Gamaliel was a respected Pharisee doctor of Jewish law and a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, in Jerusalem during the first century CE. The name “Gamaliel” is derived from the Hebrew name גַּמְלִיאֵל (Gamli’el), meaning “God is my reward.” Although his exact birth year is unknown, it is widely believed that he was born around 10 BCE. Gamaliel was the son of Simeon ben Hillel and the grandson of the famous Jewish sage Hillel the Elder.
Early Life of Gamaliel
Little is known about Gamaliel’s early life, but it is widely believed that he received extensive training in Jewish law and tradition. As the grandson of Hillel the Elder, Gamaliel would have been well-versed in Jewish teachings and scripture from a young age.
Biblical Timeline
Gamaliel’s Counsel to the Sanhedrin
Gamaliel is most notably mentioned in the New Testament in the book of Acts. In Acts 5:34-40, he is described as a respected teacher who provided wise counsel to the Sanhedrin during a crucial moment when the apostles of Jesus were on trial. He advised the council to release the apostles, arguing that if their teachings were of human origin, they would eventually fade away, but if they were of divine origin, the council would not be able to overthrow them and would find themselves fighting against God. The council heeded Gamaliel’s advice, and the apostles were released after being flogged.
Paul’s Testimony about Gamaliel
In Acts 22:3, the apostle Paul (then known as Saul of Tarsus) mentions that he studied under Gamaliel in Jerusalem. Paul credits Gamaliel with teaching him the law and Pharisaic traditions. This connection highlights Gamaliel’s prominence as a respected teacher and leader in the Jewish community.
Death of Gamaliel
The exact year of Gamaliel’s death is unknown, but it is believed he died in the mid-first century CE. He was succeeded by his son, Simeon ben Gamaliel, who became a prominent leader in the Jewish community.
Additional Notes
Gamaliel is considered one of the greatest rabbis in Jewish history. He is referred to as “Rabban Gamaliel” in Jewish sources, a title reserved for the most respected and distinguished scholars. His teachings and rulings on Jewish law influenced not only his contemporaries but also subsequent generations of Jewish scholars.
Legacy
Gamaliel’s influence on Jewish law and tradition extended beyond his lifetime. His teachings and interpretations of the law continued to shape Jewish legal thought for generations. His role as a respected scholar and leader contributed to the development of Rabbinic Judaism, which emerged after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.
Gamaliel’s Tolerance
It is worth noting that Gamaliel was known for his tolerance and open-mindedness. His advice to the Sanhedrin in Acts 5:34-40, to release the apostles and not persecute them, demonstrates his pragmatic approach and willingness to consider the possibility of divine intervention. This characteristic sets him apart from many of his contemporaries, who were more rigid in their adherence to Jewish law and tradition.
Extrabiblical References to Gamaliel
Gamaliel is also mentioned in various Jewish sources, such as the Mishnah and the Talmud, where he is praised for his wisdom and knowledge of Jewish law. According to these sources, Gamaliel was the president of the Sanhedrin during his lifetime. He is regarded as a significant figure in the development of Jewish law and the continuation of the Pharisaic tradition.