In ancient times many people were hung, stoned, beaten, and put in prison for preaching the word of God. Today, in America, we are free to witness and preach to whoever will listen. We don't have to worry about imprisonment or death in the United States. In the book of Acts, Peter and other Apostles were preaching and healing at a place called Solomon's porch. The high priest and other members of the Jewish Sanhedrin protested against the Apostles. When Peter spoke of Jesus saying, "we are His witnesses," it made the high priest want to have them all killed. A Pharisee named Gamaliel spoke up to defend the Apostles. Gamaliel is only mentioned a couple of times in scripture, but was a well respected teacher. The historian Josephus wrote favorably of Gamaliel and his nobility. He is probably most recognized as the teacher or mentor of Paul. Though what we know of Gamaliel is limited, it still quite clear that he was a well respected teacher in Jerusalem.
Solomon's Porch An area in Jerusalem along the eastern wall of the temple courtyard. Christians commonly gathered there for mass meetings because it could hold thousands. Obviously named after King Solomon of Israel.
Acts 5:17-29 "ye should not teach in this name. This man's blood is upon us." The high priest commanded that the Apostles be put in prison. "The Angel of the Lord," opened the prison doors so that they could get out and continue preaching.
Acts 5:33-42 Gamaliel persuaded the council to simply ignore this movement, stating that previous movements fizzled out or went away. He persuaded the high priest that this one would do the same if it wasn't of the Lord. Gamaliel's advice worked as the council let them go. The Apostles were beaten and told them not to preach in the name of Jesus. So, what did the Apostles do when they were let go? Verse 41, "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."
Was Gamaliel's advice righteous? His advice comes within the context of saving human life as the council was ready to "slay" them for what they were saying. He was genuinely concerned for their well being and saw an opportunity for interference. Gamaliel states that false teachings will go away, which is not entirely accurate. Today, we have seen churches that teach false doctrine grow and doesn't look like their going away anytime soon. It would seem Gamaliel's motives for speaking up were righteous and true.
Solomon's Porch An area in Jerusalem along the eastern wall of the temple courtyard. Christians commonly gathered there for mass meetings because it could hold thousands. Obviously named after King Solomon of Israel.
Acts 5:17-29 "ye should not teach in this name. This man's blood is upon us." The high priest commanded that the Apostles be put in prison. "The Angel of the Lord," opened the prison doors so that they could get out and continue preaching.
Acts 5:33-42 Gamaliel persuaded the council to simply ignore this movement, stating that previous movements fizzled out or went away. He persuaded the high priest that this one would do the same if it wasn't of the Lord. Gamaliel's advice worked as the council let them go. The Apostles were beaten and told them not to preach in the name of Jesus. So, what did the Apostles do when they were let go? Verse 41, "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."
Was Gamaliel's advice righteous? His advice comes within the context of saving human life as the council was ready to "slay" them for what they were saying. He was genuinely concerned for their well being and saw an opportunity for interference. Gamaliel states that false teachings will go away, which is not entirely accurate. Today, we have seen churches that teach false doctrine grow and doesn't look like their going away anytime soon. It would seem Gamaliel's motives for speaking up were righteous and true.
