This is arguably one of the greatest goals of the church

Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6:3-7

Trouble in the Church brought about the need for action. The action included appointing deacons to serve the Body so the Apostles (and later the elders) could give their attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word. There was a good result:

The Word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied. Prayer and the ministry of the Word is what gets the Word “out there” for people to hear and understand. Next to worshiping and glorifying God, spreading the Word of the Lord and seeing people saved and discipled is arguably the greatest goal of the Church.

Many might not think of the fact that this happened because the people in the Body stopped complaining and started serving. Serving the Body, even in the practical ways the first deacons did contributes to the preaching of the Word and growth in the Church—spiritual growth as people are discipled, and even numerical growth as people are converted.

Let us pray for the Word to spread and for spiritual growth among believers, and conversions among non-believers.

Biblical qualifications for elders and deacons (Part Two)

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business… Acts 6:1-3 [Hellenists were Greek converts to Judaism.]

Last time we said that the qualifications for elders and deacons are the same, except that elders must be apt to teach. We say this because 1 Timothy 3:1-7 lays out the qualifications for elders; then in (v.8) Paul writes “Likewise deacons…” intimating that the basic qualifications are the same, without any mention of deacons being “apt to teach.”

We also pointed out that the qualifications can be divided into three general categories:

Personal Character. He must be blameless (not meaning sinless, but that no legitimate accusation against his character can be made), temperate (self-controlled), sober-minded (wise), and of good behavior (having discretion). He must not be given to wine (not meaning that he never drinks alcohol but that he never abuses it and is no drunkard). He must not be violent (either physically, verbally, or a lover of violence. He must not be greedy for money or covetous (a lover of money or possessions). He is not quarrelsome (argumentative or contrary). Rather he is gentle (considerate, kind, not callous, or cruel). He must have a good testimony among those who are outside (or else his questionable lifestyle may cast a bad light on Christ and the Church).

Family Order. If he is married, he is the husband of one wife (a one-woman man), who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (if he has children and they are under his roof). After all, if he cannot govern his family, how can he lead the Church?

Spiritual Maturity. He must not be a novice (a new, untried, inexperienced believer who has not demonstrated his commitment to Christ over a lasting period of time, lest being promoted too quickly, he be overtaken by pride). And as an elder, he must be apt to teach (meaning that he knows, and is able to explain, and to lead in the Church according to the Word of God).

All Christian men must aspire to these things. Elders (and deacons, with the exception of being “apt to teach”) must be these things.

Next time: Is there a difference between the pastor and lay elders?

Biblical qualifications for elders and deacons (Part One)

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business… Acts 6:1-3 [Hellenists were Greek converts to Judaism.]

Last time we considered the biblical qualifications of deacons as listed in Acts 6:3. This time we will consider the more detailed qualifications as found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Before digging in, let us call attention to three points.

First, the list of qualifications for elders in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are essentially the same. They use different words, but say essentially the same thing.

Second, the list of qualifications for elders and deacons in 1 Timothy 3 are also the same with one obvious difference. Elders must be apt to teach. Deacons are not necessarily teachers, although they can be. This requirement that elders be “apt to teach,” does not mean they must all be orators or pulpiteers. It is, rather, a requirement that they know and and are able to handle God’s Word well enough to lead the congregation biblically—whether in preaching to the entire congregation, leading a smaller Bible study, or in counseling from the Word.

Elders are those who “rule” in the church (1 Timothy 5:17-18, Hebrews 13:17). And as we have previously pointed out, the word “rule” according to Jesus (in Matthew 20:25-28) does not mean rule as rulers in the world do. It means to lead as servants.

Third, note that the qualifications are not physical, based on worldly success, nor do they spell out details of how to lead the church. Instead they are about the character of the man. It appears that if we get the right men, those other details are less important, if not altogether superfluous.

These character qualifications can be divided up into three categories. (1) Personal character. (2) Family order. And (3) Spiritual maturity. We’ll begin to consider those three next time.

Qualifications for deacons in Acts 6

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business… Acts 6:1-3 [Hellenists were Greek converts to Judaism.]

In the last two posts we have been considering how we go about recognizing who God is raising up to serve as elders and deacons. Note that we cannot make anyone an elder or a deacon. Only God does that. Our task is to identify who He is raising up, and then follow a selection process that follows biblical guidelines.

This time we want to consider the biblical qualifications deacons as listed in Acts 6.

Seven men. There is nothing magical about the number seven. That is the number they decided on for the church in Jerusalem in Acts 6, but that is not the number for all churches in all times. Rather, the number is dictated first by how many men God has gifted to serve as deacons.
Note also the word men. Must deacons only be men? There are solid biblical arguments for women to be recognized as deacons, since deacons are not elders, and are therefore not in positions of spiritual authority over the Church. Deacons are servants, and servants in the Church are made up of both men and women. But because there are some who are sensitive, many churches, including ours, have opted only to ordain men as deacons. The truth is, there are women in our church who are servants and are content to serve with or without the title. And of course, there are men who serve in the church who are not deacons either. If one serves only get the title, he or she may not really be a servant after all.

Of good reputation. This is a rather general statement, but an important one. If a person has a poor reputation either inside or outside of the church, there is probably a reason and that removes that person from the potential of being a deacon.

Full of the Holy Spirit. All believers are filled with the Holy Spirit from the time they are born again, and obviously, being a believer is essential. However, in the context, this appears to suggest that those being considered to serve as deacons are spiritually-minded, spiritually-sensitive, and spiritually-led individuals.

And wisdom. Wisdom is more important that most people realize. The book of Proverbs is an urgent reminder of the value of wisdom. But as Paul states in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, there is a difference between worldly wisdom and spiritual wisdom. Deacons must be men, not merely of worldly wisdom, but of spiritual wisdom. After all, they are serving Christ’s people in Christ’s Church.

These are the minimum requirements for deacons according to Acts 6:3. Next time we will consider the more detailed qualifications of elders and deacons from 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

How elders and deacons are selected at GBC

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business… Acts 6:1-3 [Hellenists were Greek converts to Judaism.]

Last time we wrote about two different viewpoints on how to choose elders and deacons in a local church. We wrote that we at Grace Bible Church (GBC) believe that existing elders are to appoint elders and deacons, but with the approval of the congregation. So, how do we do that?

The elders are always prayerfully looking for potential elders and deacons. We look for God’s gifting and calling since He, not we, make men officers of His church. We are only looking to recognize His call. This time of prayerful observation often lasts a year.

When we see a man who meets the qualifications (more on qualifications in tomorrow’s post), we begin a process of applications and interviews. We confer with the man’s wife if he is married. We ask for references from outside the church (one from work and one from a previous church, or if there is no previous church, from a believer who has known the man for an extended time). This interview and reference process lasts months.

If all the references come back affirmatively, the elders inform the congregation that the man is being put forward as a candidate for elder or deacon. We ask the congregation to submit their opinions on the matter over the course of three weeks. Assuming the feedback is positive, the decision of the appointment is announced and the man will be ordained publicly in a Sunday worship service.

We believe this process, though imperfect, is a means of obeying scriptures about the elders selecting officers, while also involving the congregation.

As a footnote: The congregational feedback is virtually always positive. This is not surprising since if we discerned that the congregation would not affirm the man, he wouldn’t be put forward. I say virtually always, because one time, many years ago, there was some negative feedback from more than one person about a man put forward to be a deacon. We were surprised. When we spoke to the man, he graciously withdrew his name from consideration. To the man’s credit, though he was hurt, he remained in the church and continued to serve without the designation of deacon. The process worked and the man proved, at least to me, to be a mature and honorable individual.

Next time: the qualifications of elders and deacons

Who chooses deacons and elders?

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business… Acts 6:1-3 [Hellenists were Greek converts to Judaism.]

There has been a difference of opinion about how deacons (and indeed elders) are to be appointed. Biblical texts (Acts 6:3 and Titus 1:5) suggest that these officers of the church are appointed by existing officers of the church. The passage in Acts 6 also suggests that the congregation played a part on selecting the first deacons. So which is it?

There is no clear command on how this is to be done, and as we have said many times, narratives alone, which accurately record what was done, ought not be the basis of doctrine unless a didactic (teaching) passage affirms the narrative as doctrine. Based on this lack of methodological specificity, in the Bible we must may seek to follow what we believe the scriptures say, and be gracious to those who have a different opinion.

