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NASB | Acts 5:34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 5:34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law [of Moses], highly esteemed by all the people, stood up in the Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court) and ordered that the men be taken outside for a little while. |
Subject: Did Gamaliel give sound advice? |
Bible Note: Gamliel's advice was sound in relation to what he believed. Gamliel was a honored and respected teacher of the law. He was renowned for his wisdom and tolerance. He was a leader of the liberal wing of the Pharisees - rabbi's who distanced themselves from the strictest interpretations of the law. We must note, however, that Gamliel was not a follower of Jesus Christ. The apostles had been brought the council. The high priest lashed out at the apostles (v. 28). The apostles calmly and courageously responded (v.29b-32), however, their reply angered and insulted the officials even more. They were enraged and ready to kill them (v. 33b). Without the Lord's intervention the aposltles would of probably been killed. God used the unbelieving Gamliel to diffuse the situation. His remarks, although not based on the gospel, showed great wisdom. His advise was sound. If we did disregard all the cults his advise would still ring true today. They would all be overthrown in the future because, as we know, they are not of God. This is pretty much what we are doing to day. We tend to not strongly attack the false religions because in this day and age we are not allowed to. (We would be denying them their free speech and the right to believe what they choose.) The main concern here is that those people who were lured into their false religions would be lost to the kingdom. We do fight mightily for those souls doing everything (?) in our power to show them the truth and lure them away from the false religions and this we must continue to do. prayon |