Acts 5:34
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;
Original Language Analysis
ἀναστὰς
stood there up
G450
ἀναστὰς
stood there up
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
1 of 21
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συνεδρίῳ
the council
G4892
συνεδρίῳ
the council
Strong's:
G4892
Word #:
6 of 21
a joint session, i.e., (specially), the jewish sanhedrin; by analogy, a subordinate tribunal
Φαρισαῖος
a Pharisee
G5330
Φαρισαῖος
a Pharisee
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
7 of 21
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
ὀνόματι
named
G3686
ὀνόματι
named
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
8 of 21
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
νομοδιδάσκαλος
a doctor of the law
G3547
νομοδιδάσκαλος
a doctor of the law
Strong's:
G3547
Word #:
10 of 21
an expounder of the (jewish) law, i.e., a rabbi
τίμιος
had in reputation
G5093
τίμιος
had in reputation
Strong's:
G5093
Word #:
11 of 21
valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαῷ
the people
G2992
λαῷ
the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
14 of 21
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 22:3I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.Luke 2:46And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.Luke 5:17And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
Historical Context
Gamaliel was Rabban Gamaliel I, grandson of Hillel, one of Judaism's most revered teachers. Paul studied under him (Acts 22:3). His moderate approach contrasted with Sadducean zealotry. Jewish tradition credits him with important legal reforms. His intervention demonstrated God's use of unlikely instruments for kingdom purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use unlikely sources (Gamaliel's prudence without faith) to protect His purposes?
- What does Gamaliel's reputation enabling his counsel teach about providentially-prepared influence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Gamaliel's intervention - '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' - introduces providential restraint. The Greek 'nomididaskalos' (doctor of the law) indicates expert teacher. His 'reputation among all the people' gave him authority the council respected. Removing apostles allowed frank discussion. Gamaliel's wisdom, though not saving faith, served God's purposes in protecting His servants.