FIGHTERS AGAINST GOD WILL NOT PREVAIL!

Persecuted  but Uncompromising

The foremost example in uncompromising devotion to Jehovah is Jesus, who was falsely accuse of sedition and of disturbing the established order.  After examining the case of Jesus, Pilate was willing to release him.  But the crowd, goaded on by the religious leaders, cried for Jesus to be impaled, although he was innocent.  In place of him, they called for the release of Barabbas-a man imprisoned for sedition and murder!   Pilate again tried to dissuade the unreasonable opposers, but he finally gave way to the public clamor.  (Luke 23:2, 5, 14, 18-25)  Though Jesus died on a stake, the heinous satanic attack on the innocent Son of God failed completely, for Jehovah resurrected Jesus and exalted  him to His own right hand.  And on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., through the glorified Jesus, holy spirit was poured out, establishing the Christian congregation-"a new creation." - 2 Corinthians 5:17; Acts 2:1-4.

Shortly therafter the religious element threatened the apostles, but those followers of Christ did not stop speaking about the things that they had seen and heard.  Jesus' disciples prayed:  "Jehovah, give attention to their threats, and grant your slaves to keep speaking you word with all boldness."  (Acts 4:29)  Jehovah answered their supplication by filling them with holy spirit and strengthening them to continue their fearless proclamation.  Soon the apostles were again ordered to stop preaching, but Peter and the other apostles replied:  "We must obey God as ruler rather than men."  (Acts 5:29)  Threats and arrests, and floggings could not deter them from expanding their Kingdom activity. 

How did the religious rulers react?  "They felt deeply cut and were wanting to do away with [the apostles]."  However, a Law teacher by the name of Gamaliel, a Pharisee, was present, and he was esteemed by all the people.  Putting the apostles outside the Sanhedrin hall for a short time, he advised those religious  opposers:  "Men of Israel, pay attention to yourselves as to what you intend to do respecting these men. . . . I say to you, do not meddle with these men, but let them alone; (because, if this scheme or this work is from men, it will be overthrown; but if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them;)  otherwise, you may perhaps be found fighters  actually against God." -Acts 5:33-39.

Next time: No Weapon Formed Against Us Will Succeed

Watchtower, 2000