The apostles were arrested and brought before the High Priest for preaching and healing in Jesus' name. They were told not to do this again. The apostles responded that they must obey God rather than men. When the council heard this, they were angry but a Pharisee named Gamaliel advised caution, saying that if the apostles' work was not from God it would fail but if it was from God they could not stop it without fighting God. The apostles were beaten but departed rejoicing that they were worthy to suffer for Jesus. They continued preaching and healing daily.

1. www.rossvillechurch.com 781 Salem Road, Rossville, GA 30741 The apostles were arrested again , and brought before the High Priest and his partners in crime. September 7, 2011 "We told you not to preach or heal in Jesus' Name."

2. Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, Whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with His Right Hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost , Whom God hath given to them that obey Him. Their answer :

3. 33 When they (council) heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. "They were cut to the heart." That should have brought them to their knees in repentance . Instead, they plotted to kill the apostles. These men were not fit to judge anyone!

4. The high priest and his cronies were given the plan of salvation; they could have been saved. Opportunity wasted But they were given the opportunity. We too must give men and women the opportunity to be saved from sin and from hell. What they do with it is up to them. We don't make the judgment that they won't accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, so we won't tell them the Good News.

5. 34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel , a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; 35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

6. 36 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. If God has called us and anointed us, we don't have to boast of who we are. God will make it known that we are His . Live life God's Way; people will notice.

7. 37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. 38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men , it will come to nought : 39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

8. 40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them , they commanded that they should not speak in the Name of Jesus, and let them go. They beat them, but did not kill them. How did the apostles respond to a beating?

9. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name. This is the proper response to suffering for the Name of Jesus .

10. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. Being put in prison , threatened , and even beaten with whips did not slow them down. Every day they taught and preached in Jesus' Name. They continued to heal the sick and lame In Jesus' Name.

11. We must be as faithful as were the apostles . Be about the Lord's Work every day. On the job, at school, neighborhood, Wal-mart. Witness, pray, lift up the Name of Jesus by the way you live your life .

12. Gamaliel said to be careful not to fight against God. Not every ministry will be just like ours . Don't fight against them because they're different. Leave it in God's Hands . If they are loving and serving the Lord , We're not enemies; we are brothers and sisters .