The

church faced trouble from within and without. As it grew in numbers

and in ministry, there was jealousy from the religious rulers and

teachers. It was hard to ignore what was happening, especially when

the apostles were jailed one day and then they were found outside

prison the next day, telling more people about new life in Jesus.

The

guards checked all the doors and locks. They had no idea how the

prisoners escaped. But the apostles knew they were released by an

angel of the Lord and told to share the story of Jesus in the temple

courts.

At

the news that the apostles were still pointing people to Jesus, the

religious leaders did not pause to reflect on the wonder of this

release from prison. They did not want to understand what was

happening. Instead, they were furious and wanted to kill the

followers of Jesus.

Then

a well-respected leader named Gamaliel stood up and spoke some words

of caution and wisdom. There had been other groups that attracted a

following, but over time, none of them amounted to anything. Gamaliel

could see that if this new movement had no real foundation, it would

fail. But if it came from God, there was no point in trying to fight

God.

Gamaliel’s

argument has prevailed. Today, 2,000 years later, it’s clear that

the church is from God!