What is the litmus of Gamaliel? It is taken from Acts 5:34-39. Gamaliel was a well respected Pharisee. His teachings still have a great impact on the Jewish community today. In the context of Acts 5, the early disciples of our Lord Jesus were healing, casting out unclean spirits, and sharing the gospel fearlessly. The high priest and Sadducees were angry and arrested them. However, the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and they were asked to speak at the temple openly before they were arrested again. This time their lives were threatened. Peter spoke fearlessly about Jesus and they were ready to ask the council for permission to carry out the execution. This was when Gamaliel came into the picture. He reminded the people that there were two similar leaders, Theudas, who led a revolt, and Judas of Galilee/Gamala, who resist census. They had followers but was short-lived after the leader was dead. Both sects did not last after the leaders were dead. Hence the advice to leave Jesus' followers alone. If they are from God, it will carry on. Today, the litmus of Gamaliel is used by various cults to justify their existence because they are still around after many years. Their numbers grew and according to the litmus of Gamaliel, they are of God. If that is the case, almost every religion can have the same claim. We are clear from scriptures this is not the case. In fact, the scripture warns of false prophets and Christ who will draw many followers after themselves. Matthew 24:24 Let us take a closer look at the litmus of Gamaliel. Firstly, the purpose of Luke for writing this portion of Acts was not for the litmus for any religion but Christianity. His two books Gospel of Luke and Acts were written to Theophilus to properly account for the early Christian faith and its propagation. Secondly, the leaders in the samples given by Gamaliel were dead shortly after starting the movement. Many cults who quoted the litmus had their founders for many years and hence do not fall into the category of Gamaliel's example. When we use scripture to justify our stand, usually it is wrongly applied. This is why there are so many divisions today. Everyone is quoting scripture for the sake of justification of belief instead of the edification of the church. When God speaks, don't you think that He is speaking to you so that you can be more like Him and impact the world like Him? Or do you think God speaks to justify what you believe? The former is more likely. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says so that we can be equipped for every good work and not every good argument.

May we learn to use the word of God wisely. May we listen to the voice of the shepherd and follow Him. May we use the word to edify one another in obedience to Christ.