Acts 5:34-39a
34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time.
35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful as to what you are about to do with these men.
36 For, some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.
37 After this man, Judas of Galilee appeared in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he also perished, and all those who followed him were scattered.
38 And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, for if the source of this plan or movement is men, it will be overthrown;
39 but if the source is God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”
Gamaliel’s Counsel (1)
A Pharisee named Gamaliel
“But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time.” Gamaliel thought that they should not become emotional and make foolish decision but should keep calm and engage in rational discussion. (1) Who is Gamaliel? (a) The meaning of the name is “God is also for me.” (b) He is the most famous and respected teacher of the Law among the Pharisees. (c) Usually, an expert of the Law is referred to as “grammateus” (scribe), but here, “nomodidaskalos” (a doctor of the Law) is used. (d) Gamaliel is a disciple of the famous Rabbi Hillel. (e) Saul of Tarsus was a disciple of Gamaliel (see Acts 22:3). (f) In the history of Judaism, there are seven people called “Rabban” (our teacher), and Gamaliel was the first person to have this title. It is written in the Mishnah, “When Rabban Gamaliel the Elder died, the glory of the Torah ceased, purity and separateness perished.” (2) What kind of people are the Pharisees? (a) In Hebrew, they are “Perushim,” and in Greek, they are “Pharisaios.” It means “the separated ones.” (b) Among the various groups of Judaism, they are the most culturally conservative. They particularly resisted Hellenization. (c) Doctrinally, Jesus and His disciples were closer to the Pharisees than to the Sadducees. They believed in the resurrection of the dead. They also believed in eternal rewards and eternal judgment, and in the existence of angels and demons. Furthermore, they had a balanced understanding of God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. Unlike the Sadducees, they believed in the entirety of the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings as God’s revelation. Their passion in observing the Law, resulted in them building a fence (the Oral Law) around the Law. (d) At this time, for the people, Judaism essentially meant Pharisaic Judaism. (e) Among the Pharisees, there were those who supported Jesus and those who opposed Him. (f) Right after the church was born, the Pharisees took a neutral stance towards the church. (g) In Acts chapter 8, Saul, a Pharisee, begins to persecute the church. Gamaliel did not believe in Jesus, but by bringing in a rational discussion, he was used by God. God is able to use anyone for His purposes. Let us continue to trust in God’s hands today and walk boldly as disciples of Christ.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, I will trust in Your hands. Please allow me to walk in Your will. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.