Actes 5:27-42 … 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, 28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem

with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” Peter’s response in verse 29b has been the cry of Christian martyrs throughout history, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” It is a dangerous place to be, but the best place to be. By the way, there’s no mention of the jail break—embarrassment? Peter was a faithful witness to Jesus Christ. Being on trial didn’t matter. He gave no defense. Instead, he tried to win them to the Lord, vv. 30-32 The apostle (a) sought to establish the guilt of the Jewish leaders; (b) witnessed to the resurrection and exaltation; and (c) offered the forgiveness of God for repentance. Were they saved? Nope, v. 33 … “When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.” They were so angry they wanted to execute them. It is so typical: wanting to destroy the source of conviction. In response, teacher Gamaliel presented a three-part appeal to the leaders. He cautioned them to think with cool heads, vv. 34-35 … he provided two historical case studies, vv. 36-37 … he encouraged waiting for the popularity to pass, vv. 38-39. The apostles were popular, so the death penalty was a bad idea. Gamaliel recommended they wait for the movement to run its course. After thinking, they agreed and just gave another strong warning (and a beating), v. 40. What was the result with the apostles? Verses 41-42 tell us they rejoiced at being worthy to suffer for Christ and continued to teach and preach. An unwavering commitment to evangelism is necessary to reach our community.

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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