I recently read a biography of a controversial man named John C. Frémont, who was hired by the US 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, DC, 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 didn’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 the 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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120 thoughts on "The Apostles on Trial Again"
My Gos, amen!
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“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).”
Amen!
Such a good prayer to memorize.
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I too pray for less doubt, less self-reliance and more hope in my faith. I believe. I surrender. Lord use me. Reveal your desires for me. My biggest fear is that I don’t know or understand your plan for me.
So humbling to read they rejoiced they were counted worthy to suffer for Jesus name… Humbling and inspiring.
Me too. They didn’t turn around and whine about the bruises they received or complained about how dark and smelly a prison cell was. None of that. Such humble and kind people ❤️
Yes. Same❤️
Praying that the power of the Spirit, so active in the lives of the apostles, manifest in healing for all our needs… including my friend Melanie’s son Andrew. Andrew is 9, and was diagnosed with a diffuse brain tumor in April. He had seizures at the beginning of this month while visiting family in Florida. We had answers to prayer that he was approved for a medical flight home to SoCal, and a few days later, was at home.
But he returned to the hospital last night, because he couldn’t keep his meds down. They have learned that the nausea acts up when the shunt he had installed, isn’t working well to keep the fluid levels stable.
Thank you so much for all your prayers over these many months. And know that I’m reading daily, and praying over requests as I see them, even though I don’t comment frequently.
More prayers for Andrew and family! ❤️
Praying ❤️ thank you Lisa for the update ❤️ you are an amazing friend.
Have prayed❤️
Thank you!!
Yes Lisa, I remember this over Christmas.
An engaging truth. Blessings dear Tina ❤️
She’s,
Asking for prayer for my friend M, who abruptly lost her 34 year old husband over the weekend. She is broken and finds herself with no hope. Lord hear our prayers for comfort as she navigates these difficult days ahead, mend her brokenness and wrap your arms around her, knowing she does not walk this road alone.
I’m sorry for your friend Melanie, praying for God’s comfort over her.
Oh, how sad! Praying in agreement for M! Glad she has you to stand with her. ❤
Praying for your friend
Praying. I am so sorry.
Oh my! Praying ❤️
Oh, how sad! Praying for her and for you as you walk this unchosen road with her.
Isaiah 14:24 took my breath away. Have I read it before? Many times. Highlighted in several Bibles and yet it still got me.
I worry and think and think and worry, But God has it all in His hands. Always. Past. Present. Future.
My wonderful late husband often quoted that bit by Pascal. It brought a smile to my face to see it.
Gamaliel’s words (which may have inspired Pascal) were so wise, so clear, and such a warning…”but if it is of God…”!
“worry and think, think and worry!!” yes, me too!! FAITH and TRUST!! Give us that Lord!!! ALWAYS knowing your will is with us!! Your husband must have been such a great witness, and too, so are you Faith!! Your blogs are great and insightful, and BOLD!
Mia Faith, I do this too. I get reassurance from God but then something happens and I am back to worrying. This verse is a good reminder to not do that and remember to hold on to His words even when I can’t see the outcome yet.
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Hey, SHE READS TRUTH, your front page in the app is still wrong! The ‘read day 8’ still takes you to John 7:83
Hey Patt! We sincerely apologize—we are working to get this updated as soon as possible.
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Jesus is the Messiah! He’s my Jesus! He’s your Jesus! And because of that here we are! You (She’s) and I. AND as a Mom, I’m so (my Heart), is SO glad Jesus is also the Lord of my two beautiful children. TODAY is my daughter’s Alyssa’s birthday! She was born at 6:40AM so in 3 minutes she will officially be 20 years old! Her teen years officially over! I am SO blessed God called me to be her mom! Happy Monday sweet She’s!
Happy Birthday Alyssa!!! Hope she has a wonderful day!! I consistently (to the point of annoyance (go figure!) tell me son is MORE MY special day because he was born for me!! Oh the joy we feel celebrating them!! Wish I could come join ya’ll for cake tonight!! Although, no, nvmd, too cold even in Calli for me!!
But seriously- You are such a gift to your sweet Alyssa! That ya’ll have such a friendship and bond is amazing!! She has grown in character by watching you, through the trials is where it really shines!!
