This document is about Gamaliel (Rabbi). For other homonyms, please refer to the Gamaliel document.
Gamaliel was a great legal scholar in the New Testament era. Paul learned the law from this rabbi.
Acts 22:3“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.
When Jesus' disciples were arrested for preaching in the Sanhedrin council, he suggested not to kill them but to leave it to God's will, thus preserving their lives.
Acts 5:33When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.Acts 5:34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.Acts 5:35Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.Acts 5:36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his followers were dispersed and came to nothing.Acts 5:37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.Acts 5:38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.Acts 5:39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”Acts 5:40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.