Topical Encyclopedia Gama'liel is a significant figure in the New Testament, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles. He is recognized as a Pharisee and a respected teacher of the law, holding a prominent position within the Jewish Sanhedrin during the first century A.D. His influence and wisdom are noted in the context of early Christian history.Biblical References: 1. Acts 5:34-40: Gama'liel is introduced during the trial of the apostles Peter and John. The Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, was deliberating on how to deal with the apostles who were preaching about Jesus Christ. Gama'liel, described as "a teacher of the law, respected by all the people," stood up and ordered that the apostles be put outside for a short time. He then addressed the council, cautioning them to be careful in their actions against the apostles. Gama'liel reminded them of previous movements that had failed after their leaders died, suggesting that if the apostles' work was of human origin, it would fail, but if it was from God, they would not be able to stop it and might even find themselves fighting against God. His counsel was heeded, and the apostles were released after being flogged and ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus. 2. Acts 22:3: The Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, mentions Gama'liel in his defense before the crowd in Jerusalem. Paul states, "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gama'liel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today." This reference highlights Gama'liel's role as a mentor and teacher to Paul, who would become one of the most influential apostles in spreading Christianity. Historical and Cultural Context: Gama'liel is traditionally identified as Gama'liel the Elder, a leading authority in the Sanhedrin and a grandson of the famous Jewish teacher Hillel the Elder. His reputation as a wise and moderate leader is well-documented in Jewish tradition. Gama'liel's approach to the apostles' trial reflects a pragmatic and cautious attitude, emphasizing discernment and patience in dealing with new religious movements. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, Gama'liel's intervention in Acts 5 is often seen as a pivotal moment that allowed the early Christian movement to continue its mission. His acknowledgment of the possibility that the apostles' work could be divinely inspired suggests an openness to God's unfolding plan, even if it challenged existing religious structures. Gama'liel's wisdom and moderation serve as a reminder of the importance of discernment and humility in spiritual and religious matters. Legacy: Gama'liel's legacy extends beyond the New Testament narrative. In Jewish tradition, he is remembered as a key figure in the development of Rabbinic Judaism. His teachings and legal rulings have had a lasting impact on Jewish law and ethics. For Christians, Gama'liel's role in the early church's history underscores the complex relationship between Judaism and the nascent Christian faith, highlighting moments of intersection and influence. Concordance Gama'liel (5 Occurrences)Numbers 1:10 Numbers 2:20 Numbers 7:54 Numbers 7:59 Numbers 10:23 Thesaurus Gama'liel (5 Occurrences)Gama'liel. Gamaliel, Gama'liel. Gama'li-el . Multi-Version Concordance Gama'liel (5 Occurrences). Numbers 1:10 Of the children of ... /g/gama'liel.htm - 7k Gamaliel (7 Occurrences) Gama'li-el (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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