Acts 5:38

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is from God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest haply ye be found even to be fighting against God.

As Lange pointed out, the counsel of Gamaliel may prove wise or unwise, depending upon the circumstances of its application. Thus:

<LINES><MONO>

I. It is unwise if

A. Made an excuse for judging purely upon the basis of what succeeds or fails, or

B. Made an excuse for deferring a decision that should be made immediately.

II. It is wise

A. If used to inculcate humility in the judgment of others, or

B. Leads to the gentle treatment of those who differ from us in matters of judgment.[45]MONO>LINES>

In the present instance, God used the counsel of Gamaliel to blunt the murderous intention of the Sanhedrin.