Categories: Acts

Acts 5

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Acts 5 Commentary

by Brad Boyles

The early church faced persecution from both the Pharisees and the Sadducees. After hearing the testimony of Peter, they were ready to kill these men just like they had Jesus. But wisdom prevailed.

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.

Acts 5:34 NASB

Gamaliel was the Pharisee who instructed Paul as a young man. He was highly respected and came from a brilliant family. He stood up and addressed the Council by recalling many other failed attempts to revolt against the Romans. To the Pharisees, Jesus and his followers were just another band of zealots that had failed (in their mind) and were sentenced to be killed.

In fact, historian Josephus records 10,000 insurrections and revolution attempts in his writings. It was not uncommon. However, Gamaliel was wise. He proposed to let Peter and his crew go. If they were just another failed revolt, then they would fade out or eventually be killed. But, if they were of God, then the Pharisees themselves would be guilty of fighting against God, and they would never be able to overcome Him. When it was all said and done, Gamaliel was using risk management to access the decision at hand. His concern was valid. It was less risky to let them fail on their own than to try and fight against the Lord.

So, instead of having the apostles killed, they flogged them and sent them on their way. This is the part of this chapter that really strikes me…

So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Acts 5:41-42 NASB

So let’s just get this straight. They were beaten and they were happy about it? Outside of the Holy Spirit, this story must seem absolutely insane to anyone who reads it. But, this is also incredibly convicting. How many times have we been mistreated by the world and complained about it? How many times have we sought to get revenge? How many times have we given up? The apostles did none of these things.

They were joyful that they were considered worthy to suffer shame for Jesus Christ. Just let that sink in a moment. Then, they went right back to teaching and preaching. Preach. Suffer. Repeat. How many of us really want to do that today? I told you it was convicting!

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