In what ways should Acts 5:38 influence our response to opposition? Setting the Scene • The apostles have been healing and preaching in Jerusalem, stirring up jealousy among the religious leaders (Acts 5:12-17). • Arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, they boldly affirm obedience to God over men (Acts 5:29). • Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, cautions the council with the words of Acts 5:38. Key Verse “So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail.” — Acts 5:38 Core Principles Drawn from Acts 5:38 • God alone determines the lasting success of any work. • Human opposition cannot ultimately overthrow a work that is truly from Him (see v. 39). • Time is a divinely appointed test that separates what is merely human from what is genuinely of God. How This Shapes Our Response to Opposition 1. Rest in God’s Sovereignty – Opposition does not surprise or hinder Him (Psalm 115:3). – We can refuse panic and trust His timetable (Psalm 37:7-9). 2. Avoid Self-Made Retaliation – “Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath” (Romans 12:19). – Retaliation suggests we doubt God’s ability to vindicate His work. 3. Exercise Patient Discernment – If resistance is rooted in human pride, it will collapse without our force. – Keep evaluating fruit over time (Matthew 7:16-18). 4. Stay Focused on the Mission – The apostles kept preaching and obeying God (Acts 5:42). – Opposition becomes a distraction only if we let it draw us off course. 5. Maintain Humility – Gamaliel acknowledged the possibility of fighting against God (Acts 5:39). – We, too, stay teachable, recognizing we do not possess all the facts. Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 19:21 — “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” • Isaiah 54:17 — “No weapon formed against you shall prosper...” • 1 Peter 4:19 — “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should continue to do good and entrust themselves to their faithful Creator.” Practical Takeaways • Pause before reacting; ask whether this opposition might be part of God’s refining process. • Commit the situation to prayer, confident that God will either uphold or dismantle the endeavor. • Continue faithful obedience; let your consistency testify louder than any argument. • Encourage one another with reminders of God’s past faithfulness and ultimate control. |
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