I’m currently reading a biography of a controversial man named John C. Frémont, who was hired by the U.S. government to cross the Rocky Mountains and survey California. Part of the book takes place at the beginning of the Mexican-American War in the 1840s. At the time, newspapers and letters traveled by boat from Washington, D.C., and settlers would often get news six months or more after an event happened! And yet, they had to act given their most recent information. During the Mexican-American War, Frémont and others working for the government were making life-and-country-altering decisions based on information from months prior. If they were wrong about President James K. Polk’s wishes, they could be fired at best. If they were right, they could be heroes.
In Acts 5, Gamaliel the Pharisee encountered a similar situation with the Sanhedrin, the high Jewish court. The Jewish leaders had yet again imprisoned the apostles for preaching the gospel. The apostles were no longer the frightened men who ran when Jesus was captured. Instead, they were risking their lives, regular imprisonment, and beatings to tell the world about the Messiah. They knew what they had seen, claiming “we are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him” (Acts 5:32).
The Sanhedrin persisted, and the revered Gamaliel stepped in. He warned the leaders, who felt their power threatened by these upstart and unstoppable apostles, that they didn’t know what they didn’t know. He said, “For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.” (vv.38–39).
If the Sanhedrin were right, the apostles would likely be killed. But if they were wrong, if the apostles were telling the truth about Jesus, then they might be “found fighting against God” (v.39).
French philosopher Blaise Pascal offered a similar argument in the seventeenth century. His famous wager posited that either God exists or he doesn’t. If people don’t believe in God and they were right, then they would lose little. But if they didn’t believe in God and they were wrong, they would lose everything. He said, “Belief is a wise wager. Granted that faith cannot be proved, what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists.”
I find myself often spinning into doubt, playing the same game as the Sanhedrin. What does it cost to follow Jesus? Do I tight-fist my own power, idols, and control? But I know, because of the work of the Holy Spirit, the gift of faith lives in me. The same gift that propelled the apostles to preach, day after day, no matter what it cost, is mine! And so I pray today for less doubt, for less self-reliance, for more faith; and I hope I will have the same strength as the apostles, who “every day in the temple, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah” (v.42).
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52 thoughts on "The Apostles on Trial Again"
Being strong and brave in our witness. This I have failed at so spectacularly this summer. Lord, give me strength and steadfastness in your name.
Even two years after you wrote this, Terany, it resonates with me! Thanks for sharing.
I’m sharing about the persecuted church in children’s ministry today- I will be using the last scripture – 68 Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. 69 ‘We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” It is a radical thing that happens when we truly believe. It doesn’t matter valley or mountain, life or death, He is worthy! Where else can we go?!
Isn’t it crazy to think that it wasn’t that the apostles were teaching wrongly but it was the authority being taken from the Pharisees to them that causes the jealousy. It humbles to understand that even if I been teaching/learning the gospels for a long time I shouldn’t become jealous of the new followers yet I should strive to learn their way as well so I may be able to share the love I was blessed with. Intangible blessings that could never be accounted for
I think it relates to the Jesus being killed on a tree part..
Praying for you Anna!
Sky, rest assured God NEVER gives up. Remember the parable of the 100 sheep, the shepherd leaves the 99 to go find the lost one. Thus it is with God and his children. He will NEVER forsake you. Come as you are, he just wants to be near you. You don’t need the right words just give him your heart.
Jesus is the Messiah!
Ah! Yes thank you, That makes sense to me now! God Bless
The Deut passage was meant show that this was a punishment worse than death. This kind of death for a sinner was meant to be a curse from God. Jesus took on that curse for us being absolutely sinless. Peter references this when he is talking with the Sanhedrin in Acts 5:30.
Can someone help me understand what the Deuteronomy 21:22-23 passage has to do with day 8, am I missing something?
❤️
Thank you, my dear sisters, for all the advice! It really helps. Ive struggled in the past to believe that God loves me for 2-3 years, and sometimes now it still pops up. But it is a lie. I know in my heart that God loves me, and I would hope that you would all know it too.
So today we have learned that God’s words will always find a way to be spread. Im still so amazed at learning how the early church grew, and I’m amazed that most of the people that were healed grew to be believers. Im also still so amazed at how much the apostles worked together instead of against each other. I liked how they didn’t make it a “lets compete against eachother to see how much one person can spread the word of God.” But instead they worked together, and with the power of Jesus, were able to heal people. I think all Christians should work together.
I think we should be brave like the apostles and let ourselves be on the line for God. Even if we lose friends and family, we should all let God use us as vessels, and be on the line for him (if that ever comes).
I love you all, and God bless you! Keep rockin!
Thank you so much!
I love what Gamaliel told the Sanhedrin, “For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.” (Acts 5:38-39) He was so right. God cannot be overthrown, overpowered or overtaken. God is Almighty and All Powerful.
Have a blessed week sisters.
