33 “But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and were minded to slay them. But there stood up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in honor of all the people, and commanded to put the men forth a little while. And he said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves as touching these men, what ye are about to do. For before these days rose up Theudas, giving himself out 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 dispersed, and came to naught. 37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the enrolment, and drew away some of the people after him: he also perished; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad. 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 be overthrown; but if it is of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest haply ye be found even to be fighting against God. 40 And to him they agreed: and when they had14called the apostles unto them, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 They therefore departed from 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 at home, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus as the Christ.”
Golden Text.—“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:10.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) Who are referred to as being “cut to the heart”? What had produced such an effect? What extreme measure was proposed? Verse 33. Note 1. (2) Who replied to this proposal? What precaution did he first take? Verse 34. (3) With what caution did he open his remarks? Verse 35. Note 2. (4) To what incident did he first refer as a precedent? Verse 36. (5) What other similar case did he mention? Verse 37. Note 3. (6) Then what course did he advise? Verse 38, first part. (7) What general principle was stated in support of this advice? Verse 38, last part, and verse 39. (8) How was Gamaliel’s proposition received? Then what action followed? Verse 40. (9) What spirit was manifested by the apostles? Verse 41. Note 5. (10) In what manner did they continue their work? Verse 42.
NOTES.
1. The pronoun “they” in the opening verse of this lesson refers to the Jewish council, before whom Peter and John had been arraigned. This was the third time they had been arrested while preaching in the name of Jesus; they had twice been put in prison, and the last time had been released by an angel. On this occasion, as before, they had boldly defended the faith, and again charged the rulers with putting the Messiah to death. It was this charge, sustained as it was by so many wonderful works done in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, that so “cut to the heart” the members of the Sanhedrin.
2. The caution to “take heed” was timely, as the council had before manifested a spirit of rashness which was liable to get them into trouble with the government by over-reaching their recognized powers. Gamaliel seems to have been more philosophical and cool-headed than his fellows.
3. This Judas of Galilee had headed a revolt in opposition to the land tax imposed by Emperor Augustus. He had raised the cry, “It is not lawful to pay tribute to Cæsar.” This instance and its result shows the significance of the attempt of the Pharisees and Herodians to get Christ to commit Himself on this question of tribute to Cæsar. Matt. 22:15–22.
4. Gamaliel’s advice to “refrain from these men” was based on the idea that it was unnecessary for the council to take steps to have the apostles put to death; for if they were really criminal disturbers, the Roman Government would attend to them, as in the cases which he had cited. And his conclusion regarding the work that was being done in the name of Jesus is sound doctrine. Christianity can go before the world on that proposition; and as long as its votaries will stand on the plain Word of God, the work done in His name will bear the test, and will need no other backing.
5. In the rejoicing of the apostles after being beaten was fulfilled the beatitude of the Lord: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matt. 5:11, 12.
7 “And the Word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great company of priests were obedient to the faith. 8 “And Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought great wonders and signs among the people. But there arose certain of them that were of the synagogue called the synagogue of the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake. Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and seized him, and brought him into the council, and set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak words against this holy place, and the law: for we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered unto us. And all that sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.”
Golden Text.—“Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul.” Matt. 10:28.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) What testimony is here given of the prosperity of the Gospel work? What action of the church had just preceded this condition? Verse 7. Note 1. (2) What is said of Stephen’s powers as a laborer? Verse 8. Note 2. (3) What special opposition arose against Stephen? Verse 9. Note 3. (4) What was the result of this combined attack? Verse 10. (5) Then what course was pursued? Verse 11. (6) What further desperate measures were taken? Verse 12. Note 4. (7) With what special sin did they charge Stephen? Verse 13. (8) What did they charge him with saying about Jesus of Nazareth? Verse 14. (9) What evidence of heavenly vindication was then manifested? How many in the council saw this manifestation? Verse 15. Note 5.
NOTES.
1. The testimony that the “Word of God increased,” follows immediately upon the new phase of organization for ministering to the needy. The office of deacon was instituted, which added to the recognized working force of the church, and relieved the apostles from heavy temporal burdens, that they might give themselves exclusively to the ministry of the Word. The result showed the wisdom of the action. First on the list of deacons chosen by the people was Stephen.
2. The office of deacon did not preclude Stephen from spiritual work; we may rather infer that it gave him increased opportunity to develop the work of the Spirit that was begun in his heart, and to manifest it in an eminent degree. There is no better way to call out the possibilities that lie in a humble Christian heart than to assign the individual to some practical work.
3. Satan was getting desperate. So far he had not only failed to silence the apostles, but here was a new man, from the rank and file of the church, suddenly thrust into prominence as a preacher and worker of miracles in the name of Jesus. So the enemy pitted against him all the talent he could find, making a special onslaught on his scholarship and oratorical powers.
4. Worse and worse for the adversary did the situation become when the combined wisdom of such an array of scholars could not resist this one Christian man, before unknown to fame even amidst the despised sect. So Stephen must be subjected to more violent treatment, and he was arraigned before the council.
5. In answer to the false charges against the faithful disciple, his true character was attested by a heavenly radiance displayed in his countenance. But even such a testimony could not melt the hearts of men held under supreme control by the spirit of persecution. But such is the utter futility of all opposition to the wisdom and power of the Word of God.
