Theory question 108
Persecution of the Early Church(a) How did Gamaliel save the apostles during their trial by the Sanhedrin? (b) Identify two qualities that can be attributed to Gamaliel.
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(a) The apostles, arrested for preaching, said "We must obey God rather than men" and accused the council of killing Jesus (Acts 5:27-32).
The council was enraged and wanted to kill them (Acts 5:33).
Gamaliel, a Pharisee and teacher of the law held in honour by all, stood up and had the men put outside (Acts 5:34).
He warned the council to take care what they did to these men (Acts 5:35).
He recalled Theudas, who claimed to be somebody; he was slain and his 400 followers scattered (Acts 5:36).
Judas the Galilean also drew a following at the census, but perished and his followers scattered (Acts 5:37).
He advised: keep away from these men and let them alone; if this plan is of men it will fail, but if it is of God you cannot overthrow them and may be found opposing God (Acts 5:38-39).
The council took his advice; they beat the apostles, charged them not to speak in Jesus' name and let them go (Acts 5:40).
(b) Any two: wisdom; tolerance; fairness and objectivity; respect for God; courage to speak against the majority; learning (teacher of the law, Paul's teacher, Acts 22:3).
Explain Gamaliel's speech in Acts 5:33-40, then two qualities.