Acts 5:34-40

Gamaliel’s wise counsel 5:34-40

Gamaliel’s advocacy of moderation is the main point and reason for Luke’s record of the apostles’ second appearance before the Sanhedrin. Whereas the Sadducees "rose up" against the apostles (Acts 5:17), Gamaliel "rose up" against the Sadducees (Acts 5:34). He proved to be God’s instrument for preserving the apostles, and perhaps all the early Christians in Jerusalem, at this time. This is the first speech by a non-Christian that Luke recorded in Acts, which shows its importance.