Acts 5:34
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while.

English Standard Version
But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
But a certain man having risen up in the Council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law honored by all the people, commanded them to put the men outside for a short while.

King James Bible
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;

New King James Version
Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while.

New American Standard Bible
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.

NASB 1995
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.

NASB 1977
But a certain 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.

Legacy Standard Bible
But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time.

Amplified Bible
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.

Christian Standard Bible
But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men to be taken outside for a little while.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men to be taken outside for a little while.

American Standard Version
But there stood up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in honor of all the people, and commanded to put the men forth a little while.

Contemporary English Version
But one of the members was the Pharisee Gamaliel, a highly respected teacher. He ordered the apostles to be taken out of the room for a little while.

English Revised Version
But there stood up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in honour of all the people, and commanded to put the men forth a little while.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But a Pharisee named Gamaliel stood up. He was a highly respected expert in Moses' Teachings. He ordered that the apostles should be taken outside for a little while.

Good News Translation
But one of them, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was a teacher of the Law and was highly respected by all the people, stood up in the Council. He ordered the apostles to be taken out for a while,

International Standard Version
But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and ordered the men to be taken outside for a little while.

Majority Standard Bible
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 apostles be put outside for a short time.

NET Bible
But a Pharisee whose name was Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the council and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time.

New Heart English Bible
But one stood up in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, honored by all the people, and commanded to put the men out for a little while.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then stood 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 time.

Weymouth New Testament
But a Pharisee of the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, held in honour by all the people, rose from his seat and requested that they should be sent outside the court for a few minutes.

World English Bible
But one stood up in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people, and commanded to put the apostles out for a little while.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but a certain one, having risen up in the Sanhedrin—a Pharisee, by name Gamaliel, a teacher of law honored by all the people—commanded to put the apostles forth a little,

Berean Literal Bible
But a certain man having risen up in the Council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law honored by all the people, commanded them to put the men outside for a short while.

Young's Literal Translation
but a certain one, having risen up in the sanhedrim -- a Pharisee, by name Gamaliel, a teacher of law honoured by all the people -- commanded to put the apostles forth a little,

Smith's Literal Translation
And a certain Pharisee having risen up in the council, by name Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honoured by all the people, urged to put the sent without a little while.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But one in the council rising up, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, respected by all the people, commanded the men to be put forth a little while.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But someone in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law honored by all the people, rose up and ordered the men to be put outside briefly.

New American Bible
But a Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up, ordered the men to be put outside for a short time,

New Revised Standard Version
But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then one of the Phar’i-sees whose name was Ga-ma’li-el, a teacher of the law and honored by all the people, rose up and ordered them to take the apostles outside for a little while;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And one of The Pharisees there stood up whose name was Gamaliel. He taught The Law, and he was honored by all the people, and he commanded to take the Apostles out for a short time.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Then arose a certain man in the Sanhedrin, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people; and he commanded them to put the apostles out for a little while,

Godbey New Testament
But a certain Pharisee, Gamaliel by name, a teacher of the law, honorable to all the people, rising in the sanhedrim command them to put the men out for a short time,

Haweis New Testament
Then arose a certain Pharisee, in the sanhedrim, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, held in high esteem by all the people, and ordered the apostles to be taken out for a little space;

Mace New Testament
when a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, who was respected by all the people, rose up in the council, and moved the apostles might withdraw for some time.

Weymouth New Testament
But a Pharisee of the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, held in honour by all the people, rose from his seat and requested that they should be sent outside the court for a few minutes.

Worrell New Testament
But a certain one, having risen up in the council—a Pharisee, by name Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people—ordered to put the men without a little while.

Worsley New Testament
But a certain pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, held in much esteem by all the people, stood up in the council, and ordered the apostles to be taken out a little while; and then he said unto them,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Gamaliel's Advice
33When the Council members heard this, they were enraged, and they resolved to put the apostles to death. 34But 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. 35“Men of Israel,” he said, “consider carefully what you are about to do to these men.…

Cross References
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.

Acts 23:6
Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”

Acts 26:5
They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion.

Matthew 23:2-3
“The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. / So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

John 7:50-51
Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who himself was one of them, asked, / “Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?”

Philippians 3:5
circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;

Luke 2:46
Finally, after three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

Luke 5:17
One day Jesus was teaching, and the Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. People had come from Jerusalem and from every village of Galilee and Judea, and the power of the Lord was present for Him to heal the sick.

Luke 20:39
Some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, You have spoken well!”

John 3:1-2
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. / He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.”

