34 but a certain one, having risen up in the sanhedrim—a Pharisee, by name Gamaliel, a teacher of law honoured by all the people—commanded to put the apostles forth a little, 35 and said unto them, 'Men, Israelites, take heed to yourselves about these men, what ye are about to do, 36 for before these days rose up Theudas, saying, that himself was some one, to whom a number of men did join themselves, as it were four hundred, who was slain, and all, as many as were obeying him, were scattered, and came to nought. 37 'After this one rose up, Judas the Galilean, in the days of the enrollment, and drew away much people after him, and that one perished, and all, as many as were obeying him, were scattered; 38 and now I say to you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone, because if this counsel or this work may be of men, it will be overthrown, 39 and if it be of God, ye are not able to overthrow it, lest perhaps also ye be found fighting against God.' 40 And to him they agreed, and having called near the apostles, having beaten 'them', they commanded 'them' not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go;
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 5:34-40
Commentary on Acts 5:34-42
(Read Acts 5:34-42)
The Lord still has all hearts in his hands, and sometimes directs the prudence of the worldly wise, so as to restrain the persecutors. Common sense tells us to be cautious, while experience and observation show that the success of frauds in matters of religion has been very short. Reproach for Christ is true preferment, as it makes us conformable to his pattern, and serviceable to his interest. They rejoiced in it. If we suffer ill for doing well, provided we suffer it well, and as we should, we ought to rejoice in that grace which enabled us so to do. The apostles did not preach themselves, but Christ. This was the preaching that most offended the priests. But it ought to be the constant business of gospel ministers to preach Christ: Christ, and him crucified; Christ, and him glorified; nothing beside this, but what has reference to it. And whatever is our station or rank in life, we should seek to make Him known, and to glorify his name.