Peter and the apostles were brought before the Council and they said, in part, “We must obey God rather than men.”  (Acts 5:29) 

  How did men on that Council react?
(NASB) Acts 5:33 “But when they heard this, they were cut to the quick and intended to kill them.” 

  Hot-headed reaction to truth; their explosive, emotional anger was in control. 
  How do you respond to the God of the Bible’s words? 

  How did Gamaliel, a member of the Council respond?
(NASB) Acts 5:34 “But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time.”    

  Gamaliel’s wise action revealed his cool-headed logic.  He was a man, well respected by his peers and apparently he had authority as a teacher of the Law. 
  Do you think before you react or do you permit anger to control you? 

  What were Gamaliel’s illustrations?
(NASB) Acts 5:35-37 “…‘Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men.
36 ‘For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him.  But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.
37 ‘After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who followed him were scattered.” 

  What was Gamaliel’s wise counsel?
(NASB) Acts 5:38-39 “So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown;
39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.” 

  When we stand boldly to “obey God rather than men”, what can we expect?  Opposition!
  What do we need to remember? 

Remember: those who are against the followers of Christ are “fighting against God.”
Remember: “The Lord is for me; I will not fear;
What can man do to me?”  (NASB) Psalm 118:6