1 Corinthians 1:20
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

1 Corinthians 1:26
Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth.

1 Corinthians 2:8
None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

1 Corinthians 2:14
The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 3:18
Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise.


Treasury of Scripture

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;

stood.

Acts 23:7-9
And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided…

Psalm 76:10
Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

John 7:50-53
Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) …

Gamaliel.

Acts 22:3
I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

a doctor.

Luke 2:46
And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

Luke 5:17
And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

and commanded.

Acts 4:15
But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

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Apostles Commanded Council Doctor Forth Gamaliel Held High Honored Honour Law Learning Opinion Outside Pharisee Reputation Requested Respected Rose Seat Short Space Stood Teacher Time
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Apostles Commanded Council Doctor Forth Gamaliel Held High Honored Honour Law Learning Opinion Outside Pharisee Reputation Requested Respected Rose Seat Short Space Stood Teacher Time
Acts 5
1. After that Ananias and Sapphira his wife,
3. at Peter's rebuke had fallen down dead;
12. and that the rest of the apostles had wrought many miracles;
14. to the increase of the faith;
17. the apostles are again imprisoned;
19. but delivered by an angel bidding them preach openly to all;
21. when, after their teaching accordingly in the temple,
29. and before the council,
33. they are in danger to be killed;
34. but through the advice of Gamaliel, they are kept alive, and are only beaten;
41. for which they glorify God, and cease no day from preaching.














But a Pharisee named Gamaliel
The mention of "a Pharisee" immediately situates us within the religious and political landscape of first-century Judea. The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. "Gamaliel" is a significant figure, as he was a respected teacher of the law. In the Jewish tradition, Gamaliel is often associated with wisdom and moderation. His presence in this narrative highlights the diversity of thought within the Jewish leadership and the potential for reasoned discourse even amidst conflict.

a teacher of the law
This phrase underscores Gamaliel's authority and expertise in the Jewish legal tradition. The Greek term "nomodidaskalos" indicates someone who is not only knowledgeable but also capable of instructing others in the Torah. In the context of Acts, this establishes Gamaliel as a figure of considerable influence and respect, whose opinions would carry weight in the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council.

who was honored by all the people
The phrase "honored by all the people" suggests a widespread respect that transcends mere academic or religious circles. Gamaliel's reputation is not limited to the Pharisees or the Sanhedrin but extends to the general populace. This respect likely stems from his wisdom, fairness, and perhaps his role in guiding the Jewish community through complex legal and ethical issues.

stood up in the Sanhedrin
The act of "standing up" in the Sanhedrin is both literal and symbolic. It signifies Gamaliel's readiness to speak and assert his influence in a critical moment. The Sanhedrin was the supreme council and tribunal of the Jews during post-exilic times, composed of 71 members. Gamaliel's action here is a pivotal moment, as it sets the stage for his counsel, which will ultimately impact the fate of the apostles.

and ordered that the men be put outside for a short time
Gamaliel's decision to have "the men be put outside" reflects a strategic pause, allowing the council to deliberate without the immediate presence of the apostles. This action demonstrates his prudence and desire to ensure that the decision is made with careful consideration. The phrase "for a short time" indicates that this was not meant to be a lengthy exclusion but a temporary measure to facilitate a more open discussion among the council members.