Aw….. thank you Rhonda
Happy Birthday to Alyssa! Hope you got the cake made and feel like celebrating big! ❤
Aw…. thank you, Cee Gee! I’ll let her know. We kept it simple. She’s only having two friends over and one of her friends her mom and I are very close. She’s my walking partner.
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I didn’t know this by Pascal, but I would say to the same thing to people. If I’m right you gain everything and if I’m wrong you lose nothing for believing.
Amen!! I have said that to my nephews!! What do you have to loose when you pray inside and call out to God, and ASK him to reveal himself!! I think lots of times, we do, but then go about our same lives. Sometimes He does reveal in powerful ways, and sometimes He is wanting more from us! To lay down our cross to follow! We want assurance..but that is what faith is all about. Belief without seeing!
Christ’s blood removed the STAIN of our sin, but it doesn’t remove the STRAIN of sin. That’s what came to mind as I read this excellent devo by Jared Kennedy.
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FROM HE READS TRUTH (excerpt):
“As a Christian, do you know this paradoxical pattern? Once we’ve experienced Christ’s power, it’s easy to be discouraged when griefs and sorrows again raise their ugly heads. But just as there is no resurrection without the cross, there is also no avoiding battling besetting sin, being rejected by friends and family, or enduring difficulty and suffering in this life.
Hardship isn’t just a before-I-met-Christ experience. As the apostles’ lives (and later their deaths) make clear, difficulty comes to Christians over and over again throughout their lives. And yet, when the trials come (or endure), we can live the paradox, facing them like those early believers who rejoiced that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of His name (v.41).
Written by Jared Kennedy”
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Also reminded of James 1:2 NLT-
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. …”
1 Peter 1:6 NLT-
“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.”
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Thank you Cee Gee. Love, hugs, and prayers to you!
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Oh that is SO good, I think I shall copy and hand out to my butterflies. It would be good as an insert in their Bibles!)We have 1 soldier that was a solid believer before this accusation arose (our dear Tosha)against her, and to know that you are fighting a battle of that extreme is so hard! But I really belief she is there for the others to see and to come to Jesus! It is nothing any of us would volunteer to do! Please keep praying for her.
❤❤❤ Awww, praying for perseverance for Tosha in this trial and for God to be glorified.
Thank you for sharing that Cee Gee!
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This touched me so much❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you, Melanie, for your devotional today. Praying for less doubt and more faith too! What does it cost me to follow Jesus? I can think of a few things, BUT, there is no joy and peace outside of God’s plan for me. The cost is minuscule compared to the reward now and in our future inheritance with our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Love all the comments today. You have all encouraged me so much today and always.
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I love this point brought out by Pascal that Belief is a wise wager! What do you have to lose. Such a good point for someone who might be struggling with their faith!
The gift we have been given is priceless!
GM She’s!
Thinking about the cost, as we look at the early disciples. Would any of us still go and preach if we knew we would get arrested? Beaten? Jailed?
I follow many heroes today of the faith in on social, that do just that, to MAKE a difference for the Lord! To preach his message, to save people, to encounter people! They always have people that come against them, and yes, often they have been arrested, or warned. Yet, they still show up the next day. I just can’t imagine that much commitment and desire to share Jesus when people are so rude and ugly, and to be okay with what ever comes because sharing Jesus and his truth is all that matters. Some go to abortion centers, some go to Pride Parades, some stand on street corners in cities of sin. Some teach the truth in classrooms where they were told not too. Some say a prayer on a football field. These are people that KNOW a true cost is at stake, but they stand firm. These heroes fortify my faith and give me courage.
I had said years ago that the time is coming where Christians will face persecution in this nation, and these are real examples HERE. We think we have freedom of religion, but the lines are shifting and fading. We had a big wake up call for the church in recent years, I just hope we keep our revival going. For the way is narrow to follow Jesus and hard. But “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). That’s what we have to hold on to! If he is for us, who can be against us? (that will have success?!) And they might on this side, but it will work for the good of those who love him, and called for his purposes! Amen!
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Yes. Persecution is here. Censorship and silencing is strong.
