Who was Gamaliel in the New Testament?

Gamaliel is one of the most significant Jewish leaders mentioned in the New Testament. He was a highly respected Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. He is particularly known for two key roles in Scripture:

1. Defending the Apostles before the Sanhedrin in Acts 5:34-40.
2. Being the mentor of Saul (Paul) before his conversion (Acts 22:3).

He was a teacher of the law and belonged to the Pharisaic school of Hillel, which was known for its moderation and wisdom in interpreting the Law of Moses. His influence in Jewish society and early Christianity is profound, making him an important historical and biblical figure.

Gamaliel’s Background and Historical Context

Gamaliel was a prominent Pharisee and a rabbi (teacher of Jewish law). He belonged to a highly respected Jewish family and was one of the most revered teachers of the Law in his time.

The Elder

• He is often identified as the Elder, a leader of the Sanhedrin (Jewish ruling council).
• He was the grandson of Hillel the Elder, one of the greatest Jewish scholars, who founded the House of Hillel, a school of thought in Judaism.
• The Hillel school emphasized mercy, justice, and flexibility in interpreting the Mosaic Law, contrasting with the stricter Shammai school.
• He is recognized in Jewish history as one of the most influential teachers of the first century.

Authority in Judaism

The Bible introduces Gamaliel as a doctor of the Law, which means he was an expert in interpreting the Torah.

• Acts 5:34 (NKJV) – “Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while.”
• His title and reputation show that he was a highly esteemed leader, even among the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Supreme Court.
• He is also recognized in the Talmud (a collection of Jewish writings) as one of the most respected rabbis.

Thus, he was not an ordinary Pharisee—he was one of the most influential Jewish figures of his time.

Role in the Sanhedrin

The Sanhedrin was the highest Jewish council in Jerusalem, responsible for religious and legal matters. Gamaliel was one of its most prominent members.

• The Sanhedrin had both Pharisees and Sadducees (who rejected the resurrection).
• His influence in the council was evident in Acts 5, where he spoke in favor of the apostles, urging caution before taking action against them.

Even though he was a Pharisee, Gamaliel showed wisdom and restraint, distinguishing himself from the hostile Jewish leaders who wanted to destroy the apostles.

Defense of the Apostles in Acts 5

One of the most famous accounts involving Gamaliel is found in Acts 5:34-40.

The Context: The Apostles on Trial

• The apostles had been preaching about Jesus Christ, performing miracles, and gaining followers.
• The Jewish leaders arrested them and brought them before the Sanhedrin.
• The high priest and his associates wanted to kill the apostles for preaching in Jesus’ name.

Gamaliel’s Speech

• Acts 5:38-39 (NKJV) – “And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

Instead of rushing to punish the apostles, Gamaliel advised the council to exercise caution. He gave two main reasons:
– If their movement was human-made, it would naturally fail.
– If their movement was from God, no one could stop it.

The Result: Apostles Released

• Gamaliel’s wisdom persuaded the Sanhedrin to avoid executing the apostles.
• Instead, the apostles were beaten and warned not to preach about Jesus (Acts 5:40).
• However, this did not stop them, and Christianity continued to grow.

This moment highlights Gamaliel as a wise and moderate leader, even though he was not a follower of Christ.

Influence on Saul (Paul) in Acts 22

Gamaliel was also the teacher of Saul of Tarsus, who later became the apostle Paul.

• Acts 22:3 (NKJV) – “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.”

Paul describes Gamaliel as his mentor, showing that Gamaliel had a great impact on his early life.

Gamaliel Teaching and Paul’s Zeal

• This pharisee taught strict obedience to the Law, shaping Paul’s early zeal as a Pharisee.
• Paul was so passionate that he initially persecuted Christians before encountering Christ.

Gamaliel’s training gave Paul a deep knowledge of Scripture, which later helped him defend the Gospel.

Was Gamaliel a Secret Believer in Christ?

Some scholars speculate that this pharisee may have believed in Christ secretly because:

1. He defended the apostles in Acts 5.
2. He did not oppose Christianity as aggressively as other Jewish leaders.
3. His speech acknowledged that the movement could be from God.

However, the Bible does not explicitly say that Gamaliel became a Christian. It is more likely that he remained a respected Jewish leader but had an open mind regarding Jesus.

Lessons

Gamaliel’s story provides several important lessons for believers today:

A. Wisdom in Judgment

• Gamaliel did not act in haste but advised careful consideration.
• As Christians, we should seek God’s wisdom in making decisions (James 1:5).

B. Recognizing God’s Sovereignty

• Gamaliel understood that if something is from God, it cannot be stopped (Acts 5:39).
• This reminds us to trust in God’s plans rather than fighting against them.

C. The Power of Biblical Training

• Paul benefited from Gamaliel’s teaching, showing that strong biblical training is important.
• Christians should study God’s Word deeply to defend their faith (2 Timothy 2:15).

Conclusion

Gamaliel was a wise, respected Pharisee, a member of the Sanhedrin, and a teacher of the Law. Though he did not follow Christ, he played a crucial role in protecting the apostles and influencing Paul’s early education. His wisdom and moderation serve as an example for Christians to be thoughtful, discerning, and trusting in God’s sovereignty.