S - Act 5:33-42 (NASB)
33 But when they heard this, they became infuriated and nearly decided to execute them. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful as to what you are about to do with these men. 36 For, some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. [z]But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee appeared in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he also perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. 38 And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, for if the source of this plan or [aa]movement is men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if the source is God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”
40 They followed his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to [ab]speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41 So they went on their way from the presence of the [ac]Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And every day, in the temple and [ad]from house to house, they did not stop teaching and preaching the good news of Jesus as the [ae]Christ.
O- This was Peter and John's second time being called before the counsel and warned not to preach the name of Jesus. This time they escaped custody and went right to the temple and continued to spread the good new of Jesus Christ. When captured again the Pharisee wanted to execute them, but a member of the council warned the leaders that it best to leave these alone. If they are not from God then God will take care of them and then those following them will disperse. But if these men are from God then you will not be able to overthrow them.
A - The application for me is to first off be sure I don't become like the pharisee who can't recognize God working around me. It is better for me if I see something I am not sure of is from God, to not confront it but rather pray that the Lord would bless what is from Him and remove what is not. Second, when faced with those who doubt I am a follower of Christ, I am to continue to preach the Gospel and work the ministry God has laid before me.
P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for this lesson this morning. I pray that you would make clear my calling and my ministry. I also pray that you help me to daily preach the Gospel to myself and then to those whom you are drawing toward you.
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