Theory question 106
Persecution of the Early ChurchHow did God use Gamaliel to further the cause of christianity in the early church? Mention any four types of opposition that are confronting the christian church today.
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The apostles were arrested for preaching, freed by an angel and brought again before the council (Acts 5:17-27).
They refused to stop preaching, saying "We must obey God rather than men"; the council was enraged and wanted to kill them (Acts 5:29-33).
Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, had the apostles put outside and addressed the council (Acts 5:34-35).
He reminded them of Theudas and Judas the Galilean, whose movements came to nothing after they died (Acts 5:36-37).
He advised them to leave these men alone: if the work is of men it will fail, but if it is of God they cannot overthrow it and may be found fighting God (Acts 5:38-39).
The council took his advice, beat the apostles, charged them not to speak in Jesus' name and let them go (Acts 5:40).
The apostles rejoiced and continued teaching daily in the temple and in homes (Acts 5:41-42).
Opposition today (any four): persecution and killing of Christians by extremists; government restrictions; false teachers and doctrines; secularism and materialism; divisions within the church; occultism and secret cults; mockery and ridicule.
Show how Gamaliel's advice saved the apostles, then four modern oppositions.