Gamaliel
maleNew TestamentMeaning: “Reward of God”
A respected Pharisee and teacher of the law in the Sanhedrin who counseled restraint toward the apostles — and at whose feet Paul was educated.
Biography
Gamaliel was a Pharisee and "a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people" — a leading member of the Sanhedrin (Acts 5:34). He is remembered for a moment of wise moderation and as the teacher of the apostle Paul.
"Let them alone"
When the Sanhedrin wanted to kill the apostles for preaching the resurrection, Gamaliel counseled caution: if their work was of men, it would come to nothing; "but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God" (Acts 5:38–39). His advice spared the apostles.
Teacher of Paul
Paul later cited his pedigree as one "brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers" (Acts 22:3) — a mark of the rigorous rabbinic training that God would one day turn to the service of the gospel.
Life Timeline
Counsels the Sanhedrin to leave the apostles alone
Themes & lessons from Gamaliel
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Gamaliel appears.
Scripture Appearances
2 verses in 1 bookActs2 verses
Acts 5:34
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;
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.
Frequently asked about Gamaliel
Who was Gamaliel in the Bible?
A respected Pharisee and teacher of the law in the Sanhedrin who counseled restraint toward the apostles — and at whose feet Paul was educated.
What does the name Gamaliel mean?
The name Gamaliel means “Reward of God”.
What did Gamaliel do in the Bible?
Gamaliel served as pharisee, teacher of the law.
Where does Gamaliel appear in the Bible?
Gamaliel is mentioned 2 times across 1 book: Acts.
What can we learn from Gamaliel?
The story of Gamaliel touches on themes of pharisees, the, school, courts of justice, paul — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Gamaliel's life.
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