Chapter 8—Before the Sanhedrin
This chapter is based on
Acts 5:12-42
.
It was the cross, that instrument of shame and torture, which
brought hope and salvation to the world. The disciples were but
humble men, without wealth, and with no weapon but the word of
God; yet in Christ’s strength they went forth to tell the wonderful
story of the manger and the cross, and to triumph over all opposition.
Without earthly honor or recognition, they were heroes of faith. From
their lips came words of divine eloquence that shook the world.
In Jerusalem, where the deepest prejudice existed, and where the
most confused ideas prevailed in regard to Him who had been crucified
as a malefactor, the disciples continued to speak with boldness the
words of life, setting before the Jews the work and mission of Christ,
His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Priests and rulers heard
with amazement the clear, bold testimony of the apostles. The power of
the risen Saviour had indeed fallen on the disciples, and their work was
[78]
accompanied by signs and miracles that daily increased the number
of believers. Along the streets where the disciples were to pass, the
people laid their sick “on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow
of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.” Here also were
brought those vexed with unclean spirits. The crowds gathered round
them, and those who were healed shouted the praises of God and
glorified the name of the Redeemer.
The priests and rulers saw that Christ was extolled above them.
As the Sadducees, who did not believe in a resurrection, heard the
apostles declaring that Christ had risen from the dead, they were
enraged, realizing that if the apostles were allowed to preach a risen
Saviour, and to work miracles in His name, the doctrine that there
would be no resurrection would be rejected by all, and the sect of the
Sadducees would soon become extinct. The Pharisees were angry
as they perceived that the tendency of the disciples’ teaching was to
51