The apostles are in trouble with the priests, Pharisees and Sadducees who have brought them before the ruling council. Once again they are warned not to speak in “this name.” These men knew that by using the name of Jesus Christ the apostles unleashed the power of the One who bore the name. They had seen what that name could do and wanted to erase it from the minds of the people. Note that, though they were leaders in the Jewish faith, they did not know the Book they had been given by God to be their guide for life. They said to the apostles: “… you have filled Jerusalem with YOUR doctrine.” These religious leaders were ignorant of God’s Word about His Messiah. Why would those who claimed to be God’s messengers to His people not know what He said in His Holy Bible? An explanation is in order.

In the past while suffering in Babylonian captivity for 70 years the Jews gradually distanced themselves from the Scriptures and began to follow the teachings of the elders of Judaism. Eventually their beliefs, teachings and doctrines came to be recorded in what is known as the Talmud–a vile collection of heretical doctrines and beliefs that become the primary teaching text within the Jewish priesthood. It is reported that the same holds true today. The men the apostles were dealing with were students of the Talmud, not the Tora and prophets who are described in the Scriptures as “holy men of God who spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21). The words of these holy men were then recorded by their scribes. The Lord preserved their writings in what has come to be known as the Old Testament. He then commanded that they be used to teach His New Covenant Church–a tiny remnant of true saints who would be obeying Him when Jesus Christ returns to close out this age (1 Cor. 19:11).

One of the fears expressed by the rulers was that by preaching in the name of Jesus of Nazareth the apostles would “bring this man’s blood upon us.” Their fears were coming too late; the blood of Jesus Christ had descended upon them when they put Him to death.

Verses twenty-nine through thirty-two: Upon hearing the council’s warning, Peter replied that the people of God had to obey Him rather than men, which is the sole message put forth on this website. Unfortunately, the Lord’s message to professing Christendom is summarily rejected by the whole of Catholicism/Protestantism. See the Introduction to this website for some examples. In verse 31 we find a statement that is both rejected and hated by the whole of professing Christendom–that Jesus came to earth to be a prince and a Savior to, and to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to ISRAEL. Gentiles who want to enter God’s kingdom must become spiritual ISRAELITES by embracing, believing and obeying the God of Israel and His Son. See Replacement Theology and White Fields for proof that Gentiles have not replaced Israel as God’s Chosen People.

Verse thirty-three: Here we find religious leaders reacting to God’s Truth exactly as do church people today–they were “cut to the heart.” And just as do churchites today, they rejected the “Sword of the Spirit”–God’s Word (Eph. 6:17). In those days the religious hierarchy could and did kill those who disagreed with them. Today God’s people are simply rejected and ostracized. But as I have said before, this will change. L.J.