despite all

The Book of Acts recorded many aspects of the early church, namely, the one led by the Apostles. The Apostles healed and performed miracles in Jesus' Name, and as a result, their number greatly increased. Afraid and jealous, the high priest and all his associates arrested them and put them to jail. But during the night, an angel of the Lord opened the jail doors and brought them out.

"Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."

Imagine how furious and distressed these men of high position were when they heard the next day: the Apostles were once again preaching the Gospel to the people! The following is recorded in Acts 5:33-39:

"When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put [the Apostles] to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed them: 'Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about 400 men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in teh days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.'"

That was one man's common sense nearly 2000 years ago. Today, there are men and women and children all over the world fighting and sacrificing their lives for the Truth, and their number continues to multiply each day. As my mom likes to say, "Why do you think they do that? Are they in any way less 'smart' than others that they would not choose to live a comfortable, agreeable life?"

The fact is, the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been made real to them in their hearts and in their lives. Once you truly see that something is real, there is no going back to denying its existence and authenticity.