From Acts 5: 34-39
"34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
"
Greetings Friend, this is my story. Yes, I am Gamaliel, a teacher of the law. I was renown in Israel for my knowledge of scriptures (probably what you would now call "The Old Testament").
I was a leader in the Sanhedrin, but now I am old and can't do much anymore. I used to use a cane to get around, but now even that is very limited. My servants (I have two remaining - I once had twelve), dress me, feed me, and get me to the Synagogue.
But, the bigger problem is that I feel separated from God. Deep inside, I think I really knew that Jesus was the Messiah. But, how could I speak for him? I was a leader in the Sanhedrin - it would have been radical for me to speak out. In addition, I would have been thrown out of the Sanhedrin, my salary (or stipend if you will) would have disappeared - I would have had to become like a beggar on the streets. No, I couldn't speak up for Jesus. And ... though I ended up with a life of luxury and plenty, I was empty inside. It would have been better to have a life as a beggar and followed Jesus and have the Holy Spirit inside me - but no, I was too prideful.
My days are limited. Occasionally a younger member of the Sanhedrin might stop be to visit me and ask about certain scriptures, but in the past two years even that has largely come to an end. I am just an old, bitter man - ready to die - an empty man in an empty body.
No, my pride won't let me ask to have some of those followers of Jesus come to talk to me (I guess they are called 'Christians' these days). I would lose my two servants and be cast out to die.
So, not a happy story.
"34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
"
Greetings Friend, this is my story. Yes, I am Gamaliel, a teacher of the law. I was renown in Israel for my knowledge of scriptures (probably what you would now call "The Old Testament").
I was a leader in the Sanhedrin, but now I am old and can't do much anymore. I used to use a cane to get around, but now even that is very limited. My servants (I have two remaining - I once had twelve), dress me, feed me, and get me to the Synagogue.
But, the bigger problem is that I feel separated from God. Deep inside, I think I really knew that Jesus was the Messiah. But, how could I speak for him? I was a leader in the Sanhedrin - it would have been radical for me to speak out. In addition, I would have been thrown out of the Sanhedrin, my salary (or stipend if you will) would have disappeared - I would have had to become like a beggar on the streets. No, I couldn't speak up for Jesus. And ... though I ended up with a life of luxury and plenty, I was empty inside. It would have been better to have a life as a beggar and followed Jesus and have the Holy Spirit inside me - but no, I was too prideful.
My days are limited. Occasionally a younger member of the Sanhedrin might stop be to visit me and ask about certain scriptures, but in the past two years even that has largely come to an end. I am just an old, bitter man - ready to die - an empty man in an empty body.
No, my pride won't let me ask to have some of those followers of Jesus come to talk to me (I guess they are called 'Christians' these days). I would lose my two servants and be cast out to die.
So, not a happy story.
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