What do we at Grace Bible Church (GBC) believe and practice? First, elders and deacons are gifted and chosen by Christ since it is Church. We cannot make a person an elder or deacon—we merely acknowledge who God has chosen. But on the human level, we believe deacons (and elders) are to be appointed by existing elders, with the input and approval of the congregation.

First, why? We believe the scriptures reference the elders making these appointments. We believe that the congregation’s input and approval is wise. We believe that popular congregational elections open the door to serious decisions being made by those who are less than spiritually informed. After all, since I think we would all agree that there are those in every congregation who are less mature, experienced, and spiritually sensitive than those who are already elders. Electing officers of the church ought not be done as though we are electing a class president in High School—based on popularity, or appearances of success.

So how do we do this a GBC? You’ll have to wait until tomorrow’s post.

Deacons and elders are not the same

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business… Acts 6:1-3 [Hellenists were Greek converts to Judaism.]

Deacons are not elders. Nor are they “Jr. Elders” or “Elders in Training.” Elders and Deacons are two different offices and they have different gift sets. Both elders and deacons are servants, but elders have the additional responsibilities to teach (1 Timothy 3:2), and to “rule” (see the 9/12/20 post for an explanation of “ruling”).

Deacons’ responsibilities are first, to serve in tangible practical ways to shield the elders from those task-oriented jobs. Some deacons, but not all, may also be gifted to teach, but teaching is not a deacon’s responsibility.

Deacons assist the elders in shepherding the flock through visitation. Deacons are called upon by the elders for counsel, since they are to be “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom,” but the actual decisions regarding the governance of the church (from a human perspective) rests with the elders.

Some deacons become elders, but not simply because they were good deacons. It happens as their giftedness to serve as elders becomes evident.

I pray this helps you understand how important both elders and deacons are to the local church. I pray it stimulates you to pray for your deacons and elders—and that God would be pleased to gift and raise up more deacons and more elders—especially from among the younger men in the church.

Next time: Deacons are appointed by elders with the people’s approval.

Similarities, and one big difference between Apostles and elders

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business… Acts 6:1-3 [Hellenists were Greek converts to Judaism.]

We have previously sought to make it clear that the Apostles were a unique set of men in the history of the Church. With the death of the last Apostle (most probably, John), the Apostolic age ended. There are no Apostles since, nor will there be any.

The Church has come up with all sorts of ideas about who its human spiritual leaders are. The Church has even—most unbiblically, I might add—established priesthoods and all manner of extra-biblical hierarchy. Big mistake!

The model that is clearest, and more importantly, most biblical, is that there are two (and only two) offices in the Church. They are elders and deacons. The elders are the spiritual “rulers” of the Church. I dislike that word, but the Bible calls elders “rulers” (1 Timothy 5:17, Hebrews 13:17). The word is accurate when we remember Jesus’ words about “rulership” in the Church in Matthew 20:25-28. Jesus says spiritual leadership is servant-leadership.

What is the connection between the apostles in the first century and elders ever since? Both lead (or rule, to use biblical terms). Both lead by serving rather than by being served. Both must attend first to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

Now here is the big difference: Apostles were given special authority. The only authority elders have is the authority of the Word of God. We have no authority except that of the Word of God. When 1 Timothy 5:17 says the elders are worthy of honor, that honor is not for them as men, but as those whose calling and office is to labor in the Word and doctrine. Assuming elders are acting biblically as servant leaders and claim no authority for themselves, but instead point God’s people only and always to the authority of the Word, honor them. But know that the honor is of the Word.

Next time: Deacons are not elders.

“I had no idea that there’s so much to do!”

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business… Acts 6:1-3 [Hellenists were Greek converts to Judaism.]

I think everyone who has worked in any sort of administrative role in our church has said something like, “I had no idea that there’s so much to do!” Many people think the church sort of runs itself. We need only to show up and everything is automatically in order—by itself. LOL!

My point in this blog post is not to weary you with a long list of all the things that must constantly be attended to. Rather, from the text in Acts 6:2, it is to make the point that the primary responsibility of the elders (the primary preaching elder in particular), is the prayer and the ministry of the Word.

Pastors in smaller churches—that do not have a ton of paid staff to attend to everything else so that the they can give 100% of their time to prayer and the ministry of the Word—must spend a fair amount of time setting up chairs, making copies, fixing broken door knobs, fussing over sound and video equipment, overseeing finances, etc., etc., etc.

