Topical Encyclopedia The School of Gamaliel refers to the educational and theological instruction associated with Gamaliel the Elder, a prominent Pharisee and respected teacher of the Law during the first century A.D. Gamaliel is most notably mentioned in the New Testament in the context of the early Christian church and the education of the Apostle Paul.Gamaliel the Elder Gamaliel was a leading authority in the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, and is described in Acts 5:34 as "a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people." His wisdom and moderate stance are highlighted in the account where he advises the Sanhedrin to exercise caution in dealing with the apostles, suggesting that if their movement was of human origin, it would fail, but if it was from God, they would not be able to stop it (Acts 5:38-39). Influence and Teaching Gamaliel's influence extended beyond his role in the Sanhedrin. He was a key figure in the development of Pharisaic Judaism and is traditionally credited with contributing to the Mishnah, the first major written collection of Jewish oral traditions. His teachings emphasized a balanced approach to the Law, combining strict adherence with a degree of flexibility and compassion. The Apostle Paul The most significant connection between Gamaliel and early Christianity is his role as the teacher of Saul of Tarsus, who later became the Apostle Paul. In Acts 22:3, Paul states, "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 fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today" . This education under Gamaliel provided Paul with a deep understanding of Jewish law and tradition, which he later used to articulate the Christian faith to both Jewish and Gentile audiences. Legacy The School of Gamaliel, while not a formal institution, represents the broader educational and theological environment of first-century Judaism. Gamaliel's approach to the Law and his moderate stance in the Sanhedrin reflect a period of transition and tension within Judaism, as it faced the challenges posed by the nascent Christian movement. His influence on Paul, one of Christianity's most pivotal figures, underscores the interconnectedness of Jewish and Christian thought during this era. Gamaliel's legacy is preserved in both Jewish and Christian traditions as a symbol of wisdom, moderation, and the importance of education in understanding and applying religious principles. His impact on the early church, through his student Paul, highlights the complex relationship between the Jewish roots of Christianity and its subsequent development as a distinct faith. Nave's Topical Index Acts 5:34Then 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; Nave's Topical Index Acts 22:3 Library The Mythical Hypothesis of Strauss. St. Paul's Wish to be Accursed from Christ. Acts IX Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. ... Lydda Jabneh. Jamnia. Paul Before his Conversion. The Consistories of More Note: Out of the Babylonian Talmud ... Some History of Tiberias. The Jerusalem Talmud was Written There ... Introductory Note to Gregory Thaumaturgus. Resources What were the Shammaite and Hillelite interpretations of Jewish Law? | GotQuestions.orgWho was D. L. Moody? | GotQuestions.org Should Christians homeschool their children? | GotQuestions.org School: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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