34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; 35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. 36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. 37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. 38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. 40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. (Acts 5:34-42 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
Observe here, 1. A general council erring, and that fundamentally in matters of faith. They determined peremptorily, That the doctrine and practice of the apostles was not from God; and accordingly resolved to suppress them, and that by death.
Thence learn, That no determination of a council against a doctrine or practice, is any demonstrative or sufficient proof, that such a doctrine or practice, is any demonstrative or sufficient proof, that such a doctrine or practice is not from God.
Observe, 2. How God raised up a particular person in the council Gamaliel, to interpose on the apostles’ behalf as Nicodemus before had done on Christ’s behalf; and uses them as an instrument to preserve them from the rage and fury of their persecutors. Without question, Gamaliel’s spirit was actuated and influenced by the Spirit of God, to give such counsel as is here given.
Observe, 3. The counsel and advice given in the several parts of it.
1. He advises them to take heed what they did to these men, Acts 5:35. implying, that men had need take heed how they engage themselves in suppressing or destroying any sort of men whatsoever, until they have clear and expressive warrant from heaven for the execution.
2. He assures them, that if this work be of men, it will certainly come to naught; which he proves by a double instance, namely, Theudas, and Judas of Galilee, who both pretended to be sent of God as Saviours of their country, and gathered many followers, but miscarried in their enterprise; intimating that every invention, contrivance, or device of man, especially in things pertaining to God and religion will in time be blasted and blown upon by God, and come to nothing.
3. He adds, That if this work be of God, it can never be overthrown, but the attempt will be deemed a fighting against God: Signifying to us, that for any person to attempt the suppression of any doctrine or practice that is from God, is to fight against God himself.
4. He intimates to them the great peril and danger of fighting against God, in the word even, lest ye be found even fighting against God.
Thence learn, That fighting against God is a most dangerous enterprise for any person at any time to be found engaged or concerned in.
Observe, 4. The success or issue of Gamaliel’s counsel; his advice being so wise and rational, it prevailed with the rulers to desist from their former intention of putting the apostles to death; but they come not off without blows, though without bloodshed; they are scourged, as their Master was before them, which was both a painful and reproachful punishment. Yet were they so far from being discouraged, that they were the more resolved. They rejoiced that they were so graced as to be disgraced for Christ, and accounted it their highest honour to be dishonoured for him; esteeming it a very great favour and happiness to bear reproach for Christ, according to that of the apostle St. Peter,
1. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you 1 Peter 4:14. This sent them from the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Observe, lastly, How wisely and well the holy apostles improve their restored liberty; they redouble their pains and diligence in preaching the gospel, and are unwearied in the way of their duty, and in the work of their God, Daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus Christ Acts 5:42; that is, they laid hold on every opportunity, in season and out of season, publicly and privately, to publish the gospel to those that had not received it, and farther to instruct those that had already received the faith of Christ. Thus the more outrageous were their adversaries, the more courageous were the holy apostles. They religiously profess the name of Christ, and resolutely abide by their profession, though they were derided, imprisoned, persecuted, and beaten for the same.
Lord! help thy ministers at this day to suffer reproach for thy gospel; but never let any of them either reproach it, or be a reproach unto it. Amen.