Pharisee; teacher of the law; Paul's mentor.
Gamaliel
Named in 2 verses of Acts, first in Acts 5:34.
ΓαμαλιήλGamaliel
The name means “recompense of God; camel of God.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Gamaliel Written by AI
Gamaliel was a prominent Pharisee and highly respected teacher of the law during the early days of the Christian church. He is mentioned twice in the book of Acts. In Acts 5:34 to 40, Gamaliel appears as a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. When the apostles were brought before the council and some members wanted to put them to death, Gamaliel advised caution. He argued that if the apostles' teaching was of human origin, it would fail on its own, but if it was from God, the council would be fighting against God. The Sanhedrin followed Gamaliel's advice and released the apostles after beating them and ordering them not to speak in Jesus' name. In Acts 22:3, Paul identifies himself as a student of Gamaliel, having been educated under him in strict adherence to the law. This suggests that Gamaliel was a highly influential teacher whose students went on to hold significant positions in Jewish society. Gamaliel's wisdom and moderation in dealing with the early Christians may have influenced Paul's later approach to engaging with different groups in his missionary work.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Gamaliel, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
Reward of God. (1.) A chief of the tribe of Manasseh at the census at Sinai (Num. 1:10; 2:20; 7:54, 59).
(2.) The son of rabbi Simeon, and grandson of the famous rabbi Hillel. He was a Pharisse, and therefore the opponent of the party of the Sadducees. He was noted for his learning, and was president of the Sanhedrim during the regins of Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius, and died, it is said, about eighteen years before the destruction of Jerusalem.
Read the rest of the entry
When the apostles were brought before the council, charged with preaching the resurrection of Jesus, as a zealous Pharisee Gamaliel councelled moderation and calmness. By a reference to well-known events, he advised them to “refrain from these men.” If their work or counsel was of man, it would come to nothing; but if it was of God, they could not destroy it, and therefore ought to be on their guard lest they should be “found fighting against God” (Acts 5:34-40). Paul was one of his disciples (22:3).
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Acts 5:34
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.
- Acts 22:3
“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.