Sunday 23, August 2026

Many people claim that we can find every life lesson in the Bible. I don’t agree, but the Bible contains some solid nuggets on leadership and other important topics. I’d never thought that there would be information on being an influencer. Yet, here it is, in the middle of a story on witnessing and integrity. Let’s reflect on this some more as we consider Today’s Holy Nougat

Acts of the Apostles 5:35 CEB

[35] He said, “Fellow Israelites, consider carefully what you intend to do to these people.

Influencers’ Charisma

Have you ever participated in or attended a debating event? In many countries, the political ones are streamed or aired live. I’m referring, however, to school or other debates, since national budgets or elections are often subject to partisan biases. In ‘normal’ debates, the speaker’s aim is to sway the audience to their cause. Persuasive facts and emotive language are part of the structure, and there is scope for the opposition to offer their views. Charisma, the power to influence and inspire, is a great tool in such settings.

This was not a debate according to our standards. But it carries that feel. It is believed that the rhetoric of debating evolved from philosophical dialogues and political councils of ancient Greece and Rome. We can see patterns of debating in court cases. And to all intents and purposes, the Sanhedrin was a court. Gamaliel was a legitimate member of the high court; he had voice and influence, and he knew how to use it wisely. He was charismatic.

Once the apostles left the room, Gamaliel addressed the Sanhedrin. He began with the emotive language of fraternity. The phrase ‘Fellow Israelites’ invoked memories of a shared history and ancestry from Abraham to the present time of their gathering. His appeal also reminded them that as the Sanhedrin, their role was to preserve the heritage as had the patriarchs in times past. Those words called for unity of thought and action regarding the matter under debate.

Self-Check

What persuasive tools do we employ in our speeches?

Digging Deeper

Gamaliel didn’t leave much to chance – he then introduced the concept of reason. He invited them to ‘carefully consider’. This suggests that he was not a participant in the debate. He could have been the chief juror in this highly charged court, or the judge in a serious debate.

Siblings, Gamaliel assessed the room, noted that tensions were high and deflected it by reverting to the mission. The matter at hand was a decision concerning the defiant acts by Y’shua’s apostles. He knew that what the apostles taught amounted to heresy in their context. He also knew that Peter’s words had incurred the wrath of the chief priest and several others in the room. We are told that they wanted to kill the apostles. He knew that this was a real possibility. Whether he believed the apostles were justified in their approach or not, he realised that tempers needed to be in check for a genuine judgement to be passed. He needed to act decisively.

Gamaliel understood that this was a kairos moment, that is, one which would change the course of history – at least for the apostles, their believers, and the entire Jewish community. In four words, Gamaliel reminded the Sanhedrin of their shared heritage, their sociopolitical status, and the purpose of their meeting. He was not the chief priest, but he knew he had social capital.

Siblings, we also have social capital that can be used to transform rooms for God’s glory. In many instances, we might not be aware of the value of our insights to others, but that doesn’t negate it. We might just need the Lord to open our eyes to what we possess. For if, as Paul tells the church in Philippians 1:6, the Lord has begun a good work in us, then the work is essential to someone. It may be a matter of time for the revelation.

Not one of us is called to remain the same as we came to Christ. We are each called to be sent. We are sent by Y’shua as sheep among wolves (see Matthew 10:16). We are sent like Abram to be a blessing wherever we go (see Genesis 12:1-3). It means then that we will face opposition, but God has already charted our course and blessed us for life’s journeys. But first, we must believe in and accept by faith what God has in store for our lives.

Point to Ponder

Charisma is rooted in the concept of moving under the influence of God’s Spirit to influence others. If this is so, are we using our charisma wisely?

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May all we seek be found in Christ