Monday 24, August 2026

After appealing to reason, we need to offer people something to reason about. Especially if diffusing a tense atmosphere. This is another nugget I found in the larger narrative of the jailbreak and trial. Are there any nuggets that you find in Today’s Holy Nougat?

Acts of the Apostles 5:36-37 CEB

[36] Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and some four hundred men joined him. After he was killed, all of his followers scattered, and nothing came of that.

[37] Afterward, at the time of the census, Judas the Galilean appeared and got some people to follow him in a revolt. He was killed too, and all his followers scattered far and wide.

New Evidence

Gamaliel switched from the role of juror to lawyer seamlessly. The facts he cited were not previously raised in the trial. Rather, he introduced new evidence to the Sanhedrin. He referenced two points of precedent as evidence: Theudas and Judas, the Galilean. To ensure that everyone operated from the same page, he offered a bit of context about each person.

Reflection on the Nougat

A. Did you find the examples to be positive or negative, and why?

B. Based on A, how relevant were the examples to aiding the apostles’ cause?

Deeper Dive

From my vantage point, Gamaliel’s examples had no bearing on the case at hand. Then I recalled that he was a strategist. In defusing his colleagues, Gamaliel cited two lost causes that aligned with their views about the apostles. From his presentation, we can assume that both Theudas and Judas were rebels without godly causes. They were the kind of people from whom the Sanhedrin sought to protect the Jews.

[That was the Sanhedrin’s perception of the apostles. Perhaps rightly so. We’ve met a few of those radicals, whether in person or in the news. The doomsday prophets and some who offer very radical views on the faith who proved to be cult leaders, not Christians. It was reasonable for the Sanhedrin to be wary and leery of the apostles’ doctrine. They obviously had not truly encountered Christ, so the apostles’ doctrine seemed dangerous. We don’t know whether Gamaliel had encountered Christ, but his argument seemed sound.]

In appealing to reason, what we say matters. A group that is already fired up and incited can easily become a fiery furnace. We must choose our words and our evidence carefully. (It’s a lesson I’m learning more and more these days).

As Christians, our words must offer life, life in Christ Jesus, for that is our testimony of Him. James dedicated a chapter in his epistle to warn against what we say. As we walk more intentionally into the influence we have in Christ, may our appeals to reason be to His glory.

Point to Ponder

What are some of the ways we can diffuse tension in our spaces of work, worship, and witness? May God provide us with the boldness and courage when needed.

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May all we seek be found in Christ