Are you jealous of someone or something today? Maybe jealous of someone who has got on better than you, or of something someone has that you have wanted for a long time. Jealousy often leads to other wicked things.
I hope you never behave in jealousy like these men did in today’s passage.
The Jewish Council was made up of important priests and teachers. These were the spiritual leaders the people were taught to trust in, to bring them to know and to please God.
When Jesus Christ had come saying HE was the only One who could save the people and bring them to God (John 14:6.), this Council, in their jealousy, had Him “killed by hanging Him on a tree.” (verse 30. Mark,15:9-15)
Now their jealousy was aroused again! The apostles of that crucified Jesus were still preaching about Him. They were saying that God had raised up Jesus Christ, and that He was the “Prince and Saviour” the people needed. (verses 31-32.) “When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.” (verse 33.) A “teacher of the Law” called Gamaliel advised the Council to be careful what they did to these men. He reminded them how other leaders in the past had tried to turn the people against the priesthood - each time when the leader had been killed, the followers had soon scattered. (verses 35-38.)
But maybe Gamaliel wasn’t sure what to believe about Jesus himself! He went on to say, “If (this teaching about Jesus being the one true Leader and Saviour) is from God, you will not be able to stop these men. You will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (verse 39.)
The Council … “called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.” (verses 39-41.)
What are you going to do about the message that Jesus is the only one who can forgive your sins and bring you to God? (Hebrews 7:23¬-27. 1stPeter 3:18.) Will you reject the preachers who tell you this good news, and go on not believing the truth about Jesus? That would be fighting against God, and would lead to certain destruction. (John 3:16-19. Acts 9:1-5.)
“The apostles left the Council rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the Temple courts and from house to house they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ” – The Messiah. (verses 41-42.)
They were happy even to suffer, because they knew they were not fighting against God, but for God and for His Kingdom. (Matthew 5:10-12. Philippians 1:27-29.)
Have you faith in Jesus Christ as your only Priest and Saviour? Is this something you are happy to suffer for believing and teaching? It should be! (Mark 8:38.)
Read Acts chapter 5, verses 30-42.
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