(34) A Pharisee, named Gamaliel.--We are brought into contact here with one of the heroes of Rabbinic history. The part he now played in the opening of the great drama, and not less his position as the instructor of St. Paul, demand attention. We have to think of him as the grandson of the great Hillel the representative of the best school of Pharisaism, the tolerant and large-hearted rival of the narrow and fanatic Shammai, whose precepts--such, e.g., as, Do nothing to another which thou wouldest not that he should do to thee--remind us of the Sermon on the Mount. The fame of Hillel won for him the highest honour of Judaism: the title of Rabban (the Rabboni of Mark 10:51; John 20:16), and the office of President of the Council. For the first time, there seemed likely to be a dynasty of scribes, and the office of chief of the Jewish schools, what we might almost call their Professorship of Theology, was transmitted through four generations. Hillel was succeeded by his son Simeon, whom some have identified with the Simeon of Luke 2:25 (see Note there), and he by Gamaliel. He, too, was known as the Rabban, and he rose now, with all the weight of years and authority, to counsel moderation. Various motives may have influenced him. He was old enough to remember the wisdom and grace of the child Jesus when, twenty-eight years before, He had sat in the midst of the doctors (Luke 2:46). He may have welcomed, during our Lord's ministry, the teaching with so much of which Hillel would have sympathised, and been as the scribe who was not far from the kingdom of God (Mark 12:32-34), rejoicing in the new proof that had been brought forward of the doctrine of the Resurrection. As being himself of the house and lineage of David, he may have sympathised with the claims of One who was welcomed as the Son of David. One who was so prominent as a teacher could not fail to be acquainted with a brother-teacher like Nicodemus, and may well have been influenced by the example of his gradual conversion and the counsels of caution which he had given (John 7:50-51). The tone in which he speaks now might almost lead us to class him with the "many" of the chief rulers who secretly believed in Christ, but shrank from confessing Him (John 12:42-43). It seems probable that he, like Joseph of Arimathaea, had "not consented to the counsel and deed" of the Sanhedrin which Caiaphas had hastily convened for our Lord's trial, and had contented himself with a policy of absence and expectation. If, as seems probable, Saul of Tarsus was at this time one of his disciples (Acts 22:3), the words of warning, though addressed generally to the Council, may well have been intended specially to restrain his fiery and impetuous zeal. . . . Verse 34. - But there for there, A.V.; in honor of for in reputation among, A.V.; the men for the apostles, A.V. and T.R.; while for space, A.V. A Pharisee named Gamaliel. St. Luke had mentioned (Acts 4:1 and Acts 5:17) that there was an influential party of Sadducees in the Sanhedrim. He, therefore, now specially notes that Gamaliel was a Pharisee. There can be no doubt that this alone would rather dispose him to resist the violent counsels of the Sadducean members, and the more so as the doctrine of the Resurrection was in question (see Acts 23:6-8). Moreover, Gamaliel was noted for his moderation. That Gamaliel here named is the same as that of Acts 22:3, at whose feet St. Paul was brought up at Jerusalem, and who is known in the Talmud as Rabban Gamaliel the elder (to distinguish him from his grandson of the same name, the younger), the grandson of Hillel, the head of the school of Hillel, and at some time president of the Sanhedrim, one of the most famous of the Jewish doctors (as the title Rabban, borne by only six others, shows), seems certain, though it cannot absolutely be proved. The description of him as a doctor of the law, had in honor of all the people; the allusion to him as a great teacher, learned in the perfect manner of the Law of the fathers, and one whose greatness would be as a shield to his pupils, in Acts 22:3; the exact chronological agreement; the weight he possessed in the Sanhedrim, in spite of the Sadducean tendencies of the high priest and his followers; and the agreement between his character as written in the Talmud and as shown in his speech and in the counsel given in it, seem to place his identity beyond all reasonable doubt. There does not seem to be any foundation for the legend in the Clementine Recognitions, that he was in secret a Christian. If the prayer used in the synagogues, "Let there be no hope to them that apostatize from the true religion; and let heretics, how many soever they he, all perish as in a moment," be really his composition, as the Jews say, he certainly had no inclination to Christianity ('Prid. Conn.,' 1:361).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δέ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

a
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

Pharisee
Φαρισαῖος (Pharisaios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5330: Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.

named
ὀνόματι (onomati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.

Gamaliel,
Γαμαλιήλ (Gamaliēl)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1059: Gamaliel, a noted Pharisee, teacher of Saul. Of Hebrew origin; Gamaliel, an Israelite.

a teacher of the Law
νομοδιδάσκαλος (nomodidaskalos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3547: A teacher and interpreter of the Mosaic Law. From nomos and didaskalos; an expounder of the law, i.e. A Rabbi.

who was honored
τίμιος (timios)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5093: Of great price, precious, honored.

by all
παντὶ (panti)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

people,
λαῷ (laō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people.

stood up
Ἀναστὰς (Anastas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 450: To raise up, set up; I rise from among (the) dead; I arise, appear. From ana and histemi; to stand up.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Sanhedrin
συνεδρίῳ (synedriō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4892: A council, tribunal; the Sanhedrin, the meeting place of the Sanhedrin.

[and] ordered that
ἐκέλευσεν (ekeleusen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2753: To command, order, direct, bid. From a primary kello; 'hail'; to incite by word, i.e. Order.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

men
ἀνθρώπους (anthrōpous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

be put
ποιῆσαι (poiēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

outside
ἔξω (exō)
Adverb
Strong's 1854: Without, outside. Adverb from ek; out(-side, of doors), literally or figuratively.

for a short time.
βραχὺ (brachy)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1024: Short, little, few. Of uncertain affinity; short.


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