33. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
They got mad and wanted to kill them.
34. Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
ah, but common sense prevails...... a good man, a respected Rabbi of a different sect stood and begin to speak...
35. And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
In modern english: Pull your selves to gether and thing about what you are planning to do. Stop and think!
36. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
Gamaliel decides to give them not only some leadership, but a minor history lesson...
Remember Theudas? He claimed to be someoen and nothing came of it except death.
37. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
Then there was Judas during the tax problems, he led a revolt and look what happened...
38. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
So back up and leave them alone.
You see if its men at work, it will fail....
39. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
However, if this is that work of God, no matter what you do, your arms are too short to box with God!
40. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
This is almost funny...
1.) They agreed with him
but...
2.) They decided to beat the Apostles
and
3.) Told them to stop it
and
4.) let them go.
They agreed withe the great Rabbi, but they just had to have the last word...
41. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
The apostoles left not dejected, but happy that they go to suffer for the Cause of the Gospel and they continued to do what they had been doing.
