Pharisee Gamaliel Acts 5 Proof Jesus IS the Son of God

Illustration fromBrockhaus and Efrom
Jewish Enclyclopedia (1906-1913)
source: Wikimedia

Who do you say that I am?  Eyewitness Accounts and More

"If it is of GOD you cannot overthrow it..."

Thoughts on the eyewitness accounts and testimonies bearing witness to the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, Jesus Christ.  Son of God. Messiah.  This is not an exhaustive documentation but a brief exploration of the Scripture verses that come immediately to my mind when I think about it.

Blog post article by Mary Katherine May

The Apostle Peter voiced the truthful testimony to the question that every committed Christian must answer.  Who do you say that I am?  A statement so beautiful, so rich in truth, so profound.

Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God. 

Yet, even the demons know of the Savior.  When Satan has a hold of people, an admission of Christ's divinity rips at their hearts, a nearly unbearable torment, and each time it happens an instant decision must be made on which way to turn--toward the Light or deeper into darkness.  The most sad of all is when there are no more decisions or torment because it means that the soul is so far from God that all hope is lost, and most likely lost forever. This place of infinite darkness is, however, left not for us to decide but remains in the hands of God. (Matthew 7:1)

Those who wish to deny the divinity of Jesus Christ will often say that they have read the Bible and the proof is not there.  It is a clear teaching, though, that nothing will be revealed to the hardened heart.  When you go to Scripture and read with the mindset of proving it untrue that is nearly always what you will find.  When you go to Scripture with an open mind or a seeking heart, you will discover where God is, and that is RIGHT HERE all along and that truth is a delight beyond compare of anything else delightful.

Jesus of Nazareth, Son of God, lived, died, and lived again through the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit.  Of those who witnessed the events then and following there are eyewitness accounts.

 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life, the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us, that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. (1 John 1: 1-4 NKJV)

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.  Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.  And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” (Acts of the Apostles 5: 29-32 NKJV)

The last Scripture is also from Acts 5, and that spoken by the Pharisee Gamaliel.  How this applies to today came to mind just today as I was reading the 1 John verses in this article.

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.  And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.  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.  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.  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; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” (Acts 5: 34-39 NKJV)

"If it is of God, you cannot overthrow it..."

Here we are, dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, nearly 2,000 years have past since those prophetic words were spoken by the Pharisee Gamaliel.  We have not been overthrown even though despised, tortured, defamed and denied.  The Holy Spirit still burns bright in the souls of the people of The Way who are called Christians.  Thanks be to God! Who giveth us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ!

Amen.