Sky: When God sees our meager yet heart-honest, consistent attempts to build a lifelong relationship with Him, He Gorilla-glues His heart to ours. That glue is part of Himself, the Holy Spirit, our Helper. That bond is SURE.
So glad to hear all sounds good and the doctors are watching you carefully. Praying for your patience for the nov 1st ultrasound and continued health and peace for you and the baby.
This is great news Victoria E. Thank you for the update. We continue to pray for your little one.
GramsieSue welcome back and thank God you are recovering! Update for those who have been praying for me- first, THANK you to all, Maura, Searching, Claire, Kelly, and Brooke P. Appointment went well, they only did dopplers for the heartbeat instead of the ultrasound but it sounded good. We have an appointment for the anatomy scan on November 1 which will be a detailed ultrasound. Thank you for continuing to pray for us and my faith as we move through this pregnancy.
I echo Melanie Rainer’s prayer this morning that we, that I will continue to have more faith and strength as the apostles to teach in proclaim JESUS MESSIAH.
GramsieSue!!!!!!! I’m so sorry you were sick.. We will continue to pray for you.
Sky Hilton – Don’t listen to that lie. There is NOTHING you can do to cause God to stop loving you. He is for you and wants you to be with Him!
Encouraging devotional! Praying today for less doubt, more faith!
My dear sisters, I need your help today. I am feeling sorry for myself today. I shouldn’t feel this way, but I just had a terrible thought today. I just don’t want God to give up on me. I was trying to try a new way of spending quiet time with Him, and I got so nervous thinking I would do it wrong. I don’t want to do things wrong cause I think that’ll make God lose faith in me, which I know wouldn’t happen. I love God so much, but I so desperately don’t want him to say He doesn’t love me anymore ♀️
❤️❤️
I love that verse to Nanuk!!!
So- Everyone MUST listen to the first two podcast on Acts! They are so good! They certainly fire you up if not already of the book of Acts. It helps to put it in context of the times and how it is so relevant today! I so appreciate all the SRT ladies do for us!!
Prayers for each of you. I’m finally back after Covid pneumonia. Was able to stay home, on oxygen, breathing treatments, meds…still not 100% but so much better than I was.
“ …but if is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them…” Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, REJOICING that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name…”. WOW!!!!
What holds me back from speaking out boldly about my Jesus?! Our world is a hot mess and as Christ followers, it is still our responsibility to “ continue teaching and proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is Messiah”! Lord, I pray I will be obedient today! Amen
Wow today’s devotional really encourages me!! I loved the reading, as well as the devotional. Thank you!!
I remember learning Pascal’s wager at Biola University. I haven’t read or seen it in a sermon since. I’m so glad you included it. I have used it so many times working in youth group with highschoolers. It is wiser to believe because there is more at stake.
Oops I think my post posted too early! Just so loved by the reading and devotional today, also by your prayers for me and the ultrasound today, and by seeing you post here today ERB. We missed you! Today (and everyday) I will strive to remember that if it is of God it will not fail! Too often I try to plan and control the future, feeling as if it is up to me to make things happen.
I can’t state enough how powerful the reading and devotion were today! I love the words of Gamaliel here and the devotional brought back memories of college where I studied some philosophy
Dear Sisters, so much He gives us in His word. I absolutely love the passage warning those in authority that they might be fighting God if they arrest them. Isn’t this the case for all, if we are moving in faith and God’s will there is nothing that will stop us, but by our own determination, not annointed by the Lord and we might spin in circles. Prayer, asking, laying it before the Lord for His blessing, discernment through the Holy Spirit and then obedience. ERB, will keep praying for you. For your brother, glad to hear he is doing okay, so glad to see your words. Adrienne, thanks for the update on Jon. God is good. Kristen, good news your Dad is home. Will keep praying and celebrate when he can accept Jesus and the unconditional all consuming love God has for him. Victoria E, excited for you to see you baby’s ultrasound and for the day you get to hold him in your arms. Julia Brown, praying for you, God’s peace and love and strength. Also for the right resources and friends/support group of others who can speak into your daily challenges. Will keep your daughter in my prayers that what is so difficult for her by God’s love and healing will change. Hugs to you Julia. Dorothy praying for Carol, Jake and Aunt Betty and Beth. It is much but remeber, you do not have to carry it. Our God is Big Enough for all we have and need to lay down. He is Able. And full of love, might and grace. Anna Kuhn, may you know how much God loves you. Praying you have friends and family checki g on you and know you are not alone, many women suffer with post partum depression. Please reach out if you don’t have support to your doctor, or someone who will help. Please check in with us daily and let us know how you are doing. Will be praying for you, and your precious baby, that God removes the depression and brings His light. Love to you sisters all.
I read Francine Rivers “And the Shofar Blew”. Great story. So timely.
