Theory question 107
Persecution of the Early Church(a) Give an account of Gamaliel's intervention during the arrest of the apostles. (b) State three ways by which Christians can promote the growth of the church.
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(a) The apostles were arrested, freed by an angel, and brought before the council again (Acts 5:17-27).
They said, "We must obey God rather than men"; the council wanted to kill them (Acts 5:29-33).
Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, had them put outside (Acts 5:34).
He warned the council to be careful (Acts 5:35).
He recalled Theudas and Judas the Galilean, whose movements failed (Acts 5:36-37).
He advised: let them alone; if it is of men it will fail, but if of God you cannot overthrow it and may be fighting God (Acts 5:38-39).
The council agreed, beat the apostles, charged them not to speak in Jesus' name and released them (Acts 5:40).
They rejoiced and kept teaching daily (Acts 5:41-42).
(b) Any three: evangelism; prayer; giving to support the work; holy living; using their gifts in service; unity and love; caring for new converts.
Narrate Acts 5:17-42, then three ways.