Gamaliel

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Gamlîʾēl (“God has rewarded / recompensed”)
• Period/Era: Second Temple Period (Early Church setting in Acts)
• Main References: Acts 5:34–40; Acts 22:3
• Key Connections: Sanhedrin leadership; Pharisaic teachers; Paul (Saul) as a former student

Who was Gamaliel?

Gamaliel was a Pharisee and “teacher of the law” held in honor by the people.
He appears in Jerusalem as a member of the Sanhedrin during the early years of the church.
In Acts he is noted for a measured counsel regarding the apostles’ preaching.
Paul later identifies him as the instructor under whom he was educated in Jerusalem.

Key Events & Achievements

• Sanhedrin counsel: Urged the council to refrain from killing the apostles and to “leave them alone,” arguing that what is not from God will fail (Acts 5:34–39).
• Apostles spared from execution: His advice contributed to the apostles being flogged and released rather than put to death (Acts 5:40).
• Teacher of Paul: Paul cites being educated “at the feet of Gamaliel,” trained “according to the strict manner of the law” (Acts 22:3).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Gamaliel is remembered in the New Testament for cautious discernment toward emerging movements and for his role in the background of Paul’s formation.

Key Verse

“So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.” — Acts 5:38–39, ESV