Topical Bible: Prudence: Gamaliel

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Topical Encyclopedia

Gamaliel, a prominent figure in the New Testament, is often associated with wisdom and prudence, particularly in the context of early Christian history. He was a Pharisee and a respected teacher of the law, known for his balanced and moderate approach to religious and social issues. Gamaliel's influence is most notably recorded in the Book of Acts, where his prudent counsel plays a crucial role in the early days of the Christian church.

Background and Influence

Gamaliel was a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, and is described as a "doctor of the law" (Acts 5:34). He was highly esteemed by the people, and his reputation for wisdom and fairness was well established. As a Pharisee, Gamaliel adhered to a strict interpretation of the Torah, yet he demonstrated an openness to reason and dialogue, which set him apart from many of his contemporaries.

Gamaliel's Counsel

The most significant account of Gamaliel's prudence is found in Acts 5:34-39. When the apostles were brought before the Sanhedrin for preaching about Jesus, the council was enraged and sought to put them to death. Gamaliel, however, stood up and advised caution. He reminded the council of past movements that had failed and dispersed, suggesting that if the apostles' work was of human origin, it would fail on its own. Conversely, if it was from God, they would not be able to stop it and would find themselves fighting against God. His counsel was heeded, and the apostles were released after being flogged.

Gamaliel's advice reflects a deep understanding of divine sovereignty and human limitation. His prudent approach allowed for the possibility that the nascent Christian movement could be divinely ordained, demonstrating a remarkable openness to God's unfolding plan.

Legacy and Influence on Paul

Gamaliel's influence extended beyond his immediate actions in the Sanhedrin. He was also the teacher of Saul of Tarsus, who would later become the Apostle Paul. In Acts 22:3, Paul refers to being "educated at the feet of Gamaliel," indicating the profound impact Gamaliel had on his early life. While Paul eventually diverged from Pharisaic traditions to embrace the gospel of Christ, the foundational education he received under Gamaliel likely contributed to his deep understanding of Jewish law and theology, which he later used to articulate the Christian faith.

Prudence in Action

Gamaliel's example of prudence is a testament to the value of measured and thoughtful decision-making. His ability to weigh the potential outcomes and consider the broader implications of actions serves as a model for leaders and believers alike. In a time of great tension and potential conflict, Gamaliel's wisdom provided a path of moderation and reflection, allowing for the possibility of divine intervention and the unfolding of God's will.

In summary, Gamaliel's role in the New Testament highlights the importance of prudence, especially in matters of faith and governance. His legacy is one of wisdom, restraint, and an openness to the workings of God, qualities that continue to inspire and guide those who seek to navigate the complexities of life with discernment and grace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 5:34-39
Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Counsel of Gamaliel.
... the supposition, that the Sanhedrim had adopted the counsel of Gamaliel, and that ...
Every motive of prudence and policy conspired to make men decline assuming ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vii the counsel of.htm

Recognitions of Clement.
... Chapter LXVII.--Speech of Gamaliel. Chapter LXVIII.--The Rule of Faith. ... Chapter
III.--Need of Caution. Chapter IV.--Prudence in Dealing with Opponents. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/recognitions of clement /

1 Timothy i. 14-Dec
... To remove this objection, mark the prudence of his expression, "Which was committed,"
he says ... one should say he was sitting at the feet of Gamaliel, and took no ...
/.../homily iii 1 timothy i.htm

The Organization of the Apostolic Church.
... The scribes were the men of learning, like Gamaliel, [252:4] who had ... have been eminently
entitled to respect, as in point of intelligence, prudence, piety, and ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the organization of.htm

But the Hatred that John, the Son of Levi...
... a hundred armed men, to Jerusalem, to Simon, the son of Gamaliel, [16] in ... wisdom
and reason, and capable of restoring public affairs by his prudence, when they ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 38 but the hatred.htm

Acts v. 34
... This Gamaliel was Paul's teacher. ... and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered,
and brought to naught." (v.36.) By examples he teaches them prudence; and, by ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xiv acts v 34.htm

Paul in Corinth.
... they were tentmakers." The Apostle, who was a disciple of Gamaliel, had applied
to ... terms, even when he waved the exercise of it, from prudence or generosity. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxi paul in corinth.htm

Acts IX
... for he was "brought up" in the city of Jerusalem, at the feet of Gamaliel. [184]
Under the instruction of this learned Pharisee, whose prudence and whose calm ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts ix.htm

The Mythical Hypothesis of Strauss.
... the express purpose of inculcating some moral maxim, or lesson of prudence; the
parable ... subtle, dialectic, well-drilled rabbi of the school of Gamaliel, and so ...
/.../schaff/the person of christ/the mythical hypothesis of strauss.htm

The Old Catholics.
... Church, though also with the honorable exceptions of a Nicodemus and Gamaliel. ... With
great prudence the leaders avoided or postponed reforms, till they could be ...
/.../ 36 the old catholics.htm