All Christians must realize that we are soldiers in a rather significant battle (I Timothy 6:12).  Our fight is against all manner of
evil and our weaponry is spiritual (Ephesians 6:10-17 and II Corinthians 10:3-4).  One of the evils we face is that of false
doctrine and hypocrisy.  Faithful Christians are expected to be ready to defend the truth (Philippians 1:17 and Jude 3) and
expose unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11).  In all of the local work I have done I have tried my best to keep fresh
these facts.  However, I have noticed, all too often, that many of the soldiers in this battle aren’t ready or willing to stand on the
“front lines”.  In fact, some sit so far back at the sign of a battle you’d think they just got out of line for tryouts to be a water
boy.

   Too many who bear the name Christian, put on the armor, and take hold of the sword of the Spirit; are not willing to step up
when needed.  In many battles they sit back and wait to see what side will be victorious before they choose their allegiance.  
Sadly, they have either never understood or have sorely forgotten that the battle is for the Lord, His body, and the truth He
died to set forth in this world.

   Not too long ago I watched part of a news cast where a democrat (Joe Lieberman) was being interviewed by Sean Hannity
on the Fox News Channel.  Sean Hannity was trying to get Joe Lieberman to endorse either a Republican or Democrat for the
upcoming Presidential race.  Lieberman kept saying he was going to wait and see who would win the primary elections and
then he would make his endorsement.  Unlike most Democrats, he said he could possibly be endorsing a Republican because
of the Iraq conflict and the “War on Terror” our country is involved in.  However, he would not set forth a name to endorse.  
What does that have to do with this subject and why would I even mention something I find little interest in anyway.  Well, as I
listened to this interview I thought of how many brethren who sit back and wait to see what the popular positions are going to
be.  They wait to see who’ll agree with them before they teach something.  They take  
polls of brethren about what they think about a particular doctrine.  Folks, when Christians sound like politicians, something is
wrong!   


   Notice this account: “And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked
them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled
Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.  Then 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 ye slew
and hanged on a tree.  Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance
to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.  And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God
hath given to them that obey him.  When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.  
Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all
the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to
yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.  For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be
somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as
obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.  After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing,
and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.  And
now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will
come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.  And to
him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak
in the name of Jesus, and let them go” (Acts 5:27-40).

   After reading the above account, ask yourself where Gamaliel stood.  Do you think he stood with the Apostles?  If so, why
was he not beaten?  Do you think he stood against them, if so why were they set free?  The fact is, Gamaliel did not stand with
them or against them.  He did not proudly proclaim that this counsel was of God.  In fact, he put it to question by saying “if it be
of God…”.  If you reread this account, compare Peter and the other Apostles answer to the council with that of Gamaliel.  
Peter didn’t leave any question about where he stood.  Now, ask yourself how many times you’ve seen the Gamaliel type of
answers among brethren.  The “ifs” is where they stand because that buys them a way out of conflict.  Of course, IF the
majority will agree with their suggestion, they’ll grow bolder.  Do folks know where you stand?  We shouldn’t be able to stop
proclaiming the name of Christ and His truth regardless of where others stand!  Who cares what’ll happen because we stand
for what is right in the sight of our Lord!  Jesus didn’t leave Jerusalem when He was to face death for you (Matthew 16:21).


   Those who stand for the truth do not do so in a way that leaves an escape route.  You’ll know with certainty where and with
whom the faithful stand.  The earlier occasion of Peter and John being brought before the Counsel is another demonstration of
what standing really is.  In conclusion, notice how we should all sound: “And when they had set them in the midst, they
asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye
rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by
what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus
Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before
you whole.  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.  
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must
be saved.  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant
men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus...  And they called them, and
commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.  But Peter and John answered and said unto
them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.  For we cannot but
speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:7-13; 18-20).  
Volume VII   ~   Issue XLI   ~   July 8th, 2007
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)?  Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17), repent of their
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6).  Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16).  One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10).
Edited by: Brian A. Yeager
“I’ll Sit Back and See What Happens”
By: Brian A. Yeager
Where Did Gamaliel Stand?
Conclusion