Short Reflection
Background to the New Testament reading
The group of apostles have been meeting with all the followers of Jesus in the Portico of Solomon in Jerusalem.
As well as engaging in prayer, they have been working signs and wonders in the name of Jesus.
The apostles have previously been given a formal warning not to preach in Jesus’ name. The Sanhedrin (the Senate) are meeting to deal with the situation when they hear that the apostles are in the Temple, so they have them brought to the Sanhedrin for questioning.
When the apostles are asked why they continue in this way.
They reply with a proclamation (kerygma, κερυγμα) of the Gospel message: Jesus crucified and raised to life to bring repentance and salvation.
Naturally, this infuriated the Sanhedrin, who wanted to put them to death.
Support in unexpected places
Gamaliel had been Saul’s teacher (at this time, Saul was not on the scene, not having had his Damascus conversion).
Not only a leading teacher, but Gamaliel also appears to be an insightful man, capable of reading the signs.
He discerns that something is human in origin it will surely disappear like other movements; if, however it is from God, then they should not stand in God’s way.
Instead of being sentenced to death, then, the apostles get a flogging (so they don’t get off lightly).
Today
It may be that you have experienced support from an unlikely source.
If so, we can pray for that person with gratitude or get in touch to thank them. They may not even realise that they have had that effect on us.
For all who have supported us,
Thanks be to God!
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