Lesson 2:  Barnabas, The Sanhedrin, Gamaliel

Introduction:  In this lesson, we will study people who influenced the 
church.  Barnabas, a disciple, was a man of good character with a good 
influence.  Gamaliel, a member of the Sanhedrin and a great teacher, 
was an unbeliever who advised tolerance concerning the church.

I.  Barnabas (Acts 4:36; 9:27; 11:22-30; 12:25; 13:1-15; 14:12-20; 
    15:2, 12, 39; 1 Cor. 9:6; Gal. 2:1, 9, 13; Col 4:10)
    A. Identity (Acts 4:36, 37)
       1. His given name was Joses or Joseph.
       2. He was a Levite.
       3. He was from Cyprus.
       4. A cousin of John Mark (Col. 4:10)
       5. Referred to as an apostle (Acts 14:14)
    B. Character
       1. His character is revealed in the name given to him by the 
	  apostles, Barnabas, "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36).
       2. "When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, 
	  and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they 
	  should continue with the Lord" (Acts 11:23).
       3. "For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of 
	  faith" (Acts 11:24).
       4. When Christians in Jerusalem were in need, he sold his 
	  land and brought the money to the apostles (Acts 4:37).
       5. When Paul tried to join himself to the Jerusalem 
	  Christians, they were afraid of him.  Barnabas took Paul 
	  to the apostles so Paul could tell his story (Acts 9:26, 
	  27).
       6. He and Paul were entrusted with the relief sent to 
	  the brethren in Judea during a famine (Acts 11:29).
       7. He refused the worship of the people of Lystra 
	  (Acts 14:12-15).
       8. He was involved in hypocrisy along with Peter and others 
	  with respect to the treatment of the Gentiles in Antioch 
	  (Gal. 2:11-14).
       9. He contended with Paul over taking John Mark on a second 
	  journey (Acts 15:37-39).  This contention "became so sharp 
	  that they parted from one another" (Acts 15:39).
      10. He was willing to preach the gospel without charge that he 
	  might not be a burden (1 Cor. 9:4-18).

Principles:
1. There is a great need today for those who will encourage, exhort, 
   and  onsole.
2. Christians must be generous when it comes to the needs of other 
   Christians.
3. A good name is important (Prov. 22:1).
4. A good disciple is fearless, trustworthy, and sacrificial.
5. Good men can be led into hypocrisy.


II. The Sanhedrin
    A. Highest Jewish tribunal in Jerusalem, consisting of 71 
       members
    B. According to Jewish tradition, it was constituted by Moses 
       (Num. 11:16-24).
    C. Historically, the Sanhedrin, or "Council", had its beginning 
       during the Hellenistic period.  It was abolished after the 
       destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
    D. The Sanhedrin's corruption is seen in the unfair treatment of 
       Jesus and His disciples.
    E. Influence on the early church
       1. Jesus warned that his disciples would be brought before 
	  councils (Mt.10:17).
       2. Jesus was brought before the Council and convicted 
	  (Mt. 26:57-68).
       3. Peter and John appeared before the Council, threatened 
	  concerning their teaching, then released (Acts 4:1-22).
       4. Peter and John were placed on trial again because they 
	  refused to stop preaching.  This time they were beaten 
	  and commanded not to preach (Acts 5:17-42).   
       5. Following his condemnation by the Council, Stephen was 
	  accused of blasphemy, and stoned (Acts 6:8-7:60).
       6. Paul appeared before the Council, caused dissension among 
	  the members when he spoke of the resurrection, and was 
	  rescued by a Roman commander (Acts 22:30-23:10).


III. Gamaliel (Acts 5:33-40; 22:3)
    A. A Pharisee, a member of the Council, who persuaded its 
       members to take less drastic action toward the apostles 
       with respect to their refusal to quit preaching the gospel 
       1. He reminded them of past seditions that had failed.
       2. He suggested that if these apostles were teaching truth, 
	  they would be fighting against God.  If it were not, the 
	  movement would die out.
       3. As a result of this argument, the apostles were only 
	  beaten and then released.
    B  When Paul was on trial, he testified that Gamaliel was his 
       teacher (Acts 22:3). 

Principles:
1.  When Christians face opposition, they should be bold and 
    unafraid.
2.  Some unbelievers will treat Christians fairly; others will 
    not.


Questions:

1. Why did the apostles call Joseph, "Barnabas?"
2. What does Acts 11:24 mean when it says that Barnabas was "full 
   of the Holy Spirit?"
3. Barnabas sold his land to help Christians in need.  In what 
   circumstances would we have to do the same?
4. Why were the Jerusalem Christians afraid of Saul?
5. What happened to Barnabas in Lystra (Acts 14)?
6. Why did Paul not want to take John Mark on his second journey?  
   What can we learn from the contention that developed between 
   Paul and Barnabas over this matter?
7. What are the rights of one who preaches the gospel (1 Cor. 9)?
8. How did the Sanhedrin treat the disciples after Pentecost?  
   Cite examples.
9. Who made up the Sanhedrin?
10. How did Peter and the other apostles respond the the Sanhedrin's 
    command not to teach?
11. How did Paul cause dissension among Council members (Acts 23)?
12. How did Gamaliel prevent the Council from severely punishing the 
    apostles?