Think Before You Act Series

Has anyone ever given you advice? I am sure of the answer to that. Some of the advice you have been given has very likely been poor advice. Perhaps (although rare) you have received good advice. In most cases we are in a better position to evaluate that advice once we are a little ways down the road. This morning we are going to look at some advice that a Pharisee named Gamaliel offered to the council. During Gamaliels address he mentioned some insurgents and used them as a point of comparison. We will do the same as we evaluate his advice.

1. The insurgents “rose up” (v. 36, 37)

Jesus however was exalted (Acts 1:9-11)

2. The insurgents “claimed to be somebody” (v. 36, 37)

Jesus however was called the Son of God (Mark 15:39)

3. The insurgents rebelled against authority (v. 36, 37)

Jesus however submitted to authority (God’s) (Mark 14:36)

4. The insurgents followers fled (v. 36, 37)

Jesus followers remained faithful (Acts 1:12-14)

5. The insurgents efforts came to nothing (v. 36, 37)

Jesus mission and message still remain to this day (v. 39, 42)

In light of the facts it is clear that Gamaliel gave good advice that day. It is amazing in that he did not have the benefit of history to confirm his opinion, yet we have had two thousand years of confirmation and still do not accept the truth. How long will it take for us to recognize the wisdom of his advice?