No pastor is above such tasks, but pastors’ first call and priority is prayer and the ministry of the Word. Pray for pastors to not become distracted from that primary calling, by the rest of what makes a church tick. Pray for deacons to be able to protect their pastors from such distractions. Pray for more men in the church to aspire to be deacons (especially young men).

Next time: Elders are not apostles, but are now what the Apostles were then.

Can’t we all just get along?

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business… Acts 6:1-3 [Hellenists were Greek converts to Judaism.]

Leaders must address complaints. It is a fact of life. Where there are people, there will be complaints. Not all complaints are legitimate and not all legitimate complaints require the same level of the leader’s attention.

Sometimes complainers need to be counseled to stop complaining. This is particularly true when the complaints are petty, frivolous, or illegitimate. (The more mature will recognize that their complaints fall into these categories, and repent before their spiritual leaders need to intervene.) Leaders must be willing to intervene if it is the appropriate action to take. Leaders must attempt to do this, however, in a diplomatic manner so as not to humiliate or alienate even those who are in the wrong.

Sometimes mediation is needed for peace between factions. Asking the question, “How far apart are we?” is a good place to start. The goal is to find a resolution that allows both parties to give, as well as receive. Compromise on doctrine is never right. Compromise when it comes to differences is usually what makes for peace.

When we feel that we cannot give in, we need to ask ourselves, “Is this a matter of conviction or preference?” If we are standing on clear biblical convictions, we cannot compromise. But far more often, our differences are matters of personal preference. When this is the case, let us be reminded of these two passages:

Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

1 Corinthians 6:7 Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?

We do not have to agree on all things, but we must love one another in spite of our differences.

Next time: Elders’ first priority must be prayer and the ministry of the Word.

Multiplication or division?

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
Acts 6:1

Good times, bad times.

The Lord was growing His Church. The number of the disciples was multiplying. That is a good thing. Take note that the text says the number of disciples was multiplying. It doesn’t say the number of people attending was growing. That it was multiplying indicates a rapid rate of growth. It was exponential growth. Of course, that does not mean that all churches grow, rapidly, exponentially, much less continuously. But in those special days of the Apostles, “the number of the disciples was multiplying.” Good Times!

The enemy was seeking to divide the Church. What timing! When the Lord was was multiplying the number of disciples, Satan was dividing the Church. And don’t miss the cause of division. It wasn’t over substantive doctrinal issues that would rightly divide those in error from those standing solidly in truth. The cause of division was over who was getting the better treatment from the benevolence committee. That may even be classified as covetousness! How sad when churches experience division over lesser issues, much less selfish issues. Bad Times!

Let us praise the Lord and pray that He will grow His Church, whether rapidly or slowly. And let us be on guard against complaining (the word is in the text, mind you). We do not want to contribute to division among us, especially if God should be pleased to multiply us.

Next to Christ Himself, we need each other most!

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Acts 5:42

Earlier, in Acts 2:46, we read that the church in Jerusalem “continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.” Here in Acts 5:42, we read that that same aspect of Christian worship and fellowship continued. It is normative for Christian fellowship.

The aspect that I am referring to in this blog post is that we meet in two different venues: (1) gathered together in church (“in the temple”), and in homes (“in every house”).

Obviously, believers love to gather as local churches for public worship and all that such gatherings entail. In addition, however, gathering in small groups in homes is vital. Though our Home Fellowship (HF) ministry as been modified a few times over the last thirty-five years, HFs are not only a vital aspect of the ministry of Grace Bible Church, but a biblical aspect as well.

We are living in difficult times due to the government regulations associated with the current virus. Gathering together is difficult, both as a whole church and in small groups. Let me offer several words of encouragement in this regard.

The whole body together: (1) Let us long to be reunited again as soon as we are able, resisting any temptation to “forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Heb.10:24-25). (2) Let those of us who can, attend in-person worship every time (Sundays and Thursdays!). (3) Let those of us who cannot attend in person, be grateful for, and faithfully participate in the online opportunities that we are able to provide.

Home Fellowships: (1) Let those who are able (and we acknowledge than there are those who cannot), attend HF gatherings. (2) And let us all do whatever we can to stay connected with our HF groups via, telephone, email, and cards sent in the mail.

