THE SPIRIT OF COMPROMISE Acts 5:33-42 By David J. Riggs

THE SPIRIT OF COMPROMISE

Acts 5:33-42By David J. Riggs

Sermon by David J Riggs 3-24-2003 Larry A Bunch 2


33When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. 34Then 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. 35And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.



36For 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. 37After 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.



38And 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; 39but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it--lest you even be found to fight against God.” 40And 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.



41So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.



“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” Matt.12:30



Acts 3:1-10 Acts 3:11-26 Acts 4:7 Acts 4:8-12 Acts 4:13 Acts 4:17-18 Acts 4:19-20

Chapter 5Acts 5:17-18Acts 5:19Acts 5:25-26Acts 5:26-29Acts 5:33Acts 5:34-39

Things Which Transpired Before Gamaliel's Advice



The Man Gamaliel Acts 5:34 … a Pharisee in the council named

Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, …

Acts 22:3 Paul said he was: "… educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, …”



John 3:1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him."



Luke 23:50-53 50Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, 51who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. 52This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid.



John 11:47 … this man performs many signs.

Acts 4:16 … a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

John 20:30-31



The Spirit Of Compromise In More Recent Times

J.W. McGarvey



“The alien, not being under Christ's covenant, is not judged by its laws, but is judged by the universal law under which he lives.” (The Divorced and Remarried Who Would Come to God, by Homer Hailey, p. 24-25)



Matt.28:19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."



Mark 16:15And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.



2 Thess.1:7and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,



Acts 17:30-31 – All are commanded to Repent

Acts 3:22Moses said, 'The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to Him in whatever He tells you. 23And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.'



“A false teacher is surely one whose dishonest motives and/or ignorance distinguish him from the sincere brother who has reached an erroneous conclusion.” (Ed Harrell, “Homer Hailey: False Teacher?,” Christianity Magazine, Nov., 1988, p. 9)



“I do not regard Homer Hailey as a false teacher... because I am persuaded by his conduct & his arguments that he honestly believes that he is faithful to God's teaching on the subject.” (“Divorce & Fellowship,” Ed Harrell, written speech at FC Open Forum, Feb., 1991)





Though on the surface it may appear that Gamaliel gave good advice and therefore he was a good man

However, what did his advice do so far as his soul was concerned?

In reality, Gamaliel had the spirit of compromise, which might be good in the common affairs of men, but with Jesus it is not good



“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” Matt. 12:30

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THE SPIRIT OF COMPROMISE Acts 5:33-42 By David J. Riggs