Uganda, May 3 -- "When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.. Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it-lest you even be found to fight against God." (Acts 5:34-39).

We learn from Church history that owing to a deaf ear turned against Gamaliel's advice, the persecution of Christians backfired on the perpetrators. The Church continued to thrive even in the face of martyrdom, at the hands of both Jewish...