"But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, held in honor by the people, stood up and ordered the men (Apostles) to be put outside for a while. And he said to them, Men of Israel, take care what you do with these men. For before these days Theudas arose, giving himself out to be somebody, and a number of men, about 400, joined him; but he was slain and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or undertaking is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God"! Yes, when you oppose the Catholic Faith, you are opposing God. During this time period, there were many looking for the Messiah. Many false messiahs were abounding and led people astray.
People such as Theudas and Judas the Galilean were two that Gamaliel refereed to specifically.
Mark 9:38-41, perhaps a follower of one such false prophet found in Jesus something that the false messiahs lacked. St. Mark states, "John said to him, Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he was not following us. But Jesus said, Do not forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is for us. For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ, will by no means lose his reward".
The Apostles recognized this man was not of their number and forbade him from working in Jesus name. This man did not know Jesus, but was acting from what he had observed.
He recognized that these false messiahs did not have the signs that Jesus had been known to do.
This was still Pre-Church as the Lord was still instructing his Disciples.
The time was coming when Jesus would be sending the Catholic Church to the nations.
The Church would unite the Captives under the Lord's command as it will preach the good news to all the nations.Gamaliel's sound advice is a testament to the truth of the Catholic Faith as it has lasted 2,000 years.
It survives the false prophets throughout all it's history.
There will always be Theu'das, Judas the Galilean, or the modern day Sandor Clan, but the Catholic Faith will never fall.
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