Gamaliel is one of the most remarkable Jewish figures of the first century. He appears briefly in the Acts of the Apostles, but his reputation extends far beyond the New Testament. He is generally identified with Gamaliel the Elder, grandson of the famous rabbi Hillel.
1- A Highly Respected Pharisee
Luke introduces him this way:
“A Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, held in honor by all the people” (Acts 5.34).
This description is remarkable:
- he belongs to the party of the ;
- he is a recognized specialist in the Law;
- he enjoys great authority among the people;
- his influence is great enough for him to be listened to by the .
Jewish traditions give him the title Rabban, reserved for the greatest masters of Israel. Rabbinic literature also preserves many teachings attributed to him.
2- A Disciple of Hillel
Gamaliel belongs to the school of Hillel, reputed to be more moderate than that of Shammai.
This origin could partly explain his relatively cautious attitude in Acts 5.34-39, when he advises the not to act hastily against the apostles.
He declares:
“If this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it” (Acts 5.38-39).
He does not recognize Jesus as the Messiah, but he urges his colleagues to be cautious so as not to risk fighting against God.
3- The Teacher of Saul of Tarsus
Paul himself declares:
“I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel” (Acts 22.3).
This statement shows that Saul had received rabbinic training of a very high level. Studying under Gamaliel probably amounted to attending one of the best theological schools of his time.
The contrast is striking:
- Gamaliel appears as a cautious and experienced man;
- Saul proves to be animated by a far more ardent zeal (Galatians 1.14).
Nothing indicates, however, that Gamaliel approved of the violence carried out by his former disciple.
4- Was He Favorable to Christians?
We must be careful.
His speech in Acts 5.34-39 does not make him a secret Christian.
He accepts that the apostles be flogged (Acts 5.40) and in no way challenges the authority of the .
His attitude seems rather inspired by:
- caution;
- fear of opposing God;
- concern to avoid an irreparable mistake.
5- Did He Convert?
No text of the New Testament affirms it.
A late Christian tradition claims that he became a Christian, but this information is supported by no solid historical evidence.
Most historians consider that he remained a Pharisee faithful to Judaism.
6- His Prestige in Judaism
Rabbinic tradition pays him an exceptional tribute:
“Since the death of Rabban Gamaliel the Elder, the glory of the Law has ceased, and purity and abstinence have disappeared.”
This saying illustrates the considerable prestige he enjoyed among the Jews.
7- What Image Emerges of Him?
The texts allow us to see in Gamaliel:
- a man of great learning;
- an influential Pharisee;
- a respected member of the ;
- a renowned teacher;
- a cautious and moderate man;
- but not a supporter of Christianity.
His intervention in Acts 5.34-39 is one of the most surprising episodes of Acts, for it shows that within the themselves there were different nuances and sensitivities. Not all the members of the were animated by the same degree of hostility toward the disciples of Jesus.
It is probably this internal diversity that explains why, a few years later, a Pharisee trained by Gamaliel, Saul of Tarsus, could become the apostle Paul without ever denying the excellence of the teaching received from his teacher (Acts 22.3).