Acts 5:34-39 English Standard Version
34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,
The next day it occurred to me that these verses deserved a second look.
Gamaliel recalls events in Israel’s history when the will of man failed. By contrast many of his teachings would have pointed back to Israel’s ancient history where God’s will was supreme.
History is replete with examples of mankind’s failed plans.
Romans 9:17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”
Paul’s letter to the Romans repeats a lesson from Gamiel about God’s purpose and His sovereign will.
Acts 22:3 English Standard Version
I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day.
By saying this Paul reminds them of their own history under Gamliel’s teachings.
Teachings stay with us longer than our memories do. We just need to be reminded.