33 When they [members of the High Council] heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them [the apostles] to death. 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 little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
Comments from DSC:
When I read this piece of scripture the other day, I was struck by several things as found in the person of Gamaliel. Here was this Pharisee, a teacher of the law, who was respected by many, but who was going against the grain by not supporting the elimination/death of the apostles (who were preaching the Gospel, an activity that the Chief Priest and High Council did not like at all).
Gamaliel was a leader who showed:
- Courage (by going against the more popular grain/perspectives of his worked-up/threatened peers)
- Knowledge (of the past)
- A fear/reverence for God and for doing the right thing
- The power of persuasion
- Wisdom / solid counsel (“Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”)
His words persuaded the Council. The Council did not kill the apostles, but rather they had them flogged and then they let them go. (Still harsh in my mind; but the point here is what Gamaliel was able to achieve as a leader.)