Rabban Gamaliel the Elder

"Gamaliel: Fighting Against God" by Broken Pew. Gamaliel is a fascinating character. Gamaliel, the Pharisee, is mentioned in Acts 5 and Acts 22, and appears in Jewish historical literature outside the New Testament. 

“Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” And they agreed with him.." Acts 5:34-39 NKJV 

Paul said ““I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. ” Acts 22:3 NKJV

Gamaliel was a real and highly respected Jewish teacher, known as Rabban Gamaliel the Elder, or Gamaliel I. What's particularly interesting is that Jewish tradition remembers him as a major religious authority, yet the New Testament places him at a remarkable crossroads in the history of Christianity and the orthodox church remembers him as a saint who covertly protected Christians whilst never disclosing that he had become a believer. In fact many Jewish priests became Christians — Acts 6:7 “The word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” and Some Pharisees became believers — Acts 15:5

“Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, ‘The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.’” (NIV) Notice something important. These men were described as both believers and Pharisees.

"Gamaliel: Fighting Against God" lyrics:

Verse 1

The years have passed since that great day,

When I stood before the court,

And urged my fellow teachers

To consider what they sought.

"If this is merely human work,

Then surely it will fall,

But if this work is born of God,

Can we withstand at all?"

Verse 2

Yet still they preach this Jesus,

And their numbers multiply,

They speak of Him as risen,

Of a King who cannot die.

We've threatened them and beaten them,

And some have paid with blood,

But nothing seems to silence them—

Could this indeed be God?

Chorus

Am I fighting against God?

Have I failed to understand?

Have I spent my life defending

What I thought was His command?

I know the Law and Prophets,

I've taught them all my days,

But could the One they speak of

Be the One for whom we wait?

Verse 3

And Saul, my brilliant pupil,

How fiercely he believed!

How certain of his righteousness,

How hard to be deceived!

He hunted down these followers,

Determined they should fall,

But now he preaches Jesus Christ

As Lord and King of all.

Verse 4

What happened on that Damascus road?

What made his purpose turn?

What did he see, what did he hear?

What truth did Saul there learn?

I taught him all our fathers knew,

The Scriptures and the Law,

Yet now he speaks with such conviction

Of the Christ he says he saw.

Chorus

Am I fighting against God?

Have I failed to understand?

Have I spent my life defending

What I thought was His command?

I know the Law and Prophets,

I've taught them all my days,

But could the One they speak of

Be the One for whom we wait?

Verse 5

Isaiah spoke of One despised,

Rejected, pierced and bruised,

A lamb led silent to the slaughter,

By His people so abused.

And David wrote of pierced hands and feet,

Of garments shared by lot,

Could these be words of Jesus' death,

Or am I joining scattered dots?

Verse 6

Micah spoke of Bethlehem,

Where Israel's ruler would appear,

And Daniel saw One like a Son of Man

Whose kingdom would endure.

Yet where is Israel's freedom?

Where's the throne we long to see?

If Jesus is Messiah,

What does that mean for me?

Bridge

I warned them not to fight with God,

And thought my counsel wise,

But was I standing at the doorway,

Afraid to look inside?

I told them time would show the truth,

And time has surely passed,

Yet still His followers multiply—

How long can this thing last?

Verse 7

I remember those apostles,

How they stood without a fear,

Though beaten for their witness,

They rejoiced that they were there.

And now my own dear pupil

Has surrendered all he knew,

To follow One he once despised—

What am I to make of you, Saul?

Final Chorus

Am I fighting against God?

Or am I frightened to be wrong?

Have I defended what is sacred,

Yet resisted Him so long?

The Scriptures lie before me,

And the questions will not cease,

Is this the promised Saviour?

Is this the Prince of Peace?

Outro

I said, "If this is born of God,

No man can make it fall."

And now I hear my own words

Echoing through this hall.

The years have passed, the numbers grow,

And Saul proclaims His name.

Was I right to warn the council—

Yet afraid to do the same?

If this is truly born of God...

What then is asked of me?