18 August 2010 Devotion for Today "Gamaliel" Acts 5:34-40

^{34But 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. 35Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36Some 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. 37After 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. 38Therefore, 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. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."}

 40His 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. (Acts 5:34-40)

 
 

Here Luke introduces Gamaliel- a relatively minor character in the Biblical narrative who had pervasive influence throughout the Mediterranean world. He is a celebrated scholar and Pharisaical rabbi who is also a prominent member of the Sanhedrin council. He demonstrates amazing restraint and advocated tolerance toward Peter and John, as well as early Christians at that time (though this could never some maintain that Gamaliel was himself a secret convert to Christianity). He also was a great teacher. Even the Apostle Paul claimed to have been one of his students prior to his conversion experience (Acts 22:3).

Gamaliel's tolerance was practical, and his cool head was an asset not only to the Romans but especially to the Jews in that turbulent time of Roman occupation. Boiling just below the surface of their society was latent rebellion against Rome. It was this man's influence who kept the Jews and the Romans from killing one another; whose smooth words kept this galvanized society functional in the midst of extreme hostility. Gamaliel wisely pointed out that there was really no need to prosecute Peter and John, for previous upstarts and rebellious Jews- all with messianic complexes had come to nothing. Several had been executed and their following had frittered away to nothing. If their preaching were of men, Gamaliel said, their words would fade away as quickly as the others. However, if they truly were of God, then nothing they could do would stop them. Gamaliel pointed out that they would run the danger of fighting against God (which they had already done by crucifying Christ). So there was really no need to get up in arms. In any event, the best advice he would give is just to let them all just go away.

 
 

Gamaliel's advice was very sound- so much so that the rest of the Sanhedrin followed it even though they would have preferred to have had these men executed. His influence and spirit is so much needed in the divided world in which we live, when our impulse is to respond with hostility rather than grace. As far as we know, Gamaliel is not a Christian, at least not here. But he follows the Spirit of Christ who desires that instead of seeking confrontation, that we turn the other cheek. Practicing such peaceable attitudes plays down the selfish dragon within all of us so that we might better serve Christ and put Him first. Wouldn't it be good if the spirit of Gamaliel be present in all of our families and all of our churches? Perhaps we would have greater influence for Christ than we have now. Perhaps God has called you to be a Gamaliel?

 
 

Prayer: Dear Lord, help the spirit of Gamaliel- as following Christ- live in me today instead of the confrontive spirit of the world which demands its own way. In Christ's name and for His sake. Amen.

 
 

Have a blessed day!