Rabbi Gamaliel, was a prominent Jewish scholar and leader in the 1st century CE. He is known by several names, including Gamaliel the Elder or Gamaliel I, to distinguish him from his descendants who shared the same name.
Key points about Rabbi Gamaliel:
Authority: He was a leading authority in the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish court of ancient Israel.
Lineage: Gamaliel was the grandson of the famous Rabbi Hillel, founder of the more liberal school of Jewish thought.
Titles: He held the title of Nasi (Prince or President) of the Sanhedrin, indicating his high status within Jewish leadership.
Influence on Christianity: Gamaliel is mentioned in the New Testament (Acts 5:34-40), where he gives measured advice regarding the treatment of early Christian apostles.
Teaching: He was known for his wisdom and moderate approach to interpreting Jewish law. Many rabbinical sayings and legal decisions are attributed to him in the Mishnah.
Students: As you mentioned, Saul (later known as Paul the Apostle) was one of his most famous students. The fact that Saul studied under Gamaliel indicates the high quality of education he received.
Historical context: Gamaliel lived during a time of significant political and religious tension, as Judaism was navigating its relationship with Roman rule and emerging Christian beliefs.
Rabbi Gamaliel’s influence extended beyond his immediate religious context, impacting both Jewish and Christian traditions. His approach to scholarship and leadership made him a respected figure in his time and in subsequent religious history.
There are references to Rabbi Gamaliel in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Acts. Let me provide you with the details:
Acts 5:34-40: This is the most significant mention of Gamaliel in the Bible. In this passage, Gamaliel intervenes during a meeting of the Sanhedrin when the apostles are brought before them. He advises caution in dealing with the early Christians, suggesting that if their movement is not of God, it will fail on its own, but if it is of God, fighting against it would be futile. His speech is often cited as an example of wise and tolerant counsel.
Acts 22:3: In this verse, the Apostle Paul (formerly Saul) mentions Gamaliel as his teacher. Specifically, Paul says, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.”
These are the only direct mentions of Gamaliel in the Bible. However, his influence is implied in other parts of the New Testament through Paul’s thorough knowledge of Jewish law and tradition, which he would have gained in part through his studies under Gamaliel.
It’s worth noting that while these are the only biblical references, Gamaliel features more prominently in later rabbinical literature, where many teachings and rulings are attributed to him.