Except for technological advances, the first century AD wasn’t much different than the 21st. The human condition can be depressingly consistent: injustice, exploitation, oppression, violence.
You’d think that in Jerusalem—epicenter of the early church—justice would have been gaining traction. Actually, it took a step backward. The powerful but aloof Romans remained disinterested in preventing religious oppression of the first Christians.
We read in Acts: “The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people” (Acts 5:12). As crowds came and the band of believers grew, “the high priest and his officials, who were Sadducees, were filled with jealousy” (Acts 5:17). They threw the apostles in jail. But then an angel of the Lord miraculously delivered them (Acts 5:19-20). The emboldened apostles went back to the temple. But rather than believe in the divine intervention at work, the religious leaders simply detained the men again. When Peter challenged their power, the religious leadership grew enraged and plotted to kill them (Acts 5:33).
God used an unlikely individual to intervene. A Pharisee named Gamaliel, “respected by all the people,” stood up and made a reasoned argument (Acts 5:34). “If [the apostles] are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” (Acts 5:38-39). A voice of reason had helped spare the grateful apostles’ lives! Later, they continued to preach the good news: “Jesus is the Messiah” (Acts 5:42).
As we encounter rage and oppression today, may we provide a voice of reason that reflects God and His grace.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Ecclesiastes 12:1-14
More:
Read Acts 5:12-28 for the whole story of how the apostles courageously taught in the temple despite the direct threat to their lives.
Next:
What situations have recently occurred in your circles that could use a voice of reason? How do you respond to the rage of others?
Gary Shultz on May 21, 2016 at 6:46 am
Tim, the assessment is certainly true, human nature remains bent in it’s old habits. We need the strength, help, and insight of the Holy Spirit to stay on course…. In our country, I think most people stand astounded at the latest political quest. We see “rage” is not buried too far under the surface, old habits soon boil to the surface. We are more divided than ever. A follower of Christ needs to be on their game with God as we live out our lives. It also makes me humbly think of our extended family in Christ, who many have experienced the rage of opposition to their faith. May we remember to pray for them. Thanks Tim, buckle up.
Tim Gustafson on May 22, 2016 at 8:24 am
Thanks, Gary. I pray that believers realize what is worth dividing over. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to unity. Not as easy as it sounds, but we need each other, especially as we face more opposition for holding to biblical truth.
phip2016 on May 21, 2016 at 6:13 pm
I find this ‘if it’s not from God verse…’ hard to comprehend. So many political -isms, evil regimes, depraved people and religious beliefs all prosper. Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam which do not follow the Bible and the God of it have all withstood the test of time. Certainly, in Europe and in North America soon, too, Islam is numerically more successful than those who follow the Bible. What does everyone think?
hsnpoor on May 22, 2016 at 12:01 am
I think what does it mean to pass “the test of time”; i.e., so what? If one endures to no avail, so what? As for numerical success, I go to my Mom who used to ask me if everyone jumps off the bridge, does that mean I should too? My Biblical answer; however, would be Matthew 7:13-14: “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it”.
The religions you reference all have one thing in common that is almost impossible for human beings to resist: they all allow man to determine the basis upon which they will come to God. They set up religious practices of their own I-maginations, rather than seeking an actual intimate relationship with God on HIS terms. I believe they do so to their own peril because sinful man simply has no standing before a Holy God, especially when standing on a platform of their own making. That platform is shaky at best and represents eternal death, at worse. That’s what I think, for what it’s worth.
hsnpoor on May 22, 2016 at 2:24 am
One more thing those “religions” have in common is a total disregard & elimination of and for the Holy Spirit of God. This makes sense and is compatible with the idea that man can bridge the gap between himself and God by his own means. The My Utmost devotion for today really speaks to this matter.
phip2016 on May 22, 2016 at 7:27 am
Thank you very much for your reply. Some thought provoking answers
Tim Gustafson on May 22, 2016 at 8:28 am
A very good response, hsnpoor! All religions, at heart, are attempts to make ourselves better so that a higher power (or powers) will be pleased with us. Except for Christianity, which is God extending us grace and mercy because He is pleased with what His Son Jesus Christ did to reconcile us to the Father.
hsnpoor on May 23, 2016 at 12:20 am
Yes and AMEN!
Tim Gustafson on May 22, 2016 at 8:26 am
Interestingly, Christianity is flourishing in many parts of Africa. It has grown tremendously in Asia too. And I do believe that when “time” is up, we will understand much more about how this was all unfolding. Thanks for your very thought-provoking question.
hsnpoor on May 23, 2016 at 11:30 am
Tim, that is so very true. I heard recently that the Chinese government is so alarmed by the growth of Christianity in that country that they are once again instituting laws and practices to “attempt” to restrain the growth and stamp out the fire that is already out of control. Based on how the authorities attempted this same practice in the Book of Acts, as regards the fledgling church, I doubt very seriously that their efforts will be bear the kind of fruit they think they’re planting, but good fruit will be borne because of the oppression. Let’s remember to pray for our African and Asian siblings in Christ; indeed our sisters & brothers wherever they may be! God Bless!
street on May 21, 2016 at 8:21 pm
i find it interesting that looking backwards the birthplace of the church was destroyed in 70 ad. the secular world had enough of the violence of religion and put an end to it. the really interesting story unfolds as the truth spreads west and is picked up by the roman world.
Tim Gustafson on May 22, 2016 at 8:29 am
Yes, the more the church was opposed, the more it grew! It seems so counter-intuitive. But that is God!