Next to Christ Himself, we need each other most!

May the Lord close Grace Bible Church in a heartbeat!

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Acts 5:42

Don’t you love that when persecuted, beaten, and threatened not to speak in Jesus’ name, the Apostles “did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ”? Why did they do this? Because, in spite of any other circumstance—including violent persecution, “teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” is what Christians do! Did you catch that? “Teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” is what Christians do!

That being the case, let us be reminded that we have one message: Christ and the gospel! No matter what, we must never cease to teach and preach Christ and the gospel.

Not because of persecution. And not because of the shifting winds of popular culture. Popular culture pressures the Church to be relevant, cool, and casual. The Word of God says teach and preach Christ and the gospel.

• May we be reminded that there is nothing more relevant both for lost sinners in need of salvation, or saved saints who need to live gospel-centered lives.

• May we be reminded that Christ and the gospel are not cool in the eyes of a Christ-hating world.

• May we be reminded that it is disrespectful (perhaps even blasphemous) to be casual rather than reverent in the presence of Almighty God!

If Grace Bible Church ever ceases to teach and preach Christ and the gospel, may the Lord close our church in a heartbeat!

When persecuted: “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad.”

So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. Acts 5:41

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12

Jesus said “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.” He told us that we are to, “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad” when persecuted. And that is exactly what the believers did when they were commanded not to speak in Jesus name and were beaten to reinforce that command.

Only those who are thoroughly convinced of the truth of the gospel, deeply committed to the person of Christ, and supernaturally filled with the Holy Spirit of God, have any hope of “rejoicing and being exceedingly glad” to be persecuted. Only such people would actually consider themselves blessed to be “counted worthy to suffer for His name.”

Let us pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who suffer for His name.
And let us pray that we too are thoroughly convinced of the truth of the gospel, deeply committed to the person of Christ, and supernaturally filled with the Holy Spirit of God.

Those in error seek only to silence the truth.

And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Acts 5:40-42

The truth cannot be defeated by error. So those in error do not argue against the truth. They seek only to silence the truth. The persecuting religious leaders in Acts 5 presented no cogent argument against Christ and the gospel. They couldn’t because there was none to be presented. So in addition to violence, they “commanded that they [Christians, and the Apostles in particular] should not speak in the name of Jesus.”

Cancel culture is nothing new.

So, what did the believers do?

• They continued to rejoice in the Lord.

• They continued to meet together.

• They continued teaching and preaching Christ.

Oh, Lord. May we be emboldened to do the same, no matter what comes our way.

Persecution is seldom, if ever, based on logical, or even rational thinking

And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God." And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
Acts 5:38-40

So Gamaliel counseled the religious leaders not to over react to the new sect of Jesus followers . “If it is not of God it will blow over, and if it is of God you can’t stop it,” he essentially said. Who but me finds it somewhat odd that “they agreed with him,” but had the Apostles beaten anyway before letting them go? What kind of thought process went into that decision and action?

Persecution is seldom, if ever, based on logical or even rational thinking. It is virtually always based on raw emotion. Persecutors do their nasty business because of raw emotion. It is one or both of the following: (1) “we are superior”; and/or (2) “we hate them”—usually because the persecutors feel they or their power is being threatened.

This is why logical arguments, and even laws protecting the persecuted, seldom produce any positive outcome. Should we not try to argue and even legislate against persecution? Of course we should, but ultimately only God can change hearts. So we must pray, pray, pray!

May I urge you again to install the prayer app from Voice of the Martyrs on your phone? Or go to their website and use the tools they provide to remind and help you to pray for persecuted Christians around the world.

God’s sovereignty and our responsibility

Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. And he said to them: "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God." Acts 5:34-39

There is a difference between the “short term” and the “long-run.” Gamaliel was a highly esteemed Jewish rabbi at the time of the establishment of the Church. Before being saved, the Apostle Paul was one of Gamaliel’s students.

He was more level-headed than the religious leaders who persecuted the Church. He cautioned them not to be unduly aggressive toward this new sect of Jews who followed Jesus. After all, he reasoned, others had also arisen and gathered their followings, and they each came to nothing. Gamaliel counseled the persecutors to remain calm and see what God would do. His reasoning was simply, “If God isn’t in it, it will blow over. If God is in it, no one can stop it.”

