Title: Sitting on the Fence
Text: Acts 5:12
Subject: How Did The Sanhedrin Decide To Spare The Lives Of The Apostles?
Complement: By Waiting To See If God Was Involved
Big Idea: I'm trying to decide what to believe about Jesus.
The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.
17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”
21 At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.
When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles.22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So, they went back and reported, 23 “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24 On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.
25 Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” 26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.
27 The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”
29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
*** 33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.
34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.
35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.
37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
40 His speech persuaded them.
They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go.
41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 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 Messiah.
Situation – There is trouble brewing in our beautiful city of Jerusalem.
There’s trouble brewing down at the TEMPLE…
So called “Jesus followers” from the north country around Galilee won’t stop preaching that Jesus is the Messiah. They show up at the temple every day.
They are fearless.
---And people are following them by the thousands.
They are even performing miracles!
We thought we had taken a stand on this man from Nazareth – Jesus, son of joseph.
We had him arrested and then we convinced Pilate to crucify him.
That should have stopped it.
My name is Gamaliel… I am a member of the “senate”/ Supreme Court of Israel – known as the “Sanhedrin.”
There are 70 members - under the leadership of the H Priest (______________).
Our meetings can be very passionate – and loud – sometimes, its hard to get a word in!
Becoming a member of the Sanhedrin is no small achievement.
It is our duty to be guardians of the Jewish life culture and religion.
Our inspired and authoritative book is the Torah – the law God gave to Moses on Mt Sinai.
Moses was on that MTN for 40 days…God wrote the “10 Words” (DEVAR)… with his own finger – on tablets of stone.
Command no. 1 says – “i am your GOD (YHWH) - you must have NO other gods”
And this man – Jesus of Nazareth claimed to be God – impossible!
Its absolute blasphemy!
The Torah has guided our people for 1500 years.
We observe the 10 commandments – you’re likely familiar with our Jewish Sabbath.
I am a leading teacher and scholar - with great respect and authority in Jewish life – and i’m a member of the highest authority in all of Judaism – the Sanhedrin.
One of my most significant contributions is to interpret and apply the mosaic law when new teachings or problems arise.
For example – during the Babylonian exile, rabbi’s had to explain to our people that God had not abandoned us and he was calling us to repentance.
My grandfather, Hillel, was among the greatest Jewish rabbi’s - “Hillel the Elder.”
I have a particular place of honor in our Jewish culture – which I cherish. And, I love God with all my heart – whom we call “YHWH” (“I AM”) – for that was the name he revealed to Moses.
My loyalty is chiefly to him – the God of our fathers – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Now we are wrestling with these followers of Jesus – what to do with them???
And as a teacher, I love the classroom where I can shape young minds – I’ve had some brilliant students over the years.
One in particular, stands out – a young man from Tarsus, Saul. “Saul of Tarsus.”
Tarsus is quite a distance from Jerusalem but sensing his potential, he was sent by his parents to Jerusalem – where he became my student.
I recall he was of the tribe of Benjamin; he was exceptional in every way – what I would call “a Hebrew of Hebrews”; regarding Torah, he was a strict observant Pharisee; he was full of zeal for the TORAH, (persecuting the church).
His own personal observance of the law (Torah) was exemplary...I might even say faultless. {Philippians 3}
He has such potential … who knows where he will go!
Now…Being a member of the Sanhedrin is a great responsibility – and in recent years it’s been extraordinarily challenging.
We are an occupied country – the Romans are the dominant world power, and we are under their foot. They try to pacify us by letting us have a measure of autonomy – but sometimes they ignore us and sometimes our people try to revolt.
All in all, it’s something like being a “fiddler on the roof.”
Situation – The Present crisis of the Jesus followers
In the last 3 years - a new figure has arisen – a man from a small village in the north country – near Galilee.
He was from a tiny village called Nazareth – “Jesus of Nazareth.”
3 years ago, he collected a dozen disciples and started teaching the Torah all over again – but with a new kind of authority.
And many People listened to him…
o Love your enemies he said…
o Treat others how you would like to be treated!
o Don’t worry he said… the kingdom of God has come near.
o Lay up treasure in heaven
o When you pray… call God “Father”
People claim to be healed
Miracles are said to have happened.
Jews are no strangers to miracles of course – our whole history is centered around the 10 miracles that convinced Pharoah to let our people leave Egypt.
And then the red sea parted
Food fell from the sky every day
Water came from a rock
On and on it goes…
But Jesus of Nazareth not only performed miracles – he claimed to be the long-awaited messiah – God’s anointed one.
Well, after three years, we had had enough – he was becoming too popular - and too blasphemous – and something had to be done.
The high priest arranged to have him killed by the romans- on our behalf (right around our Passover festival)
And so that was it – a tough decision had been made - and Jesus of Nazareth was crucified on a Roman cross.
We thought it was over.
Everyone did.
But 3 days later – there were sightings of him – and the dozen disciples become energized all over again.
…these sightings lasted for 40 days and then it quieted down.
Just hallucinations I guess – the imagination is a powerful thing.
Then, our annual Pentecost festival was approaching – it’s always 50 days after Passover.
Pentecost celebrates the giving of the Torah - law of Moses…10 commandments/ 10 words
So it’s a time of pilgrimage for our people.
Jews had gathered from all over – many, many nations – for this festival – the city of Jerusalem was bursting with pilgrims.
