I wonder if Gamaliel ever became a believer? Or, if he were alive today would he believe?
I pose this question given the fact Gamaliel states to those who wanted to kill the apostles for their witness, "Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing....So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!"
Later in the book of Acts, people in Thessalonica claim that this movement of proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior was 'turning the world upside down'. Over 2000 years later the movement still moves forward, not being able to be thwarted by man. Therefore, would Gamaliel, a skeptic, a religious Jewish nonbeliever, claim this Jesus, God, given the fact no one has ever been able to stop it? The religious zealots were not able to stop it. Saul, one of the religious zealots was completely transformed by this movement that he became its biggest proponent. The Roman Empire was not able to stop it. In fact, this movement became so influential it became the religious banner of the Empire. A corrupt church couldn't stop it. Communist governments cannot stop it. Islamic Jihadist cannot stop it. I believe Gamaliel, knowing what he knew then, and seeing what had transpired and what has transpired over the two millennia, would have become a believer. Whether or not he ever received the gospel and surrendered to the Lord, we are not privy too, but others can learn from his statement. Look at what this wise religious leader said and look at what has transpired since then. Either this movement was extremely lucky and had great successful leaders, or this movement has the God of the universe behind it, sovereignly guiding it, and leading it to its final destination, which is the consummation of the kingdom of God.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
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