Gamaliel's Wisdom

I just finished Chuck Smith's 2003 book, The Man God Uses: 14 Characteristics of a Godly Man. Chuck referenced Acts 5 in one of the chapters, and reminded me of the wisdom Gamaliel spoke to his fellow Pharisees following the death and resurrection of Jesus. 

Acts 5:27-28 states:

"The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 'We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,' he said. 'Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.'"

Ironically, when Jesus was on trial, this same group of Jewish leaders asked that Pilot put Jesus' blood on their heads, demanding He be killed--now they are working to avoid blame.
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The plot thickens as the Apostles, now on trial themselves, insist:

"The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins." Acts 5:30-31 (NIV)

Then in verses 33 through 39 we read:

"When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But 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. Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some 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. After 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. Therefore, 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. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God. (NIV)”

In reading this, I am reminded that it's wise to "consider carefully what you (or we) intend to do." Rash decisions usually lead to failure. When we follow Jesus and obey His Word, we are certain to succeed. It may not be an easy path, but we can count on the Holy Spirit to see us through. If what we do and say "is of human origin, it will fail." If what we do is of God, no one will be able to stop us!

Thank God for Gamaliel, his wisdom, and his courage to step of of the crowd to deliver it.