Gamaliel: Christian Sympathizer or Slick Politician?
Acts 5:33-40
33When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." 40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
Read the above passages of Scripture and tell me whether you think Gamaliel was sympathetic to Christians or if he was just a "slick politician."
Give me verses (key words bolded) to support your claim. You can also use verses outside of this one in Acts to support your opinion.
Let it be knownst...I will perhaps play devils advocate.
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πνεύμα γ*μισα
"Error never shows itself in its naked reality in order not to be discovered. On the contrary, it dresses elegantly, so that the unwary may be led to believe that it is more truthful than truth itself."
-Irenaeus of Lyon
RE: Gamaliel: Christian Sympathizer or Slick Politician?
Fro,
I honestly think God can work in the thought life of anyman or women to do His will. It simply was not time for these certain Christians to die. Therefore God used an influential man to lead them in a good desision.
IMHO
Chuck7
RE: Gamaliel: Christian Sympathizer or Slick Politician?
I doubt that it was slick politics or that he was really sympathetic to the christians. I see him as maybe questioning himself as to the words the apostles were speaking and maybe in wisdom took a "leave it up to God" position. I agree with Chuck that the Lord was using him to preserve His people.
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Gamaliel: Christian Sympathizer or Slick Politician?
