Gamaliel

Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, was Paul's mentor and advised the Sanhedrin to be cautious in their treatment of the apostles.

Gamaliel was a prominent Pharisee and highly respected teacher of the law during the early days of the Christian church. He is mentioned twice in the book of Acts. In Act 5:34-40, Gamaliel appears as a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. When the apostles were brought before the council and some members wanted to put them to death, Gamaliel advised caution. He argued that if the apostles' teaching was of human origin, it would fail on its own, but if it was from God, the council would be fighting against God. The Sanhedrin followed Gamaliel's advice and released the apostles after beating them and ordering them not to speak in Jesus' name. In Act 22:3, Paul identifies himself as a student of Gamaliel, having been educated under him in strict adherence to the law. This suggests that Gamaliel was a highly influential teacher whose students went on to hold significant positions in Jewish society. Gamaliel's wisdom and moderation in dealing with the early Christians may have influenced Paul's later approach to engaging with different groups in his missionary work.

The son of rabbi Simeon, and grandson of the famous rabbi Hillel. He was a Pharisse, and therefore the opponent of the party of the Sadducees. He was noted for his learning, and was president of the Sanhedrim during the regins of Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius, and died, it is said, about eighteen years before the destruction of Jerusalem.

When the apostles were brought before the council, charged with preaching the resurrection of Jesus, as a zealous Pharisee Gamaliel councelled moderation and calmness. By a reference to well-known events, he advised them to “refrain from these men.” If their work or counsel was of man, it would come to nothing; but if it was of God, they could not destroy it, and therefore ought to be on their guard lest they should be “found fighting against God” (Acts 5:34-40). Paul was one of his disciples (22:3).