54
The Acts of the Apostles
Peter and John is as heroic as any in the gospel dispensation. As they
stood for the second time before the men who seemed bent on their
destruction, no fear or hesitation could be discerned in their words or
attitude. And when the high priest said, “Did we not straitly command
you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled
[82]
Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood
upon us,” Peter answered, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
It was an angel from heaven who delivered them from prison and
bade them teach in the temple. In following his directions they were
obeying the divine command, and this they must continue to do at
whatever cost to themselves.
Then the Spirit of Inspiration came upon the disciples; the accused
became the accusers, charging the murder of Christ upon those who
composed the council. “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus,” Peter
declared, “whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted
with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance
to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses of these
things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them
that obey Him.”
So enraged were the Jews at these words that they decided to take
the law into their own hands and without further trial, or without au-
thority from the Roman officers, to put the prisoners to death. Already
guilty of the blood of Christ, they were now eager to stain their hands
with the blood of His disciples.
But in the council there was one man who recognized the voice
of God in the words spoken by the disciples. This was Gamaliel, a
Pharisee of good reputation and a man of learning and high position.
His clear intellect saw that the violent step contemplated by the priests
would lead to terrible consequences. Before addressing those present,
he requested that the prisoners be removed. He well knew the elements
[83]
he had to deal with; he knew that the murderers of Christ would hesitate
at nothing in order to carry out their purpose.
He then spoke with great deliberation and calmness, saying: “Ye
men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching
these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to
be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined
themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were
scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of