CAN’T STOP THE TRUTH
Acts 5:33-42
S: Evangelism
C: Gamaliel’s counsel under God’s control
Pr: GOD KEEPS THE MOMENTUM GOING.
?: How?
KW: Movements
TS: We will find in the narrative found in Acts 5:33-42 three movements that describe the response to the truth being lived out in the church.
Type: Narrative
The ____ movement is…
I. OUT OF CONTROL (33)
II. OUT OF HIS MIND (34-40)
III. OUT ON THE TOWN (41-42)
PA: How is the change to be observed?
We are to speak the truth
We have confidence that God keeps the Word going forth
Version: ESV
RMBC 31 July 05 AM
INTRODUCTION:
ILL Pain: you’re a little pane
It was a pastor’s first Sunday and he was presenting the children’s message. The sanctuary in the new church had some magnificent stained glass windows, so his message centered on how each person is called of God to help make up the whole picture of life (the life of the community of the faithful). Like the pictures in the windows, it takes many little panels of glass to make the whole picture.
And then he said, "You see each one of you is a little pane." And then pointing to each child, "You’re a little pane. And you’re a little pane. And you’re a little pane. And..."
It took a few moments before he realized why everyone was laughing so hard.
Perhaps he was speaking a truth that he did not intend to say (at least not on his first Sunday).
Sometimes the truth slips out.
Other times, it is hard to say.
Have you ever had a hard time communicating the truth?
Perhaps you are afraid of how it would be taken.
Perhaps you are afraid that when you say what is true you will be rejected.
Perhaps you are afraid that someone will not be your friend anymore.
TRANSITION:
When we come to the book of Acts, it seems the apostles did not have this problem.
1. The apostles were conveying the truth clearly.
And it was having a result.
They were speaking the truth about Jesus, and people were becoming Christians.
In fact, the church was growing like crazy.
Thousands upon thousands were being added during those first few months.
It was happening because they were speaking the message about Jesus where the people were.
The church was not perfect, though.
As we studied earlier this month, we discovered that hypocrisy raised its ugly head when…
2. Ananias and Sapphira faked the truth.
During those early days, the church had a new Spirit-given dynamic.
Those that had needs were met by those who had more means.
People were being generous because no one wanted to see a brother or sister in need.
So Ananias and Sapphira did what many other believers were doing.
They sold a piece of property with the intention of helping those that had less.
But when they sold the property, they pretended to bring the whole price to the apostles.
Instead, they kept a portion for themselves, even though they said they were giving everything.
They wanted to appear generous without being generous.
Peter told them that they could not fool the Holy Spirit like that, and they died on the spot.
You see, God does not want us messing around with the truth.
He wants us speaking it.
And He wants us living it.
He has given us the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit who guides us into truth.
We are not to abuse it by being liars in what we say or do.
Early on, the church proved it was not perfect.
It showed that it would still have to deal with sin.
But the Holy Spirit still went to work in their midst.
Miracles were happening, because…
3. The Spirit brings the truth to life.
Thankfully, the incident of Ananias and Sapphira was not the end of the story.
God kept working.
People that were sick and afflicted were healed.
People with evil spirits were released.
And people heard that God was doing a new thing through Jesus who was recently executed on a cross and rose from the grave.
There were those, however, who could not deal with all this…
4. The Jewish leaders couldn’t handle the truth.
These were men who were having trouble dealing with the truth.
It was happening all around them, without their permission.
So they send the apostles to jail, only to have them miraculously escape.
The apostles then went into hiding (right?)…
Yes, right in the middle of the temple courts where anybody could find them, still speaking about Jesus.
When they come back in front of the Senate, the leaders are appalled when Peter says, “We ought to obey God rather than men,” and they were not going to keep quiet about Jesus.
This is where we pick up in our text today.
So…
5. We will find in the narrative found in Acts 5:33-42 three movements that describe the response to the truth being lived out in the church.
OUR STUDY:
(33) When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. (34) But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. (35) And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. (36) For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. (37) After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. (38) So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; (39) but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, (40) and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (41) Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. (42) And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
I. The first movement is OUT OF CONTROL (33).
As you may remember from our study last week, the Sadducees were the wealthy collaborationists.
In other words, they had obtained their power by working with the Roman government.
When there was any challenge, they were determined to keep control.
They wanted to keep their power and preserve their prestige.
This is why they had acted the way they had when it came to Jesus.
He was a problem they had taken care of as far as they were concerned.
The rumors of His being alive again after the execution were just that – mere rumors.
They certainly didn’t believe what these apostles were saying, and they just wouldn’t shut up, even after they had told them to – over and over again.
You know how aggravating it is when someone disobeys you over and over.
This was the issue that caused them to be enraged.
