the Jewish Council, prompting thoughts of execution (v. 33). However, Gamaliel—a respected and influential teacher—intervened, preventing immediate harm to the apostles. Although not presiding, Gamaliel's authority and honour commanded attention when he asked that the apostles be excused temporarily.
Gamaliel wisely referenced two historical precedents to advise caution and patience. James 1:19-20 instructs believers to be slow to anger, as human wrath often results in ungodly decisions. Gamaliel urged restraint, emphasising that if the apostles' work were merely human, it would inevitably collapse. But, if it was from God, opposing it would be futile and could even mean opposing God Himself (v. 39). The Council heeded his wise counsel.
However, the apostles were still beaten and threatened (v. 40). Later events, as described in Acts 7:52 and 12:1-3, would even escalate into martyrdom. Yet threats, beatings, and martyrdom could never halt Christ’s mission. Acts 8:1 reveals persecution pushed the Gospel beyond Jerusalem into Samaria and Judea, fulfilling Christ's mandate to spread His message (Acts 1:8).
Significantly, Acts 11:19 onwards shows persecution propelled believers as far as Antioch, the birthplace of the term "Christian" and the missionary sending point for Paul and Barnabas into the Gentile world (Acts 13:1-4). Even the notorious persecution led by Herod (Acts 12:19-23), which resulted in James' martyrdom, ended tragically for the oppressor, while "the Word of God continued to increase and spread" (Acts 12:24, NIV).
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
As believers, we must exercise patience and discernment when confronting challenging or unfolding situations. Like the apostles, our focus should remain clear and unwavering: obedience to God above all else, regardless of opposition or difficulty.
PRAYER:
Lord, grant us courage and discernment so that nothing may deter us from completely obeying You. Amen
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 67: Leviticus 23-24 — The Festivals and Sacred Practices
DAILY word study: OVERTHROW καταλύω (katalyō) is the Greek word for Overthrow. It combines kata, (down) and lyō, (loosen, destroy, or dismantle). It denotes completely undoing, destroying, or nullifying something established.
In Acts 5:39, Gamaliel warns the Council about the futility of attempting to "overthrow" (katalyō) what God has established. The term emphasizes total dismantling or bringing something entirely down, signifying an act that humans cannot achieve against divine purposes. Jesus Himself used this word when referring to destroying the temple and raising it up again (Matthew 26:61; John 2:19), illustrating both total destruction and God's sovereign power to rebuild.
Reflection:
How often do we unintentionally oppose God’s plan by attempting to dismantle something He established, assuming it to be merely human? True discernment calls us to prayerfully evaluate circumstances, ensuring our efforts align with God’s sovereign plan rather than futile human resistance.
תגובות