Acts 5:34

Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

Then {G1161} stood there up {G450} one {G5100} in {G1722} the council {G4892}, a Pharisee {G5330}, named {G3686} Gamaliel {G1059}, a doctor of the law {G3547}, had in reputation {G5093} among all {G3956} the people {G2992}, and commanded {G2753} to put {G4160} the apostles {G652} forth {G1854} a {G5100} little space {G1024};

But one of the members of the Sanhedrin rose to his feet, a Parush named Gamli’el, a teacher of the Torah highly respected by all the people. He ordered the men put outside for a little while

But 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 short time.

But there stood up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in honor of all the people, and commanded to put the men forth a little while.

Commentary

Acts 5:34 introduces a crucial figure, Gamaliel, whose intervention dramatically shifted the course of the Sanhedrin's proceedings against the apostles. At a moment when the Jewish council was filled with rage and intent on executing the apostles for their continued preaching about Jesus, Gamaliel stood up to offer a voice of reason and caution.

Context

The apostles, having been miraculously freed from prison and found teaching in the temple, were brought before the Sanhedrin once more (Acts 5:27). Despite being previously commanded not to preach in the name of Jesus (Acts 5:28), Peter boldly declared, "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). This defiance, coupled with the apostles' testimony of Jesus' resurrection and exaltation, provoked the council to extreme anger, leading them to consider putting the apostles to death (Acts 5:33). It is into this volatile atmosphere that Gamaliel steps forward.

Who Was Gamaliel?

Gamaliel is identified as a Pharisee and a "doctor of the law" (Greek: nomodidaskalos), indicating his profound expertise in Jewish law and tradition. His high standing is emphasized by the phrase "had in reputation among all the people," signifying that he was highly respected and influential not just within the Sanhedrin but throughout society. Historically, he is known as Gamaliel the Elder, a grandson of the renowned Hillel the Elder, and a leading authority of his time. Notably, the Apostle Paul (then Saul of Tarsus) later identifies himself as having been "brought up at the feet of Gamaliel", underscoring the significance of Gamaliel's teaching and influence.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence and Protection: Gamaliel's intervention, though seemingly a human act of prudence, is often seen as God's providential hand protecting the nascent church and its leaders from immediate destruction.
  • Wisdom and Prudence in Counsel: In contrast to the council's emotional fury, Gamaliel demonstrates remarkable wisdom and a measured approach. His advice to "refrain from these men" and allow God to judge their work (Acts 5:38-39) highlights the importance of careful deliberation, especially in matters of life and death.
  • Respect for Authority and Influence: Gamaliel's high reputation allowed him to command attention and respect, even from those who were vehemently opposed to the apostles. This shows how moral authority and public esteem can be leveraged for good.

Linguistic Insights

The term "doctor of the law" (Greek: nomodidaskalos) literally means "teacher of the law." This title highlights Gamaliel's role not just as an interpreter but as an authoritative instructor of the Mosaic Law, making his counsel particularly weighty within the Sanhedrin. His being "had in reputation" (Greek: entimos) suggests he was held in high honor and esteem, a key factor in why the council listened to him.

Practical Application

Gamaliel's example encourages us to seek and value wise counsel, especially in heated or challenging situations. It reminds believers that God can use unexpected individuals, even those outside the immediate circle of faith, to achieve His purposes and protect His people. For those in positions of authority, it underscores the responsibility to act with patience, discernment, and justice, rather than succumbing to popular sentiment or anger. Trusting in God's ultimate plan, as Gamaliel implicitly suggests, is a powerful antidote to hasty and potentially destructive decisions.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 22:3 (7 votes)

    ¶ I am verily a man [which am] a Jew, born in Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, [and] taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

  • Luke 2:46 (5 votes)

    And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

  • Luke 5:17 (4 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was [present] to heal them.

  • Psalms 76:10 (2 votes)

    Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

  • John 7:50 (2 votes)

    Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)

  • John 7:53 (2 votes)

    And every man went unto his own house.

  • Acts 23:7 (2 votes)

    And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.