‘Every day in the temple, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.’ Act 5:42
So much in our verses today. The countless
people added to the fellowship of believers having heard Peter and the apostles speak. The many people seeking healing and the power of Holy Spirit through a shadow, simply by just being near. These are powerful experiences that bring change and fuel the heart of revival. What commitment, courage, resilience, knowledge and determination Peter and the apostles displayed. Despite great opposition and hardship they pressed on every day, never faltering in being faithful in word, truth and action along the way, always proclaiming the message of Christ. And, after a beating they praised God through it all…oh my…I am not that. What an example and challenge. So often I’m(we) aren’t brave enough to tell a friend, to speak up, never mind state such Truth in public and these men did not give up. Gamaliel, who is noted as the most prominent rabbi in his day in my ESV study Bible, obviously had great influence and is very clear in his response that God is in control. Despite his own knowledge and belief he knew nothing stands in the way of His plans. Even he was stating the greatness of God.
Our Bible gives testimony to the mighty work of Jesus. His power, his hope, his truth. We have both the privilege and responsibility to carry that out, be bold and courageous in fulfilling the cause and call of Christ. May it be so in our lives.
“We have the PRIVILEGE and RESPONSIBILITY!” Amen Wendy! Lord give me/us strength to do more, be more for YOUR Glory!! For our lives MUST point to you in all ways!! Set our hearts on fire, and so it burns for what yours burns for! You give us opportunities daily Lord, but often we are too busy to even pay attention, missing so much! Open our eyes and ears Lord, daily, as we go about. Give us visions and dreams to step into the NEW! Give us new infilling daily of your Spirit!! In Jesus’ name!
Wow, Wendy! Your post wasn’t here when I started mine; if it had been I probably wouldn’t have written mine! Outstanding, sister!!! ❤❤❤
Nor when I read, and yes, she usually summarizes what I am trying to put into words!!
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Amen
They are a great example of being bold in our faith!
I especially like what Gamaliel 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).
Yes Michelle. That stuck out to me also.
Me too!!
Good morning She’s! I have all of you in my prayers this cold Monday morning, but I too have tried to find our Facebook account and can’t find it! If someone could kindly tell me how to access it I would be super. Grateful,
Please pray for my getting over pneumonia –
Hi Eileen! Look up SRT SHE’S! Because I want to make sure everyone is from SRT be sure to answer the question that you are from here studying Acts!
Thanks Rhonda I will do that. Be blessed my friend. Have a wonderful day, Eileen.
SRT SHE’S is the name. Use all caps and search for groups by that title
Eileen, praying for clear lungs and healing from pneumonia
Praying for your healing!
Praying!!! ❤
Praying Eileen ❤️
” After they called in the apostles had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. Then they went out from the presence of the San hedging, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name.”
5:40- 41
Rejoicing, hmm? One commentary I read said they received 39 lashes. One short of 40.
These words are from Warren Wiersbe
“Jesus told them to expect persecution and had instructed them to rejoice in it (Matthew 5:10-12). The opposition of men meant the approval of God, and it was actually a privilege to suffer for his name (Phil1:29.”
This was not country club church!It took a real dedication to Jesus to face this.
The phrase “country club church” sure is true of our view of Chirst followers in the west for sure. When will we get the fire back as a group? The Holy Spirit has power to those that have a flame for Jesus!
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What always stands out to me is that when the apostles were released by the council, they praised God that they were able to suffer for the Kingdom. I don’t know if I would have the same strength to be grateful to be put in a position of suffering. That is true faith!
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I believe, help my unbelief. Mark 9:24
Amen
My husband and I (thankfully) live in an area of the U.S. where there is virtually no “cost” to be a person of faith. My son and I attended a public, non-religious event recently and they said a prayer over the event and everyone attending. There are churches of all types everywhere. I affectionately call it the Midwest Bible Belt.
All that being said, I think the danger of living in an area like this is that faith is just expected. It’s easy. It’s even easier to say, Oh yeah, I believe in God, and then live a somewhat moral life and fit it well with everyone else.
I pray that God will ignite a fire within me. A fire to pursue Him wholeheartedly instead of just living the comfortable, easy, basic Christian life it’s so easy for me to fall into. May we not take our faith for granted!
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Amen, Meagan❤️
Very true, Meagan! ❤
Amen
So many people seeking healing in these early days of the church, physical healing that is. Coming to mind this morning, aren’t most of our prayers for healing of some sort? Whether for salvation, a healing of the heart, for lack of belief, for the heart to see the truth of Jesus; or healing of physical needs, for mental health challenges, financial needs, heartbreak, boldness, compassion, relationships. We all seek healing in some way, I think, every day. Praying for the healing needs I know about, and for the countless healing needs unknown to me. Just dawning on me, these unknown healing needs may include some of my own.
