Acts 5:34-39 ESV

33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 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; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice


GAMALIEL, THE CALM PHARISEE

As the council heard Peter’s preaching, everyone was furious, even wanting to kill them, except one, the Pharisee named Gamaliel. He was one of the most respected scribes in Israel of any sect. In fact, one commentary on the Talmud says, "When Rabban Gamaliel the elder died, the glory of the law ceased and purity and abstinence died." An account later when Paul gave his defense and emphasized the depth of his Jewish knowledge, he mentioned he studied under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3).

Gamaliel was a bit calmer and more objective about the situation, despite Peter’s unequivocal claims that Jesus is the Leader and Savior, who they crucified.[v.31] In some extra-biblical writings, he was portrayed as one who believed that the apostles were apostates and perish. But, he was not remotely friendly to Christians and showed more kindness to them.

He didn’t necessarily agree with the apostles but he suggested restrain. Killing the apostles outright, no matter how blasphemous their words, would be a risky political move for them, who were primarily interested in maintaining influence over the people. The people could react violently turn against them should it happens.

Gamaliel went on to give an argument that highlighted on God's sovereignty and unquestionable decree. He pointed out that these Jesus-followers were not the first men to gather a following. History proved that if men presume to speak for God of their own volition, God will take care of them. Firstly, he mentioned Theudas who led 400 others, but failed. The fact that history has no memory of this Theudas is somewhat the whole point Gamaliel is making. Secondly, he mentioned Judas the Galilean who "rose up in the day of the census"—which was the time Jesus was born (Luke 2:1–2; Acts 5:37). He also perished. Like Theudas and Judas the Galilean, if God isn't behind a movement, He will dissolve it eventually.

If God is with them, there's nothing the council can do to stop them. Thus, he pointed out, "You might even be found opposing God!" (v. 39). He was absolutely right. The gates of hell couldn’t prevail the advancement of the gospel.

It is said the followers of Judas the Galilean, called the Zealots, had caused a rebellion later that resulted in the Roman army razing Jerusalem and burning the temple. (see Heb 8:13). Somehow in a parallel way, Jesus' message has negated the importance of both the city and the architectural center of Judaism. Later, Stephen, in his defense, explained how God could neither be contained in the temple nor His worship (see Acts 7:44–50). Paul travelled and spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, proving that the worship of God isn't confined to a geographic location. Inadvertently, the followers of Judas[Zealots] had reinforced the message of apostles, has it not? As Jesus told the Samaritan woman, God doesn't need a building. "True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth" (see John 4:23).

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