THE GAMALIEL PRINCIPLE.

GAMALIEL PRINCIPLE 2024

"A Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up, ordered the Apostles to be put outside for a short time, and said to the Sanhedrin,

 “Fellow children of Israel, be careful what you are about to do to these men. Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him, but he was killed, and all those who were loyal to him were disbanded and came to nothing. 

"After him came Judas the Galilean at the time of the census. He also drew people after him, but he too perished and all who were loyal to him were scattered.

"So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. 

"But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.”

"They were persuaded by him. After recalling the Apostles, they had them flogged, ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them.

"So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And all day long, both at the temple and in their homes, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus." (Acts 5: 34 - 42).

Gamaliel was one of the most important Doctors of Sacred Scripture at this time in Israel. He was the teacher of St. Paul the Apostle. He enunciated a principle, a word of wisdom to guide the Supreme Court of Israel on how to handle Peter and John.

 

Their options may be: Torture and kill them? Torture and long prison sentences with heavy labor? Below is the counsel of Gamaliel:

"So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him." (Acts 5: 38 - 39).

I have used the Gamaliel Principle for discerning God's will. It has often brought me wisdom and peace. 

Every year after Easter, I look forward to the Gamaliel Principle from  Acts 5: 34 - 42.  It reinforces my faith.  I heard it first at the beginning of my Journey of Faith and I relish to hear it again at this time in the Easter Season.

Gamaliel was a famous teacher in Israel at the time of the death of Jesus.  He was the teacher of St Paul and a member of the Sanhedrin.  He laid down a principle of discerning God's will in complex situations based on astute historical analysis.

Divine action in history is predictable, he opined. It is governed by God's sovereign, powerful, merciful and mysterious Providence. 

Gamaliel was a teacher schooled in the mystery of Divine Providence. 

Members of the the Sanhedrin accepted Gamaliel's advice but went ahead to flog the Apostles in order to intimidate them.  You may call this state terrorism.  Read on to see if they succeeded. 

"After recalling the apostles, they had them flogged, ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them." (Acts 5: 40).

"So they [Apostles] left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name." (Acts 5: 41).

These men have tasted the Holy Spirit and were transformed by the experience.  Instead of quitting.... 

"All day long, both at the temple and in their homes, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Messiah, Jesus."  (Acts 5: 42).

"What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?"  (Acts 8: 31).

"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]."  (Romans 8: 37 AMP). 

How I came to know about Gamaliel Principle:

Over thirty years ago, I was discerning a very important project.  After sometime, I decided to consult a spiritual director.  He acknowledged that the project was tough and near impossible. The only support he offered was this Scripture (Acts 5: 38 - 39).

I read and reread the Scripture for over a week. At the end, I concluded that God has spoken to me through Rabbi Gamaliel. I embarked on the project without hesitation. Years after the consultation, I started to call the inspired Scripture the "Gamaliel Principle" after the main character, Rabbi Gamaliel.  The Scripture turned out to be one of my key Scriptures in spiritual discernment. 

What I learned from the Gamaliel Principle:

1.  If God is with you, it is accomplished.  No matter the obstacles, delays, disappointments or personal weaknesses.

2.  No fear. No worry. No doubt as long as the Lord is with you. 

3.  God will finish what He started. (Exodus 14: 13-14; Isaiah 13: 15; 2 Chronicles 20: 15;  Philippians 1: 6) 

"Wait for the Lord, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord!"  (Psalm 27: 14)

God does His best actions when we show we trust Him. 

Is the present situation from God or not? Use the Gamaliel Principle. 

"Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38-39 NIV)

Today we see the vindication of the wisdom of Gamaliel.  In spite of the opposition of the Jewish leaders, we see the growth of the Faith through the power of God.  Gamaliel Principle is true. As it was then, so it is now and forever.

Do not be afraid that God will forsake you or abandon you in your calling.

THE EUCHARIST IS THE CHURCH. THE CHURCH IS THE EUCHARIST. 

The Church learns more and honors the HOLY EUCHARIST in APRIL. 

For Teachings, Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-holy-eucharist_31.html?m=1