[주일설교] 사도행전 강해 22 | 관망하는 가말리엘과 헌신하는 사도들 (행 5:33-42) | 09-27-2026 | 안선홍 목사

Amen. The word of God given to us today is from Acts chapter 5, verses 33 to 42. Let us read it responsively. “When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill the apostles. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up in the council and ordered the apostles to be put outside for a little while. He said to them, ‘Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. For before these days, Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and led a revolt, and he too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!’” His words were of benefit to them. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. They ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. The apostles left the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

Gamaliel and the Apostles

Dear friends, the passage we are studying today, Acts 5:33-42, presents two groups of people on the same stage. On one side are people like Gamaliel, the most distinguished intellects and honored individuals of that time, who stand with their arms crossed, safely observing and saying, “Let’s wait and see what the outcome will be.” On the other side are the committed apostles. They are being torn apart and shedding blood for the truth of the gospel, running wholeheartedly toward Christ. The world tends to value those who, like Gamaliel, safely observe from a distance. They are often regarded as wise. However, today the Bible asks us: Are we merely observers, or are we witnesses committed to the work of Christ?

The apostles stood before the council as defendants, but they were not afraid. Instead, they boldly proclaimed to the council, “The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.” They declared that God made Jesus the Savior and Lord, granting repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. They argued that the forgiveness of sins, which was thought to be granted only through the temple sacrifices, is now given through Jesus Christ. These uneducated and ordinary Galilean fishermen were fearlessly proclaiming the gospel in the midst of the highest authority, and the council members were enraged by their call to receive forgiveness of sins.