Who is…
Gamaliel
Hebrew: גַּמְלִיאֵל —transliteration: Gamliel —meaning: reward of God —occurrences in Old Testament: 5 (all in the Book of Numbers)
Greek: Γαμαλιήλ —transliteration: Gamaliél —occurrences: 2 (both in Acts of the Apostles)
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Gamaliel, a chief of the tribe of Manasseh at the census at Sinai (Numbers 1:10; 2:20; 7:54, 59)
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Gamaliel, the son of rabbi Simeon, and grandson of the famous rabbi Hillel
He was the teacher of Saul (Apostle Paul).
He was a Pharisee, and therefore the opponent of the party of the Sadducees. He was noted for his learning, and was president of the Sanhedrim during the reigns of Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius, and died, it is said, about 18 years before the destruction of Jerusalem.
When the apostles were brought before the council, charged with preaching the resurrection of Jesus, as a zealous Pharisee Gamaliel councelled moderation and calmness.
By a reference to well-known events, he advised them to “refrain from these men.” If their work or counsel was of man, it would come to nothing; but if it was of God, they could not destroy it, and therefore ought to be on their guard lest they should be “found fighting against God” (Acts 5:34-40). Paul was one of his disciples (22:3).
Gamaliél was distinguished by the Jews from his grandson of the same name by the title, “Gamaliel, the elder.”
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