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Praying for healing for all who need it!
Great observation/ponder, sister! Praying especially for that grandpa and those dear to you! ❤
I am in agreement with you. Praying for those who need healing.
Lord, if it is your will for these people to be healed, please heal them in Jesus name so that you can be glorified. Lord, if people are not to be healed so that you can be glorified I pray that they would understand that and still praise your name. Amen.
So true sister. ❤️ and to those who ask, receive. Isn’t God wonderful?
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GAMALIEL must have had great influence to cool down the tempers of the priests and the other members of the Sanhedrin! I wonder how he responded when his student Saul came to be a follower of Jesus (Acts 22:3).
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SEARCHING – praying for your friend’s grandfather to be restored from the stroke.
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PRISCILLA BOAKYE – praying for your mom to be well.
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ADRIENNE – continued prayers for Paul’s eye and Matt’s recovery.
Excellent connection, Kelly, thank you!!
The grandfather is holding his own from what I understand – prayers much appreciated for healing and and decisions that will be needed.
Thanks for the insight!
Praying for these requests!
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Thanks for the connection- makes me also look at the Acts 5 verses differently- wonder if Gamaliel was considering believing?
Costly, BUT what we gain for the payment is (to quote a familiar TV ad) priceless!!
Some of my favorite Scriptures to instill hope and endurance: “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). And “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You [alone] have the words of eternal life,” (John 6:68)
Ladies, let’s go out into our Monday and remember if God is for us who can be against us? Let us have ‘less doubt, less self-reliance and desire for control, but more faith and the same hope and strength as the apostles’ who shared the good news wherever they went!
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What does it cost to follow JESUS?
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I remember in the early days of seriously following Jesus. You know those days of being ALL in because the penny dropped..
I decided to do the Alpha course.. Week 6 was about the Holy Spirit and we went away for that.
I parked my car and typed in the duration of my stay, I was taken aback by the cost!
On entering the venue, i was greeted by a lovely young man who offered me a tea and started a conversation.. In answer to his question about how I was feeling about the day, I found myself in response telling him ” This finding God thing is costly..” referring to the parking!
Later afternoon, after lunch, the host introduced us to the speaker for the second half of the day..
My young man!
He began his talk with ” someone recently told me, this finding God thing is costly…”
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And so it is! And yet, its simply not so!
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BUT GOD..
How expensive/costly can it be? I mean, God gave His Only begotten Son.. what do we give,for it to be costly? So we give up things, that are holding us back, or things that keep us apart from God, or things that absolutely are no good for us.. seriously, where is our head at?
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Truly, what does it cost us?
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Twelve pounds parking, to hear the Word of God and experience the Holy Spirit, is that costly or a gift..?
Me, I now know, His words are life saving, life giving, life enhancing. His words are of eternal life, and I have come to believe and know that He is the Holy One of God..
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Amen.
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Happiest of Mondays my dears.. Blessings on this cold cold day! ♥️♥️♥️
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Love this share, Tina ❤️ How do we view cost? Compared to what?
What truth Tina! What do we actually give up, for what we truly gain? An eternity in heaven with the one who knows all of us and continues to love us.
I remember this story Tina! That must have been funny “being called out” by the speaker but such a “lesson” never forgotten!! God is so generous to reveal his ways to us!
Beautiful!
Our words have impact- even when we least expect it! ❤
Alpha! At the church, I now attend, where my adult children started attending, provide this course. But my kids have gone through this course! Small world. Love you, sweet Tina.
I love this story Tina. Certainly something you won’t ever forget. ❤️
I pray that I continue to die to self and pushing to live in Gods will, I pray for a Kingdom minded mindset in all things. To be ever aware of his presence. To be so bold in his word and know that never returns void. Lord quiet my unbelief. Amen. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Braelyn Smith says:
January 11, 2026 at 8:30 pm
Is there a She Reads Truth facebook group or chat to join?
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RHONDA J- I replied to Braelyn just after midnight, but wanted to be sure you saw her question! ❤
Great! I will look for her name this morning!