Wisdom of Gamaliel

We continue to encounter the development of the early church through the lens of the Acts of the Apostles. We see the apostles be filled with the Holy Spirit then go forth speaking and spreading the good news of christ, a task that encountered success as well as challenges along the way.

Today in Acts chapter 5, we encounter the Apostles in hot water. The Sanhedrin is seeking to silence this motley crew spouting off about Christ causing a disturbance. They want to get rid of them at any cost. Then Gamaliel, one respected by all people, stood up and said the following,

"Fellow children of Israel, be careful what you are about to do to these men. Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him, but he was killed, and all those who were loyal to him were disbanded and came to nothing. After him came Judas the Galilean at the time of the Cenus. He also drew people after him, but he too perished and all who were loyal to him were scattered. So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourself fighting against God."


So, after 2000 years the answer to the question is staring us in the face. Is this church of human origin or is it of God?

Here Gamaliel again, "For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourself fighting against God."

Which is it? Human origin or Divinely orchestrated.

Here alone finds the answer to the comment I often here about the church. Many not catholics speak of the church being man made with man rules. Yet, after 2000 years does this not speak of divinely instituted reality.

In Christ the man God the church is founded and continues to spread the message and proclaim the good news.

In the words of Blessed John Cardinal Newmann, "to be deep into history is to cease being protestant."

To be deep into history reveals the truth of the church that is alive even today by the power and for the glory of God.