While they were on their way, some of the [Roman] guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 And when the chief priests had gathered with the elders and had consulted together [to develop a plan of deception], they gave a sufficient sum of money [as a bribe] to the soldiers, 13 and said, “You say this, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 And if the governor (Pilate) hears about it, we will calm him down and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money [they were paid for lying] and did as they were instructed; and this [fabricated] story was widely spread among the Jews, and is to the present day, Matthew 28:11-15.
Since being elected president in 2016, Donald Trump has eluded to a deep state. Initially, this accusation was nothing more than a conspiracy theory. Yet, as details has been uncovered, this group is a body of people, typically influential members of government agencies believed to be involved in the secret manipulation or control of government policy. Whether more information comes out or not, a similar organization existed during the first century. Roman soldiers conspired with the acting governor to come up with a fabricated story claiming Jesus’ disciples stole and hid his dead body.
Saying, “What are we to do with these men? For the fact that an extraordinary miracle has taken place through them is public knowledge and clearly evident to all the residents of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it, Acts 4:16.
According to Matthew, this plot was successful as the lie was told over and over again, a growing number of people believed Jesus’ resurrection has a great hoax. As eye witnesses of the resurrected Jesus passed away, history was altered. Despite these rumors, the day of Pentecost enabled disciples to perform miracles just like Jesus. When the validity of these healings were examined by priests, members of the Sanhedrin could not deny the fact that extraordinary miracles had taken place. Fearful that first century apostles might expose their bribe, this religious deep state attempted to silence Peter and John.
Then he said to the Council, “Men of Israel, be careful in regard to what you propose to do to these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody [of importance], and a group of about four hundred men allied themselves with him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up, [and led an uprising] during the time of the census, and drew people after him; he was also killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men [merely human in origin], it will fail and be destroyed; 39 but if it is of God [and it appears that it is], you will not be able to stop them; or else you may even be found fighting against God!” – Acts 5:35-39
During the next session of the Sanhedrin, a godly man named Gamaliel addressed this council. Gamaliel refers to a previous uprising led by a man named Theudas. When this man was killed, his movement slowly died out. Now that Jesus is no longer with us, only time will tell what will happened. If this movement is of God, there is nothing that you can do to stop it. Nearly two thousand years later, no one can deny that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah. Although churches may come and go, the Holy Spirit is alive and well living inside the temple, bodies, of those who now believe.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 