Saturday 22, August 2026

Siblings, if someone were to ask you which bible character you’d wish to be like, aside from Jesus, who would it be? This is less about favourites or our personality. Rather, it’s a question about our spiritual aspirations. In an era where social media feeds include quizzes about biblical archetypes, this question may connect with us. As we ponder, let’s consider Today’s Holy Nougat, which presents a Pharisee with good judgement.

Acts of the Apostles 5:34 CEB

[34] One council member, a Pharisee and teacher of the Law named Gamaliel, well-respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be taken outside for a few moments.

The Influencer

Gamaliel was an influencer. As a teacher of the Law, his words and opinions made a difference. We do not know the extent of his reach, but his peers clearly respected him. Paul was one of his students and referred to him in his personal story to the crowd in Jerusalem (see Acts 22:3). While he may have brainwashed Paul against Christ, we recognise that Gamaliel was still influential at the time Paul spoke. His name was associated with excellence in Jewish education. Our Nougat confirms that Gamaliel was a Sanhedrin member (i.e., he served in the higher Jewish court). In short, Gamaliel carried clout. Enough to request that the apostles be removed from the room while the Sanhedrin conferred, and his request was granted.

Self-Check

If our influence were currency, what would it be worth in faith circles?

Deeper Dive

At this point, we do not know what Gamaliel would say for or against the apostles. But we do know that his proposal could sway the Sanhedrin. It mattered. People of influence can transform lives in various contexts: communicators in news and social media, teachers and examiners, musical and other artists, sports figures, lawyers, and even preachers. Many of them carry personal influence.

Siblings, Gamaliel’s influence invites us to reflect on how we use our own. Personal influence relates to one’s ability to impact decisions, thoughts, choices and actions of others. We hear lots about influencers, and may have even adopted that mode in social media or elsewhere (I’m told it pays well); but I propose that our sphere of influence as believers must first be spiritual.

As we reflect on our spheres of influence, we may wish to examine our four C’s: Character, Competence, Communication, and Conviction in Christ. (The last is my own addition).

Who we are matters, and our words must mirror our actions. Whether we’re honest, punctual, courteous or not are Character traits. They often speak before we say a word. We all are experts at something (or we are in the process of becoming experts). The expertise is our Competency. It’s what we do well that others wish to emulate or causes others to take our thoughts seriously. To fully influence others, we must also Communicate our views, whether in canvas, dance, music, or words. Sometimes, our clothing and attitude also speak for us, so we must be careful that our message is authentic in every way.

The three C’s for us as Christians are dependent on the fourth: Conviction in Christ. Although misguided, the religious leaders were governed by their convictions, and they were not easily swayed. We must know in Whom we believe to the point where we can say, like Paul, that we are wholly convinced and unashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is not only the power of God unto salvation, but also the Source of our commitment beyond this lifetime (see Romans 1:16 and 1 Timothy 1:12). That’s what makes our influence special.

Being an influencer is important. But knowing when and how to use our personal influence is even more critical. This is a discernment issue. We can ask God to help us discern who needs our influence, where it is most needed, how best to use our influence, and when to use it (since timing is everything). These are areas that God specialises in, and has already prepared a plan of action for our lives. What better way to impact others than to do so at God’s directive.

Point to Ponder

Is Gamaliel a Bible character we’d like to emulate?

Prayer Point

Lord, please hone our discernment and direct our personal influence to transform lives for Your glory. Amen

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May all we seek be found in Christ