The Saturday after Reminiscere Sunday
Posted on March 22, 2025 by under
Scripture: Acts 5:34-42 (NKJV)
5:34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Devotion
The Lord Jesus Christ tells His disciples, “Beware of false prophets… You will know them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:15-16). The chief “fruit” of faithful servants is that they actually preach the Scriptures and keep what Christ actually commanded therein. But there are other “fruits” of less importance which still help to distinguish the true preachers from the false. Gamaliel, in our text, identifies one of them, saying, “if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing…” The work of the Apostles did not come to nothing, but continued to the present day. It will continue till the end, because it is God’s work.
The doctrine of the Christian Church does not change. This does not mean that we should accept something as true just because it is old. There are many old lies. But it does mean that, if a doctrine is new, it is certainly false. And this is one way the saints of God can distinguish between true and false preachers. If anyone preaches something new, avoid him. Eventually he will come to nothing, even though he gains many followers at first. But seek that Church and those preachers who teach the doctrine of Scripture, unchanged since the time of the Apostles, which has been taught at all times by those faithful to Christ.
Collect: O God, Who seest that of ourselves we have no strength: Keep us both outwardly and inwardly; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Season of Lent
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
