Devotion:
When the Sanhedrin heard the apostles' testimony about Jesus' resurrection, they were furious and decided to kill them. But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside for a while. As told in Acts 22:3, Paul considered his having studied under Gamaliel to be part of his authentication as a true Jew and a validation that everyone would recognize. Gamaliel said to the leaders, primarily Pharisees, that they should think about what they were planning to do to these men. He mentioned that earlier there was a man named Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others had joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement went to nothing. After him, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers scattered.
So Gamaliel said let the apostles go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if the apostles are serving God, they will not be able to overthrow them. He warned that they may even find themselves fighting against God. In others words if it is legitimately from God it will stand the test of time and persecution. The basic principle is that God will show the legitimacy of those who are following his guidance and reaching out to serve others.
Personal Worship Option:
Dear God, help us be discerning toward false teaching and unscrupulous leaders. At the same time, dear Father, help us and others do your work and advance the Kingdom. We want to be true to your teachings. Amen.
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