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ADA023
The intervention of the Pharisee Gamaliel
During a session of the Sanhedrin in the spring of 33, the Pharisee Gamaliel steps in to calm the Sadducees who want to put the apostles to death. By a pragmatic argument drawing on the precedents of Theudas and Judas the Galilean, he persuades the council to adopt a wait-and-see position. From Luke's perspective, his words illustrate a central theme of Acts: the work of God cannot be stopped by men.
Acts 5.36-37 (King James Version) :For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org