@Kelly – Thank you for your prayers and for following up! I think I am finally recovered from the concussion, PTL! I had a follow up visit with a neurologist about 3 weeks ago and all is good, and I am feeling pretty much like myself again…so appreciate your prayers, and to all my SRT sisters that remembered me in prayer – thank you!
I continue to read the posts each day and pray for all your requests as I see them. May God continue to answer each and every one!
Blessings to you all!
Very powerful
ERB – praying for continued recovery for your brother. I wish there was a way to connect with you, as I might have something that can help.
I rarely post, but do “Open my Bible most everyday”, read the responses and learn so much. These studies and each sister’s input keeps me coming back. I am really enjoying this study, the conviction and strength of the apostles is truly encouraging and I agree with Elaine, extremely powerful.
Have a blessed day to everyone.
Anna, praying for you during this postpartum time. Yesterday was World Mental Health Awareness day, so thank you for speaking out about your struggles. Please do not shy away from the resources our Father has blessed us with, such as therapy and medication. Your wonderful baby needs you and you don’t have to go it alone ♥️
Holy Spirit walk with me today as I continue to battle postpardom anxiety. Let your peace flood in and like my faith grow each step of the way
Holy Spirit fill me afresh with faith! Amen
Reading about the acts of the Holy Spirit during this great time in history excites my spirit. I have seen the Holy Spirit work in churches and in people’s lives but to have been a part of a movement like there was in Acts would be thrilling. I am sure it filled the apostles with an energy like none we have ever seen. Powerful!! ❤️
ERB – good news! Thanks for the update and will continue to pray
“We must obey God rather than people.” Lord help me to continue to grow my faith in you.
KELLY, thank you so much for your prayers! My brothers back is recovering well!! He is getting stronger and able to do more “normal” activities now!! It still really pains him at night, and he is having a hard time sleeping because of it, so prayers for that would be great!! He is in good spirits though, so PRAISE God for answering prayers!!!
ALL my sisters, sorry if I haven’t gotten back to you… today is my first day posting since this new study started. I have been praying for each of you, but just haven’t had the energy to post or scroll through all the comments. I am still pretty weary, but felt led to post today. My heart and prayers are with you all!!! Much love!! Xoxo
I hope that I will rejoice if I am counted worthy to suffer dishonor in His name.
I would encourage you to read ALL of John 6 it really puts things in context and gives great insight, drawing us into deeper depths with God. Here are the verses that stood out to me:
John 6:26-51
John 6:60-71
I also loved
Acts 5:18-32 …especially verses
19 “But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail during the night, brought them out”
29 “We must obey God rather than people.”
32 “ We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
…and I LOVED Gamaliel’s advice!!! Acts 5:33-42 …especially verses:
38 and 39 “So in the present case, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him.”
Such AWESOME and convicting advice!!! How many times have I gone against God….? Wow!! GOOD stuff!!!
Hope each of you are well!! I am praying for ALL of you and your requests (spoken and unspoken) May God be with us all in EVERYTHING we do and think!!! Amen.
NIKKI TOLSON, REBEKKA PAUL, JULIA BROWN – hang in there with us!
GINA – how’s your husband’s recovery?
ADRIENNE – rejoicing in Jon’s recovery
ERB – how’s your brother’s back injury recovery?
SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – how’s your concussion recovery?
FOSTER MAMA – how’s your dad?
SHANNON LOWRY – how’s your friend’s grandma?
DOROTHY – praying for Carol, Jake, Aunt Betty and Beth. Thank you for sharing the footnote from your Bible on rejoice!
MARTHA HIX – continuing to pray for comfort, strength and wisdom
VICTORIA E – praying for you and your little one
NIKKI TOLSON – some days are easier than others to stick with the devotions, thank you for staying with us, keep it up!
KRISTEN – glad to hear your dad is home, praying for his salvation
JULIA BROWN – praying for your and your daughters
RHONDA J – praying the migraine is gone! How was the new church?
MARI V – praying you are headache free
TRACI G – praying for your husband, Tanner and you
MELANIE – praying for you
God is the answer to all our questions.
All these things the apostles were doing, the signs and wonders, the multitudes that came to faith, their escape from prison, their courage to keep on preaching and boldly speak before the Sanhedrin, even rejoicing in their beating. It was not from themselves. The Holy Spirit was powerfully at work in them. They were able to see things from God’s perspective, counting everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Phillipians 3:8). This Holy Spirit is also at work in us. In His strenght, we have boldness to proclaim Christ.
Please pray that God would strengthen my faith and give me assurance that I am in Him!
May God help us to act this out: ‘We must obey God rather than people’
I can err on the side of striving, pushing lots of doors and even seemingly good things, applying for lots of jobs, pursuing many missional projects but I can fall into trying in my strength and fretting that things I have pushed for will disappear or not come to pass. But here is a clear statement about Gods sovereignty and the overwhelming power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish Gods plans ‘for if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.’ (Acts 5:38-39)