So now…
1. The Jewish leaders were not satisfied in only killing Jesus.
When they had told the apostles to not speak in the name of Jesus anymore, they thought they had solved this issue.
But there was a problem.
The apostles had the audacity to not be afraid.
So, right to their faces, they said that obeying God was more important than obeying them.
It was open defiance.
The apostles denied their doctrine and defied their authority.
They had become just as dangerous as Jesus.
Now…
2. They were mad enough to kill again.
The apostles had touched that raw nerve that sent the leadership reeling.
They were furious.
It is at this point, Gamaliel intervenes.
He is also a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Senate, but he is a Pharisee.
The Pharisees had little political ambition as the Sadducees did.
He was known as a kind man with a far wider tolerance than both groups.
He received the title of “Rabban,” which is a higher title of respect than “rabbi.”
His most famous pupil, and a pupil at this time, was a man known as Saul of Tarsus.
Because he was a man that was respected by both groups, he often bridged the difference between them.
It is certainly what happens here.
This brings us to…
II. The second movement is OUT OF HIS MIND (34-40).
Gamaliel held the typical belief of the Pharisees that combined fate and free will.
They believed that the Hand of God was active, yet man was responsible for his actions.
As we consider the reasoning behind his intervention, we see this belief system at work.
Gamaliel’s advice is to exercise caution.
Though this advice looks good to us initially, I contend that Gamaliel was really no help in the long run.
For…
1. A false comparison is made.
Gamaliel uses two examples, Theudas and Judas.
There is no direct record of a rebellion of a Theudas previous to Gamaliel, though it was a common name.
There was a Theudas that came afterwards, but Gamaliel’s description doesn’t fit.
The historian Josephus, though, tells us that after the death of Herod the Great “there were ten thousand other disorders in Judea which were like tumults.”
The Theudas Gamaliel was talking about probably occurred then.
We do know the events of Judas happened then.
As far as Judas was concerned, God was the king of Israel and to Him alone was tribute due.
All other taxation was impious, and to pay the Roman government was blasphemy.
According to Gamaliel, Theudas and Judas followed the typical pattern.
Men appeared and advanced claims.
They won a following, but then they were killed.
Then the followers scattered and the movement faded way.
Gamaliel believes the same is true of Jesus.
Jesus appeared and advanced claims.
He won a following, but then was executed on a cross.
So his advice is, “Let’s not panic. It will go away!”
History will repeat itself.
Jesus was just another rabble-rouser, and eventually the followers will scatter and the movement will fade away.
It is at this point that Gamaliel makes an interesting statement.
If, perhaps, they were from God, then the council would be fighting God, an unenviable position for religious leaders.
From our perspective, he hit the nail on the head.
But please forgive my skepticism.
I think he was just lucky, because…
2. A false criterion is suggested.
Gamaliel’s rationale is…if it is successful, it is from God.
I think, though, this is easily challenged.
For success is the standard gauge of the world in evaluating men, movements and merchandise.
But we don’t follow something just because it is successful.
Our criteria are more extensive.
If it was only success that we counted on in the Christian realm, you would either be a Pentecostal or a Mormon.
After all, they are numbers one and two in growth, and, in addition, we consider the Mormons a cult, a belief system that departs on the true nature of Jesus.
Success is not the end all, for cults and false religions have millions of followers.
ILL Skepticism: Soap
There was a disheveled and scruffy man that was challenging the Lord Soper in England as he was giving a presentation about the truths of Christianity.
This man skeptically challenged the good of Christianity. He said, “For 2,000 years Christianity has contributed little, if anything, for the good of civilization.”
To which Lord Soper replied, “Well, soap was invented 3,000 years ago and it seems to have done you little good as well.”
Gamaliel is correct in this…
In the long run, what is from God will triumph.
But where Gamaliel is wrong is that in the short run, evil plans sometimes succeed.
Thus…
3. A false conclusion is assumed.
Gamaliel recommends neutrality.
His laissez faire, wait and see counsel will win the day.
He proposes a let’s not be hasty attitude.
He ends up being a pragmatist, but do not be deceived.
He is no friend to these apostles.
Though his advice held back the worst of the Sadducees’ intentions, note that the apostles were still beaten.
He had no objection to that, which reveals his true indifference.
Now we come to…
III. The third movement is OUT ON THE TOWN (41-42).
The apostles are warned again.
The ban is still in effect.
They are not to speak of, or in, the name of Jesus.
The apostles went on their way, beaten and admonished, and with joy!
Why?
1. Persecution is a privilege because it demonstrates loyalty.
They saw it was an honor to be dishonored.
They saw it as a grace to be disgraced.
They remembered the words of Jesus to rejoice in persecution.
They were now truly sharing in the experience of their Lord and Savior.
And being told not to speak…
And being punished and beaten up…
…did not stop them from proclaiming the truth.
They knew it was not about them.
