Acts 5:38-42
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. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

And Gamaliel was right, for it has not yet been overthrown. This was not the work of men. This was not the disciples’ idea. This was not something they were doing of their own accord. This was the very work of God. And it has been preserved and has persisted through the centuries. The gospel message remains the same. The message of salvation is proclaimed even still. Many have tried, like these religious rulers, to stop it. The apostles were killed for it, along with many faithful Christians over the years. Many have tried to silence the message of the Word of God. And yet it goes on. It cannot be overcome. None can fight against God and hope to prevail.

And look how the disciples reacted. Gone were the people who’d cowered in the upper room behind a locked door. They are not afraid. They are not discouraged. They are not deterred. They rejoice to suffer for Jesus’ sake. They rejoice that they are able to endure this. They continue their preaching with diligence and passion. Because they are trusting in God, they cannot be overthrown, either.

Those of us who believe in Christ today are truly the legacy of the faith and persistence of the apostles from so long ago. Their choice to obey God rather than man meant that they could be instruments for God’s word and truth to reach our generation. This work cannot be overthrown. It will continue on until the end comes. And we can have a part in it, if we are willing to obey God, to have faith, to endure the shame for Jesus’ sake. It’s not an easy calling, but it is a worthwhile one. And each of us who calls Jesus our Lord has the opportunity to help those who come after us to know about Jesus as we cease not to teach and preach about Him.