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Acts 5:34-39

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

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; 35. And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. 36. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. 37. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, [even] as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. 38. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

Acts 5:34-39 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Acts 5:34

Theological / Devotional

Then. Rather, “but” (cf. on v. 13).

Pharisee. In contrast with the high priest’s party, which was Sadducean (v. 17). The two religious groups were opposed to each other.

Gamaliel. Derived from the Heb. Gamli’el, “my reward is God.” Gamaliel was the grandson of the famous Hillel (see Vol. V, p. 97), and a renowned teacher and prominent Pharisee in his own right. The mantle of Hillel appears to have fallen upon his shoulders, and he exercised leadership in his party from about A.D. 25 to 50. There seems little basis for the claim that he was one of four presidents of the Great Sanhedrin at Jerusalem, since the supreme office was always held by the high priest in the times prior to A.D. 70 (see v. 27). But there is no doubt that he was an influential man and greatly honored by the Jews. He was the first to receive the title of Rabban. This indicates the esteem in which his countrymen held him. Jewish tradition reveals him as the ideal Pharisee, a worthy representative of Hillel’s school, which was more tolerant and less legalistic than the opposing school of Shammai. Paul was privileged to study under him (ch. 22:3). The teacher’s influence may possibly be traced in the development of his famous pupil. This Gamaliel was known as Haz-Zaqen, “the Older,” to distinguish him from his grandson, “the Younger,” who flourished about A.D. 90.

Doctor. That is, teacher.

Apostles. Textual evidence is divided (cf. p. 10) between this and the reading “men,” which would accord more exactly with Gamaliel’s words. Gamaliel wished them to be out of the council room while he and his colleagues discussed freely what should be done. The practice of thus deliberating in the absence of the accused seems to have been common (cf. ch. 4:15). The report of what occurred while the apostles were out of the room may have come to Luke from some member of the council, such as Nicodemus (AA 104, 105), or directly by inspiration.

By SdaBc