2. Jesus is the message.
He is the Alpha and Omega.
He is the Bright and the Morning Star.
He is the Lily of the Valley.
He is the Name that is above every other name.
For at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
It is a message that keeps on going…
APPLICATION:
Throughout history, we have seen that…
1. GOD KEEPS THE MOMENTUM GOING.
Consider these men…
…Nero, Domitian, Marcus Aurelius, Decius, Diocletian…
Each one of them was a Roman ruler that attempted to eliminate the Christian faith…unsuccessfully.
They found punishing, jailing and even killing Christians did not put a stop to people believing in Jesus.
Even today, God keeps the momentum going, as governments and religious systems attempt to eliminate Christianity.
In Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, North Korea, Vietnam, India and Sudan, along with many others, it is still being tried.
But they are not and will not be successful.
For God keeps the momentum going where He finds people of faith and courage.
ILL Persecution
As Tertullian told the Roman Empire rulers:
“Kill us, torture us, condemn us, grind us to dust… The more you mow us down, the more we grow; the seed is the blood of Christians.”
Please understand this, right where you sit today.
2. There is no middle road when it comes to Jesus.
There is no being neutral.
There is no sitting on the fence.
There is no being indecisive.
Jesus never allowed it, and neither did His followers.
Yet, so many people attempt to take this impossible stand.
They say, “Yeah, I believe in Jesus, but I don’t believe He actually rose from the dead.”
Or they say, “I don’t have anything against Christianity; I believe in God.”
Or they say, “I believe Jesus was a great teacher, but He was not the Savior” (that is, by the way, what the Muslims teach).
Jesus did not allow for this kind of fence sitting and middle ground.
Are you having a hard time communicating the truth?
We must each do our part.
As we noted in our introduction today, each one of us is a pane in that stain-glassed window, designed to communicate the news about Jesus.
For…
3. He is the truth that must be told.
ILL Evangelism: A Light Named Al
On the morning of September 11, Jeannie Braca switched on the television to check the weather report, only to hear that a plane had just hit the World Trade Center. Jeannie’s husband, Al, worked as a corporate bond trader for Cantor Fitzgerald. His office was on the 105th floor of Tower One.
Al had survived the World Trade Center bombing in 1993 and had even helped a woman with asthma escape from the building. Jeannie knew that Al would do the same thing this time, “I knew he would stop to help and minister to people,” she said, “but I never thought for a minute that he wouldn’t be coming home!”
A week later, like so many others who were in that building, Al’s body was found in the rubble. Al’s wife, Jeannie, and his son Christopher were devastated! Then the reports began to trickle in from friends and acquaintances. Some people on the 105th floor had made a last call or sent a final e-mail to loved ones saying that a man was leading people in prayer. A few referred to Al by name. Al’s family learned that Al had indeed been ministering to people during the attack!
When Al realized that they were all trapped in the building and would not be able to escape, Al shared the gospel with a group of 50 co-workers and led them in prayer. This news came as no surprise to Al’s wife, Jeannie. For years, she and Al had been praying for the salvation of these men and women. According to Jeannie, Al hated his job and couldn’t stand the environment. It was a world so out of touch with his Christian values, but he wouldn’t quit. Al was convinced that God wanted him to stay there, to be a light in the darkness, and although Al would not have put it this way, to be a hero! Al was not ashamed of Christ and Christ’s words…and he paid the price of taking up his cross daily. Al shared his faith with his co-workers….many of whom sarcastically nicknamed him “The Rev.”
And on that fateful day…on September 11, in the midst of the chaos, Al’s co-workers looked to him—-and Al delivered! At the same time, Al too tried to get a phone call through to his family. He asked an MCI operator to contact his family. “Tell them that I love them,” he said. It took the operator more than a month to reach the Bracas, but the message brought them much-needed comfort. “The last thing my dad did involved the two things most important to him—God and his family,” his son Christopher told a writer for Focus on The Family.
“He loved to lead people to Christ. That takes away a lot of the hurt and the pain.”
SOURCE: compiled by Kenneth Sauer from "A Light in the Darkness" by Christin Ditchfield. Focus on the Family Magazine, September 2002.
Tell someone about Jesus this week.
BENEDICTION: [Counselors are ]
Tell the world about Jesus…get “out on the town” for it is good news to share; don’t wait for the people to come here or to you; possess the courage to go to them and give a reason for the hope that is in you.
Now…
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Amen.
RESOURCES:
The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Acts 1-12, John MacArthur
The Acts of the Apostles, William Barclay
The Spirit, The Church and the World, John Stott
Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9
Sermoncentral:
Providence, A. Todd Coget
Gamaliel: Ridin’ Fences, Jerry Shirley
Gamaliel – The Compromiser, Derek Adamsbaum
Attacked Again, John Hamby
