Daily Devotional for December 17, 2015
Acts 5
Scripture:
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 them: “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 Christ.
Observation:
Peter and the other apostles would not shut up about Jesus! They went about healing in His name and preaching the good news even though they were continually told to keep silent. They were thrown in jail, but that did not stop them. Beatings did not hinder them. They were compelled to proclaim that Jesus was the Christ.
When they found themselves facing possible death, a Pharisee named Gamaliel interceded on their behalf before the Sanhedrin. He pointed out the many zealots who had eventually met their demise. He urged the Sanhedrin to free the apostles. He reasoned that if this was a man-made scheme it would fail like all of the rest.
“If it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God” (Act 5:39).
The apostle Peter and many who followed were relentless in preaching the gospel. They could not keep quiet about the things they witnessed. Can you?
Application:
- Personal Application: As Spirit-empowered men, we should ask God for a burning in our heart to proclaim the message of the Gospel. In every conversation and every situation, my prayer is that we will have the boldness to proclaim the Gospel as the Spirit gives us the words to say. Ask God for the guidance and direction to share the message of the Cross.
- Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Ask them if anything spoke to them as you read. Talk about their answers and show them that one important aspect of this chapter is that God has chosen us to be the method by which His message is proclaimed. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for the guidance and direction to share the message of the Cross with boldness and effectiveness. Pray for the Holy Spirit to lead you into conversations that will provide the opportunity for Christ to be proclaimed and glorified.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will be a part of God’s Word going forward as an unstoppable force for His Kingdom.
Three-Year Reading Plan for Sunday, December 13 – Sunday, December 20:
- Sunday, December 13: Acts 1
- Monday, December 14: Acts 2
- Tuesday, December 15: Acts 3
- Wednesday, December 16: Acts 4
- Thursday, December 17: Acts 5
- Friday, December 18: Acts 6
- Saturday, December 19: Acts 7
- Sunday, December 20: Acts 8
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
Portions of this devotional are adapted from God’s Word for Today, July 21, 2013.
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