Acts 5:27-32
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.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 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. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Acts 5:27-32 (NIV)
Three questions before the Questions for Reflection: Okay first, who was it that was instrumental in having Jesus crucified? Was it maybe the “Sanheeedrin?” Yet, they’re trying to plead innocence, although they were guilty of “shedding Jesus’ blood.”
Next, weren’t Peter and the other apostles at risk of also being crucified for teaching in Jesus’ name, contrary to the Sanhedrin’s strict orders? Sure sounds like it.
Lastly, who was “the voice” that intervened to save Peter and the other apostles from death at the hands of the Sanhedrin?
Yep, you guessed it, I had to look ahead to the following verses, to answer why Peter and the apostles were spared death.
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……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.” His 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 5:33-35, 38-40 (NIV)
Questions for Reflection:
- What would have happened to “The Church” had Peter and the other Apostles been crucified?
- Did God intervene, and speak through Gamaliel in order to fulfill His plan for Peter and the other apostles to spread the Gospel?
Prayer:
Father in heaven, You often work in mysterious ways. While the Pharisees were one of the groups instrumental in Jesus’ trial and condemnation, it was Gamaliel, a Pharisee, who spoke up to “defend” Peter and the other apostles, allowing them to spread “The Good News.” Help us to be like Peter and the other apostles to spread your Gospel, even when we face challenging circumstances.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
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