Acts 5 - 1.3.23

Scripture

Acts 5:38-39

“… 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. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

Observation

In Acts 5, the apostles are put in jail for performing signs and wonders. An angel comes in the middle of the night, releases them, and tells them to continue to “tell the people all about this new life” – which they did! They were called before the Sanhedrin, and this time, they were going to be put to death. But one of the Sadducees cautioned in vs. 35, “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.” He pointed out other times when revolutionary leaders had a following, and nothing ended up coming of it. He says “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. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Instead of killing them, the Sanhedrin had them flogged, ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And as we all know, it didn’t turn out as they expected!

Understanding

But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men. If we have been called by God, then men, or circumstances, will not be able to stop us. It is not our fight – it is God’s! I Thessalonians 5:24 - The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

Life Application

Has God spoken to you – a promise or a calling? He is faithful and will fulfill it. One calling He has placed on all of us: Matthew 28:19-20 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

God, help me to remember that I have been called by You. When I am weak, frustrated with waiting, lacking in faith, or scared to step out, help me to remember that it is Your fight. You are in control of the outcome. It is only my job to obey.

- Debbie Dunn