Gamaliel
“Reward of God”
Summary
A renowned Pharisee and doctor of the Jewish law who counseled moderation toward the apostles and served as the teacher of the apostle Paul.
☩The Famous Rabbi
Gamaliel was a Pharisee and celebrated doctor of the law who held a seat in the Sanhedrin during the reigns of Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius. He was the grandson of the famous Hillel and is generally identified with 'Gamaliel the Elder,' who was the first to receive the honorific title 'Rabban' ('our master'), higher than 'Rabbi.' The Jews celebrated him as 'the glory of the law,' and the Mishna states that with his death 'the reverence for the law ceased.'
☩Counsel Regarding the Apostles
When the Sanhedrin sought to kill the apostles, Gamaliel rose and gave prudent counsel. He reminded them of previous movements under Theudas and Judas of Galilee that had come to nothing when their leaders died. He advised: 'If this counsel or work be of men, it will come to naught; but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.' His intervention resulted in the apostles being beaten but released.
☩Teacher of Paul
Paul declared before the Jerusalem crowd that he was 'brought up at the feet of Gamaliel' and 'taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers.' Gamaliel was noted for allowing his pupils to study Greek literature, which may have helped prepare Paul for his later mission to the Gentiles. Though some traditions claim Gamaliel later became a Christian, this is contradicted by the high esteem in which he was held by later Jewish authorities.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Gamaliel," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Gamaliel," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Gamaliel," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).