PODCAST

Who Are You Fighting Against?

August 6th, 2025

Acts 5:33-39.

Peter and the disciples faced a court of stern judges—the Sanhedrin, which acted as the supreme council having religious, civil, and criminal jurisdiction. They had authority in the land, and they were done with the proclamation of Christ, whose death had not stopped the movement of the kingdom of God through the people.

Now the disciples faced additional, more serious, punishment—possible death—for obeying God’s call to proclaim Christ to all who would hear. Then one man stepped up: “A Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people” (v. 34). He spoke of others who had come before Christ’s disciples (Theudas and Judas the Galilean). These revolutionary groups were dealt with harshly (the leaders were killed, and the members dispersed). The Sanhedrin could do this again, but what would the results be? That depends on the reason and the “who” behind the movement: “If it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God” (v. 39).

Nothing can stand against, pull apart, destroy, or smother that which God has put into action. Ask yourself today: Where is God at work in my community? How can I join God where God is at work in my community? If God is for it; nothing can stop it.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson