Gamaliel was a highly respected Pharisee and teacher of the law in Jerusalem, known as Gamaliel the Elder. He was the grandson of the famous rabbi Hillel and the teacher of Saul (the apostle Paul). He is best known for his wise counsel to the Sanhedrin to let the apostles go free, arguing that if their work was from men it would come to nothing, but if it was from God, no one could stop it.
Schlüsselereignisse
Advice Regarding the Apostles
When the Sanhedrin wanted to kill the apostles, Gamaliel stood up and gave wise counsel to let them go. He argued that if their work was from men, it would come to nothing on its own, but if it was from God, they could not stop it.
34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and ordered that the men be taken outside for a little while.
36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.
3"I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia but brought up in this city. I was trained at the feet of Gamaliel in the strict observance of the law of our fathers, and I was zealous for God, just as all of you are today.
Gamaliel used historical examples about Theudas and Judas the Galilean to show that false movements had come to nothing on their own, as an argument for leaving the apostles alone.
36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.