And then more trouble ----There was an unusual happening among these 12 Jesus followers – a great wind swooped through their building – and they started praising Yahweh in many, many languages.
And then, one of these dozen disciples of Jesus – an upcountry fishermen named Peter – started preaching – claiming that Jesus had risen from the dead – and that he was the long-awaited messiah – and 3000 people join their ranks in one day!
We thought this uprising of Jesus followers had fizzled out like all the others – but we were wrong…this was different…they had a certain wind in their sails.
Then, there was a very public miracle – the healing of a lame beggar – a beggar known to all of us because we saw him at the temple gates every day – and being 40 years old he was a piece of the temple furniture.
But then he started walking – and jumping and praising God
It created quite a stir.
So… we threw them in jail overnight - these two rough and rugged fishermen – Peter and his side kick, John, and the next day we gave them a full scale interrogation – and I have to say they handled every question.
We told them to stop their preaching about Jesus being the Messiah…
To some of us in the Sanhedrin – may I say - the more noble among us - the Jerusalem Christians were still seen as within the scope of Judaism and not to be treated as heretics.
This is where my wisdom and scholarship was desperately needed.
We tried threatening them – but I think we all knew they wouldn’t quit.
We couldn’t decide how to punish them without starting a riot.
Read Acts 5… 12 The apostles performed many (more) signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.
This was getting out of hand…
5:17 … the high priest and all his associates, … were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.
(Complication) – …the H Priest was becoming very jealous - so an all members meeting was called. (Acts 5:21)
We sent to the jail for these Jesus followers … but they were not there – the jail was still locked, and the guards were outside – but the cell was empty!
We were scratching our heads when someone arrived with an update on their whereabouts – they are at the TEMPLE – again!
I don’t know how they did it… …but there they were again in the temple courts -preaching about Jesus. (5:21)
(they claimed that an angel released them from the jail cell – its unbelievable I tell you)
Preaching about Jesus – again.
So, we quickly sent the temple police to the temple and they promptly brought them to us.
(we had to do this discreetly because were afraid of stirring up the people – and who knows what they might do – they could stone us!)
As you may know - the High Priest had already seen to it that Jesus of Nazareth be crucified – and now he was ready to crucify these men too.
The High Priest, Annas was livid.
“We gave you strict orders to never again teach in Jesus’ name!!! Yet you have been filling Jerusalem with his teaching!!!
Many lesser men would say nothing and would just try to stay alive – but not Peter.
“We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross.
31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.
32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (29-32)
O boy – talk about adding fuel to the fire!
These dozen disciples are about to get themselves killed – just like we killed Jesus!
Things had reached a boiling point ? v. 33
“33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.”
Can we step back and take a breath? Who will defend them? Who will offer a word of caution?
I remembered my friend and colleague Nicodemus – who privately met with Jesus of Nazareth.
I remembered my colleague – Joseph of Arimathea… (who buried Jesus in his own tomb)
And, I’ve heard the rumors of Jesus’ resurrection. It makes a man like me think long and hard.
And yes, I know what happened on our recent Pentecostal festival.
And yes, I know about the miracles… and this most recent escape from a jail cell
Put it all together and it makes me think - and gives me pause.
Maybe there’s something more going on here… maybe God is in this?? Could it be?
(34) … I stood up and I ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.
We needed rational thought instead of jealousy and rage.
35 Then I addressed my colleagues…“Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.
36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.
37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go!
For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
There was silence in the room…
I’m pleased to report that the Sanhedrin somehow listened – and decided to not kill or crucify these men.
We gave them a “slap on the wrist” – actually a flogging – told them to stop their preaching -and then we let them go.
(And you can guess what happened … – they didn’t listen, and they didn’t stop preaching their message – “Jesus is the Messiah.” (5:42)
Resolution – it seems my speech saved their lives – at least for now - and these disciples even rejoiced in being found worthy to suffer for Jesus!
Conclusion.
So now… I have some thinking to do.
This movement is spreading… more and more people believe that Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead – and that he’s behind this movement.
And these Jesus followers won’t be quiet – in spite of our threats and intimidation – every day they are at the Temple - preaching about Jesus – claiming that he’s the Messiah and the one who forgives sins.
You may ask me… Gamaliel, as Israel’s teacher …Where do you stand?
I’m asking myself too!
Well, all I can say is this - I’m thinking… I’m thinking… is this God’s work? … if it is – I want to be a part of it.
If it’s not God’s work… it will fizzle out.
Where do you stand?
I keep thinking of my colleague Nicodemus – he secretly met with Jesus – and after Jesus was crucified - he helped Joseph of A bury Jesus body.
Is he a secret believer? Is he also sitting on the fence?
I took it as a sign of respect at least.
Then there’s my other colleague, Joseph of A. - he buried Jesus bloodied body in his own tomb – now that was a courageous gesture of respect – why did he do that?
And I know for a fact that tomb is now empty.
These are men I respect.
They seem to be believers in this Jesus of Nazareth … are they?
Or … are they sitting on the fence like me?
Could Jesus be the Messiah?
Could Jesus be the saviour of our people – and the entire world?
I’m trying to make up my mind… right now I’m sitting on the fence – but I have to tell you sitting on the fence is very uncomfortable.
I have a thought… I think I’ll talk with that brilliant student of mine – Saul of Tarsus – I’m sure he will talk some sense into me.
The younger generation always gives me something to think about.
