These verses record the words of Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, during a council meeting regarding the early Christian movement. Gamaliel speaks to the council of Jewish leaders who were discussing how to handle the early Christian movement. Gamaliel advises caution and wisdom, urging them to consider the origin and nature of the movement before taking any drastic actions against it.
Gamaliel begins by addressing the council, advising them to withdraw from the disciples of Jesus and leave them alone. He suggests that the council should refrain from immediate and forceful action against the followers of Jesus. This counsel reflects a prudent and measured approach rather than a hasty and reactionary one.
Gamaliel then presents two possible scenarios for the origin of the Christian movement. He states that if this counsel or work is of men, it will be overthrown. In other words, if the movement is merely a human endeavor without divine backing, it will eventually fizzle out or collapse on its own. Gamaliel acknowledges that human efforts and plans have their limitations and are subject to failure.
However, Gamaliel introduces an alternative possibility. He states that if the movement is of God, the council will not be able to overthrow it. He suggests that if the origins and motivations of the Christian movement are rooted in divine purposes and the work of God, then any attempts to suppress or eliminate it would be in vain. He implies that fighting against a movement that is endorsed by God would ultimately result in fighting against God Himself.
Gamaliel's words carry an air of caution and wisdom. He advises the council to exercise prudence and to consider the potential consequences of their actions. He recognizes that acting hastily against a movement that may have divine origins could have severe ramifications, including opposing God Himself.
This passage reminds us of the sovereignty of God and His ability to accomplish His purposes. It calls us to approach situations with humility and discernment, recognizing that our human understanding is limited. It teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom before making decisions that may impact the work of God.
Furthermore, this passage invites us to consider the nature of opposition to the work of God. It suggests that fighting against a movement that is divinely ordained can lead to unintended consequences. It encourages us to evaluate our own attitudes towards God's work and to align ourselves with His purposes rather than resisting or opposing them.
Gamaliel's counsel also underscores the endurance and resilience of the Christian movement throughout history. The early Christian movement faced intense persecution and opposition, yet it continued to grow and spread. The fact that Christianity has survived and thrived for over two millennia further attests to the possibility that it is indeed a work of God.
In conclusion, Acts 5:38-39 presents Gamaliel's wise counsel to the council regarding the early Christian movement. It advises caution and prudence, urging them to consider the origin and nature of the movement before taking any drastic actions. This passage reminds us of the sovereignty of God, the limitations of human efforts, and the importance of aligning ourselves with God's purposes. May we seek wisdom and discernment as we navigate our response to the work of God in our lives and in the world around us.
Acts 5:38-39. If this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown. But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God!