That is good advice, mostly. It is true that no one can thwart God’s plans—in the long run. But we must be cautious not to adopt an absolute “let go and let God” approach to life. We must act responsibly for the sake of the “short-term,” trusting God for the “long run.”

Let me give just two simple examples. (1) Will God supply our needs? Then are we free not to work, since God will supply? (2) Does God ordain all civil authorities, whether good and bad? Then does our voting not matter? Should we not vote at all, and simply trust God?

I trust that you can see that while God is most assuredly sovereign, He not only ordains the ends, He ordains the means to those ends. Work and responsible citizenship are often the difference between God’s sovereign blessing and God’s sovereign judgment.

Let us not be surprised when those who hate Christ hate us

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him." When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.
Acts 5:30-33

When the new fledgling church in Jerusalem was persecuted, they did not soften the message to make life easier. They proclaimed the gospel once again. Could it be that “the gospel is the power of God to salvation” (Romans 1:16) not only spiritually, but also when facing persecution?

As the Apostles reiterated the gospel message, they zeroed in on their persecutors by pointing out four facts:

First, God was in control. He raised up Jesus as the Messiah and Savior of His people.

Second, the persecutors of Christ’s people were, humanly speaking, responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion.

Third, God, orchestrated the whole affair to be the means by which He would save His people. The salvation of God’s people comes through Jesus’ death and resurrection. How is it received by His people? Interestingly, faith is not mentioned, but repentance is. That does not men that faith is not involved. Rather we understand that those who repent must be “given” the gift of repentance, which is inseparably associated with the gift of faith.

Fourth, while believers cannot save anyone (only God can), working in concert with the Holy Spirit, we are to be “witnesses of Christ and the gospel.

How did the persecutors respond? Fury and a desire to kill Christ’s people, just as they desired to kill Jesus.

Oh, let us proclaim Christ and the gospel, no matter the circumstances or the consequences! And let us not be surprised when those who hate Christ hate us.

May Christ’s Church never lose sight of these truths...

…the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, saying, "Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!"
Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. So one came and told them, saying, "Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!" Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!" But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:21-29

A long text and a short devotional thought.

• No matter how those who opposed Christ and the gospel, God made a way for the “words of life” to be proclaimed. So what did the Lord’s enemies do? They again insisted that the Apostles were not to speak.

• They rightly observed that Jerusalem was buzzing about the “words of life.” They could see that they were losing the battle.

• They also correctly understood that they were being identified as being “the bad guys” responsible for Christ’s death—at least humanly speaking. And humanly speaking, they were!

• The apostles’ reply? "We ought to obey God rather than men.” Clear and simple. The enemies of Christ employ threats and force. The Church fights only with the truth of the gospel.

May Christ’s Church never lose sight of these truths.

“You do not agree with me, so you have no right to speak!”

Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life."
Acts 5:17-20

When people are wrong and and therefore can say nothing to defend their wrong position, they employ a typical “one-two punch” tactic.

One, instead of debating the issue, they attack the people who espouse any other opinion but theirs. This tactic amounts to shouting, “Then you are stupid!” (or a racist, or homophobic, or any other name intended to insult their opponent.) They need cite no examples that the person is any of the names hurled at them. Name calling is enough.

Two, silence any opinion but your own. This “You do not agree with me, so you have no right to speak,” tactic is plied if the name-calling doesn’t silence the person first. This is what the religious leaders did with Peter and John. “We do not like what they are saying, so throw ’em in jail and throw away the key!”

Does any of this sound familiar in our country in these days of “political correctness” and “cancel culture”? Doesn’t the employment of this these kinds of tactics expose those who use them as being wrong, and holding indefensible positions?

The Lord dispatched an angel who miraculously released these Apostles from prison. What did the angel tell them to do? Demonstrate? Protest? Riot? Threaten people and destroy property? Hardly. the angel told them to “speak…all the words of life.” In other words, speak the words of Christ and the gospel.

Do you remember in John 6, Jesus asked the disciples if they wanted to depart and no longer follow Him? Do you remember what Peter said in (v.68)? “Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’”

Whatever we speak, may we boldly and faithfully speak the words of life.